News
Australian caravan & motorhome news
Independent analysis, sourced from manufacturer announcements, industry bodies and government data — not other publications.
Launch · 10 August 2026
Winnebago returns: NZ-built Odyssey 40I leads a nine-model relaunch after the Brisbane factory closure
Five months after THL closed its Brisbane factory, Winnebago Australia has unveiled the Odyssey 40I — a four-berth light-rigid motorhome built by Action Manufacturing in New Zealand, first of nine planned models.
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Roadside weight checks: 40% of caravan rigs over ATM as vans outgrow the utes towing them
NSW Police mobile weighing found nearly 40% of checked combinations exceeded ATM and 36% exceeded the tow vehicle's GVM. Ford's answer is an 8-tonne-GCM Ranger — but the cheaper fix is knowing your numbers.
LaunchMDC goes 48-volt: new XT MK4 range debuts with 840 Ah-equivalent lithium and 4,000 W inverter
MDC's eight-model XT MK4 range replaces 12V electrics with a Projecta Intelli-Grid 48V system — 210 Ah at 48V (840 Ah equivalent), 4kW inverter, and solar up to 1,500W. A step-change in off-grid caravan power.
NewsState of the Industry 2026: production down 4.9%, imports up 16%, registrations near 938,000
The CIAA's State of the Industry Report 2026 quantifies the reshape: local production fell to 23,963 units while imports hit 23,244 — near parity for the first time. Registrations and park revenue both grew.
LaunchBushman launches 2026 Heavy Duty fridge series with Australia-first 7-year compressor warranty
Bushman's DC85-X and DC130-X upright fridges now run a Secop Danfoss Heavy Duty compressor backed by a 7-year 12V compressor warranty — the longest in the Australian market. Here's what it means for caravan owners.
NewsSunland RV enters administration — Sunland, Phoenix and X-Series brands in doubt
Victoria's Sunland RV Group entered voluntary administration on 25 June 2026, joined by Network RV with $30M in debt. Three premium AU caravan brands now uncertain, and the industry is on notice.
RecallNew Age caravan recall: 134 vans with Cruisemaster XT suspension flagged for shock-absorber bracket detachment risk
Melbourne's New Age has recalled 134 caravans built between November 2019 and August 2020 with Cruisemaster XT suspension. The shock-absorber bracket may detach from the chassis while towing. Free inspection and repair.
OpinionAustralia's caravan industry is consolidating — six major manufacturer exits in 12 months. What buyers need to know.
Six high-profile AU caravan manufacturers have exited or entered administration since mid-2025. CIAA calls it a 'correction, not collapse.' Here's what a consolidating market means when you're shopping.
NewsChinese-built caravans surge as Australian sales drop 30–40%
Caravan Industry Victoria reports new-van sales down 30–40% from post-pandemic peaks as Chinese-built imports fill 2026 show floors. More choice and sharper pricing — but real questions about warranty, parts and resale.
Show newsRecord 1,100 at CIAA National Conference signals trade confidence despite retail slowdown
The May 2026 Caravan Industry Association of Australia conference drew 1,100 attendees and 140 exhibitors. AU RV market is still tipped to hit US$4.64B by 2031, even as new-van retail sales soften.
LaunchKGM Musso EV lands in Australia — Australia's first electric ute, and what it means for caravan towing
Australia's first fully electric ute, from $60k drive-away. 1,800 kg braked towing makes it relevant for camper trailers and pop-tops, not full-size caravans — but a signpost for what's coming in EV towing.
NewsTHL closes Brisbane RV factory, shifts Winnebago and Coromal production to NZ
Tourism Holdings shuttered its Brisbane plant on 19 December 2025, ending Australian manufacture of Winnebago, Coromal, Windsor, Talvor and Apollo. Around 110 jobs went with it — here's what existing owners need to know.
NewsZone RV collapse leaves caravan buyers $10M short — and a warning for everyone
The Sunshine Coast off-road brand's December 2025 administration has been resolved by an Essential Caravans purchase, but more than 100 customers are still out of pocket. Here's what it means for anyone paying deposits in 2026.