The Motorhome and Caravan Show 2024: Key Highlights from NEC Birmingham

Just got back from a few mad days at the NEC (October 15-20), and crikey - what a different show this year! Honestly didn't expect to see what I saw, especially those prices. Let me spill the tea...

The Price Drop Drama

Right, so remember how six months ago you couldn't get a discount if your life depended on it? Well, that's all changed! Nearly every stand was offering deals. Adria especially were going all out - saw some prices that made me do a double-take. We're talking serious money off, plus extras thrown in for free. Mental.

Even better? No more of those ridiculous waiting times for new vans! Chatted to several dealers who said their supply issues are finally sorted. Some were even offering same-month delivery - when's the last time you heard that?

The Big Van Takeover

Bit of a shock seeing so few VW T6.1s this year. Instead, it was all about the bigger boys:

  • Loads of Fiat Ducatos looking fancy
  • Some proper nice Ford-based stuff from Swift and Bailey
  • VW Crafters everywhere you looked
  • Mercedes making everyone's jaws drop

Speaking of Mercedes...

Right, let me geek out for a minute about Mercedes. They're really giving VW Crafter a run for their money now. The driver's cabin is just... chef's kiss. Saw some gorgeous ones from Adria and Weinsberg. Malibu had this one that... well, let's just say my lottery numbers better come in soon.

Fresh Faces

Spotted something interesting - Project Yonder actually sold one at the show! Not bad for the new kids. Kaktus was back too (remember them from February?). Nice to see some fresh faces mixing it up with the big boys.

Celebrity Spotting

The YouTube lot were out in force:

  • Caught the Roaming Radfords at the Camping and Caravanning Club stand - their Turkey series is proper brilliant by the way
  • Chris Sloanes doing his thing at Park4Night
  • Motorhome Matt was everywhere! Swear I saw him interviewing half the show
  • Karina and Jules from Here We Tow giving everything a proper once-over

Show Vibes

Bit different this year crowd-wise. Heard some numbers being thrown around - something like 15,000 to 20,000 visitors per day. Still packed on the weekend mind you, but you could actually breathe during the week!

Here's a top tip I discovered way too late - get yourself a Camping and Caravanning Club membership. They were doing free coffee for members. Proper coffee too, not that instant muck. Saved me a fortune and kept me caffeinated through those long show days!

Family Fun

The Caravan and Motorhome Club stand was properly busy - kids getting their faces painted, people swapping travel stories. Though trying to get through the crowds on Saturday and Sunday... mate. Like trying to squeeze through Tesco on Christmas Eve!

The Actual Vans Though...

You can really see how things have moved on. The bigger vans especially - the storage solutions are getting cleverer, the tech's better (though sometimes I wonder if we need quite so many buttons), and some of the layouts are properly thought through.

Funny Moments

Had to laugh watching someone try to explain to their other half why they NEEDED that top-spec Mercedes conversion. Been there, mate. Also spotted at least three people measuring their driveways on their phones - you know exactly what they were thinking!

Got a chuckle watching people sprint to the Camping and Caravanning Club stand first thing - guess word about that free coffee got around!

Worth Your Time?

If you're thinking about going next year, do it. Just maybe not on the weekend unless you enjoy queuing. And take snacks - those show-day sandwich prices are daylight robbery!

Pro tips if you're planning a visit:

  • Get there early (the coffee queue is shorter)
  • Sort that Camping and Caravanning Club membership (free coffee, need I say more?)
  • Wear comfy shoes (your feet will thank me later)
  • Take pictures of the spec sheets (you won't remember the details later, trust me)
  • Bring water (see sandwich comment above)
  • Go mid-week if you can (weekend crowds are no joke)
  • Take measurements of your driveway (save yourself that panic later)

Final Thoughts

This year's show felt different - in a good way. Those price drops are a game-changer, seeing Mercedes properly competing with VW Crafter is exciting, and the supply chain sorting itself out means you might actually get your van this side of Christmas!

Can't wait to see what next year brings. Though my wallet's probably hoping I stay home...

P.S. If anyone snagged one of those show deals, drop a comment below - love to hear what you got! And to whoever kept nabbing the last custard cream at the Club stand - I saw you! 😉