Australian RV manufacturers usually keep their cards close to their chest when it comes to new product releases, with little warning before a surprise unveiling on social media or at a local caravan show.
However, there have been a few hints and pre-launches of some upcoming releases, to give a good idea of some of the expected new arrivals in showrooms during 2024. Here are the highlights...
Jayco has already announced some new model releases for 2024, and there's a good chance the big Melbourne manufacturer will also roll out a revamped camper trailer range, based on the Camo Green prototype displayed at the 2023 Melbourne Leisurefest.
Jayco like to get plenty of customer and dealer feedback before releasing final production versions, but we expect many of the rugged new features on the show prototype to make it into the 2024 line-up, including the trendy black checkerplate sides and matching front toolbox, colour-coded picnic table, and black rear bar with single spare wheel.
We've already had a sneak peek at Patriot Camper's newest GEN2 camper, as the Gold Coast manufacturer ramps up production of its entry-level X2 Tourer in early 2024. It should prove a strong seller for Patriot, with prices starting at a more affordable $48,900.
Queensland's AOR is planning to launch what it says will be the first Australian-built 11ft hybrid camper with an internal ensuite, in early-2024.
The lightweight Odyssey Signature pop-top comes standard with a 300Ah lithium battery system with 1000W inverter and 350W rooftop solar, for its $99,900 starting price. But it's the clever internal layout that should entice the glamping crowd, with a new folding internal shower/toilet/basin set-up and a composting toilet housed in a cupboard, along with the usual seating, storage and bedding arrangement.
After releasing a new $100K, 19ft luxury off-road caravan in 2023, MDC is now planning to take its off-grid caravan range further upmarket in 2024 with a new Projecta 600Ah lithium battery system available across the range including 1225W rooftop solar and a 3000watt inverter.
The new MDC ACPLUS MKIII range will also get more European electrical appliances and other upmarket fittings like black tapware, wireless phone chargers, and a new drawbar mounted storage box and external service ladder.
While it's probably a long shot, Queensland expedition trailer manufacturer Bruder has hinted at releasing its first toy hauler camper, perhaps as early as late-2024.
Among a number of sketches revealed online, the ambitious Brisbane based manufacturer said its Trailblazer concept was the most likely to make it into production, thanks to a more conventional toy hauler design that would deliver the "smoothest ride in its class".
"While it’s not ready for production just yet, we can’t help but get excited about the prospect of a Bruder toy hauler that seamlessly combines unparalleled off-road capabilities with comfortable onboard sleeping quarters," Bruder said.
Albury, NSW-based Mountain Trail RV has said it will start selling its new XVR Hybrid Pod Camper from early next year, initially priced from $89,990.
Mountain Trail is best known for its automated tent trailers and full size off-grid composite caravans, so the compact XVR hard-wall hybrid should sit somewhere in the middle, aimed at buyers who want a lightweight yet comfortable, off-grid camper for Outback touring.
Although it's unlikely to be available in Australia, American buyers should be able to get their hands on a cutting-edge Pebble Flow van soon, with first deliveries of the US$125,000 model expected in late-2024.
The futuristic Pebble Flow is jam-packed with technology designed to take all the hassles out of caravanning, including a dual-motor drive system, one-touch set-up and a massive off-grid power set-up to keep all the onboard appliances running for weeks on end.
Jayco is calling for registrations of interest for its new Limited Edition JRV model on its website. The eye-catching campervan is aimed at buyers after something a bit sporty and different, not to mention affordably priced at just over $100,000.
We can assume if there's enough interest the special Renault based camper that comes with a six-speed manual transmission, diesel heater and lithium battery upgrade, will be rolled out in early 2024, after it was first displayed at the 2023 Melbourne Leisurefest.
The Bushwakka brand in Australia currently comprises a range of tough looking and well-equipped Chinese-built hybrids, but they're set to be joined soon by some lightweight off-road camper trailers from the South African Bushwakka company.
These include the compact Safari model with rooftent, sleek Sundowner camper and larger Bhoma model, which are all displayed on the Bushwakka Australia website. Like other South African campers sold down under, we expect them to be well priced, cleverly designed and suitably equipped for remote off-road touring and camping.
Will 2024 finally be the year when we see a production caravan incorporating the full OzXCorp suite of homegrown RV technology, including the hi-tech 51V power pack, instant water, maintenance-free appliances and motorised tow-vehicle assistance?
A final OzXCorp 'test bed' is currently touring around Australia, under the supervision of Co-Founder, Andrew Huett, so there's a chance we might see an OzXCorp early adopter like Retreat Caravans coming out with an extreme off-grid version soon that's available to the public.
Even better, hitch it up to an imported EV pick-up for the ultimate go-anywhere towing rig...
A number of electrified campervans are also likely to hit Aussie roads in 2024, including the possibility of the new VW California T7 campervan due to be released in Europe this year.
Other plug-in, battery-powered commercial vans available or arriving soon in Australia from Ford, LDV, Peugeot, Renault and Mercedes-Benz are also likely to attract the attention of local motorhome specialists, so don't be surprised to see an EV campervan or two at a local caravan show in 2024.