Australians can now buy a caravan built in the UK, USA, South Africa, Germany, Canada, Slovenia… and Poland.
The Sydney-based Bercich family recently began importing a two-model range of tiny and super-light (by Australian standards) fibreglass caravans from Poland, under the Euro Caravans banner.
In business for more than 40 years, the award-winning Polish manufacturer Niewiadow says on its website it’s “the biggest producer of luggage trailers in Poland” and also exports to a number of European countries as well as the UK.
The father and son team also import state-of-the-art horse floats from the Eastern European country.
Both single axle Euro Caravans models feature all-fibreglass body construction, including the floor and roof, along with a lightweight galvanised chassis, rubber torsion suspension, mechanical brakes, stabiliser coupling, and 13in wheels.
At just four metres long overall, the body of the entry-level Glider is just 2.82m (9ft 5in) long by 1.94m wide and stands 2.2m high, while the slightly larger Sunseeker is 4.26m long overall with a 3.1m (10ft 4in) by 2.05m body. It stands 2.4m high.
With a towball mass of around 40kg and an ATM of 750kg, the Polish vans weigh about the same as the Jayco J-Pod, which unlike the Euro vans offers little inside apart from a double bed (albeit half the price!).
Interior height for both models is around 1.8m, and both come with a 20 litre water tank and 99kg payload.
As well as being the smallest and lightest, the Polish vans are also the cheapest Euro vans currently available down under, with prices starting at $18,990 for the Glider and $21,990 for the Sunseeker.
Internally, both come standard with a kitchenette including a 55 litre three-way fridge/freezer, two-burner gas cooktop, and a sink and tap, while a separate lounge and dinette convert to bedding for up to three adults.
The cosy interior also features a Euro-style pop-top roof hatch, European timber finishes and fabrics, foam mattresses, and four double-glazed windows with blinds, two of which can be opened.
Also standard is an 8.5kg gas bottle, 12V/240V battery system, and internal lighting, while storage includes 10 overhead lockers, a wardrobe and cupboards.
As well as bit more space inside, the Sunseeker comes with a spare wheel, awning light, and a double bed that measures 185cm x 193cm and single bed, 185cm x 67cm
For an additional $2800 buyers can opt for a combination shower/toilet with basin and hot water system, instead of the dinette/single bed.
Other options include an awning, air-conditioning, central heating and a ‘hammock’ to accommodate a child.
John Bercich said the vans are sold fully compliant with Australian regulations including local gas and electrical certification, and have a few ‘tweaks’ from the factory to appeal more to Aussie buyers.
Hitting the local market around early-2015, an initial batch of vans have been sold and there are a number of orders in the pipeline. Given the amount of interest so far Euro Caravans is looking to add two slightly larger models to the range.
“We can’t keep up with the orders… we get anything from 10 to 15 calls a day about them,” he said.
Typical buyers include those looking for a more comfortable alternative to a camper trailer, and owners of smaller tow vehicles including small sedans or hatches.
The Polish vans will make their show debut at the Newcastle Caravan, Camping & Holiday Supershow from February 5-7, followed by the NSW Caravan Supershow in April.