Why you should pay more for an Australian-built caravan

The head of Australia’s second biggest-selling caravan manufacturer says local RV builders have to compete with cheaper Chinese imports on much more than price, to not only thrive but survive.

"(The rising number of imports) are having a massive impact on Australian manufacturers," Crusader Caravans' Managing Director Michael Paidoussis told caravancampingsales.

"It's difficult to win on cost alone when you're competing with an overseas brand. You win on other things."

The comments from the Crusader boss, who has been in the job for a decade, come as more and more Aussies choose a Chinese-built 'van over a pricier homegrown equivalent, which has led to a doubling of RV imports (mostly from China) over the past six years.

In 2025 RV imports from multiple brands comprised almost 50 per cent of the local market, or 23,244 units (up 16 per cent on the previous year). By comparison, there were 23,963 'vans built locally last year, by an estimated 80-plus local manufacturers; a 4.9 per cent drop on 2024 output.

According to RAVS (Register of Approved Vehicles) data, there are now five Chinese RV importers listed among the top-10 best-selling RV brands in Australia.

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Crusader is the sixth top-selling caravan brand (or second biggest local manufacturer behind Jayco), and is among a number of larger manufacturers that have recently introduced a price-fighting brand.

"(Our new Dreamhaven range) is at a different price point to Crusader but comes from the same factory, same team, same standards, but at a price point that's designed to compete head on (with Chinese imports)," Michael Paidoussis says.

While the new homegrown Dreamhavens do manage to compete strongly on price, he argues that what you're paying a bit extra for is an after-sales ownership experience that the importers struggle to match.

"Do not buy on landed price alone because you may not buy what you think you're getting and you may end up paying a bit more," he warns.

"We want buyers to look past the sticker and look at who's servicing this in three years, who's name is on the warranty, and who's answering the phone when something goes wrong and you're 2000kms away out in the Outback somewhere...

"You've gotta make sure the company stocks the parts locally and has the network to be able to fix it."

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While admitting "they've got some really good products", Michael reckons many imports won't last the distance like a quality Aussie 'van will.

"We're offering a better built product because it's built in the Crusader factory, and it's built for Australian conditions. That's what we design the 'van to do, hold up to corrugations and our very harsh climate," he says.

"The customer also needs to know if it's an Australian-designed, Australia-made product, or whether it's not. We should all be transparent about what Australian made means," he continues.

"If I'm the punter I'm asking those sorts of questions (before purchasing a 'van)."

It's not just about buying a better built and backed product either, he argues.

"We want to keep making things in Australia, and keep Australians employed.

"Caravans are probably the last real bastion of manufacturing in Australia. If we lose that it would be very, very sad."

With a recent string of high-profile caravan collapses denting consumer confidence, Michael believes Australian manufacturers and the industry in general should step up and play a more prominent role in helping to protect buyers.

"We need to get more serious about barriers to entry and consumer protection," the Crusader boss says.

"It's not easy to restore confidence. There are a lot of balance sheet issues out there. I think through different products we as an industry can help buyers assess the financial and operational health of companies."

Michael proposes a mandatory "cut down version" of the rigorous CIV-run RV Master program, which independently assesses the financial stability of a business among other things.

RV Master 'Light' accreditation would help weed out "balance sheet failures" so buyers don't get caught out with insolvencies.

"If you wanted to attend a caravan show, for example, there could be a level of financial audit every company needs to undertake to enable them to attend," he says.

There should also be a "level of comfort" for prospective buyers, by keeping deposits or down payments to a minimum and providing full transparency around the build process.

While Crusader doesn't have an official 'money back guarantee' on customer deposits when a dealer collapses, the Melbourne manufacturer did step up and cover the potential losses of around 60 customers when its Sydney dealer unexpectedly shut down in late-2025.

Aussie builders are also in the unique position of being able to provide "faith in the company" by allowing prospective buyers to "see, feel and touch" the hand-built 'vans prior to purchase.

"Go and do a factory tour. That is the single biggest thing that will give you confidence or otherwise," he says.

"With technology these days it's not hard to do a factory tour via Zoom or Teams or whatever," he adds, referring to interstate buyers.

"You'll also be able to see if they're a genuine manufacturer or not, as there are a number of companies that are contract manufacturing."

Other 'confidence boosters' include longevity and a "history or a track record of success and excellence", including evidence of industry awards and independent accreditation.

"We're currently in one of the toughest sales environments I've seen, so you really want to make sure the company is well capitalized and has a strong balance sheet," he adds.

Meanwhile, Crusader's budget brand launched in late-2025 appears to be striking a chord with cash-strapped buyers.

According to the latest monthly stats, Michael says Dreamhaven recently joined sister brand Crusader at no.9 in the top-10 best-seller list, which means by year's end the cut-price Crusaders could account for as much as half of the 25-year-old manufacturer's output (approximately 1600 'vans in 2025) if the strong sales continue.

But he admits the introduction of a quality 'price matching' brand wouldn't have been possible without the efficiencies of Crusader's big Melbourne factory.

"You cannot compete unless you have volume (to start with). Luckily we have volume which means we can buy (parts) well and make these things at a reasonably competitive price," he says.

"Luckily we've also already got the capital and skilled labour which is bloody hard to get. We're also sorted, compliance wise, and have a supply chain that supports us.

"But without those four things, we couldn't offer (the cut-price) Dreamhaven 'vans as we currently do, it would be impossible."

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