Stocks depleted after surge on caravans

As the State eased out of travel restrictions, West Australians wasted no time getting back on the road, turning their attention to travelling within their own backyard and wiping out caravan dealers in the process. Having been cooped up for months, travellers were able to leave the comfort of their own homes during the WA Day long weekend and have their first taste of overnight freedom in months. Caravan Industry Association of Australia statistics revealed the recent long weekend saw a 35 per cent increase in powered site occupancy around WA. For many, the freedom of travel within the State has led to an interest in buying a recreational vehicle. Having their best month on record for the year, Picton Rural Caravans owners Sydney and Penny Graham, pictured, said they had sold about 16 vans in the last month. “We have been absolutely flat out,” Mr Graham said. “We didn’t sell one van in April and since the travel restrictions were lifted we have hardly any stock left. “It has been a terrific month for me.” With only display models and floor stock left, Premier Avan dealer principal Levi Kelder said the recent caravan boom had shed some light on the past few challenging months. “With the crisis and restrictions we weren’t able to attend the annual caravan show,” he said. “So at the start of June we had about 12 units and have now sold out of everything. “Considering we didn’t have a show it was our biggest month for the year.” Mr Kelder said he was bringing stock from Perth down to Bunbury to keep up with the demand. “The biggest problem we have is that everyone wants a van now,” he said. “Unfortunately with such high demands our ordering can take anywhere from three to six months, so we just hope travellers can be patient.” The independence on offer with the ownership of a caravan coupled with the flexibility to travel often with your own equipment on board is why Mr Graham believes there has been a spike in purchases. “Most of the buyers are South West locals wanting to travel up north because they can’t go interstate or overseas,” he said. “The majority of them are wanting vans with ensuites or their own toilet facilities, they do not want to use shared restrooms. “I think it’s a really great opportunity for people to explore their own backyard.”