WITH travelling overseas currently not an option for Australians, many have turned to exploring their own backyards in a caravan.
Hall’s Jayco Mildura owner Richard Clarke said even from the first lockdown “demand for caravans has gone through the roof”.
He said while traditionally families would camp in tents, since COVID hit more families are turning towards purchasing a caravan with all the bells and whistles.
“While the volume of customers hasn’t changed, customers are now more committed to purchasing than ever before,” Mr Clarke said.
“There has become a real demand for family vans and for people who would generally holiday overseas, holidaying in a caravan has now become their option.
“We probably now offer a lot more options for families then we previously have and while we always show all entry levels, more people are wanting to go with one that has all of the facilities.”
Caravans are now more than just simply a place to sleep with many set up as a home away from home with large bathrooms and plenty of living space.
Along with having all the important elements on the inside, Mr Clarke said off-road capability is something else that has become more important.
“People are pushing to see where they can take them,” he said.
Mr Clarke said the second hand market had “soared” given six to nine month delays for new caravans to become available.
“With that demand, we are seeing a lot less trade ins with many being sold for a good price privately before hand,” he said.
“Demand for the product instantly was there to begin with but now customers are aware and prepared of the wait time for a new caravan.”
Despite plans for Australia to open up to overseas travel in the coming months, Mr Clarke isn’t concerned that caravan sales will decrease.
“I don’t believe we will see a drop off in the market,” he said.
“Globally we might open up, we might be able to leave but people will still be picky about where they will go and that may be too challenging so instead will stay in Australia.”
While business has been good for Mr Clarke, he admits the lockdowns and state restrictions have also been difficult.
Currently he has a handful of new caravans awaiting their owners who can’t collect them due to being interstate.
