Covid has been a boon for the caravan and camping industry.
With international and sometimes domestic travel restricted, people of all ages have taken to the road to explore more of their own backyard. And with housing shortages, caravans are becoming a more popular long-term option.
And off-road and off-grid was what camping and caravanning holiday makers have been increasingly demanding, exhibitors and visitors to the Nambour Expo: Camping, Caravanning told Noosa Today over the weekend.
Expo spokesman Bob Carroll said people were looking for sophisticated equipment to give them independence with solar power, battery packs as well as creature comforts and the industry continued to develop equipment to meet the demand.
Nigel Brealey of Lawrence RVs said their range of Lumberjack camper trailers was increasing in popularity, being a lower cost, off-road option that could be pulled with a smaller 4WD, was easy to set up and was self-contained.
“People want to roll up with no set up time,“ he said.
South Australian family business operators Maverick campers brought along their Viper range of hybrid vans which are fully off-grid with solar panels to power a fridge, electives and ensuite provide “luxury inside, rugged outside“.
“We get people who want to travel around Australia and go off-road. They can drive along the beach and camp on the beach and for long-term living, there’s lots of storage,“ brothers Bailey and Ethan Winen said.
RACQ spokesman Simon McClelland said lithium batteries were becoming the must-have item for solar powered campers.
More expensive at about $1500 than a standard $400 battery, it was worth the extra cost due to its fast charging ability, light weight and ability to use up to 80 per cent capacity, he said.
The lithium battery can enable campers to run their vans for about three days and can be recharged by solar panels within a couple of hours, he said.
For those wanting to take the family away with all the luxuries of home, the 3.5 tonne Wonderland RV, at about $118,500, delivers a queen bed, four bunk beds, kitchen, dining area, bathroom and washing machine. Still an off-road van, it would require a powerful 4WD for towing.
For more information visit nambourexpo.com.au
