Industry plea to buy now and avoid the rush

Raging bushfires and the coronavirus crisis have put the brakes on new caravan sales in early-2020, but one Australian RV manufacturer is urging caravanners to ‘buy now’ rather than later to avoid a possible post-virus rush.

In a  social media video titled ‘Support Australian Businesses’, outspoken Sunland boss Roy Wyss is urging cashed-up buyers to put down a deposit on a new caravan now rather than later, with a surge in caravan sales predicted once camping and travel restrictions are lifted that could result in waiting times at some manufacturers of up to two years.

Wyss said Sunland currently have “a few months of caravan orders” to keep the Caboolture, Queensland factory running, while Australia’s largest RV manufacturer Jayco recently indicated a four month order backlog. However, as is the case at many of Australia’s 150-plus RV manufacturers, he said orders have “dried up in recent times” as social distancing rules come into effect.

“People are currently not ordering caravans or getting them serviced or repaired,” Wyss said.

While some caravan factories have temporarily shut, government assistance including Job Keeper wage subsidies has allowed others including Sunland to remain open.

Wyss says there’s a good chance that “demand will skyrocket” for new RVs following the relaxation of travel bans.

“There was already a high demand (for caravans) previously, this was the great Australian dream, to be a grey nomad travelling across that beautiful country Australia,” he says.

“We’re expecting a boom in caravan orders, perhaps in three to six months time as the Prime Minister has been referring to this time frame. However, when this boom does come we need to be prepared.

“So just say caravan manufacturing orders double, we will then have lead times of about one to two years."

Wyss also emphasized the importance of ensuring manufacturers like Sunland “remain open and manufacturing beyond our current order bank”.

“So if you were considering buying a caravan before March and have put it on the back burner, reconsider. I’m not talking about Sunland Caravans, I’m talking about any Australian manufacturer, it is our industry we’re talking about here.

“Contact your Australian manufacturer of choice, and ask them what terms are available, and I’m sure they will have some flexibility, and you will have your new caravan in a matter of months, not 12 months or even longer."

Wyss said that “now is a good time” to also get your caravan serviced, and avoid the rush when restrictions are lifted.

“There will be an influx of service required and this will stretch out lead times to many months; we’ve experienced that before."

Wyss, who offers a range of models under the Sunland brand from entry-level box campers to $250,000 custom-built luxury off-roaders, urged those in the market for a new caravan to think ahead and “Buy Australian and buy now”.

“Get in quick. Don’t delay and miss out on your dreams. One thing we know for sure is that things change very quickly. Let’s kick start this now by being pro-active.”

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