What's in store for caravan buyers in 2026?

Our RV predictions for 2025 were right on the money-- extra exterior bling, more off-grid power, fancier fit-outs, bigger bulkier models...

While we expect these themes to continue throughout 2026, there are some other trends emerging that will influence the behaviour of industry players as well as buyers in the months ahead...

The local camper trailer industry was the first to feel the full brunt of Chinese imports about 15 years ago. Then came the flood of copycat hybrids, and now we're seeing a similar pattern with a rapid rise in the number of full-size caravans from China.

While big-selling Snowy River has led the charge, what stood out at this month's Geelong Outdoor Living & Caravan Expo in Victoria was the increased number of 'big box' Aussie caravan-style lookalikes.

These included a new cut-price line-up from Fantasy and a big display of X Series Signature 'vans, complete with a new off-road suspension developed by Chinese auto brand Chery.

Most concerning for Australia's still thriving local caravan manufacturing industry is the sub-$100K prices for well-equipped dirt road models, and a level of fit and finish that now rivals many of the locally-built offerings.

The signs are there for motorhomes too...

It's taken a while but the Australian caravan manufacturing industry is finally getting serious about full composite caravan construction, spurred on by buyers seeking superior insulation and water sealing properties.

Just about all the big players now offer frameless fibreglass sandwich body panels and composite flooring, with Melbourne's Wonderland the latest to join the crowd with its Solara Composite Series.

The collapse of Zone RV, which built as many as 600 composite 'vans annually, is also spurring on manufacturers to fill the void.

In a consumer world increasingly driven by online marketing, the RV industry is bucking the trend with the number of old-school caravan shows actually increasing across the country.

The Outdoor Living & Caravan Expo group will run 16 shows in 2026, while in response Caravan Industry Victoria has ramped its show circuit to five annual events, with a sixth (in Cranbourne, Victoria) on the cards.

That's not including the eight shows combined from the Queensland and NSW industry bodies, and the various 4x4 shows that increasingly attract a large number of RV exhibitors.

Australian RV shows remain a hit with punters as they're essentially big 'mobile showrooms', with countless dealer 'vans with 'show special' pricing available. They also let potential buyers 'try out' hundreds of different layouts in the one setting, and over multiple days if needed.

Whether it's new retro models, slide-out 'vans clad in carbon fibre or industry-first space-saving and storage solutions, expect RV brands to continue to innovate and differentiate, as a way to stand out in a crowded market.

The startling collapse of Zone RV is likely to have ripple effects through the industry for a long time to come.

Many manufacturers have been quick to step up and reassure potential buyers, or in some cases offer assistance to Zone RV customers left in the lurch.

Zone's policy of demanding hefty ongoing build payments well before any hand-over of the finished 'van, is also in the spotlight.

At the 2026 Geelong Outdoor Living & Caravan Expo, we spotted a subtle reference to this on the Australian Caravan Centre stand, with a sign in front of a six-figure priced Supreme Xpedition off-roader that read: "Buy now with only 10% deposit up front".

Related: What's trendy for caravans in 2025?