Very similar to the auto industry where consumer preferences are changing – from passenger cars & wagons to SUVs. SUVs satisfy users’ needs – higher riding, load carrying and image.
And so, CT users’ needs have also changed – easier setup, more functionality (inclusions) and image.
The traditional family CT is now largely imported and at the budget end. New and more specialised soft floor campers such as the South African offerings, Patriot, DOT, etc. are catering for people wanting a lightweight camper with fast set-up and who are willing to pay for this.
With the increased types and segmentation of campers available, and the lower price points, existing higher end soft floors will only be purchased by those who specifically want such a camper and I feel those numbers are diminishing. Prices will reflect this imbalance.
I have a 10 year old tough and simple soft floor camper (I've owned for 8 years). With the boys now 15 and 18, and in swags, I wanted a camper that I could put up easily on my own. Could have bought a hard floor but would have cost me a lot to change over and I didn’t fancy the weight*. So I sold the old 12ft tent and had a 4ft one made for me. With all my mods that suit me and make it individual, I now have a camper that will do me for a long while.
Is the market dead for the traditional soft floor – over a certain price point – undeniably yes.
*most FF campers now have an empty tare weight of approx. 1.4T – mine weighs in at 1.2T fully loaded.
Cheers
TC
