While supply chain issues continue to hamper the caravan manufacturing industry, the delays and restrictions don’t seem to be a constraint on development. At least with the highly popular New Age range, the team has been busy coming up with exciting new features to set their Wayfinder camper trailer apart from the competitive edge. Jade Caravan Finance covers off on news from New Age Caravans with the features on the upcoming 2022 models, the challenges still facing the industry and camper trailer loans.
Updates to Wayfinder
When deciding on the type of RV to buy, a major buying decision for some may be the ease of a traditional caravan over say setting up a camper trailer. While manufacturers go a long way to make the camper set-up as easy as possible, it can be a challenge for some users. New Age has gone a step further with the inclusion of a power-operated mechanism to set up and pack down the roof of the Wayfinder.
Previously the process involved manually winding a winch and cable set-up. Now the process can be a lot easier with this new power system which is operated with a touchscreen control. The controller is located on the front boot of the camper and facilitates essentially a hands-free process to raise/lower the roof. This new electric roof mechanism is seen as a key competitive difference to the wind-up operated models offered by some other manufacturers.
The ease of operation is sure to be a winner for many buyers, especially when arriving at the campsite or park late in the day. Regardless of being perhaps a bit tired from a long drive or being physically or mobility challenged, this new feature should have your Wayfinder set up and ready very easily, in 2 minutes, according to the company.
What else is new on the Wayfinder? According to reports, the cabinetry has been improved, the seat cushions on the dinette are thicker, updated plug and play wiring is included and there is a fresh design on the alloy wheels. There are apparently a few other new treats in store, but we’ll let buyers discover these in person when discussing their choice of model with their New Age dealer.
The models include the Comfort model with extra packs available. The packs include the Comfort Plus and Adventurer Pack. The new models are expected to start rolling out in late 2021. Check out the latest offerings and your local dealer to talk price, and features and place your order.
Make sure you have our Jade Caravan Finance calculator handy on your phone to work out the repayment variations with the inclusion of different packs and options.
CEO Message Highlights Industry Challenges
There have been many a multitude of issues faced by all industries as a result of the COVID pandemic and adding to that, a global shortage of microprocessors, shipping delays and other issues are impacting both Australian and international businesses.
The caravan manufacturing industry has been facing its share of the fall-out which has been compounded by a welcome surge in sales through 2020 as a result of border closures. Great to have the sales and the interest in getting into the caravan lifestyle, but makers have been swamped with orders which has led to delayed deliveries.
In a very public message posted on the company website, CEO of New Age Ivan Krizman, explains the situation in a statement that captures the challenges faced by many in the sector. Mr Krizman explains that despite the easing of many restrictions, the industry was still managing the impacts of the pandemic. He says these include supply chain issues with suppliers both internationally and locally affected; uncertain freight times to secure the components and raw materials; production delays caused by being caught up in exposure site restrictions; and restrictions to production processes and timing as a result of implementing a COVID-safe plan.
A key point mentioned was the requirement for safe physical distancing which meant that fewer individuals could work on a vehicle at the same time when normally it would be many more. This slows down the entire manufacturing process as caravans and RVs are typically built to order with a very hands-on procedure.
These issues are causing delivery delays for New Age and for many other manufacturers. Buyers will need to be patient or try to secure a showroom model or a vehicle from the few that do have ‘ready for immediate delivery’ availability.
Caravan Finance Scenario
Jade Caravan Finance continues to support buyers with our cheap interest rate caravan loans which are readily available either as pre-approved loans or for finance after the order has been placed. If you have arranged finance and now find delivery delayed, contact us or your lender if this will impact your loan arrangements.
If looking for 2022 delivery of one of the new Wayfinder models, contact us for a quote or go to our calculator to get a rough estimate of repayments to start planning your purchase.
Call 1300 000 003 for a quote on a New Age Wayfinder 2022 Model
DISCLAIMER: THE DETAILS AND INFORMATION IN THIS CONTENT ARE PREPARED AND PRESENTED PURELY FOR INFORMATION AND NOT INTENDED IN ANY WAY AS THE SOLE SOURCE OF FINANCIAL ADVICE FOR CARAVAN PURCHASING. IF ADDITIONAL FINANCIAL ADVICE IS REQUIRED, READERS SHOULD REFER TO A FINANCIAL ADVISOR. NO LIABILITY IS ACCEPTED FOR ANY ERRORS, PRODUCT DESCRIPTION VARIATIONS, OR OTHER MISREPRESENTATIONS OF INFORMATION AS PRESENTED.
