Trends From the 2024 Caravan, Camping & Motorhome Show
More and more people are investing in a caravan, campervan, or motorhome as they are often a more affordable way to travel and explore in the long term. Here are a few trends you need to know and some tips for choosing a caravan, campervan, or motorhome.
Electric Cooking Equipment
Many new campers, caravans, and motorhomes are adopting electric cooking equipment. Electric cooking eliminates many issues that campers have with the current gas versions.
Gas can get expensive, it causes a lot of moisture in the vehicle, and electric equipment is far more efficient. With it quickly becoming the norm, if you look at any upcoming campervan competition, the prize is sure to be fitted with electric gear.
Technology
The motorhome and caravan industry has become known as one that isn’t the best at embracing technology, but that is quickly changing. Particularly in the field of mobile apps, more companies are creating platforms that drastically improve the camping experience.
Apps like Park4Night are designed to help you find the best camping and motorhome spots to stay for the night while putting you in touch with other campers and connecting you with like-minded individuals.
Luxury Personalization
Luxury motorhomes and campervans have existed for years but have always been reserved for the upper classes. However, the entire process is becoming more affordable, and more people are opting for luxury upgrades for their motorhomes.
This includes everything from installing TVs and sound systems to apartment-style kitchens and fittings. These upgrades are transforming the appeal of motorhomes and increasing the market size year after year.
4X4 Motorhomes
While not new, 4X4 motorhomes have never been the most popular choice until recently. They are compact and don’t have all the features you would get with a regular motorhome, but their price is what many love.
They have more than enough space for your gear, and being able to camp on your vehicle’s roof also gives you extra sleeping space. They are also easy to drive, can go on almost any terrain, and are ideal for those who just want a comfortable bed on wheels.
Microcampers
Microcampers are one of the biggest trends in campervans as they combine the size and manoeuvrability of a 4X4 but with many of the features you would find in a caravan or small motorhome.
What sets them apart is that they often have mattresses, a basin or sink, space for a small fridge, and plenty of storage. All of this is squeezed into a vehicle no bigger than a minivan.
Tips for Choosing a Caravan or Motorhome
If you are looking to get into the market for a caravan or motorhome, there are a few things to remember before choosing the vehicle. This is by no means a complete list, but there are a few of the most important points.
Know What You Want and Need
First, you must decide what you want and need from the vehicle. This will come down to personal preference, but there are several questions you need to ask yourself to ensure you get a vehicle that fits into your lifestyle.
Are you going to use it for long trips or overnight stays? Do you want to cook or shower in it? Is it just for a couple or do you want to travel with your family? You need to answer these questions to ensure you are looking at the right vehicles.
Long Trips vs a Weekend Away
There is a big difference between a motorhome designed for long, multi-week trips and one designed for one or two nights of camping. The most significant difference is an obvious one: the price.
Bigger campers with more facilities will always be more expensive and can be used for shorter trips. On the other hand, smaller campers are more affordable but often aren’t suited for multi-day or week trips.
Facilities
Caravans and motorhomes can differ significantly when it comes to which facilities they offer. Some offer very little, such as a mini fridge or a rooftop tent, while others have everything from a kitchen to a shower and toilet.
Once again, all of these extras increase the price of the vehicle, but many aren’t necessary if you just need the vehicle for sleeping, for example.
Cold Weather Capabilities
Finally, if you live in a country that can get incredibly cold, you must consider how the vehicle will withstand freezing temperatures. While some are designed with this in mind, they can be more expensive.
On the other hand, many vehicles can be modified to make them weatherproof, but you will need to investigate the cost of this process, as you may discover that the cost to upgrade a vehicle would be close to the price of one that already has the features.
Take to the Road
These are only a few of the exciting trends in the world of caravans and motorhomes. It isn’t an industry that changes incredibly quickly, but when it does, the space is revolutionised forever. There is no better time to join the campervan community than right now.