More Australians are choosing to explore their own country rather than travel overseas and increasing numbers are doing it the camper-trailer way.
More Australians are choosing to explore their own country rather than travel overseas and increasing numbers are doing it the camper-trailer way.
There has been a massive growth in the camper-trailer market during the past five years, with a vast range of products on the market.
The big appeal with camper trailers is that they can be taken to places off limits to caravans, such as the beach and rough terrain.
The growth of this particular segment of the caravan and camping market can be gauged by the makeup of displays at last month’s five-day Caravan and Camping Show, where there were 27 camper-trailer brands on display, compared with 30 caravan brands.
Caravan Industry Association of WA chief executive Pat Strahan said the growth of the camper trailer market had been about 400 per cent over the past 10 years.
Overall, the caravan/camping market had grown at about 12 to 15 per cent a year over recent years, due mostly to baby boomer retirees preferring to explore the vastness of Australia rather than going overseas, she said.
“The camper trailer is attractive to all ages and it is getting more sophisticated,” Ms Strahan said.
“Many people who started off with tents are now graduating into camper trailers as their children grow.
“Parents like that extra bit of comfort the camper trailer provides. It is not just a bed on wheels any more, the camper trailer of today comes with many extras.”
Brett Osler, who bought manufacturer Down Under Canvas at Welshpool two years ago, has since seen his business evolve from canvas tents to camper trailers, which has been reflected in a change of name to Down Under Campers.
“Since I bought the business, I have experienced growth of about 20 per cent a year, catering for the $10,000-$14,000 market,” Mr Osler said.
“Our target markets are the grey nomads and young families with up to three children. We aim for those who want to go totally off-road, who want a real bush experience.
“People we sell to have mostly been tent campers who want to upgrade to camper trailers.”
One of the largest manufacturers of camper trailers is The Complete Campsite. According to owner Greg Joyce, his business has tripled in the past three years.
Mr Joyce said camper trailers now represented about 20 per cent of the market, and predicted growth up to 40 per cent in the next five years.
Distributor Tim Roberts, director of The Complete Campsite WA, said the market for camper trailers embraced people aged from 35, with or without families, up to grey nomads.
“There has been a real takeoff in sales over the past five years as the camper trailer has evolved from a tent on wheels to a fold-out caravan on a trailer,” he said.
“People are now looking for more mod cons and creature comforts, which the camper trailer can provide. They can now come with lights, running water, fridges, ensuites with showers and toilets, even a quad bike.
“They are cheaper to operate than a caravan, as there is less wind resistance and they are lighter and more manoeuvrable. Another advantage is having the cooking area away from the sleeping areas.’’
Mr Roberts said camper trailers enabled their owners to camp anywhere, rather than being restricted to a caravan park with a powered site.
