Fleetwood has two distinct identities in the UK motorhome market. Fleetwood Heritage produced European-style motorhomes at its Wigan factory on Fiat Ducato chassis — these are the models most commonly found on the UK used market. American Fleetwood Class A and Class C motorhomes occasionally appear as imports.
UK-relevant models include:
Fleetwood Heritage range — European coachbuilt and low-profile motorhomes manufactured in Wigan. Models include the Colchester, Garland, Seville and various numbered model designations.
American Fleetwood models that may appear as imports include the Bounder, Flair, Pace Arrow and Discovery Class A motorhomes.
Fleetwood Enterprises was founded in 1950 in Riverside, California by John C. Crean, initially manufacturing window blinds for travel trailers before moving into trailer and motorhome production.
The company grew to become one of the largest RV manufacturers in America. In the UK, Fleetwood had a significant presence through its Fleetwood Heritage division, which produced European-style motorhomes on Fiat Ducato chassis at a factory in Wigan, Lancashire.
Fleetwood achieved Fortune 500 status, reflecting its enormous scale. However, the company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2009 during the financial crisis. The motorhome division was acquired by REV Group, which continues to produce Fleetwood-branded American motorhomes.
The UK Fleetwood Heritage operation closed, but many Fleetwood Heritage motorhomes remain on UK roads — these are Fiat Ducato-based European-style motorhomes quite different from their American counterparts.
UK-built Heritage range — the Wigan factory produced affordable, practical European motorhomes that served the British market well.
American RV giant — one of the largest motorhome manufacturers in US history, achieving Fortune 500 status.
Accessible pricing — Fleetwood Heritage models offered good value in the UK budget motorhome market.
Fiat Ducato reliability — UK Heritage models benefit from the widely-supported Fiat Ducato platform.
If you want an affordable used UK motorhome — Fleetwood Heritage models offer good value on the used market with practical layouts.
If you want Fiat Ducato parts availability — the Heritage range's Ducato base means straightforward mechanical servicing.
If you want an American RV experience — imported American Fleetwood models offer large-scale motorhoming.
Manufacturer no longer active in UK — the Wigan factory closed, meaning no manufacturer support for Heritage models.
Parts availability for conversion-specific items — while the Fiat base is well-supported, Heritage-specific habitation parts may be difficult to source.
Budget build quality — Heritage models were positioned at the affordable end, with materials reflecting this.
Brand confusion — the Fleetwood name covers very different vehicles (UK Heritage vs American motorhomes).
Depreciation — discontinued brand status affects resale values.
Identify the model type — establish whether it's a UK Heritage (Fiat Ducato-based) or American import. The buying considerations are very different.
For Heritage models — check the Fiat Ducato base vehicle: cam belt, clutch, gearbox. Conduct thorough damp check as some Heritage models were known for water ingress.
For American imports — verify UK registration, gas and electrical conversion, and road legality.
Check habitation condition carefully — with no manufacturer backup, any habitation faults will need independent repair.
- Identify UK Heritage or American import
- For Heritage check Fiat Ducato cam belt
- Test clutch operation and gearbox
- Conduct thorough damp check with meter
- Check around all windows and doors
- Inspect around rooflights for water ingress
- Check rear wall for damp especially
- Test heating system to full temperature
- Test water system hot and cold
- Run fridge on all modes
- Test all 12V and 240V circuits
- Check leisure battery condition
- Inspect interior fittings for wear
- Check overcab area if coachbuilt
- Verify habitation service history
- Check bodywork condition and paintwork
- Check for delamination on side panels
- Inspect floor for soft spots
- Check current MOT and advisory history
- Test drive for mechanical condition
No manufacturer warranty is available for Fleetwood Heritage models as the UK operation has closed. American Fleetwood warranty applies in North America only.
An independent warranty backed by the RAC is strongly recommended for any used Fleetwood purchase.
OakTree Motorhomes offer up to three years of RAC-backed warranty, providing essential protection on a motorhome from a discontinued manufacturer.
When buying a used Fleetwood, 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.