Australian Off Road caravan factory shuts down, leaving customers and staff stranded

Australian Off Road, a caravan manufacturer on the Sunshine Coast, abruptly halted production and shut its Caloundra factory, leaving the premises empty and communication channels dead. Customers who have paid deposits report being unable to reach the firm, and owners of older models fear for the status of warranties and servicing. The closure follows the December administration of fellow Sunshine Coast builder Zone RV, which left many customers out of pocket.

A newly formed online community of affected buyers now numbers almost 800 members. The business, established in 2000 by director Steve Budden alongside Russell Evans, is still registered with ASIC, though no formal insolvency process has been disclosed. Attempts by reporters to speak with Budden were unsuccessful.