Sweden: motorhome market growth opens opportunities for municipalities

According to the HRF 2026 survey of motorhome and caravan owners, 49% of caravan owners and 46% of motorhome owners named comfort as the most important factor when considering their next purchase. When choosing up to five specific aspects, 86% of caravan owners and 85% of motorhome owners included layout among the most important, while price was cited by 72% and 66% respectively. The sleeping area was the top priority for 70% of caravan owners and 65% of motorhome owners, and load space was important for 49% of motorhome owners versus 28% of caravan owners.

Sweden's Transport Agency (Transportstyrelsen) reminds drivers that those who obtained a B category licence before 1 July 1996 may drive a heavy motorhome (over 3500 kg) without a truck licence. This exemption, known as the 'grandfather rule', is permanently lost if the licence is revoked or becomes invalid for any reason, including medical, even for one month. After revocation, driving a motorhome up to 7500 kg requires a C1 category, and heavier ones require a C. Similarly, older rights for extra heavy trailers (BE taken before 19 January 2013) and four-wheeled motorcycles (A or A1 before the same date) are lost. A fine or warning without revocation does not remove the exemption. The date on the back of the licence does not prove the old privileges remain — they can be checked in the road traffic register.

Stefan Janeld, editor-in-chief of Allt om husbilen, told SVT that the future of motorhomes lies in small, manoeuvrable vehicles. He said the trend is moving towards remote camping, finding one's own spots and getting further into villages. The forecast points to major changes in the motorhome segment in the coming years.

At around 7 a.m. on Saturday, a motorhome owner in southern Visby discovered that a window of her vehicle was open. According to police on Gotland, two males had broken the window and gone to sleep inside. When police arrived, only a 16-year-old remained at the scene. A report was filed for unlawful intrusion and criminal damage; the second suspect was still unidentified on Saturday morning.

A seminar at the Elmia Husvagn Husbil trade fair in Jönköping addressed how motorhome and caravan tourism can boost local consumption. According to HRF's 2026 owner study, the average family spends 1,087 Swedish kronor per overnight stay, including camping fees, restaurants, retail and fuel. HRF plans to develop a destination checklist and launch three pilot projects, with results to be evaluated after the summer 2027 season.

The Elmia Husvagn Husbil 2026 show ran 9–13 September in Jönköping and drew 33,500 visitors. According to HRF, the market is stronger than a few years ago; exhibitors reported good sales.