Interest in motorhomes and campervans in the UK has surged by 133% since the start of 2026, defying tighter parking and overnight bans in some areas. Data from Gumtree shows this growth is four times faster than the general car market, with the peak season beginning early due to warm spring weather. Demand is strongest in coastal and countryside regions like Fife and County Antrim, as buyers plan staycations and road trips to avoid rising accommodation costs.

Elddis will cease caravan production at its Consett plant in the UK after over 50 years. The focus shifts to campervans and motorhomes, to be manufactured at Erwin Hymer Group facilities in Germany and Poland. The move is part of a strategic shift towards motorised leisure vehicles amid declining caravan registrations.

Volkswagen has launched the Multivan Camper as a factory base for creating custom camper vans. The vehicle comes with two front seats, empty rear space, and a factory-installed pop-up roof, but without interior finishing. Starting at £43,900, it is cheaper than ready-made California models but requires additional certification after self-conversion.

The British manufacturer Swift Group has introduced the Trekker 540 motorhome for 2026. The 7-meter-long model is built on a Ford Transit base and features a kitchen, a separate bathroom with shower, and a large, heated pass-through rear garage for transporting sports equipment.

Vango has introduced the Kela Pro Air Driveaway Awning, an inflatable awning designed for campervans. It is constructed from 6000mm HH ripstop fabric and has a height ranging from 255 to 295 cm. The awning can be attached to the vehicle or used as a standalone tent.

Demand for campervans, motorhomes and caravans in the UK has jumped 133% since the start of the year. According to Gumtree data, the Fife region generated the most views for listings. Listings have also increased by 22% since January, with experts citing the approach of spring as a key driver.

The Caravan and Motorhome Club has refreshed its travel insurance product. The update focuses on broadening coverage and streamlining the application process for its members.

AL-KO has introduced a new safety breakaway cable for caravan hitches. The cable is designed to prevent a trailer from detaching from the towing vehicle in the event of a hitch failure. It meets safety standards and is compatible with various AL-KO coupling models.

Hafele has introduced a Face Frame hinge pair with a 95-degree opening angle for furniture in caravans, motorhomes, and boats. The hinges are designed for installation on cabinet face frames and are available for order in the UK.

Volkswagen has introduced a stripped-out Multivan Camper variant as a base vehicle for campervan conversions. It features a pop-up roof but lacks rear seats and floor covering. The price starts at £43,900 before VAT, undercutting the factory-built California.

The OpenVan.camp editorial team analyzed 3,581 news stories from 56 countries in early 2026. Declining sales in Germany and the USA, Hyundai electric campers, budget Wuling motorhomes, KAMAZes with saunas in Russia, parking bans in Turkey — a comprehensive overview of motorhome industry trends by world region.

The Caravan and Motorhome Club has retained its Expert-rated 5 Star Defaqto status for motorhome and campervan insurance for the fourth consecutive year. Members can use a comparison tool on the Club's website to compare its policy with up to 16 other providers across 26 key features, including EU cover for up to 365 days per policy year.

Swift has announced the 2026 Trekker 540 motorhome. The model features a coachbuilt body combined with adventure-ready design elements typical of campervans, such as an uprated suspension and all-terrain tires.

Two new caravan designs have been presented, differing from traditional models. The Capsule Holiday Homes are intended for permanent installation on campsites, have a 50-year lifespan, and cost around €70,000. The Honda Base Station prototype is a mobile travel trailer with a pop-up roof, an off-grid power system, and capacity for a family of four.

The Caravan and Motorhome Club has launched a redesigned caravan insurance product called Caravan Cover. The update reflects modern smartphone shopping habits and offers greater flexibility. Members can choose between New for Old, Market Value, or Paid Value coverage, with optional add-ons for contents, equipment, awnings, and overseas travel.

A 10-litre waste water container designed for Volkswagen T5 and T6 camper vans has been introduced. The manufacturer describes it as a heavy-duty model for grey and black water disposal.

British manufacturer Auto-Trail has updated its V-Line Sport campervan range for the 2026 model year. Key updates include an enlarged rear garage for storage and refreshed exterior and interior aesthetics. The range is based on the Fiat Ducato chassis and offers multiple floorplans.

Sussex Campervans has unveiled the UK's first campervan conversion based on the all-electric Kia PV5 van. The build uses Kia's PBV modular platform and recycled materials, while retaining the manufacturer's full 7-year warranty. The vehicle offers a range of up to 258 miles, with a 10-80% DC fast charge taking approximately 30 minutes.

UK-based Barefoot Caravans has updated the Bothy camper trailer. By removing the washroom, the weight is reduced to approximately 1,874 lbs, making it compatible with smaller ICE vehicles and electric cars. The fiberglass body comes with a 10-year warranty, and the interior can sleep up to three people.

Barefoot Caravans has introduced a downsized version of its travel trailer, named the Bothy. The model lacks a wet bathroom, weighs from 1556 kg, and is towable by any vehicle. It starts at £25,500.

Barefoot Caravans has introduced the Bothy, a simplified and lighter version of its fiberglass egg-shaped trailer. The model removes the dedicated bathroom and some amenities, resulting in a starting price of £25,500 and a base weight of 706 kg. It was unveiled at the Motorhome & Caravan Show in Birmingham, UK, with no immediate plans for a US release.

An ALKO brake shoe set for replacement on a single axle of a trailer or caravan has been presented. The set includes two 160x35mm shoes and the required springs. This is a standard spare part for maintaining the braking system of recreational trailers.

GADLANE has introduced an adapter for connecting caravans and campers to high-power outlets. The GL16AUKL model converts a 13A connection to 16A, is rated for 240V, and features three pins.

Evolution Warranties has launched warranty products for motorhomes and caravans. The launch is taking place at the Camping & Motorhome Show at the NEC in Birmingham. The new motorhome product offers complete coverage for vehicles of any age and mileage, and includes a Dealer Discretion Fund.

Salop Leisure has reported increased interest in caravans and motorhomes following two major trade events in early 2026. At the Manchester show, lead generation rose by 12%, and the company's overall sales in January are up 11% year-on-year. The company attributes this to positive sentiment in the sector, also noted at the HARPA conference.

Volkswagen has introduced the Multivan Camper, a base version without camper equipment intended for professional or DIY conversion. The vehicle features a pop-up roof and an empty interior, and is available with diesel or hybrid powertrains. The starting price is £52,680 including VAT, which is lower than the fully-equipped California model.

A 1928 motorhome by British manufacturer Eccles is being auctioned by RM Sotheby's. The vehicle was found in 1964 being used as a chicken coop and underwent a 23-year restoration. The estimated price is 15–20 thousand euros.

A 1928 retro caravan by the English company Eccles has been put up for auction. It is estimated at 15-20 thousand euros. The Jacobethan-style model was restored over 23 years and was used for travels across Europe.

Custom roof covers for caravans have been introduced in the UK. The silver-colored covers are waterproof and UV-proof. They are available in sizes ranging from 12 to 25 feet.

Capsule holiday homes have been introduced on Anglesey as a modern alternative to static caravans. The units, built with galvanized steel frames and aluminum panels at a cost of approximately £35,000, feature open-plan layouts and a claimed 50-year lifespan. Industry experts remain skeptical about widespread adoption, citing niche design appeal and potential concerns regarding winter heat retention and privacy due to extensive glass use.