RECORD attendances are expected this coming weekend for a show that reflects a growing interest in holidays with your car in the great outdoors.
The return of the Motorhome and Caravan Show to the National Exhibition Centre, Birmingham (October 17 to 22) comes on the back of statistics that show a growing trend in so-called “vehicle camping” in the UK.
That market, according to one survey, has “surged in popularity”, with a 38 per cent increase in users since 2020.
Statista, who carried out the research, said that “camping demand has changed in recent years.”
“Besides being close to nature, which helps some travellers to unwind, one driver for this trend was the covid-19 pandemic.”
The survey found that “due to lockdowns and closed international travel, some countries saw an increase in domestic vacationing”.
By 2027, the prediction is that 6.9 million UK users will be utilising their vehicles for camping holidays.
It helps, of course, if you already have a large SUV or pick-up, which are easily adaptable with such equipment as rooftop tents and awnings.
However, there are many variations available and at the Birmingham show there will be many demonstrations of new innovations for all kinds of vehicles, however humble.
Visitors can shop from a choice of hundreds of products, including fixed and drive-away awnings, porches, camping furniture, wifi and security systems, tech and a host of gadgets.
Isuzu, the pick-up specialist, has been quick to see an opportunity to supply the kind of vehicles that might serve this growing trend well.
Alan Able, managing director of Isuzu UK, said: “We’ve witnessed an incredible surge in interest in camping, and the Isuzu D-Max Expedition Edition and AT35 Basecamp models have become the go-to vehicles for outdoor enthusiasts looking for adventure, off-road capability and convenience.
“Our commitment to providing top-notch vehicles designed for camping has resonated with a growing camping community in the UK.”
Isuzu has also enlisted the endorsement of Alan Hinkes, an experienced English mountaineer, and Everest climber.
Hinkes said when commenting of the merits of the Isuzu D-Max AT35 Basecamp: “The hardtop is voluminous, and I was able to chuck in all of my gear. The drawer and cooking unit are also exceptionally tidy. It’s quick to pack away, too. It’s a brilliant piece of kit.”
The new-look Isuzu D-Max Expedition Edition and AT35 Basecamp incorporate a range of enhancements, such as a colour-coded canopy, easy-to-set-up rooftop tent, awning, refrigerator, and a versatile drawer set equipped with a fully functional kitchen unit.
The AT35 Basecamp also features an addition of Arctic Trucks accessories, such as 35in off-road tyres and new wheels, extended wheel arches, custom grille, and cosmetic changes in the interior with AT35 branding.
Isuzu has maximised the ultimate off-road capability of these vehicles with easy-to-use camping accessories fitted on make Expedition Edition and AT35 Basecamp.
Campsites and holiday parks from across the UK and Europe will be on hand at the Birmingham show to provide “inspiration and information for your next big adventure”.
Plus, there’s plenty of free, expert advice for experienced campers and those new to the campervan, motorhome or caravan lifestyle.
There are trailer tents and folding caravans, which offer the “perfect middle ground” between a touring caravan and a tent. These offer more comfort than a standard tent, but are lighter to tow than an average caravan.
With more than 350 exhibitors, spanning 11 halls, the event is the UK leisure vehicle industry’s national showcase.
For more information visit www.thenec.co.uk/whats-on/motorhome-and-caravan-show