Sunland Caravans changes hands

‘Blue chip’ Queensland off-road caravan manufacturer Sunland is set to change ownership, with Sunland Caravans’ boss Roy Wyss recently declaring he is selling the boutique caravan building business and taking a well-earned rest.

Mr Wyss told the “exciting news” to Sunland staff as well as customers that he would be hanging up the tools, selling the manufacturing company and going into “full-time retirement”.

He said Sunland Caravans was being purchased by the current owners of Melbourne-based Essential Caravans and Design RV, and Lumberjack Campers, with the official hand-over expected to take place “in a few weeks’ time”.

However, he reassured Sunland owners that it would be ‘business as usual’, with no changes expected to the business operations in regards to staff or the current factory location in Caboolture.

“The sale has been done on the basis that everything will stay as is... they’re literally taking over as a going concern under management,” Mr Wyss said.

He said selling the business would allow him together with his wife the freedom to go out and “enjoy my old age. I’ve worked hard enough for it”.

He personally thanked customers for their loyalty to the Sunland Caravans brand, which has been in operation for around 20 years and specialises in upmarket off-road, off-grid caravans.

Under his stewardship, Sunland Caravans gained a reputation for producing some of the best-built off-road vans in the country, from smaller compact models to high-priced custom vans.

Mr Wyss has been an outspoken advocate for the Australian caravan industry, and was behind Sunland’s many trend-setting and innovative practices. The Sunland factory was also one of the first to adopt tough new compliance laws.

Testament to its loyal following, Sunland Caravans was awarded the Caravan Industry Association of Australia’s People’s Choice Manufacturer of the Year award for 2023.

“From the heart I want to thank you all. I’m not changing my phone number so I’m still available to anyone who needs any help at any stage, none of that is going to change,” he told Sunland caravan owners on social media.

Sunland Caravans and Essential Caravans have both been contacted for comment.