2012: Highs and Lows

More brands than ever, more models, more innovation... 2012 has been another roller-coaster ride for the Australian RV industry.

Although local RV production has dropped off this year, with motorhome manufacturers hit particularly hard, it’s still been another positive year overall for the industry.

No doubt buyers have been the biggest winners, with an unprecedented choice of new models, both locally built and imported, covering pretty much every budget and requirement.

And, of course, all the activity with new RVs has also been good news for those looking to pick up a bargain on the used market...

So here’s our top-5 highs and lows of 2012. We’ve also thrown in our favourite video... some ‘do not try this at home’ footage from the latest Gall Boys DVD.

THE GOOD...

1. The RV sector remains one of the shining lights in the Australian manufacturing industry; one in which factory closures and worker lay-offs have dominated the headlines this year. 

And it was good to see good ‘ol Aussie ingenuity remains a driving force behind the $2 billion RV industry.

Among the ground-breaking new models this year was the Ultimate Nautilus and Kimberly Kruiser, both of which more closely resemble luxury boat cruisers than traditional caravans.

We also loved Room 48’s all-timber camper... who wouldn’t want to wake up to the sweet smell of cedar every morning?

Then there were the Aussie world firsts: the Sky-Deck caravan verandah, and
Al-Ko’s potentially life-saving stability control for electric-braked caravans, both produced in Melbourne.

2. Caravan buyers who want to stand out from the crowd have been pretty restricted in the past. To paraphrase Henry Ford: “You can have any colour you like as long as it’s white.”

But this year we saw more manufacturers break from the pack, with
black, grey,
even
yellow exteriors...

Interiors are also coming in for some refreshing makeovers, with buyers tempted by bold palettes of colours and finishes. Our favourite? The bright red lounge and interior highlights in this Jurgens Tooradin show special.

3. The heated debate about cheap, Chinese imported trailers continued apace in 2012. But at the other end of the scale was the arrival of some very impressive RV brands from other corners of the globe.

Launched with aplomb at Sydney Army Barracks was America’s iconic Airstream travel trailer – yours for $120,000-plus -- while UK’s two biggest caravan brands, Bailey and
Swift, are now officially available Down Under.

And for those who like tough, South African-built off-road campers,
Echo 4x4 joined compatriot Conqueror.

4. As caravans get heavier (thanks to dishwashers, ovens, multiple TVs, etc), so does the necessity of a heavy-duty tow vehicle. Caravancampingsales was lucky enough to drive (and
tow test) many of the new breed of family-friendly, dual-cab utes in 2012.

With most now offering at least three tonne towing capacity (or 3500kg in the case of the
Holden Colorado and Ford Ranger), it’s no wonder more grey nomads are opting for the comfort, refinement and load-lugging abilities of a well-equipped ute.

5. Was this the year the RV sector finally prepared to shake off the last remnants of its ‘cottage industry’ past and move towards a more professional, nationally co-ordinated and fully regulated future? 

Around mid-year the Caravan Trade and Industry Association of Victoria released a
comprehensive blueprint to guide the future growth of the $2 billion RV manufacturing industry.

The Recreational Vehicle Manufacturers Association of Australia also announced a
stricter compliance program, which can only benefit the industry as a whole. Let’s hope it leads to the elimination of any remaining ‘cowboy’ elements in the industry...

AND THE NOT SO GOOD...

1. The announcement that Australian RV production in 2012 will be down by at least 10 percent compared to last year is a worrying sign. Motorhomes are particularly on the nose, down by around 30 per cent.

Hopefully it’s just a hiccup, considering some areas of the market, like traditional caravans and camper trailers, are still doing particularly well.

2. The growth in five-star holiday parks is a great thing, particularly for families with small children. Who doesn’t love a luxury cabin, jumping pillow or multi-million dollar splash park?

But with declining space at most parks for RVs, what’s the future of those budget travellers who have to pay $60 or more for the privilege of a powered site?

3. We’re all for competition, but the increasing number of imported products, from cheap tent trailers to swish new European vans, will continue to put pressure on local manufacturers. Let’s hope it doesn’t cause more companies to shut doors or continue to struggle in 2013...

4. Caravan and towing safety is becoming a hot topic, as more inexperienced grey nomads hit the roads, and more serious towing accidents and rollovers are reported.

A light-hearted national TV campaign on the deadly serious topic of Outback driving brought the issue to attention, as did a UK survey that raised concerns about the general lack of knowledge of those towing caravans.

Is it time for the mandatory requirement for anyone planning to tow a caravan to attend a towing course?

5. Finally, as someone well below the age of the average grey nomad, it was frustrating to hear that ‘peak’ happiness occurs at 65 years of age. I suppose it makes sense when retirees are most likely to have the time and the money to hit the road and really enjoy life. Can’t wait!