ABC Illawarra: Justin Huntsdale
)Before COVID, cabinetmaker Callum Keyssecker and carpenter Chris Holmes were renovating their friends' vans into campervans for some extra income and trying their hands at a different style of work.
In a global pandemic and under its restrictions on international air travel, it would make their skill sets heavily in demand.
The pair from Kiama on the NSW South Coast are booked-out with van conversions until June — for those able to buy a van to renovate in the first place.
"It was just a little niche thing and we thought we'd give it a crack, and then COVID helped us out," Mr Holmes said.
"No-one is spending money to go overseas so people have that money they would have otherwise spent.
Younger generation of style-conscious camper
Mr Holmes and Mr Keyssecker said it was common — even encouraged — for people to come to them with a Pinterest folder full of their ideas for a van conversion.
Renovated vans have become Instagram gold as people entertain the idea of a carefree lifestyle blended with modern comforts and a stylish design.
"We like to see their inspiration and that gives us an idea of what they want," Mr Holmes said.
"It's pretty much a home on wheels."
Other popular features include wall-mounted televisions, kitchens in drawers, and beds that turn into lounge areas.
'Massive game of Tetris'
Trying to fit a customer's ideas into the van they want renovated is a major challenge of the job.
"It's pretty much just a massive game of Tetris," Mr Keyssecker said.
"We sit back and look at the van and look at how things affect each component.
Manufacturer struggling to keep up with demand
ABC Illawarra: Justin Huntsdale
)Their young customer base represents a growing sector of campervan users in Australia.
But caravan manufacturer Jayco has also seen a spike in business from younger customers.
"The grey nomad market has always been quite strong, but recently we have seen an increase across all segments — particularly couples and the younger adventure market which are people in the 25-35 age range," Jayco national sales manager Scott Jones said.
Supplied: Callum Keyssecker
)For recreational vehicle [RV] manufacturer Jayco, the Melbourne lockdown affecting their Victorian plant came right when business was booming.
The company recently advertised to hire 200 extra staff to try to keep up with demand after the eight-week lockdown caused a backlog of orders.
"It also helps boost the local economy and businesses that may have been affected by the pandemic in the last 12 months."
