Our A-Z of caravan trends kicking off 2025

Early into 2025 and caravan and RV manufacturers are already busy unveiling their latest creations with the new year marking significant shifts in styling and capability. Here we share established and emerging trends. 

A. Automated Awnings 

Automated Awnings have been with us for a long time but they’ve often seen as a luxury item. But with off-grid power so readily available, more and more caravans and camper manufacturers are installing these convenient accessories to more models within their ranges.

And with Solar Awnings on the horizon like this one from Award RV, it will be interesting to see what happens in this space.

B. Bench-style Lounges

Originally favoured in compact vans, more larger layouts are enjoying the space saving benefits of ditching the armrest. As a result, layouts are accomodating longer tables and enjoy an open plan with room for bunks, like the XSeries Commander below.

C. Coated Toolboxes

Stone-proof substrates are improving in leaps and bounds inspiring manufacturers to get onboard creating functional-slash-fantastical toolboxes at the front and rear. From generator and fridge slides, to firewood trays with tie-down points, rear drawers and more–it’s on like Donkey Kong.

(Vacationer Dakar, On the Move Black Grenade 6.3 shown)

D. Dust Reduction 

As traveller ambitions increase, manufacturers are looking at ways to manage dust that can accumulate on dirt roads. This once popular extra solely included ‘standard’ on only the very top of the range models is now increasingly considered vital for anyone hitting the tracks on their way to camp. Seen here, the GUSTO side-mounted on the KOR Everest.

E. Energy off-the-grid

In 2024, we saw many manufacturers dapple in large 48V and 24V battery banks with their top-of-the-line flagship models. This year, manufacturers are doubling down with vast power options available, like the OzXCorp 14kW battery seen here on the latest Retreat truss chassis.

F. Fibreglass Composite Construction 

While not new, there’s definitely a shift in recent times towards fibreglass composite panelling with some product now locally fabricated. As a result we’re seeing brands like NOVA, Kokoda and Crusader offering fibreglass standard. 

Goldstream RV, meanwhile, who unveiled its CPX fibreglass construction last year, now offers the CPX upgrade pack as an option on all layouts and models.  

G. Gloss Finishes

This season, high gloss ceilings and high gloss cabinetry are increasingly popular on new series caravans, with one-piece panels like on the new My Dream RV Nullarbor demonstrated here providing a sleek, reflective finish complementing trends.

H. Herringbone Flooring

How cute is this floor? On trend in modern homes, it’s exciting to see it represented in caravan interior design, reflecting a growing confidence among caravan manufacturing industry. (Hike RV & Grand City Nomad)

I. Induction Cooking 

As power systems get bigger, more manufacturers are offering buyers the opportunity to slash gas consumption or go gas free with induction cooktops increasingly popular. It’s not only in fixed designs but portable units seen in this Vecto Caravan here. Vecto tells us that the upcoming models will come with two single induction cooktops for even greater flexibility going forward.

J. J-Moulding

As fibreglass composite construction gains traction, many manufacturers are incorporating tough J-Moulding edging like on the Sunland Phoenix and Vancraft models below.

K. King-size Beds 

Popular in camper trailers for some time, caravan manufacturers are increasingly offering buyers the opportunity to enjoy a bigger berth either in a north south configuration like the Kokoda Counterstrike F226 or in an east-west configuration.

Although king-bed size, this example comprises two mattresses that adjust on each size. Footlockers keep access easy and kills a common pain point associated with shoe storage.

East-west configurations–including those in king-sizes–are also gaining in popularity finds Tara Cameron-Smith for Dreamer RV.

“As the popularity of eastwest style caravan beds continues to grow, we’re seeing an increasing demand for caravan mattress toppers that cater specifically to this layout. More travellers are opting for this design to maximise space and functionality in their caravans, highlighting a shift in how people prioritise both comfort and practicality on the road.”

L. Light-coloured Marble bench tops

Here’s a strong design trend emerging from the 20024-2025 season. Light coloured marbled bench tops spotted here in this Prime Edge Adventurer at our Tough Tested 2024, powered by NCE, GUSTO and Vantec.

M. Mid-ship Split Bathroom

Sometimes seen with a club-lounge, the mid-ship split bathroom is enjoying a bit of a Renaissance where a toilet-powder room are separated from the shower via a corridor. Here’s a beautiful interpretation from the talented Wonderland RV team.

And that pressed tin, oh my heart.

N. Nordic Influences

Light coloured timber and timber-like finishes, open shelving, white matt sinks, brushed gold trimmings, and mottled brown furnishings reflect the growing influence of Scandinavian Design.

While not adopting all the principles, Jayco’s handles in the 2025 Discovery demonstrate a particularly charming example of the ‘form following function’ ethos you’ll commonly see in Nordic design.   

 

O. Outdoor Opulence  

In 2025, it looks like manufacturers are encouraging more vanners to sit outdoors, dedicated audio/visual hatches, extra drop down tables, fancier external kitchens and storage for chairs and tables. 

And in terms of cooking, holidaymakers are enjoying an increasing array of options including demonstrated on the Offline Solitaire.

Not to forget these beautiful options available through aftermarket kitchen supplier On the Go Accessories

P. Perimeter lighting 

As a photographer, I cannot celebrate this trend enough. Softly bounced lighting on the ceiling perimeter not only looks mint but casts everything is its wake in a flattering light. This teamed with growing confidence among manufacturers result in spectacular interiors like this racy NOVA Terra Sportz below.

Q. Quilted Diamond-stitched Upholstery

This season, diamonds are a camper’s best friend, with diamond double stitched panelling a common trend. Sweet and casual yet grand illustrated beautifully here in the Kokoda XCORE M.I.A. layout below.

R. Rear-lit Mirrors

Many bathrooms, meanwhile, some bathrooms are enjoying the Hollywood treatment, like this Urban Tungsten X-Treme prototype demonstrated at the Tough Tested 2024 programme, inspiring the X-Treme X specification, with backlit mirrors adding romantic casual charm.

S. Sophisticated Suspension  

Suspension tech is on the rise, with advanced control systems for airbags and high performance dampers among the innovations we’ve recently seen. 

And right now, we’re seeing a real uptick in air suspension like the four-stage TEKO TuffBags below. Interest in the TerraGlide suspension is improving, too. Designed by Premcar and financed by local caravan manufacturers, TerraGlide is modelled on popular semi-independent 4WD systems. Interest in Cruisemaster’s ATX airbag suspension is also on the increase, especially when teamed with the BCS airbag management system that automatically levels your camp by hunting out. 

T. Truss Chassis & Flat Floors 

This season, more manufacturers are enjoying increased clearance height and the floorplan freedoms of a truss chassis. Custom cut ARV chassis are popular among many manufacturers but we’re also seeing another player emerge: SilverShine Chassis spotted on many well known brands including this Aussie Fivestar Adventurer

U. Upgrade Power everywhere 

Mid-tier caravans and camper trailers are now enjoying ample off-grid power just like their premium stablemates with many popular models, like the multiterrain Ezytrail Airlie range of tourers seen below, qualifying for generous power system comprising 400W-600W solar arrays, 2000-3000W inverters and 400Ah/+ lithium battery banks.  

V. Vertical Grain and Panels 

Here, in this Crusader Hurricane Gladiator, demonstrates a playful approach to panelling and vertical grain in the cabinetry.

W. Water-saving Composting Toilets   

Now that low voltage power is reaching a point where it can self-sustain an air-conditioned campsite, manufacturers are turning their attentions to water savings, one of the biggest barriers to remaining unplugged. Water saving toilets like the composting unit in this Crusader X-Country below minimise consumption where storage is finite.

X. Exterior Coating

Tough, flat stone-proof coating marks a major shift in caravanning performance and aesthetics, demonstrated here on this JB Gator X launched late last year.

Y. Yellow lighting 

Time to ditch the cellophane! Manufacturers hitting the tracks are now embracing the benefits of the readily available toggled bug lighting for comfortable happy hours–like our crews riverside with these demonstrator WURKAI Outback 14 and Outback 21 below available through U-beaut Trailers.

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Z. Zigzag Shelving

Open shelving is on the increase thanks to its space saving properties, spurring some manufacturers to explore its dynamics further, seen here in this Van Cruiser Outlook Bronco below.

See new models 2025 models below!

WUDU January 2025 Monthly Issue #99