Caravan wine cooler on buyers' checklists

The concept of 'glamping' appears to have reached a new level, with almost one in four caravan consumers either having fitted or desiring a built-in wine fridge in their recreation vehicle, according to the latest data supplied by Caravanning Queensland.

A recent survey of more than 1000 Queensland caravan enthusiasts also revealed more than two thirds (68 per cent) were seeking a ''hotel suite on wheels'' experience when RV touring, as opposed to the traditional 'roughing it' affair of over-nighting in a budget pop-top camper or canvas tent.

Almost three-quarters (73%) of respondents also had centralised air conditioning and heating on their most-wanted features list, while more than two-thirds (68%) were very keen on a designer gourmet kitchen and bathroom; and close to a third (32%) desired remote controlled lighting.

Almost a quarter (23 per cent) of survey respondents said they either have or are thinking of professionally installing a wine cabinet in their RV, despite the fact they're rarely fitted as either a standard feature or option in Australian-built caravans. The few exceptions we've seen are in some high six-figure priced 'glamourvans', or the odd custom builder like Melbourne's Everest Caravans which fitted a six-bottle Avanti wine cooler to one of its first models, to ensure the sav blanc or chardy was always at the perfect serving temperature for Happy Hour.

The cost of fitting upmarket RV appliances and the pricier off-grid power systems required to run them doesn't come cheaply, so it's not surprising that more than one in 10 (15%) also indicated they were willing to spend up to $100k on a new caravan.

The survey findings compiled in early-2024 were based on responses from 1005 Queensland male and female adults who have owned or used, or are interested in owning, using, renting or borrowing a caravan or RV. For some of the answers they were asked to select their must have add-on to a caravan or RV if money was no object.

Caravan Trade and Industries Association of Queensland CEO, Jason Plant, said the last decade had seen a significant shift in behaviour among Australian road travellers, with many caravan enthusiasts keen to elevate their caravanning and camping experience.

“We have seen an increasing trend in people wanting to travel Australia without compromising on style, luxury and comfort, and that can include designer kitchens and bathrooms, wide-screen televisions, surround sound speakers, washing machines and dryers, or even wine fridges – all of which have become regularly requested items with our dealers,” Plant said.

“They don’t just want somewhere to sleep anymore – it has become a self-contained, five-star luxury travel experience and lifestyle for them, and they’re more than happy to pay the price for it.”