Tax on motorhomes threatens to price grey nomads out of retirement dreams

Grey nomads might have to give up their travel dreams, when their mid-range motorhomes are taxed like luxuries.

The Queensland government is being accused of hitting grey nomads with a greedy tax, which will add thousands of dollars to the cost of a campervan.

The two-percent tax on luxury cars will apply to vehicles worth more than $100,000, and weighing less than 4.5 tonnes.

Retailers say that includes most new motorhomes and campervans.

Alan Dawes bought his motorhome nearly five years ago, with the dream of driving around Australia.

But the new state tax could prove a road-block for like-minded retirees.

"If I was buying this vehicle now, it would affect me by about nine-thousand-dollars. Which makes it out of the reach for a lot of people," Mr Dawes says.

The Opposition Leader is accusing the government of a greedy tax grab on grey nomads.

"They've paid their taxes and now, when they're in the prime of their life when they want to get out and enjoy this beautiful state, they're going to be slugged even more," Deb Frecklington says.

Some retailers say they are concerned they could be out of pocket, if they are forced to cover the tax on campervans they have already sold to customers.

"If I don't pass it on, which I can't... it will cost myself and my partner $96,000," John Burke from Explorer Motorhomes says.

Caravanning groups are concerned the tax could also have flow-on effects to tourism in country Queensland.

"80% of tourism out there at this time of year is in caravans and motorhomes," The CEO of Caravanning Queensland, Ron Chapman, says.

"If people can't buy them and keep going around Queensland, then we're in strife."

The government says caravans and trailers will be exempt.

"But if it is one of those luxurious vehicles then it might attract some duties," says Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk.