With the Victorian Caravan & Camping Supershow in Melbourne (18–22 February 2026) and the UK’s Caravan, Camping & Motorhome Show at NEC Birmingham (17–22 February 2026) now wrapped up, thousands of caravanners are reviewing contracts signed during one of the busiest buying weeks of the year.
Across both events, dealers promoted time-limited pricing, bundled upgrades and exclusive finance offers. For many travellers planning their 2026 trips, the pressure to secure a van before the show closed was real.
The purchase price, however, is only part of the commitment. Insurance, servicing, storage, registration and depreciation all shape the real cost of ownership. We’ve examined those ongoing expenses in How much does caravan ownership really cost in Australia?
Once the banners come down, the key question remains: do show-only deals represent genuine value, or are they simply structured around urgency?
What Happens at Show Season
Major caravan shows concentrate competition into a single venue. Buyers can compare brands, layouts and specifications side by side. Dealers, in turn, compete hard for signatures.
Promotions typically include:
- Discounted drive-away pricing
- Solar and lithium upgrade bundles
- Extended warranty offers
- Reduced deposits or finance incentives
- Free accessory packages
Both the Melbourne and NEC events actively promoted exclusive show specials during their February run. That does not automatically mean inflated pricing elsewhere, but it does mean offers are framed around a defined window.
For buyers, that window can feel like a deadline.
When a Show Deal Can Make Sense
There are situations where signing at a show can deliver real benefits.
Stock units on display may be priced more sharply than made-to-order builds. Dealers often want floor stock committed before it returns to the yard.
Bundled energy upgrades can also simplify the process. Solar panels, lithium batteries and inverters were prominent at both February events. If those upgrades are already on your list, a properly itemised package may save on separate installation later.
The key word is itemised. Buyers should know exactly what they are getting, who is installing it, and how it affects weight and compliance.
Where Buyers Need to Slow Down
Most post-show issues are not about the headline price. They are about details.
Weight and compliance
Accessories add weight. Larger batteries, additional solar panels, air-conditioning units and storage systems can materially change a van’s tare, ATM and payload.
If the contract does not clearly state the final weight figures with options fitted, buyers risk towing closer to their vehicle limits than expected. That has insurance and safety implications.
Deposits and delivery timing
Government consumer guidance in Australia is clear. Buyers should avoid paying the full purchase price upfront and ensure delivery dates and payment milestones are clearly stated in writing. Queensland consumer guidance notes there may be no cooling-off period for caravan sales in some circumstances, and rules vary by state and sale type.
Delivery delays can also change the value equation. A “show special” loses relevance if the van is not due for many months and market pricing shifts in the meantime.
Warranty and responsibility
Under Australian Consumer Law, the seller has obligations if a caravan fails to meet consumer guarantees. Buyers should confirm who handles after-sales issues and whether upgrades are covered by the same warranty as the base vehicle.
What This Year’s Shows Suggest About Buyer Priorities
The 2026 show season highlighted consistent themes across both Australia and the UK:
- Strong interest in off-road and hybrid caravans
- Larger battery capacity and solar capability
- Reduced reliance on gas systems
- Layouts compatible with mid-size tow vehicles
Rather than heavy price cutting alone, many stands focused on value through specification. That suggests buyers are prioritising independence and compliance flexibility over purely entry-level pricing.
A Practical Checklist Before You Sign
For travellers still negotiating after the February shows, or planning for the next one, these are the questions worth asking before committing to a show-only caravan deal:
- Is this pricing available outside the show period?
- What is the base model price without bundled upgrades?
- What is the final tare, ATM and payload once all options are fitted?
- Are the upgrades factory-installed or dealer-installed?
- What delivery date is confirmed in writing?
- When is final payment due?
- What are the deposit and refund terms?
- Who is responsible for warranty claims and after-sales support?
A genuine deal should still make sense once the time pressure is removed.
If you are weighing up a purchase beyond show season, our guide Buying a Caravan in 2026: How to Buy with Confidence explains contracts, deposits and compliance requirements in more detail.
Caravan Show Reality Check
Don’t let show-floor excitement cloud the fine print. Compare the marketing “Sign” against the legal “Contract” before you commit.
01. Pricing & Inclusions
“Show-only price” or “Special drive-away deal.”
- • Itemised list of every single inclusion
- • Total price including all hidden fees
- • Delivery/Finance specific conditions
02. Weight Specifications
Base tare weights and standard brochure specs.
- • Real-world Tare/ATM with options fitted
- • Specific ball weight estimated range
- • Weight impact of “Free Show Upgrades”
03. Deposits & Timelines
“Book today” or “Limited-time show offer.”
- • Refund terms for “subject to” deposits
- • Specific delivery date range in writing
- • Clear milestone payment schedule
Critical Tip: Verbal promises have no weight in court. If a dealer promises a free upgrade or a specific delivery window, it must be written into the contract before you sign.
Why This Matters Now
February show season is often one of the busiest buying periods of the year, with dealers taking orders and manufacturers locking in production runs for the months ahead.
For travellers, it can shape budgets and touring plans for the next 12 months.
Some show-only deals may offer value, particularly on in-stock models. Others rely on urgency and bundled upgrades that require careful evaluation.
Once the show doors close, what matters is not the banner above the stand, but the clarity of the contract.
