RV FEATURE
This invention allowed Cub to expand its market to cater for the booming grey nomad sector. Roger also invented the deep-sided Spacevan, now known as the Longreach.
EXPORT OR BUST
The business has experienced the ups and downs of several recessions. Roger says the toughest period was the 1980s when there was a serious downturn in the caravan and camping market. At the end of the’ 70s there were about 35,000 RV units being produced in Australia; that figure plummeted to 6000 by the end of the’ 80s. To avoid going bust, Cub entered the export market. It was a risky move that paid off. At a time when Crocodile
Dundee was dominating the box office, the Americans couldn’ t get enough of‘ Aussie made’. The United States, it seems, loved Cub’ s campers.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
Roger, now retired, has handed the business over to his three adult children. His son Shane, Cub’ s managing director, began as a factory worker at Cub more than 15 years ago.“ I remember Dad just walked me into the factory, showed
me the saw for cutting steel and said‘ you’ ll work it out’. There was no favouritism. I just had to join the production line and learn,” Shane said. Cub’ s 2018 range now includes seven models in three different sizes to cater for the varying needs of couples and families.
gorv. com. au 37