Leisure Vehicle Survey shows satisfaction levels at an all time high

Latest Leisure Vehicle Survey from the Caravan and Motorhome Club shows satisfaction levels at an all time high

The Caravan and Motorhome Club launches its latest Leisure Vehicle Survey today at the Motorhome and Caravan Show at Birmingham’s NEC. With Club membership at an all-time high, the report shows owners’ satisfaction with their vehicles and build quality, together with their purchasing experience has dramatically improved, encouraging more people to spend more time in the great outdoors.

Record satisfaction levels at over 90 percent 

Containing over 200,000 hours of feedback from Caravan and Motorhome Club members,* the report shows that satisfaction is high when purchasing new and second hand vehicles from a dealership.  Some 96 percent of caravanners are happy with their second hand vehicle and 89 percent are happy with their new caravan.  For motorhomers and campervanners, 93 percent are happy with their new vehicle and 95 percent happy with their second hand purchase.

Better quality vehicles means more time spent in the great outdoors

The report shows that not only are people more satisfied with their caravans, motorhomes and campervans, but they are also spending more time in them in the UK and overseas. Build quality has improved with over 30 percent fewer faults being detected in motorhomes and campervans and five percent fewer faults detected in caravans. 

According to the latest report, leisure vehicle owners enjoy spending longer periods away in their vehicles; caravanners spend longer away than motorhomers and campervanners (47 percent of caravanners spent more than 41 days touring and 70 percent of motorhomers and campervanners spent over 21 days touring). This is backed-up by additional Club research, which highlights different behaviours; caravanners take fewer trips per year, but enjoy staying longer.  Campervanners and motorhomers take more trips, but stay for shorter durations and are more spontaneous, they book closer to departure, whereas caravanners book further ahead.

Purchasing in person, directly from the dealership has increased and less require finance

With at least 78 percent of purchasers reporting a really positive sales experience, it is not surprising that purchasing directly from a dealership has increased by up to six percent.   The majority will visit the dealership in person rather than buying online (97 percent of caravan purchasers and 86 percent of motorhome and campervan purchasers).   Also 77 percent purchased their current leisure vehicle without finance – given the current economic climate, a surprising increase of two percent since 2016.

Leisure vehicle owners’ confidence in repairs and maintenance of their outfits at dealerships has also improved significantly since the last survey with far fewer owners now maintaining their vehicles themselves.

The priority is the layout - leisure vehicle owners want to see longer and more comfortable beds

Internal layout is still the most important factor when buying a leisure vehicle.  Nearly 20 percent of caravanners ranked this as number one in importance – an increase of 37 percent from 2016 and 23 percent of motorhomers and campervanners – an increase of 33 percent since 2016. 

When asked what they would like to see more of in the future, caravanners were united in their request for longer and more comfortable beds whereas intrepid motorhomers and campervanners were more interested in their vehicles being more self-sufficient with better off-grid capabilities.

Harvey Alexander, director of marketing and membership services at the Caravan and Motorhome Club, said: “It is fascinating to see the change in perceptions since the last survey in 2016.  This latest report demonstrates that as an industry we are improving on all levels, satisfaction with dealerships is up, build quality is up and it is no coincidence that the length of time being spent touring is also up.  As we experience record membership levels at the Club it is great to see that touring as a leisure pursuit is going from strength to strength.”

View the 2023 Leisure Vehicle Update infographic.

For further information, about becoming a member of the Caravan and Motorhome Club, please visit www.camc.com  or call 01342 318 813.

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Notes to Editors:

*99.8 percent of respondents were Club members

About Caravan and Motorhome Club

Championing and helping its members get more from the great outdoors, whether glamping or touring, the Caravan and Motorhome Club represents the interests of over 1.1 million caravan, motorhome, campervan and trailer tent owners across the UK.  With over 116 years of knowledge and expertise, the Club has a wealth of experience and prides itself on offering great value and high quality campsites for tourers and glampers.

Caravan and Motorhome Club membership is just £59 per year and provides members with access to over 2,700 quality campsites across the UK and Europe. As the UK’s No. 1 rated touring club* it makes sure members get the most from their membership, saving them money with great value offers whether touring or at home.

The Club also offers a range of escorted European tours which are protected by ABTA.  Plus escorted and independent tours in Australasia, North America and Southern Africa which are also fully protected, either by ABTA or ATOL when a flight is included. All members can take advantage of expert advice, overseas travel services, cover and insurance and exclusive member offers and discounts.

For further information about becoming a member of the Caravan and Motorhome Club, please visit www.camc.com  or call 01342 318 813.

*As rated on Trustpilot

About Experience Freedom

Experience Freedom from the Caravan and Motorhome Club provides glamping accommodation in some of the most beautiful locations in the UK. Helping members get more from the great outdoors, Experience Freedom offers a choice of glamping accommodation, motorhome hire and tent camping, all of which are available to non-members.  Motorhome hire, including some discounted hire schemes can be found here https://www.experiencefreedom.co.uk/motorhome-hire/

Experience Freedom is operated by the Caravan and Motorhome Club, a membership organisation with a wealth of experience in operating high quality campsites.

Caravan and Motorhome Club members can save up to 10% on glamping accommodation for themselves and their friends and family when staying at the campsite with them. It is automatically applied to the booking when the membership number is used. To book friends and family, simply call on 01342 777533 to make a booking with your Club membership card.

To find out more, visit www.experiencefreedom.co.uk