These days there are many outdoor shows to choose from, but if you’re keen on something that’s a little more intimate, where you can interact directly with manufacturers, and also have loads of fun, Motorhome-World’s open day is where you should be.
The uniqueness of this open-day mini-exhibition was that any motorhome manufacturer could display their products, showing the public just what kind of work they do. Motorhome-World Discoverer models were brazenly rubbing shoulders with the Vista three- and six-berth models, while AC Motorhomes’ big momma Addax Isuzu 4×4 truck dominated the display area. Motorhome pioneers Cock’s Campers also came out to play!
Vintage models like the 1960 VW Westfalia, still in its original finery, and a 1989 VW Syncro Breakaway conversion by Cock’s Campers were among the VIP guests invited to show off motorhoming of a different era. The candy-striped awning of the Volkswagen Westfalia in particular elicited many oohs and aahs from onlookers.
Then, of course, there was the Dethleffs Beduin imported caravan displaying the supreme level of German class and sophistication that our manufacturers aspire to – and judging from what they put on show, I’d guess they aren’t far off. Prospective motorhome owners were spoilt for choice with chassis cabs. On display were well-known names like the Iveco and the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter.
The new Fiat Ducato was also strutting its stuff, as were a sprinkling of other marques such as VW, Nissan, Isuzu and Peugeot. The highlight of the day was a first ever motorhome auction, with Motorhome-World setting aside one of their Discoverer 4 models for bidding. The reserve price was R580 000, and it was eventually knocked down at that price to an incredibly lucky bidder. If you were in the mood to buy a motorhome, you wouldn’t have been disappointed. And if any of the new motorhomes were too rich for your pocket, then there were plenty of pre-owned bargains just waiting to be snapped up.
The Motorhome-World open day presented a fantastic opportunity to see what some of our local manufacturers have to offer our motorhomers, campers and caravaners. As Dennis says, it’s a start. He, along with like-minded industry colleagues, wants to grow this mini-exhibition into something much bigger, where not only motorhomes are displayed, but also ranges of caravans, trailers and all other outdoor lifestyle products and equipment. So, whether you’re a manufacturer or a camper, why not already make a note to head through to next year’s show? You’re sure to have a lot of fun! We’ll let you know well in advance when the next open day will be.
