Benimar is a Spanish-built motorhome brand with 50 years of manufacturing heritage, now part of the French Trigano Group. Built in Benicarló on Spain's Mediterranean coast, Benimar motorhomes bring a touch of continental flair to the UK market, combining generous standard equipment, modern wood-free construction and competitive pricing.

The brand has carved out a strong niche in the UK since its reintroduction in 2015, offering motorhomes that are notably well-equipped as standard. Features that rival manufacturers charge extra for — full-size spare wheel, rear steadies, comprehensive safety equipment — come included in the base price, making Benimar one of the best value propositions in the European motorhome market.

Benimar's construction uses 99% wood-free materials, which virtually eliminates the risk of traditional damp and rot that plagues timber-framed rivals. The ISB (Isolation System Benimar) insulation technology provides genuine cold-weather capability, and bodywork carries a five-year warranty.

The current UK range centres on the popular Tessoro low-profile coachbuilt series, available on both Ford Transit and Fiat Ducato chassis. The Mileo offers more compact options, while the Amphitryon is the flagship A-class model. All UK models are configured for the British market with nearside habitation doors and right-hand drive.

Benimar was born in 1974 on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea in Benicarló, a coastal town in the Castellón province of Spain. The first Benimar motorhome was built in 1978, but mass production didn't begin until 1986. The brand grew steadily through the 1990s, pioneering innovations including the first motorhome sunroof and high-contrast Bi-tone furniture designs.

In 1996, production moved to larger facilities, and in 2002, Benimar joined the Trigano Group — the French leisure vehicle giant that also owns Auto-Sleepers, Auto-Trail, Chausson, Roller Team and Adria. Today, the Benimar factory covers 40,000m² with capacity to produce 3,000 motorhomes per year.

Benimar was sold in the UK until the 2008 financial crash, then disappeared from the market before being reintroduced in 2015 with considerable success. The brand is distributed exclusively in the UK through Marquis Leisure (owned by Trigano), which has a network of 13 branches across England and Wales.

Outstanding value for money — Benimar consistently includes more standard equipment in the base price than almost any competitor. What other manufacturers sell as expensive option packs comes included: full spare wheel, rear steadies, comprehensive safety features and quality appliances.

99% wood-free construction — virtually eliminates traditional damp and rot risk. Dealers report that damp Benimars are essentially unheard of, which is a significant advantage over timber-framed rivals.

Mediterranean build quality — constructed in a modern 40,000m² factory in Spain, Benimar motorhomes reflect European manufacturing standards with generous use of sealant and adhesive, attention to weatherproofing and practical layouts designed for touring in all climates.

Well-equipped for UK use — all UK models come fully configured for British buyers: nearside habitation door, right-hand drive, and interior layouts optimised for the UK market.

Trigano Group backing — as part of Europe's largest leisure vehicle group, Benimar benefits from group-wide engineering resources, parts availability and a UK dealer network through Marquis Leisure.

If you want maximum equipment for your money — no other manufacturer includes as much in the base price. A Benimar at its price point regularly comes with equipment that would cost thousands in options from Swift, Bailey or Auto-Trail.

If you're worried about damp — the 99% wood-free construction virtually eliminates the traditional damp and rot problems that plague older British-built motorhomes. The five-year bodywork warranty provides additional confidence.

If you want a practical, family-friendly layout — Benimar's Spanish designers create spacious, well-thought-out layouts with generous garages, practical kitchens and comfortable sleeping arrangements.

If you appreciate continental design with UK configuration — you get the style and build quality of a European manufacturer, but with nearside door, right-hand drive and layouts that work for British touring.

If you want Ford Transit as well as Fiat options — Benimar offers the Tessoro on both Ford and Fiat chassis, giving you a choice of base vehicle that some competitors don't provide.

Payload can be limited — the generous standard equipment adds weight, and at 3,500kg many Benimars have relatively modest remaining payload. Check the specification carefully and weigh the vehicle if possible before purchase, especially if you plan to carry bikes or heavy camping equipment.

Insulation weak spots on early models — the 2015–2016 reintroduction models had inadequate insulation above the cab area, leading to condensation issues. Later models addressed this, but check carefully on used vehicles from this period.

Minor trim quality issues — owner forums report small niggles including drawer latches coming loose, worktop edging detaching and shower trays flexing under load. These are cosmetic rather than structural, but can be annoying.

Marquis dealer network divides opinion — as the sole UK distributor, you must buy through Marquis Leisure. Owner experiences with the dealer network are mixed, with some reporting excellent service and others finding the after-sales support lacking.

Cold wardrobes — a common observation across multiple Benimar models. The wardrobes are typically located against exterior walls and can feel cold in winter, causing condensation on clothing.

Verify the wood-free construction is intact — while Benimars are 99% wood-free and largely immune to traditional damp, still check around roof lights, windows and any areas where the construction has been modified or repaired.

Check the payload carefully — weigh the vehicle or calculate the remaining payload from the specification plate. Benimars are well-equipped but heavy. Ensure you have sufficient payload for your intended use.

Inspect insulation on 2015–2016 models — check above the cab area for signs of condensation staining or added insulation panels (which may indicate the known issue was addressed).

Test all habitation systems — run the fridge, heating, water heater, hob, oven and water pump. Check all taps and inspect under sinks for leaks.

Check the Fiat or Ford base vehicle — verify service history, cam belt changes (Fiat) and check for any mechanical issues specific to the chassis platform.

Inspect shower tray — check for excessive flexing and verify the waste plumbing is sealed properly.

New Benimars come with a five-year coachbuilt bodywork warranty, two-year habitation conversion warranty and three-year base vehicle warranty. When buying used, check which warranties still apply and whether the maintenance conditions have been met.

For used purchases, look for a dealer offering an independent warranty backed by a provider like the RAC. While Benimar's wood-free construction reduces damp risk, habitation equipment and base vehicle repairs can still be costly.

OakTree Motorhomes offer up to three years of RAC-backed warranty, providing peace of mind on a brand where the value proposition depends on the generous equipment continuing to work reliably.

When buying a used Benimar, look for a dealer that offers an independent warranty backed by a provider like the RAC. This means your warranty remains valid even if the dealer ceases trading. OakTree Motorhomes offer up to three years of RAC-backed warranty, covering the average ownership period.