4wd and <span class="highlight">caravan</span> phenomenon

LoL! Yep its a bit like that!

Salesmen always say times are tough, and we believe them?
Not me.

Cheers,
Peter
OKA196 Motorhome

Yes, I guess there is that element. The same dealer said that the consumers are changing. Younger families wanting vans that can sleep more that two people. The Baby Boomers have all bought the vans now as well so definitely a changing market.

It is a cottage industry, even at Jayco who have half the business.
Some day someone will seriously invest in some modern materials and production techniques and wipe out 80% of the other manufacturers.
If no one here does it, the Chinese will & goodbye caravan manufacture.

Cheers,
Peter
OKA196 Motorhome

Its amazing that the caravan industry is thriving despite the poor construction methods and lack of technology. If a vehicle manufacturer started making caravans it might be game over - all those nice pressed panels, aerodynamic, rustproof, waterproof, good seals and reliable mechanically without a weight penalty.

Spot on Peter!

Cheers, Baz

Like to comment on what you have said PHIL G (SA) I don't know the difference is a old caravan on the road to a new one except the new one has more modern goodies in it and are heavyweight just because you have a older van like myself does not make you better than me I have owned a 2007 paramount 25 ft van fully self contained sold that now have a 1980 model viscount supreme it has stood the test of time lets see if these modern vans will Too then make a comment like this because they probably will be clogging the road as you have put it

Gday Bruce, I posted 2 comments above and I think you and I agree on most things!

A fancy caravan and tug is still an assessable asset from a Centrelink point of view.
Only your home is exempt.

Cheers,
Peter
OKA196 Motorhome

I retired in October 2014 when I reached the age of 60, as I was going to be not needed in a few months anyway.

I had owned two houses at different times previous to this, and both Ex. wives are now happily living in them now, rent free :(

I did some sums and after a long hard think what would be best for us, the Lady I have now (she actually likes me), we bought a new Cruiser and decked it out, ($90,000) a new Caravan ($70,000) and a cheap House ($92,000) in the west.

All this cost me less than a house in places like Rocky or Mackay for example, where our kids/grandkids live.

I owe nobody a cent, and I am happily supporting my bad habits and travels from my Super until I reach the age of 66, and then "maybe" I can get a pension, assuming the Government on the day has a few bob left to give.

Over my working life I have paid around $1.1 million in income tax, so just on that note I think (but not sure) I am entitled to get a little back from the government for the few miserable years I have to live after the age of 66.

It is not unreasonable to want to enjoy yourself, and have some comforts after working 45 or 50 years.

Just my thoughts on this subject.
Cheers

Good onya Blue. With a rig like you have got I would rent the house and get on the road for awhile. Maybe get the odd job here and there. You can have a ball just wandering around this great country. You never know it may take 10 years to do the big lap, and if so you would not be the first.

I think the end is in sight for many of the Australian caravan manufacturers that are not seeing the immediate future - more and more of the new caravans simply weigh too much and cars are getting less capable at towing. Remember when you could put the van behind your Holden or Falcon, put the kids in the back and drive to the beach with a $10 per night caravan park? Now you are towing 3 tonnes and $70k+ behind a V8 diesel 4WD priced at $80k+ and paying up to $45 per night!

More and more imported caravans are finding their way to our shores priced at $50,000 or less, and weighing in at well under 2 tonnes which you can tow easily behind your Camry or X-Trail. They also are far more modern in construction with one piece walls, roofs and floors providing the structural integrity (have you seen the ads where the roofs are strong enough to walk on and even park a car up there!)) and high quality insulation as well as a freedom from leaks.

It's all very well having a 3 tonne "off-road" palace on wheels, but just how many of us actually need that capability? And the Falcon and Commodore, both with a decent towing capacity are about to leave the scene.