More people than ever taking to caravanning

One in 13 households now have registered RV

More people than ever taking to caravanning

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MORE people than ever in Australia now own a caravan or some other form of RV, it has been revealed.

And 42 percent of RV owners have children under 15 living at home.

The average age of an RV owner in Australia is 33, has an average income of $48,000 to $72,000 and the average age of ownership is 2.07 years.

These fascinating facts are contained in the Caravan Industry of Australia Association's inaugural RV Consumer Report 2018.

It is being heralded as the most comprehensive consumer study of its kind in Australia to examine RV purchasing and usage preferences among current and former owners, potential new market entrants and consumers who have limited preference for buying into the RV lifestyle.

One in 13 households in Australia now have a registered RV.

The research highlights several key trends, including the vital role that family structure and change has on RV ownership.

It mentions the positive influence that childhood camping experiences have on future purchase intention, the increased preference of outdoor activities for RV owners and the role that economic pressures have on buying into, or selling out of, RV ownership.

Many people waited to start a family or for their children to reach a certain age before purchasing an RV, which is also linked with retirement, it adds.

Consumers also indicated they were more likely to buy an RV if they camped as a child, with 67 percent of current RV owners camping in their childhood.

The research also indicated the typical RV owner is more active and enjoys an outdoor lifestyle.

Eighty-seven percent of current RV owners indicated a preference for outdoor activities such as hiking and fishing.

A core aspect of the research was identifying the elements of RVs that prospective buyers looked for, with a clear trend towards functionality over aesthetics.

Forty percent of RV owners said that road handling was the most important aspect of a purchase, with only one in seven willing to economise this feature for a lower purchase price.

However, price was also rated a vital element of an RV purchase, with 80 percent of consumers saying this was the most influential factor.

The modern RV consumer's path to buying appeared to be significantly changing, with 47 percent of new market entrants indicating they had considered hiring an RV in Australia to "try before they buy", with this being driven by the under 40s.

Eighty percent of RV owners were also likely to travel to new places without planning in advance, resulting in more confidence in exploring regional destinations.

This demonstrates the value of the RV industry to regional tourism bodies.