Caravan Market Crashing
Discussion
I keep hearing / seeing people stating that the caravan markets crashed since the ludicrous COVID price gouge. Looking at the local dealer's stock / eBay I can't say I agree. I don't think a caravan is a budget-friendly option for families anymore.
Has anyone grabbed a bargain recently? Everything under 10K seems to be complete sheds?
Has anyone grabbed a bargain recently? Everything under 10K seems to be complete sheds?
I was having this convo with some retired friends put in Spain last week, they ran a site out there for 13 years and have been campers/motorhomers/caravanners and know the business very well.
We both agreed that vans are far more expensive relative to income than they have ever been, it is no longer a cheap option.
However whenever we go to sites in our retro 1992 Eriba we are definitely in the minority having an old van.
Loads of people seem to own a bling rig, so I think the market is doing OK. Would be interested to seem some hard stats though.
We both agreed that vans are far more expensive relative to income than they have ever been, it is no longer a cheap option.
However whenever we go to sites in our retro 1992 Eriba we are definitely in the minority having an old van.
Loads of people seem to own a bling rig, so I think the market is doing OK. Would be interested to seem some hard stats though.
PurpleTurtle said:
I was having this convo with some retired friends put in Spain last week, they ran a site out there for 13 years and have been campers/motorhomers/caravanners and know the business very well.
We both agreed that vans are far more expensive relative to income than they have ever been, it is no longer a cheap option.
However whenever we go to sites in our retro 1992 Eriba we are definitely in the minority having an old van.
Loads of people seem to own a bling rig, so I think the market is doing OK. Would be interested to seem some hard stats though.
I'm not really a fan of caravans, we have a 1995 Hymer motorhome which we love. However, if I did buy a caravan, it would have to be a Eriba, I think they look great. I saw some with pop tops whilst I was holidaying in France this year. Always tempted to buy one and tow it with the Hymer! We both agreed that vans are far more expensive relative to income than they have ever been, it is no longer a cheap option.
However whenever we go to sites in our retro 1992 Eriba we are definitely in the minority having an old van.
Loads of people seem to own a bling rig, so I think the market is doing OK. Would be interested to seem some hard stats though.
Wouldn't be able to because of the weight issue, but you know what I mean
Not sure about the caravan market, but our MoHo we bought at 1 year old in May 2022 with 6,000 miles on has lost at least 25k. Due to covid bubble we got it for about 2k under new price, but a new one was at least a year away, probably 18mths. We justified it on what we'd save not renting vans for a 12-18 months. I work in the motor trade and had been expecting the market to drop since it started going up, but didn't think we'd loose as much as we have.
It was always going to crash once supply chain issues were resolved, as why would you pay over the odds for something you don't have to wait long for.
It was always going to crash once supply chain issues were resolved, as why would you pay over the odds for something you don't have to wait long for.
missing the VR6 said:
Not sure about the caravan market, but our MoHo we bought at 1 year old in May 2022 with 6,000 miles on has lost at least 25k. Due to covid bubble we got it for about 2k under new price, but a new one was at least a year away, probably 18mths. We justified it on what we'd save not renting vans for a 12-18 months. I work in the motor trade and had been expecting the market to drop since it started going up, but didn't think we'd loose as much as we have.
It was always going to crash once supply chain issues were resolved, as why would you pay over the odds for something you don't have to wait long for.
Thats an eye-watering amount. I'm looking to buy a cheap and cheerful caravan, perhaps I'll have to wait a few months.It was always going to crash once supply chain issues were resolved, as why would you pay over the odds for something you don't have to wait long for.
We're just casually looking with an aim to buy at some point next year and things are still priced a little punchy.
Not COVID punchy but definitely not crash and burn territory either.
Noticed a few big dealers have gone to the wall recently as well so is that a result of post-covid oversupply and misjudging the market long term or just a return to what could be considered normal pre-covid market levels?
Not COVID punchy but definitely not crash and burn territory either.
Noticed a few big dealers have gone to the wall recently as well so is that a result of post-covid oversupply and misjudging the market long term or just a return to what could be considered normal pre-covid market levels?
We got our Adria brand new for £21,500 (list was £28,995) as an end of season special a few months before Covid hit.
I could sell it tomorrow at nearly 5 years old for the same money.
But the equivalent 2024 model list is over £40k, although I’ve seen a couple of end of season reductions down to £36kish.
That’s a huge increase for a caravan that is pretty much identica.
I’ve also got a relative who works for Swift, they’ve laid off 200+ workers and have loads of statics unsold this season.
I could sell it tomorrow at nearly 5 years old for the same money.
But the equivalent 2024 model list is over £40k, although I’ve seen a couple of end of season reductions down to £36kish.
That’s a huge increase for a caravan that is pretty much identica.
I’ve also got a relative who works for Swift, they’ve laid off 200+ workers and have loads of statics unsold this season.
As a casual follower on eBay and other sites over the summer , I really think there is a price drop now .
On some of the dedicated sites , caravans that were £15k used now £12.5k , the same unsold van at dealers and private .
We have had three and I don't think the wife will go for another but I have been trying to tempt her .
If you avoid new but look at 3 years old where someone has given up and is including all the accessories and awning etc there are some bargains . Raining again today it can only get cheaper I think .
On some of the dedicated sites , caravans that were £15k used now £12.5k , the same unsold van at dealers and private .
We have had three and I don't think the wife will go for another but I have been trying to tempt her .
If you avoid new but look at 3 years old where someone has given up and is including all the accessories and awning etc there are some bargains . Raining again today it can only get cheaper I think .
Big problem for a lot of dealers of new caravans is unsold 2024 stock and now being contractually forced to take delivery and pay for 2025 models. Higher interest rates are not only affecting dealers, but customers too. Even if a buyer doesn't need to borrow to buy, taking £30k off deposit is costing £1500pa in lost interest.
Steep increases in pitch prices is having a negative effect on the market too.
Steep increases in pitch prices is having a negative effect on the market too.
LJF_97 said:
missing the VR6 said:
Not sure about the caravan market, but our MoHo we bought at 1 year old in May 2022 with 6,000 miles on has lost at least 25k. Due to covid bubble we got it for about 2k under new price, but a new one was at least a year away, probably 18mths. We justified it on what we'd save not renting vans for a 12-18 months. I work in the motor trade and had been expecting the market to drop since it started going up, but didn't think we'd loose as much as we have.
It was always going to crash once supply chain issues were resolved, as why would you pay over the odds for something you don't have to wait long for.
Thats an eye-watering amount. I'm looking to buy a cheap and cheerful caravan, perhaps I'll have to wait a few months.It was always going to crash once supply chain issues were resolved, as why would you pay over the odds for something you don't have to wait long for.
By the time I worked out similar Motorhomes were for sale for £40k+, a trader had snapped it up.
ah the old campervan/motorhome v caravan chat. Look at an older caravan in decent shape interior wise......look at what you get...Like our old Bailey Bordeaux. Nice sized fixed double bed....2 huge sofas, full sized 3 way fridge. Cooktop, a grill and a small oven. A large toilet/shower room. Underneath tanks etc etc. Now imagine that as a motorhome!
One is £5000, the other is £25000. !
One is £5000, the other is £25000. !
romft123 said:
ah the old campervan/motorhome v caravan chat. Look at an older caravan in decent shape interior wise......look at what you get...Like our old Bailey Bordeaux. Nice sized fixed double bed....2 huge sofas, full sized 3 way fridge. Cooktop, a grill and a small oven. A large toilet/shower room. Underneath tanks etc etc. Now imagine that as a motorhome!
One is £5000, the other is £25000. !
Now factor in your large, thirsty £20k tow vehicle . . .One is £5000, the other is £25000. !
Edited by chopper602 on Tuesday 17th September 11:12
chopper602 said:
romft123 said:
ah the old campervan/motorhome v caravan chat. Look at an older caravan in decent shape interior wise......look at what you get...Like our old Bailey Bordeaux. Nice sized fixed double bed....2 huge sofas, full sized 3 way fridge. Cooktop, a grill and a small oven. A large toilet/shower room. Underneath tanks etc etc. Now imagine that as a motorhome!
One is £5000, the other is £25000. !
No factor in your large, thirsty £20k tow vehicle . . .One is £5000, the other is £25000. !
My Old American RV did 7 mpg.
Ahem.
romft123 said:
"Thirsty", my Citroen C5 did 25 mpg towing. Then when I dropped the caravan off at the park and went for a drive, it did 50 mpg.
My Old American RV did 7 mpg.
Ahem.
Good for you. People have different preferences though that can change over time. My Old American RV did 7 mpg.
Ahem.
We do a lot of Aire/Pub stops that couldn't be done in a caravan, plus I was intending to use it to tow a track car (until some lowlife nicked my trailer). Things I can't do with a caravan, so ill pay the extra.
If you go to one or two campsites, for long period of time I totally get why you'd save the money and have a caravan.
If you don't like either book a hotel.
Not everyone is the same and I'm pretty sure most have done sufficient homework to work out what's best for them.
Merry said:
romft123 said:
"Thirsty", my Citroen C5 did 25 mpg towing. Then when I dropped the caravan off at the park and went for a drive, it did 50 mpg.
My Old American RV did 7 mpg.
Ahem.
Good for you. People have different preferences though that can change over time. My Old American RV did 7 mpg.
Ahem.
We do a lot of Aire/Pub stops that couldn't be done in a caravan, plus I was intending to use it to tow a track car (until some lowlife nicked my trailer). Things I can't do with a caravan, so ill pay the extra.
If you go to one or two campsites, for long period of time I totally get why you'd save the money and have a caravan.
If you don't like either book a hotel.
Not everyone is the same and I'm pretty sure most have done sufficient homework to work out what's best for them.
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