Grab a bargain at the Queensland Supershow

The third caravan 'supershow' of 2024 will present an enticing smorgasbord of caravan and RV deals for bargain-hunting show-goers, according to the organiser, Caravanning Queensland.

Caravanning Queensland CEO Jason Plant said exhibitor numbers for the 2024 Let's Go Queensland Caravan and Camping Supershow (June 5-9) were up to 250, or around 10 per cent more than last year's show.

"Some of our dealers have quite a lot of stock, so we'll be seeing some dealers back at the show exhibiting after a couple of years' absence, which has pushed the (exhibitor) numbers up, and we have a few more accessory-style exhibitors as well," explained Plant.

"If you're in the market (for a new RV) this is definitely the show to come to; there's going to be very competitive pricing and more brands on show than ever before," he said.

For those more interested in innovation than price, both Melbourne-based Ute Cabin and Queensland's On Back Campers will have on display some unique slide-on campers suitable for larger utes and pick-ups, while MDC Campers will also display its latest Forte SR on-road caravan range for the first time at the Brissie Supershow.

Other eye-catching new models expected to make their Supershow debut include the latest OTM Crossfire hybrid, Harvok's monocoque aluminium range, the new JB Gator Hybrid, Suncamper's 4x4 Conqueror 2.0, the top-spec Trailblazers 21ft Hybrid and Jayco-built Crafter Kampervan, along with some new Sunland off-grid caravans and Cub's new F14 pop-top hybrid.

There will also be some new attractions at the show including Mick the Camp Oven Cook, who will be cooking up some tasty treats over an open flame at the Brisbane Showgrounds, while Bluey and Bingo will be on hand to entertain the kids over the week-end.

'Happy Hour' will be taken care of with a new Van Jam-style stage comprising food court, bar and live music, while the popular Weight and Towing Masterclasses are back; an extension of Caravanning Queensland's VanSafe program which weighed more than 1300 rigs at 26 different Queensland locations during 2023.

Showgoers will also have the chance to win a Stoney Creek Scout-X Hybrid camper valued at $43,990.

As they often compete in lower-volume, more niche market segments, Jason Plant said that Queensland RV manufacturers would be less affected by any general market slowdown, compared to some of the many manufacturers located in Melbourne where the majority of Australia's large touring vans are built.

"They're still soldiering on in a softening market (in Queensland)," he said.

"We're stronger in off-road, more bespoke, and we've had to innovate over the years to have that point of difference from the interstate manufacturers," he explained. "We've got a unique market when it comes to manufacturing and hopefully that will see us through until (the market) starts to turn."

He said the "extraordinary" demand for recreational vehicles during the COVID pandemic years was unprecedented, and peaked in 2023 when local RV production reached 31,289 units, or around double that of 10 years ago, and the highest level since the 1970s.

The 2023 calendar year also ranked as the second-highest year for RV imports, with a total of 18,971 caravans and campers making their way into the country.

As a result, RV registrations around Australia have continued to rise, from 792,713 registrations (September, 2023) to 858,663 (May, 2024). The leading state for RV registrations is Queensland, with 231,573.

Latest data also shows that annual caravan and camping trips increased from 15.1 million (September, 2023) to 15.3 million (May, 2024), with visitor expenditure on caravan and camping trips rising from $10.45 billion (Sep, 2023) to $10.7b (May, 2024).

As far as the buyer mix goes, 'cashed up' over-55 buyers are starting to return in numbers to dealers, while fewer families are buying caravans compared to the COVID 'gap year' boom period.

2024 Queensland Caravan & Camping Supershow
When: June 5-9, 2024. 9am-5pm (4pm Sunday)
Where: Brisbane Showgrounds, 600 Gregory Terrace, Bowen Hills
Entry: $20 Adult. $17 Concession. Child 17 and under: Free.
More info: Caravanning Queensland