We visited the Victorian Caravan, Camping & Touring Supershow in February at the Melbourne Showgrounds. There was a huge number of exhibitors at this annual event and thousands of visitors. It’s the perfect place to see everything caravan and camping in one place, get ideas for your next adventure, and learn about new products and accessories We spent a day exploring the show, but there’s enough to see and do over multiple days. Plus there’s heaps of entertainment to keep the kids occupied.
Caravan Accessories & Information
The show had a huge number of exhibitors showcasing all sorts of different sized caravans, pop tops, camper trailers, slide on caravans, campervans and tents. There were also plenty of great caravan and camping accessories, including batteries, generators and solar panels. Kitchen accessories, cooking equipment, fridges, heaters, hot water systems, caravan levellers, and a variety of solutions for extra storage…even hammocks were on display!
For those interested in upgrading their rig for safety or preparing for off-road adventures, the experts on the AL-KO stand provided lots of advice and demonstrations on electronic stability control systems, off-road ball couplings, and brake systems.
The Best Set Up For You
We went in search of the ideal set up for caravaning and found a caravan, camper trailer or RV for almost every style and comfort level. Some were ideal for small scale travellers who like to be light-weight and don’t have a vehicle with a large towing capacity. Those with the capacity and desire to haul a full size rig or enjoy the luxury of an RV weren’t disappointed either. The only impediment to many of these amazing vehicles was the price.
Caravans
Caravans have come a long way! The variety of sizes available is amazing and the level of luxury and styling on the inside is pretty impressive. Most caravans now come with on board toilets and sometimes showers. The finish in interiors includes very high quality hardware, fabrics and cushions, as well as well designed layouts with tv’s and temperature control.
If you’re in the market for a new caravan, the Caravan, Camping & Touring Supershow is the only place you need to go to see everything and be able to compare prices. For a new small-sized caravan customers should expect to pay around $50,000 or more.
Small Pop Ups & Cross Overs
For those on a smaller budget than a caravan, but wanting more convenience than a camper trailer, there are now a large number of very small lightweight pop ups and cross-overs available on the market.
These small caravans provide a dining area that turns into a bed and basic cooking facilities. Some, like the Bolwell and the Track has a pull-out, outdoor kitchen. They provide more insulation than a camper trailer and minimal set up.
Lightweight pop up caravans are perfect for people who don’t want to pull or store a large caravan and want to make travelling on the road easy and convenient. For those who travel light and don’t need top of the range luxury, these small pop ups and cross-overs are ideal, and a great upgrade from camping in a tent or a camper trailer. They allow staying for a series of single nights easy.
Their style and shape also varies, from small pop ups, A frame shapes, a retro teardrop shape or the futuristic shape of the Bolwell. Prices vary, depending on the size, and the materials. Small cross-overs can start from around $30,000, and go all the way up to the cost of a small caravan or more, at around $50 – $70,000 (depending on custom fittings).
Camper Trailers
If you’re in the market for a new caravan, it can be hard to decide on whether to purchase a caravan or a camper trailer. There are of course pros and cons for both. Not everyone enjoys the idea of pulling a caravan. Opting for a camper trailer usually means a smaller load, increased visibility and faster set up (when you reach your destination) than a tent. Camper trailers, however, can be quite heavy, despite their smaller size.
Camper trailers provide a canvas roof and annexe that folds out from the base of the trailer. They offer a queen sized bed under a hard wearing canvas roof and an annexe that increases the living space. Larger sized camper trailers provide more sleeping room. Cooking facilities slide out from the trailer, providing a sink and two burners, or a luxury set up with multiple burners and more storage.
There are so many camper trailers to choose from, all with slightly different set ups. As far as price goes, an entry level small camper trailer of a couple of metres in length can start below $20,000 and increase with size and custom fittings.
If you didn’t have a chance to get along to the Victorian Caravan, Camping & Touring Show we recommend you don’t miss it next year. It’s a lot of fun and you can see the huge range of choices and prices available for travelling.
Need Some Advice About Your Caravan Or Camper Trailer?
Buying a camper trailer, cross-over or caravan is a very personal decision. One style is not inherently better than the other. The decison should be based on the way you like to travel and the level of luxury you require. No matter whether you have a 6 metre caravan, or a small crossover or five metre camper trailer, they all need to be looked after and serviced regularly (yes even your trailer!).
Emu Caravan Repairs can provide you with expert advice, servicing and repairs for your caravan or your camper trailer. We are conveniently located in the Ferntree Gully, in Melbourne’s eastern suburbs. Call our caravan repair centre today.