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Crusader Caravans data uncovers shifting traveller trends and a stronger demand for locally made longevity

Soda Communications

• Crusader Caravans is the second largest Australian caravan manufacturer

• Crusader’s website has recorded a 17.7 per cent year-on-year increase in traffic, reaching 440,217 total users over the past 12 months
• Dreamhaven Caravans has recorded a 400 per cent surge in search interest within just six months, placing it within the top 15 Australian-made caravan brands and reinforcing demand for more accessible entry points into Australian-made caravanning.

 

New data from Crusader Caravans reveals a clear shift in the national market, with Australian travellers increasingly prioritising locally made quality, durability and long-term value amid ongoing cost-of-living pressures and rising fuel costs.

 

Crusader continues to strengthen its position in the Australian market, now ranked as the second largest Australian caravan manufacturer in the country. Backed by over 20 years of manufacturing excellence, Crusader has earned a reputation for consistently delivering caravans of the highest quality with strong resale value.

 

Crusader Caravans Founder Serge Valentino said the results reflect a clear behavioural shift among consumers towards trusted local manufacturing and long-term value.

 

“We recognise that it’s a difficult time for many Australians with ongoing cost pressures and fuel prices. We also appreciate the growing concerns around global instability and the resulting impact on the everyday life of Australians,” Serge said.

 

“As a result, we are seeing a real flight to quality. Travellers are moving away from imports and towards Australian-manufactured brands that understand local conditions and deliver stronger long-term value for every dollar spent.”

 

Over the past 12 months, Crusader Caravans recorded 440,217 total website users, averaging 8,466 users per week. This represents a 17.7 per cent year-on-year increase, reflecting growing consumer interest and deeper research behaviour across the category.

 

The brand’s value-focused second brand, Dreamhaven, continues to see strong momentum, with Dreamhaven Caravans recording a 400 per cent surge in search interest within just six months, placing it within the top 15 Australian-made caravan brands and reflecting strong early adoption from value-conscious buyers.

 

To meet growing demand and support local jobs, Crusader has expanded production at its advanced manufacturing facility in Epping, Victoria.

 

“Our investment in Victorian manufacturing ensures we can manage lead times while maintaining the premium build quality our customers expect,” Serge said.

 

“We’ve also focused on standardising high-value features, including the introduction of airbags across the MY26 off-road range*. What some other brands may position as optional extras and charge accordingly, we include as standard. It’s about delivering advanced technology at a more accessible price point when Australians need it most.”

 

The data also highlights evolving buyer behaviour, with families and solo travellers emerging as key customer segments. These buyers are spending more time researching, averaging over 11 minutes per session exploring layouts and engaging with Crusader’s ‘Build Your Van’ configurator on the Crusader web site, which recorded nearly 20,000 clicks in the past month.

 

“Australians are becoming more informed and taking longer in their decision-making,” Serge said.

 

“They want a caravan manufacturer who understands local market conditions, specialises in manufacturing as opposed to assembly, and can be trusted to deliver a high-quality caravan that will serve them for years to come.”

 

As Australia’s most awarded caravan manufacturer^, Crusader continues to offer support and advice for both first time caravan buyers and experienced caravanners alike. With more than 8,200 downloads of its New Caravan Buyer’s Guide, the data suggests that despite economic pressure, demand for locally made caravans remains strong.  

 

For more information about Crusader Caravans and to download the Buyer’s Guide and Checklist, visit crusadercaravans.com.au/what-to-look-for-when-buying-a-caravan.

 

ENDS -

 

Disclaimers:

* Airbag Suspension comes as standard to all MY26 XCountry, Excalibur, Musketeer, and Gladiator CRV models. Airbag suspension is also available as an option on all the MY26 Lifechanger models and the MY26 CRV Esperance.

^ Crusader Caravans is the most awarded caravan manufacturer by Caravan Industry Victoria (CIV), having received the prestigious Manufacturer of the Year award in 2019, 2021, 2024, and 2025. Crusader also holds the distinction of being the first and only Manufacturer of the Year to earn the esteemed Master Manufacturer title, awarded by CIV.

About us:

Crusader Caravans is a multi-award-winning Australian manufacturer renowned for producing high-quality caravans. A four-time recipient of the Caravan Manufacturer of the Year award in the past six years, the brand is widely respected by industry experts, competitors and customers alike.

Founded in 2002 by Serge Valentino, who brings decades of hands-on caravan-building experience, the company strengthened its position in 2016 through a strategic partnership with Mawson Group. This collaboration combined manufacturing expertise with strong operational and financial management, establishing Crusader as a trusted and financially robust brand.

In 2022, Crusader Caravans opened a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility—one of the most advanced in the Australian caravan industry—driving ongoing innovation and excellence in caravan manufacturing.

In 2025, Crusader Caravans unveiled a new second brand, Dreamhaven, created to offer Australians greater access to high-quality, locally made caravans at an affordable price. With a focus on customer-first values, strong leadership and a passion for adventure, Crusader Caravans continues to set benchmarks in the Australian caravanning market.

For more information on Crusader Caravans, please visit crusadercaravans.com.au

Contact details:

For more information, images or to arrange interviews, please contact:

 

Emily Stojcevski

Soda Communications

E: [email protected] | M: 0409 552 913

 

Maddison Bamert

Soda Communications

E: [email protected] | M: 0481 762 012