MEMBERS OF THE TRIBE
It’s long been assumed that the wandering tribe of caravan owners across Australia are dominated by Grey Nomads, that iconic class of retired or semi-retired travellers spending their savings on rigs to see the country now they are unshackled by jobs and school-age kids.
But, while they occupy a significant proportion of the highway at any given time, it may surprise you to know that Grey Nomads are not your average Aussie vanner.
The inaugural RV Consumer Report 2018 from the Caravan Industry Association of Australia (CIAA) reveals the average caravan owner in Australia is 33 years old, earns between $48,000 and $72,000 and most likely owns a van that is 5.7 years old.
Ford, Toyota and Holden are the most common tow vehicles among those surveyed, 71 per cent purchased their van second-hand and 51 per cent would like to upgrade but are waiting until they can afford it. They enjoy the great outdoors, fishing and spending time with family, and 67 per cent camped as a child.
The report revealed some other characteristics of RV owners across all age groups and types.
Importantly, children play a major role in the decision-making process about buying an RV, to when to use it and many sell their vans when the kids are in high school.
And 42 per cent of current RV owners having children under 15 living at home.
Nearly half (40 per cent) of RV owners said road handling
