Motorhomes by Andrew Jenkinson

Author:Andrew Jenkinson [Jenkinson, A.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Inf.
ISBN: [2010.01.06]
Publisher: [Côte d’Azur]
Published: 2002-12-31T16:00:00+00:00

The Land Rover series didn’t escape conversion. Dormobile and Carawagon (pictured) gave a new meaning to getting away from it all. Range Rovers, too, received this treatment. Interiors were not over-generous on living space…

Turner’s had also had an input into motorhome design with Motor Caravan Conversions in Berkhamstead. Madison’s, an up-and-coming Southport motorhome dealer, which later moved to Kirkham, Preston, in Lancashire, had its own, dealer-designed special with the Freedom Transit-based, 3-berth, elevating roof model. The Range Rover also received attention from Carawagon and Dormobile, who both did conversions on this new prestige 4x4. Dormobile used its famous elevating roof, which gave two large folding beds at roof level. The rear seat could be folded down to form a double bed, and the kitchen was positioned at the rear offside of the Range Rover. Sales were limited for all three conversions, especially with prices of around £2900!

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Several new motorhome manufacturers were setting up during this period, and one of the most impressive models was the Inca of 1971, which was based on the Ford Transit. Cooper and Griffin, a Rugby company, had started conversions after manufacturing furniture units for defunct Transworld motorhomes. The Inca offered coachbuilt build qualities along with standard features such as a water heater, electric water pump, 18-gallon underfloor water tank, low water tank indicator and hose water socket. Furniture quality was excellent, but the best feature was the soundproofing, which reduced all the usual engine and road noise. It also played a part in insulating the Inca; the cost came out at around £1500.

Another new model was the Bristolian coachbuilt motorhome launched by tourer and motorhome dealer Welch & Co (it was built by Bristol Coachbuilders). The luxury unit was built onto the Bedford 126in wheelbase, 25cwt, luxe CF chassis cab. Boasting a full specification, this 2⁄3 berth cost £2875 in 1972, but came with a fridge, oven, hot water, 12-volt sockets and shaver point. Sales, however, were limited.

Ashbow Conversions, based at Stoke Bruerne, Northants, offered elevating roof designs based on Bedford, Ford, BLMC and Commer chassis. VW Highlander models were also produced by the company since early 1972.

Ken Oxley over in Hull was the man behind two caravan dealerships, but his small company had been producing some special units over the years. Oxley applied his skills to motorhome manufacture in the early 1970s, and produced quality units based on the Commer 1500. Oxley had a small GRP factory where a complete new rear end panel was produced for the Commer. It was usually the case that the rear had a fold-up door; Oxley replaced the now defunct doors with a new panel.

The Commer had storage for two small gas cylinders just below the wardrobe base. A large kitchen unit was another plus with the Oxley.

In 1972, Dandy – better known for trailer tents – opted to build a semi-pickup unit on the now defunct Moskvich pickup van. This three-berth, piggyback motorhome came with a child’s bunk in the overhead cab. Keeping costs down, varnished ply was used for the furniture, and there was a small kitchen and wardrobe only.

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