CaravanTimes readers are no strangers to a bit of leisure vehicle trivia. However, the National Caravan Council (NCC) has put together a list of fascinating facts, shocking stats and even some figures which simply make you feel proud to be a part of this community. Let’s take a look at some of them below.
Halfway to a million
There are more than 550,000 touring caravans in use in the UK, which means over half a million adventurers head off in their leisure vehicles each year. Nine in ten of these caravans are manufactured here in Britain and are purchased by a broad spectrum of customers – from solo travellers to families and retirees.
Billion-pound industry
Whilst most industries have faced significant pressure in the face of economic challenges following the pandemic, motorhome manufacturers have recovered well and leisure vehicles are more popular than ever before. 2019 saw a record year for caravan sales with 15,324 registered – that’s over £1.1 billion worth of motorhomes.
Convenience? Check
Modern motorhomes are kitted out with pretty much any convenience you could want, including electric drop-down beds, USB sockets and wireless phone chargers, touchscreen TVs, Apple Car-Play, dimmable LED lights, cruise control… The list is seemingly endless. Some larger models even come with a garage!
Antiques roadshow
In September this year, what was labelled the world’s oldest motorhome was sold at auction by Bonhams for £63,250. A custom-built, 20ft-long, 1914 vehicle based on the Ford Model T chassis was designed and manufactured for the Bentall family, who founded the department store chain of the same name. The body was constructed by Dunton of Reading, famous for high-quality traditional travellers’ caravans.
Going green
Environmental, social and governance (ESG) challenges are a top priority for businesses looking to empathise with their audiences. Fortunately, caravanning and motorhoming are already very ‘green’ choices for a holiday, especially for those who tour close to home. But it doesn’t stop there – newer additions like solar panels and fully electric vehicles mean our industry is certainly doing its bit to help out.
Going… to work?
Yes, you read that right. We already know and love the versatility of motorhomes and campervans when it comes to holidays. However, they also make brilliant workspaces. Particularly smaller models, as they can be easily parked in an appropriate, designated area and even double as a second car.
Towing power
In December 2021, when the Category B driving licence was changed, the B+E class was granted to anyone with a full driving licence in England, Scotland and Wales without a requirement to take any further tests. Now, eligible drivers can head out with a combined maximum allowable mass of 7,500kg – covering the majority of bigger cars and SUVs with most caravans.
It’s fair to say that caravan holidays of the past gained somewhat of a negative rep, with claustrophobic sleeping arrangements and noisy neighbours. Fast forward to today and motorhomes have become bespoke hotels on wheels. There’s no longer a ‘typical’ caravanner, but a large and constantly growing community of adventurers.
Photo credit: Matheus Bertelli / Pexels
