Insane mod cons on the wish list for modern caravan buyers

Roll over rusty Kombis – the new generation of caravan and campervan owners have set the bar much higher.

Forget lumpy mattresses and basic barbecues. Today’s caravan and campervan owner wants five-star luxury all the way.

Research conducted by Pure Profile for Caravanning Queensland has found more than two thirds (68 per cent) of respondents want a hotel suite with wheels as opposed to the humble pop-top campers or rusty old Kombi vans.

The same percentage want gourmet kitchens while almost a quarter (23 per cent) want on-board wine fridges.

Bob and Janina Kulig have bought a luxury motorhome. Picture: Nigel Hallett

The caravan and motorhome industry boomed during the pandemic and Queensland continues to lead the nation with more registered RVs (recreational vehicles) than any other state, but it is the change in consumer trends that is most significant, with 15 per cent of prospective buyers now willing to fork out up to $100,000 for a more luxurious travel experience.

It’s a trend set to be reflected at next month’s Caravanning Queensland Supershow in Brisbane.

Caravanning Queensland CEO Jason Plant said the last decade had seen a shift in behaviour among Australians, with travellers no longer happy with a mattress and basic cooking appliances in their RV.

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“We have seen an increasing trend in people wanting to travel Australia without compromising on style and luxury, and that can include designer kitchens and bathrooms, wide-screen televisions, surround sound speakers, washing machines and dryers, or even wine fridges – all of which have become regularly requested items with our dealers,” he said.

“They don’t just want somewhere to sleep anymore – it has become a self contained, 5-star luxury travel experience and lifestyle for them, and they’re more than happy to pay the price for it.”

Bob and Janina Kulig have been RV fans for decades, buying their first caravan many years ago before converting to an upgraded bus for their travel adventures.

They have now shelled out $480,000 for a brand new Paradise Liberation Deluxe motorhome – a nine-metre house on wheels complete with three big screen televisions, two fridges, Starlink internet, solar panels and lithium batteries.

Bob and Janina Kulig’s new motorhome is full of luxury features. Picture: Nigel Hallett

Mrs Kulig said they were happy to fork out more money for a better experience on the road, with the couple set to take their grandchildren on an outback adventure to Queensland’s dinosaur tourism towns next month.

“We’ve busted our bums working for so many years and it’s time to get out and enjoy life,” she said.

Mr Kulig said he was satisfied the new motorhome catered to most whims.

“It ticks all the boxes for us,” he said.

The Caravanning Queensland Supershow, featuring almost 250 exhibitors, runs from June 5-9 at the Brisbane RNA Showgrounds.

Expanding panels make Bob and Janina Kulig’s new motorhome extra roomy for their travels. Picture: Nigel Hallett

Big screen TVs are a feature of Bob and Janina Kulig’s new motorhome. Picture: Nigel Hallett

Bob and Janina Kulig’s new motorhome has a spacious main bedroom. Picture: Nigel Hallett

Bob and Janina Kulig’s new $480,000 motorhome includes spacious couches. Picture: Nigel Hallett

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