12V off-road caravans 'dead' in 12 months, predicts Snowy River boss

One of Australia's biggest RV importers says it's leading the way in introducing high-spec off-grid battery power to the entry-level touring and off-road caravan market.

Speaking at the 2026 Melbourne Leisurefest where it was launching its new range of 48V models, Snowy River Caravans CEO Andrew Crank predicted that traditional 12V power systems would be "be dead on (all) off-road (RV) product in 12 months".

Helping accelerate the trend, Snowy's new 48V lithium battery systems are now standard across all its SRT off-road caravans and SRH pop-top off-road hybrids, with up to a 10kW battery, 4000W inverter and 950W rooftop solar fitted to some models, and price rises of $3000 or less in most cases.

Related: Snowy River launches 'best value' 48V caravans

However, the big story is the availability of a 5kWh 48V battery system on its most affordable on-road models: either standard on the LDV-based SRM-22 motorhome or a $6700 option on entry-level SRC full-size touring caravans.

“Snowy River is now big enough that we don’t need to follow, we can actually start to lead," Crank explained, referring to the MY27 SRM motorhome which also comes standard with a 48V air conditioner, induction cooktop, diesel combi heater, 4000W inverter and full Starlink Mini set-up; a market-leading package for a sub-$140,000 motorised RV.

“We fit the (Starlink) unit on the roof and people just buy the subscription," he said. "We don’t fit a TV antenna as standard anymore, the TV just plugs into the Starlink inside and out of the van.”

The Snowy River boss said the move to more affordable 'gas free' luxury RV travel had been a hit so far with buyers, with the new 48V models comprising 90 percent of sales on the Snowy stand over the first two days of the Leisurefest show.

"We want to be the first to market where on all models (48V is) either standard or optional," he said.

The 11-year old importer is also still planning on leading the way in full EV axle-driven caravans, with the display of a prototype now scheduled for the 2027 Victorian Caravan Supershow, where additional 48V touring motorhomes are also expected to be unveiled.

However, Crank said don't expect airbag caravan suspension or a 4x4 motorhome to be added to the mix any time soon, due to insufficient customer demand.

Adding more pricey gear would also make it harder to maintain sub-$100K pricing for all its towable models.

“We think we can hold (the current pricing),” he said.

“Our brand sits in the value proposition; we want everyone to be able to afford it. Our most expensive caravan is $94,000 and $134,000 for motorhomes.”

Snowy River currently holds the no.2 position behind Jayco in the Australian caravan sales race, with Crank expecting close to 3000 RVs from China to land this calendar year; down from a 3500 prediction earlier this year.

As for Snowy ever reaching the coveted 'no.1' spot, he was quick to point out “We’re a long way from Jayco,” citing recent monthly (August) RAV data of around 500 units for Jayco and less than 300 for Snowy River.

“Jayco will always be no.1 in this market for the foreseeable future, and so they should be. They have the best dealer network and they look after their customers," he said.

Related: How China is winning the Aussie caravan war

Snowy River has been a leading contributor to the rapid rise in RV imports in recent years, which now comprise around 55 per cent of the local RV market.

“I don’t think it will get any higher than 70 per cent because there are still plenty of customers (often with $150K-plus budgets) who want that customization," he said.

“I still think (customization) is where the niche Australian producer has the advantage.”

Snowy River buyers are generally limited to a choice of different exterior and interior colour schemes, when it comes to personalizing their 'vans from the factory.

“You can go bigger fridges in some cases but the (Snowy River) option range is dwindling rapidly because the standard features are growing rapidly," Crank said.

Related: Caravan market cools as motorhomes surge

The Leisurefest show also shone the stoplight on signs of a significant industry shift, as a number of Australian manufacturers look to either shift production overseas or add cheaper new imported models.

“For the first time I’m seeing structural change in the market,” Crank said. “I’m surprised it’s taken everybody so long (to start moving production to China).”

He said Snowy River is addressing the drop in consumer confidence, caused by rising fuel prices and interest rates, and frequent foreclosures of businesses that has raised alarm bells for nervous buyers.

While not going so far as guaranteeing deposits, Snowy dealers currently only demand a flat, maximum $5000 deposit, regardless of model ordered.

“I think (progress payments) should be banned in the industry; I think the industry should be regulating how deposits are taken," he said.

“There will be (more) industry consolidation. I’m surprised there’s not as many M&As (mergers and acquisitions).

“I think our brand has a great reputation out there and I think brand reputation is going to become more important in this negative environment.”

Related: Another safety recall for Snowy River caravans

Snowy River wasn't the only caravan importer debuting more wallet-friendly 48V off-grid models at the show, with Mars Caravans displaying its new 48V MK4 Cruiser 'vans including a 19ft off-road model with 15kWh Victron lithium battery system, for under $90K.

Big selling importer MDC also recently introduced new sharply-priced 48V off-road caravans in the $100-$120K range, while the Chinese-built 48V range from Harvok which has been a pioneer in this segment, currently starts at under $100K.

Ezytrail is also set to launch a new range of Airlie 48V full-size caravans built in China, later this year, presumably with sub-$100K pricing.

Snowy's main rival Jayco currently offers 48V power systems as standard or options across its locally-built off-road towable range, including the 48V Adventurer caravan range introduced earlier this year, that's currently priced from $104,990 tow-away.

A 5kW 48V system is also available as an extra-cost option on Jayco's range-topping Silverline on-road caravan range, which starts at $104,990 with a 12V 420Ah lithium battery system.

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