A heartbroken family has been left to pick up the pieces of their dream holiday after a major Australian caravan company plunged into administration. The New Zealand family of four invested $168,000 in a luxury motorhome, set for collection in February, but now finds themselves in limbo.
Last week, Queensland-based Zone RV entered voluntary administration, impacting around 100 customers and leaving 250 employees without work or holiday pay just days before Christmas. For Alexis and Cade Thornton, who were on the verge of paying their final $42,000 installment, the news has been devastating.
The couple planned to arrive in Australia in the coming months to embark on a bucket-list trip around the country. Now, they are uncertain about their plans. “It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and if we delay it, the kids get older and may not want to go,” Cade Thornton told the ABC.
Industry Under Pressure
David Fealy, an industry veteran with decades of experience, highlighted the precarious situation facing the domestic caravan sector. “Right now, the RV industry in Australia is in a tougher place than most people realise,” he explained.
“Local manufacturers are being squeezed from every angle; cheaper imports on one side, soaring costs on the other, and warranty expectations that can destroy a small builder overnight. What used to be a stable, proudly Australian industry is now a pressure cooker.”
This development follows a similar collapse last year when a retired couple lost their life savings in the financial downfall of Tango Caravans, forcing them to consider returning to work.
Family’s Travel Plans in Jeopardy
The Thorntons had already organized tenants to lease their home during their travels, booked flights to Queensland, and arranged a rental car to reach Townsville for the caravan pickup. However, their plans are now uncertain.
“Coming home is not really an option for us. We don’t have a house to come back to,” Cade Thornton said, expressing the family’s struggle to process the situation. The children, aged seven and nine, who were “just so excited,” are now “gutted.”
The family is awaiting updates from administrators on whether they can expect a van or if they’ll need to “start again.” According to reports, more than a dozen finished caravans might still be delivered to those who have paid in full, but the situation is less clear for others.
Administrative Actions and Future Prospects
The first creditors’ meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, where administrators Cor Cordis will outline the full extent of Zone RV’s debts. A spokesperson for Cor Cordis stated the firm is conducting an “urgent review” of the caravan company’s situation.
“The administrators’ primary objective is to preserve value for all stakeholders, including approximately 250 employees, customers, and suppliers, and to determine the strategic options available for the business moving forward. Zone RV will continue to trade in a substantially reduced capacity.”
Zone RV’s website boasts that its “Australian-made caravans are optimized for safety and weight, incorporating technology from the aeronautical and marine industries to ensure they can navigate even the toughest terrains.” Its most expensive vans cost more than $250,000.
Looking Ahead
The collapse of Zone RV underscores the challenges facing the Australian caravan industry, from economic pressures to competition from imports. As the Thorntons and other affected families await news, the broader implications for the industry remain a topic of concern.
The outcome of the administration process will be closely watched, not just by those directly affected, but by an industry grappling with significant challenges. The future of the Australian caravan market may hinge on the ability of companies to adapt to these pressures and stabilize their operations.
