CAMP BOFFIN

The COVID-19 pandemic has ravaged the economy, but the picture already looks a bit rosier for some caravan dealerships.

Most of us were affected by the pandemic in one way or another. Last year, the economy was on its knees, numerous people lost their jobs, and businesses closed down. Caravan manufacturers were also affected after production teams had to be downsized because of lockdown regulations. And importing materials was a huge headache.

Today’s restrictions are more lenient than those of the initial Level 5, but astonishingly enough, it appears that the caravan industry is experiencing a period of prosperity.

Back to nature

Woody Loftus of Loftus Caravan City in Randburg – one of the largest dealers in the country who has been doing business for the past 33 years – says they’re seeing many new buyers, and this can be attributed to several elements.

“At times it was touch and go, but the boom we’re currently seeing is almost unprecedented,” says Woody. “Waiting lists are nothing new, but where before we had one for only certain caravans, most of our new caravans now have a waiting list. And then second-hand caravans are as scarce as hen’s teeth right now.

“The new buyers are firsttime caravan buyers – new or used – which means there are no trade-ins. That also contributes to the shortage of second-hand caravans.”

According to Woody, people have been itching to get out since the very first lockdown. Overseas travel is difficult – or downright impossible – which means that groups of travellers are also looking for local outings, especially remote campsites where you can isolate yourself and your companions in nature. The pandemic thus, ironically, brought people back together. It also seems as though tourists are wary of shared spaces such as hotel rooms – but you’re safe in your own caravan.

Woody says they recently spent some time in the Kruger National Park, and while the campsites were filled to the brim, some of the chalets were unoccupied.

This breakaway to nature is one of the reasons why Loftus and his team have seen an increase in sales of their gravel roaders and off-road caravans.

Safe haven

While they are also experiencing a boom in the market, their second-hand caravan stock is more stable, explains Wesley

Dempster of Tygerberg Caravans in Cape Town. Wesley believes they have a different buyer market, but as with new buyers, people are nervous about the virus and are looking for the safety of their own home, or caravan. Some people who would have spent money on an overseas trip now buy a caravan so they can still get away.

This is the biggest boom they’ve seen in the last 20 years, Bee Wolmarans of Kempton Caravans in Edenvale confirms. She says the outbreak of the pandemic had her quite worried because the business world faced a gloomy picture. But within a few months, new faces started to visit – including young families who could not travel overseas and wanted to buy a caravan instead. The good figures include not only the sales of caravans but also their gear shop and rental department are doing excellently.

Bee believes that a favourable interest rate also plays a role. “We are actively looking for secondhand caravans, and we have a large variety on the floor. When it comes to new caravans, we have a model or two on the floor, and then, like many other dealers, we also have waiting lists.”

Although business is currently good, it does not compare to the best times, says Vivian Torlage, owner of the Northgate and Midrand branch of Conqueror. “The pandemic has brought about a new normal, and it is, therefore, difficult to compare it with any other time.”

They also have a shortage of second-hand stock – so much so that Vivian specifically devotes energy looking for second-hand caravans. “The demand is now so great because more people can afford second-hand prices. There are always people who will have money, but the man on the street felt the pinch.”

How about the newer retailers?

Vivian de Villiers of the Bloemwa outdoor living centre in Bloemfontein, who has been in the caravan industry for three years, says they, too, are experiencing exceptionally good times. Not what you’d expect, he concedes, but three caravan dealers in the area have had to shut their doors as well. He reckons a good 90% of their sales are in the second-hand market.

In Gqeberha, Eben Grobler of Eastern Cape Caravans agrees. He has owned the business for the past four years and describes 2021 as one of their best years. He thinks people are still wary of other holiday accommodation, and caravans with their own bathrooms are especially popular. Since the advent of the pandemic, people have also been more focussed on living a healthy life – and what could be better than the freedom of having a caravan in the campsite?

Some people who wanted to visit their children abroad now buy a caravan and go camping instead. Eben thinks they will probably sell their caravan some day, but it remains a good investment in the meantime.

“Gravel roaders and off-road trailers are very popular, but buyers are picky when it comes to second-hand ones. People are often looking for a specific caravan, for example. We also suffered huge losses due to the pandemic, and that’s money that you won’t necessarily recover.”

Shawn Fermor of the Sonpark Motor Group in Mbombela has been in the motor industry for 30 years, and this year he established a new caravan dealership. Shawn says Sonpark Camping & Leisure’s signage had barely been secured before they sold a number of new caravans. “Things look really promising, but when caravan buyers walk in here, they’ve done their homework because they know exactly what they want.”

Some people who would have spent money on an overseas trip now buy a caravan so they can still get away