AOR chooses pop-ups over Supershows

After a small display at last year's show, Australian Off Road Campers (AOR) has decided to skip this year's Queensland Caravan Supershow in early June.

Instead, the much-admired low-volume builder of premium off-road campers and caravans is celebrating its 25th anniversary with a two-day event at its Caloundra, Queensland factory on June 6-7 -- right in the middle of Queensland's biggest RV show!

Part of the on-site festivities include celebratory drinks, finger food and fresh espresso from a coffee van, with all AOR models on display for the free public event.

"AOR is proud to announce its 25th Birthday Open Weekend, taking place on June 6–7 2025 at AOR headquarters in Caloundra, Queensland," AOR marketing manager Rhianna Tyben said. "This milestone event celebrates a quarter century of Australian manufacturing, innovation and commitment to the off road community."

Along a similar vein, AOR has been conducting independent pop-up shows at Ironman 4x4 stores during the first half of 2025, including displays at the Dandenong, South Victoria store on April 5 and at the Canning Vale, Western Australia outlet on May 9-10.

The mini outdoor expos have also included displays of the latest tow vehicles and giveaway prizes, with the added incentive for attendees of not having to battle the crowds or pay often exorbitant caravan show parking and entry fees.

"The pop up shows have been going really well, we’ve had great feedback from customers being happy they don’t have to go to the actual show," Rhianna explained. "And Ironman 4x4 are a great partner for us. We’re planning one in SA and NSW later this year."

With the steep cost of exhibiting at the larger shows along with the financial hit from the current market downturn, AOR is one of a number of smaller Australian RV manufacturers steering away from east coast Supershows which can typically cost tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars to participate in.

The more affordable 'pop up' trend has also seen NSW's Trakka motorhomes in recent months conduct small customer-focused retail events at dealerships in Melbourne and Brisbane.

According to Caravan Industry Association of Australia figures, Australian RV production is down around 10 per cent so far this year, with 5392 units built in the first three months of 2025.

Caravan Industry Victoria CEO Daniel Sahlberg recently said he believes Australian caravan sales are down as much as 40 per cent this year, following record sales during the pandemic.

AOR were forced to raised prices in late-2024 due to increased supplier costs, while wait times on new orders have come down to around three to nine months, depending on the model, off the back off a slight decrease in new AOR sales.

Meanwhile, AOR has just added another trophy to the cabinet by winning an RVMAP People’s Choice Manufacturer of the Year Award at the recent Australian Caravan Industry of Australia conference on the Gold Coast.