Caravan Crisis Update
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- Опубліковано 9 лют 2025
- Nothing has changed, but I'd thought of what is was that was bugging me
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as to why things are different now compared to the 80's as our esteemed colleague was indicating that this is nothing new, and not to worry about it, it’s the actually people buying caravans that have changed, and the new wave of peoples access to ‘spare’ funds that is going to cause the issue in the future.
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You are bang on with this theory but may I add some more factors: Interest rates on loans that people are reluctant to take out on a caravan that will probably leak, less choice of tow cars which are really expensive, poor UK weather, rising site fees, increased fuel costs. The outlook is bleak but hope things improve soon for all.
We are being held to ransom by big corporate business, this is RIP OFF BRITAIN. You pay twice as much for half of the value.
We bought our first house early eighties and interest rate was 15% so we didn’t have any spare cash to spend on a caravan!
It what was that house worth 10 years later?
@@atlanticcaravansUK I can’t remember that one, we moved 4 years later but the house we bought after that doubled in 3 years when we sold that one but of course so had the house we wanted to buy next! 😂
We think your spot on with this one The vast majority of people we see on sites are generally speaking of a certain age and most have fairly new vans towed by fairly new SUV's.Very few younger families with older vehicles.
It's probable that as the older caravaners disappear,they won't be replaced.
Also final salary pensions are getting rarer . Where you can take a large lump sum and still have decent pension . Which gave a lot of disposal income.
We decided to get a LWB Campervan and sold our car so we only had one vehicle. With a good drive away awning, it’s been great.
We use the Caravan & Campervan Club but only out of school holidays. We pay about £35 per night. It’s not cheap but it is UK competitive.
Generally we find about 60% of the campers we see are using RV or Campervan type vans. I’m surprised how few caravans we see.
We see very few people under 60 out of season - even this week when we bit the bullet and went to Dorset for 4 days most people were still on the older side of life.
Bang on!
Thank you.
Sold my caravan after three years because of camping site prices , bought a campervan so far had three x three months trips into Europe that's 270 days , 250 were wild camping so free. £25 a night x 250 nights/ £6250 saving so far😊
you are spot on
So true👍
As someone below said, final salary pensions have been pretty much killed off so the ability to draw down a modest tax free element, as we did to fund our caravan, will inevitably restrict free cash later in life. There is also great uncertainty over inflation, taxation and the economy in general which is making people ever more cautious about spending their money. I know this has been mentioned before but buying a caravan is a risky business given the state of the industry and also the fact that some manufacturers think its perfectly acceptable that the customer is the quality control department. There is no doubt there are some really great dealers out there, such as Atlantic Caravans, and some very conscientious manufacturers, like Coachman, who are able to deliver a decent product and who are prepared to stand by their warranty. I do wonder where the next generation of caravan owners will come from. Great video as usual. Thanks.
That makes a lot of sense 👏👏👏
It seems to me that site owners have a large part to play as well. I'm currently researching into buying a caravan and the one-off cost of buying a caravan isn't as much of an issue as whether I'll be able to keep up with the escalating costs of renting a plot. This is what a lot of posters are complaining about now, I'm finding (even taking into account normal rising costs / inflation). Then of course there's the costs of maintaining the caravan - insurance, service, etc.
Target your stock to suit most sales. 👍
Yes, I’m only buying island beds at the moment…
Also... the vehicles that are suitable for towing caravans are become more difficult to get a hold of.. where you could get a 2 lire diesel that's capable of towing a decent size caravan. Those same vehicles are now only available in 1.5 diesel and unable to tow the same weights. So you are going from a vehicle that can tow 2000kg to 1300kg
I'd be interested to know if the small, lightweight caravan market has been affected? The sub 1000kg fully laden caravans are often cheaper, well equipped, can be towed with very modest family cars and also electric vehicles. These vans are not necessarily restricted to 2 berth and also people expand them by attaching big awnings. The added bonus is that they are smaller, easier to tow and can fit on driveways so no need to put in expensive storage.
That market has always been very niche, it probably hasn’t as much, but still, some of the prices of these things are high just down to the economics of scale.
Also there are other reasons
1 Houses are very expensive so high mortgages.
2 Cars are expensive so a bought on loans
3 Caravans have gone up well above inflation so are very expensive and how are people buying them, you can answer that one but I bet it is with a loan. £24k for a second hand caravan is a lot of money.
Now because caravans are so expensive as my brother said “I don’t want to spend 20 or 30K on an item that could be damp in 12 months time and the reputation of UK manufacturers is poor.”
I am fortunate enough. I purchased my Hymer 590 caravan new in 2019 at 37k for cash that we had with a PX and some discount. My last Hymer we kept for 15 yearsmy Geist caravan we had for 11 years I didn’t have six British Caravans at all developed damp.
So personally I would not want alone for 24 grand over 60 months 70 months 80 months with a possibility that won the caravan might not last two the manufacturer might not last and three the dealer might not last because let’s be honest getting your caravan serviced from a dealer that the caravan was not purchased from is an absolute bloody nightmare.
I really feel Caravan industry has stabbed itself in the foot because they just sold whatever they made if you could produce the product and tell your Customer you won’t get damp in this or something along the line of the German manufacturers if you get damp your Caravan will not rot then taking a long-term loan on such a massive figure is more acceptable if I had to buy a caravan right now as much as I love Caravan holidaysI don’t think I’d do it. 100% would not be a British Caravan and that’s really sad.
Love your videos and your inside take. Can I ask do they sell caravans on PCP this is a way to reduce the monthly payment shock and also encourage people to trade in. Something like a 5 or 6 year term?
They do, but it did really work, it’s works in the car world because you can only get 5 year on HP, this makes the PCP look attractive. But caravan finance gos to 10 years so it’s better to go longer, reduce your MP and own it.
The second hand cheaper market may come to fruition more ?
Definitely, you don’t have to spend on a new caravan, pre owned does the same job, with arguably less hassle.
It's all priorities.
We never had TWO expensive cars, holidays, gadgeets, food from all over the world.
Today's generations want all that, and more besides.
Most also have TWO big incomes too.
The comparison in chalk and cheese.
I agree, luxuries of the past are seen as essential equipment now.
Foreign travel is much cheaper than it was, houses are now about 8 times income rather than 4 and for most that’s their biggest expense. For younger families they need 2 incomes just to keep a roof over their heads and pay for child care.
You've just described what's going on generally across mainland Europe and the drivers behind their geo political shift toward the right. Its all down to a change in demographics of the population.
Off topic but we’re thinking of buying a Swift but after watching one of your vlogs we’re worried about sunroof leaking/ cracking. You were a Swift dealer I believe. Should we be worried? Is it common or rare?
Don’t worry, it’s happening but not that often. I recommend buying what you like and just understanding what to keep an eye on.
@@atlanticcaravansUK thanks 👍
I am 70yrs old bought a house in the 70s and built up from there. I now have an house worth over £350.000, my lad who owns his own house (paid for) will inherit this and this generation will soon be the equivelent of the baby boomers. These will be the new generation with spare cash, but will they spend it on caravans and motorhomes. I very much doubt it!.
If it keeps going as it is, that’ll go on just a few shops in morrisons.
Labour will take this inheritance and pension.
I think the younger generation will be saddled with debt for most of their lives. I'm afraid most people have no idea outside the view from their TV what's going on in the world. We're on the brink if the worst financial collapse since the great depression and the last few years have seen the biggest transfer of wealth from the working class to the people who own and run the world.
@@paul756uk2 Yes you are correct, we have been Americanised by big corporate business, But on top of that the younger generation have no real value of money, their salary is paid straight into an account and back out again on a machine. Money is not tangible in their world so has less value or worth. Combine this with a world were you buy everything on credit at extortionate interest rates is it any wonder debt is rife.
@@paul756uk2 they’ll all be on UA-cam earning millions, I think how people earn money will significantly change in the next 20 years..
Im 76vstill cvan but always second hand, sorry. Early married life meant could get a reasonable van, and the pricevif sites, hideaways etc meant we could have more holidays less money where we wanted. Pay back in a few years. Had big twins, celtic rambler now back to Ace jubilee viceroy. Perfect behind our 2003 hyundai santa fe 2ltr diesel. Just mot. 4x4. Perfect. The rit sets in when we are quoted £25per night grass pitch with power. Price more than doubled but our income hasn't. I think once many sites realise rhey only busy ish at hols and the retired are being careful with money. It's going to be egg on face. We are not the cash cow they expect. We can quite happily shrug sell the outfit and rhen have hassle free cruises. Tried one, amazing. So high end caravans silly now, not built to last i dont think. The vehicles to pull them, taxed out of existence. Loads dealers our area yorkshire, gone. 5 yrs? Won't be a problem. Sorry
There is also the hassle of driving licences and towing. When I passed my driving test it came with the category for towing with no further hurdles to jump through. There is the money issue. I’m similar age as you (53) but my wife and I (to coin a phrase 😂) are lucky enough to have income to buy any van we like. However, based on the last caravan (Buccanear Cruise), I won’t be, because for £45k it is poor quality, came with a leaking roof and just generally has issues we shouldn’t be getting with a brand new van at £45k. I’ll be looking at 5th wheelers next time and try my luck there. Just requires a substantial change of toeing vehicle and all the awnings we bought won’t fit😂. But bollocks to it. This van has been suboptimal for the cost I.e. poor value for money and poorer customer experience. We’ve had Swift Challenger, Lunar Delta, Bucannear Schooner, Bucannear Aruba and finally Bucannear Cruiser. The Bucannear appeared to be a cut above the rest, but reality and experience proved otherwise. Load of trouble. Aruba came with faulty self levelling and Cruise came with a leaky roof. All fixed under warranty of course, but it’s the pissin’ about getting them fixed that leaves you out of time and pocket. Why can’t they just build and sell them working as expected? 5th Wheel and Dodge Ram next time. Had my fill.
Yes, I was thinking that, I’d have a close look at it first.
Love to see you getting it on a pitch., or getting off when everyone is parked around you.
Hi Darren. Being a member of Gen x we are possibly the last to own a house, a car etc. I feel the next generation will not be in a position to buy like us. Some gen x folk took the option post Covid to release equity from their home to purchase a caravan or Motorhomes. This method seems to have stopped hence another reason for the decline in sales. Your nemesis is out of touch and dare I say not up to date with market trends and also feels his job is under threat. Have a lovely day. Phil 🙂👍
Bang on, it’s a worry, the market is going to have to change or it will shrink significantly. I think my job is under threat to, it’s kind of why I’m trying to get my name out there a bit doing these videos. I don’t think Practical caravan would have me writing for them..
Just wait till Labour start looking at capital gains on your first house and certainly all those accidental land Lords not paying tax on rents or CG. Inheritance tax too so the state will be taking a chunk of those Inheritances. It all boils down to a significant drop in the standard of living in the UK. We have been heading in the wrong direction for many years. For many things it's not going to be pretty.
Good job I did make a bit after the pandemic, sounds like I’m going to need it..
Talking of land-lords we now have a generation of people who will be life long renters with no hope of ever buying their own home. The problem will be when they arrive at retirement age they will be living in a rented property they can 'NO LONGER AFFORD TO RENT'. So who will fund this defecit, the tax payer will have to step in of course and pay the balance. In another generation this will be a HUGE problem.
One comment from someone about younger generations not wanting to follow in our footsteps made me decide to ask our children (bought up on camping and caravans) age range 44-36 plus grandchildren also been away with us ages 5-17 thought I would ask their opinions. Well our children said no thanks too much hassle? Cannot afford it plus no interest would rather fly abroad, as did the last two. Grandchildren were an eye opener, no thanks grandad its not environmentally friendly? Old diesal not good for the planet. I said you can get newer diesels, but they obviously have been learning at school diesels are a threat? Wonder what lessons that comes under. So am surprised to find a resounding no to continuing our hobby, much more interested in foreign travel. My reply to this is well what about the pollution and environmental damage aircraft causing to planet on a daily basis? Clearly this had been conveniently forgotten or glossed over. Lets hope enough people will or want to continue the leisure activities of camping and caravans.
Yes, that’s a good point, but as you said, staying relatively local is much greener than flying around the world. It’s the inclination that is going to be missing in the next generation. I really do think the days of caravanning in its present form are numbered.
Land prices are too high in the UK because of a wide range of competitors, eg, solar farms, caravan parks, HS2. Only 3% of the land is built upon. Only 36% of agricultural land is utilised. Most farms are valued at over £1 million. 78% of landowners & landlords own the land without a mortgage. Most farmers are 65 or over. Campervans & tents(eg, inflatable) are more popular because they are cheaper & you can park for free. 1000s of more houses are likely to come on the market soon, eg, inheritance.
18 - 33yo are saving for house deposits & buying nearly new small cars, hence why cities & towns are declining. 33 - 48yo couples have very little savings & often have children who go to primary school. Family of 4 holiday abroad can be cheaper than staying in the UK. Disposable income after energy bills, council tax, food, fuel, car tax & insurance, existing loans etc, can be less than £100 a month. Consumer demand & spending has fallen significantly. Any so called increase is purely down to 30% higher prices compared to 2023. A 53yo couple who bought a house 22 years ago, may be spending only 25% of their disposable income on the mortgage & may consider a caravan/motorhome depending on when they are thinking of retirement & how much they have in savings & pensions. Major problem for UK economy is a serious lack of 1 or 2 bedroom accommodation for the over 50s. 8 million people live alone in 3 bedroom houses & cannot downsize. A new town for the over 50s!
I'm not so sure that house price inflation has yielded that much in the way of caravan/motorhome sales as relatively few people downsize and thereby have access to 'spare' funds. Indeed most stay rattling around in their old family home, mainly for sentimental reasons, when they'd be better suited to a smaller place. That would free up a family home for the next generation and maybe reduce even more 4 bed detached houses that developers keep erecting. Inheritance from previous generations whose houses have been sold are one source of additional funds, plus the large cash extractions from pension funds and maybe even large redundancy payments. However what's stumped car, caravan and motorhome sales at present is interest rates. Buying anything at 10% or more interest means paying 30 or 40% more than the purchased price, which most folk will baulk at. When zero rate or just a couple of per cent deals were around it was manageable but 10% plus just isn't.
You would be suprised at the number that have taken equity release and took the money and splashed it on holidays, cars. They were told that their homes were like cash machines and many fell for it hook line and sinker. I know of people just about to retire with maybe 30% equity in there homes, other have been on interest only for years and have only the equity from price inflation.
I think its also due to the social media. Younger people who are now in there 30's/40's, as well as the younger ones are all hooked to social media and chasing the social media perfect holidays/ travelling. Caravan and motorhomes holidays arent seen in that relm.
I'm 39 grow up on caravan holidays. Only started caravaning with my family when the third child came along making flying and hotels out of are price range. Thankfully the wife agreed and gave it go and is now hooked on the caravan style holiday and she grow up on turkish/ spanish holidays.
Caravan companies need to make a good, modern budget caravan. For people like me and how have large families. We wanted to buy a fixed three bunk and ended up have to buy a new Adria and it wasnt cheap at £24k 3 years ago. Now at that price, that is a stopping block for most first time people.
I agree, but you can get a 3 bunk older Adria for a lot less if you want to pre owned, it’s the inclination that is unfortunately lacking for the reasons you mentioned that could be the problem.
Gordon Brown doomed the final salary pensions (private pensions only not MPs or civil service) and considerably reduced the spending power of the last generation of retirees. Labour are now embarking on another hit on pensioners and have learned nothing from the past. The grey pound is a massive part of the caravan industries business, and the decline of this is now having a terrible effect on dealers and manufacturers.
Yes, there just isn’t going to be the ability to buy new caravans in the same way in the future.
Is it me, or do I look a bit sunburnt in this video, I don’t think it was the case!
We live in an inflationary financial system where governments allow 2-3% inflation year on year, constantly driving up asset prices. Sadly since the 1970s most salaries have not kept pace with the compounded inflationary environment (except MPs!). Furthermore, government simply doesn’t adjust tax threshold brackets upwards by each years CPI (inflation) which is called fiscal drag, meaning every year you have less discretionary income even if your pay rise matches the CPI level.
If you think it’s bad now, be aware the caravan market will be on life support after 2030/2035 due to net zero emissions vehicle mandates where internal combustion engines are being outlawed. The cost of owning an EV with a big enough battery to tow any reasonable distance will be highly cost prohibiting, let alone trying to charge with a caravan in tow. The industry will rely on old ICE cars getting older, and the benevolent government will likely ramp up VED (car tax) and Fuel excise duty to discourage their usage.
Sounds about right, I’m on an exit strategy from the industry already..
In Australia in 1980 it took 3 years of average income to pay off the average home, in 2024 it takes 10 years
Yep, same over here..
Sort of agree with you but I think it’s like this if I sold my house where do I live. If I got £300k houses in the area would also have risen in price so the only winners are estate agents and solicitors. With the recent attack on pensioners maybe that will increase the number of retired not buying or changing leisure vehicles.
It’s is relative, but when people downsize because the kids have gone they will benefit from a good cash injection. That’s the market that is ‘running out’ I think.
You also have new laws that have interfering with sales. Like taking trailer tests necessary for later car drivers. Banks refusing car sales never mind caravans. People have no idea how bad the western economies are, no idea at all.
The trailer test has gone, you don’t need to do it anymore..
@@atlanticcaravansUK I know it has. I didnt need to do it anyway. I was clarifying that many were snubbed from having the chance to get into caravanning. So, that generation has no desire to stick a caravan on the back of a car and go off. Hence, caravanning was the baby boomer thing. Gen X just want to fly. Many businesses will collapse in the next ten years.
From ride on mowers, to anything to do with house purchases. Gen X,Z only interested in festivals & social media fame.
the main point you are missing is DEMOGRAPHICS, the average family now has less kids, this means you don't need anything more than a camper, you can use the camper day to day as a car replacement, camp on the side of the road offgrid, especially in scotland. big caravans and big tow cars, have you seen how much it is to insure a Landrover/ Range rover now? totally ridiculous. New Toyota Landcruisers, are 80k... what else can you tow with a 1.5d engine? or an ev realistically. the arse has fell out the industry, its campers or motorhomes now and the CAMC knew this hence the name change not so long back. The site fee's are a joke, people will just go abroad, much cheaper and makes more sense now. Staycations are just not working out. Eating out is way too expensive secondly. and camping sites are just way too fussy.
Poss elepant in the room is EV. Many families, couples, will move to ev. We have, solar batteries big inverter run ev for nothing. Pay back amazing. Bilk from £2000 tp 750pa. No brainier, do home work. However we like to caravan so kept aged tower, took off road covid n winter, so only just over 100,000 miles. Runs as ever. But how can i afgord to buy a tow car as well as wanting to be ev green as able(qualified). It seems there are fewer suitable tow cars second hand at a price that is doable, plus the caravan. Not gkibg to happen. The caravan market is going to suddenly find it can sell caravans but only to those with decent size /weight car whatever. Who may even be thinking about ev but now have a quandary, not ev expense of caravan and how much a night? Not much more we can do air bnb not much more. Drive there no hassle. Hmm. Sadly i think we are past peak caravan. Pity as dealers like the gentleman shown deserve better. Club sites, well.. Too often delusions of grandeur. Still living in the days of a rover 210 pulling a newdawn. Memories
I really don’t think the plan to go EV will happen, the technology is 10 years away from being viable. You’ve got to really want to own one they are too much hassle. EV’s to me will be the mini disk of the car world, an intermediate technology before they crack hydrogen.
@@atlanticcaravansUK This so called EV revolution was doomed from the start with lack of infrastructure and dealerships who don't want to know, its like selling lots of petrol and diesal cars with no fuel stations or insufficient supply. My wife pointed out the electricity giants a few years ago said whole country's grid on verge of collapse even if everyone only bought an extra laptop or I pad? I am damn sure an ev needs a lot more power from the grid than my laptop. Strange hows things get distorted, propaganda is all smoke and mirrors.
Disposable income 😊
wrong back in 70 s & 80s Caravaning was a luxury same as boat but cars back then was an abundance and affordable i can remember buying 3 to 4 cars within 12 months you cant do that today you try buying a decent car for £300 you cant also goverment has killed caravaning as 4x4 are kind of rare now compare to 15 years ago electric aint going to save caravaning and people can see it comeing its slowly going to have to be seasonal or store and stay its only way it will survive as tax will be put up so much you cant afford a decent car to tow with its on its knees now only another pandemic will change it .😢
This is rambling gibberish
Best comment yet, Go on then, what do you think?