With skyrocketing growth in the category since the pandemic, RVing and camping continues to be the preferred holiday option across Australia. And with a 275% increase in the number of new RVs (caravans, campervans, camper trailers and motorhomes) registered in Queensland in September 2021 compared to the year before, the trend shows no sign of slowing down – even as international borders open up.
Queensland adventurers seek ‘customised comfort’
But as more Queenslanders adopt the van-life, an increasing number want to explore off-grid and off the beaten track. Because of this, dealers are seeing an increase in requests for RV customisations and premium modifications, indicating buyers want the sense of adventure, without compromising on comfort and style.
Jason Plant, Caravanning Queensland Trade CEO, notes there’s been a surge in the number of Aussies who have taken the leap to hit the road and explore everything Australia has to offer in recent years. Post-Covid workplace flexibility also means more and more people are opting for extended holidays, with customised rigs that offer greater freedom to experience unique locations for longer.
'As a result of this new phenomenon, we’ve seen spikes in requests for specially modified and self-sustainable RVs that allow travellers to go off-grid, but with all their creature comforts. This enables them to make their nomadic adventures a more permanent lifestyle,” he said.
Supporting this trend, Michael Ballard from JB Caravans says they have seen a growing number of customers opting for extreme, off-grid models or modifications, giving them the ability to travel literally anywhere and be self-sufficient for extended periods of time.
“In March 2020 we were selling 460 extreme off-road vans a year, nationally. However, in 2021 this jumped to 1400 reflecting a 304% growth in the category, with all vans starting at $120,000.
“In addition to new vans, we’ve also seen a significant increase in customers opting for lithium power and moving away from LPG, which support them in living off-grid for longer without losing any of the bells and whistles,” said Ballard.
All that’s in store at this year’s Supershow
The growing trend of off-grid and extreme caravan customisation is positive news for the upcoming Let’s Go Brisbane Caravan and Outdoor Supershow. With skyrocketing growth in the lifestyle, more than 220 exhibitors will showcase the latest in caravanning trends, recreational vehicles, technology and accessories. Popular sessions include weights-and-towing masterclasses, designed to educate travellers on all-things towing and road safety. This will be alongside a special appearance by Creek to Coast’s Scotty Hillier, who will discuss navigating the great outdoors.
Returning on an even bigger scale is the Offroad 4x4 Towing Test Track, where off-road experts demonstrate the capabilities of tow vehicles and RV’s. This year the show also welcomes a number of VANbassadors, giving visitors the chance to meet some of their favourite caravan and camping influencers. They will be presenting a range of seminars, including mastering van-life while making money on the road!
Caravanning Queensland’s Let’s Go Queensland Brisbane Caravan and Outdoor Supershow runs from June 7 to 12 at the Brisbane Showgrounds. Gates open 9:00 am to 5:00 pm on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday, and 9:00 am to 6:00 pm Friday and Saturday. For tickets or further information, please visit the Let’s Go Brisbane Caravan and Outdoor Expo website.