Unregistered Chinese campers under the hammer

How much would you expect to pay for an incomplete or unregistered but otherwise relatively new Chinese-built camper trailer?

According to Lee Hames, Chief Operations Officer for Lloyds Auctions, probably a lot more than you'd think.

Hames said he expects the 18 'unused' imported hybrid caravans and camper trailers currently being auctioned on the Lloyds website, to sell for more than their retail price due to the current nationwide shortage of RVs.

“Demand for recreational assets is sky high at the moment due to the rippling effects of Covid and businesses not having enough stock on hand,” Hames said.

He said Lloyds had been inundated with customers after recent trade shows showcasing stock on offer that had lengthy waiting periods, and where not even demo or showroom offers were presented for purchase.

Hames predicted caravans and other large equipment would follow recent trends in late-model passenger vehicles, where certain models were selling for more than retail.

“We have seen this trend occur at auction recently in brand new model cars, some even selling more than retail such as a 2022 Chevrolet Corvette selling for $255,000 when they normally retail for $160,000 and now, we are seeing this trend with caravans and camper trailers too,” he said.

Lloyds' Unreserved Caravans and Camper trailers Auction consists of new prototypes, unused display stock and minor warranty returns of MDC stock. Prototypes on offer include 2022 model off-road caravans and camper trailers, with the majority of them being the latest models.

The 18 items for sale include an 2022 MDC XT16 (Prototype) that had a current bid of $47,500 with three days remaining in the online auction. While missing a battery, the unregistered hybrid off-road caravan displays a trailer plate and gas system compliance plate and is otherwise well equipped with both an internal and external kitchen and comfortable couple's layout including queen bed, shower and toilet, air conditioner and space heater.

By comparison the latest 15th Anniversary edition models of the XT16 hybrid caravan are currently being advertised from $84,990.

Also up for grabs are a number of 'near new' MDC tent trailers, some of which are missing a gas system regulator, and a 2019 AusRV 12ft caravan, not unlike this show model once advertised for $49,990.

There's also a brand new but flood affected 2021 MDC ModX box camper, that cost $12,990 when introduced but is no longer advertised for sale on the MDC website.

“The caravan market has been strong for quite some time since Covid, Aussies have decided to travel in their own backyard,” continued Hames.

“This is the opportunity for the community to skip the queue on wait times for late model 2022 caravans and purchase them brand new at Lloyds Auctions."

The Lloyds online camper auction closes on July 18. The various lots can be viewed here.