Coachmen is a major American RV manufacturer with 60+ years of history, now part of Forest River/Berkshire Hathaway. While primarily a North American brand, Coachmen motorhomes occasionally appear on the UK used market as private imports.

UK-relevant models that may appear include:

Class B campervans — the Nova (RAM ProMaster), Beyond (Ford Transit) and Galleria (Mercedes Sprinter) are the most UK-road-friendly Coachmen products.

Class C motorhomes — mid-size cab-over models that occasionally appear as imports.

Class A motorhomes — full-size American motorhomes including the Mirada that are very large for UK roads.

Coachmen was founded in 1964 by three brothers — Tom, Keith and Claude Corson — in Middlebury, Indiana, starting in a 5,000 square foot plant with 12 travel trailer models. The company grew rapidly to become one of America's most significant RV manufacturers.

Coachmen pioneered the revolutionary 'Buck Stops Here' warranty — taking responsibility for the entire RV rather than forcing customers to deal with individual component manufacturers. This concept became standard across the entire RV industry.

Through acquisitions, Coachmen expanded to include Viking (1968), Shasta and Sportscoach (1981). In 1983, Coachmen joined the Fortune 500 list.

In December 2008, Coachmen was acquired by Forest River Inc., itself a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway. Manufacturing continues at the Middlebury facility across nearly 220 acres.

Pioneer of the comprehensive warranty — Coachmen's 'Buck Stops Here' warranty revolutionised the RV industry by making one company responsible for the entire vehicle.

Fortune 500 heritage — one of the few RV manufacturers to achieve Fortune 500 status, demonstrating enormous scale and market impact.

Berkshire Hathaway backing — through Forest River, Coachmen benefits from one of the world's most successful conglomerates' financial stability.

60+ years of continuous production — since 1964, Coachmen has maintained its position as a leading American RV brand.

If you want an American RV with heritage — 60+ years of continuous production and Fortune 500 pedigree.

If you want a Class B on Mercedes Sprinter — the Galleria offers American RV features on a UK-friendly platform.

If Berkshire Hathaway stability appeals — few motorhome manufacturers can match this level of corporate backing.

Not designed for UK roads — most Coachmen models are designed for American highways and are too large for UK use.

Left-hand drive only — all production is LHD.

No UK dealer network — parts, servicing and warranty require specialist importers or US sourcing.

Different gas and electrical standards — US propane and 110V electrical systems require conversion for UK use.

Import complexity — registration, IVA testing and system conversions add significant cost and complexity.

Check UK road legality — verify width, length and weight comply with UK regulations.

Verify gas and electrical conversion — US systems must be properly converted to UK standards.

Check import documentation — confirm SVA/IVA test, UK registration and insurance arrangements.

Inspect the base vehicle — check according to the specific chassis platform (RAM, Ford, Mercedes or commercial).

Coachmen manufacturer warranty applies in North America only through the Forest River dealer network. UK buyers will have no manufacturer warranty coverage.

Specialist American RV importers may offer their own warranty packages. Independent mechanical warranty is strongly recommended for UK owners.

When buying a used Coachmen, 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.