IH Motorhomes is a premium British van conversion specialist based in Knottingley, West Yorkshire, building luxury campervans and motorhomes by hand since 1992. Founded by cabinetmaker Ian Hartley, the company has earned a devoted following among enthusiasts who value hand-built quality, bespoke customisation and exceptional fit and finish.

Unlike mass-production manufacturers, IH builds each vehicle in a dedicated bay with a small team of craftspeople. This means every IH motorhome is effectively bespoke — customers can specify layouts, materials, colours and equipment to create a vehicle that precisely matches their requirements. This customisability is central to IH's appeal.

The current range is built primarily on the Fiat Ducato, VW Crafter and IVECO Daily chassis platforms. Models include the 600 RD/S4 and 630 RD/S4 on the Fiat Ducato, and the 680 RD on the VW Crafter. The innovative N-Class range features a unique side entrance module that transforms the van conversion into something approaching a coachbuilt motorhome in terms of livability, while retaining the compact dimensions and everyday drivability of a panel van.

IH has won numerous industry awards and is widely regarded as producing some of the finest van conversions available in the UK. The build quality is such that used examples are rare and command premium prices — a testament to owners' reluctance to part with them.

IH Motorhomes was founded in 1992 by Ian Hartley, a cabinet and pattern maker by trade who turned his craftsmanship to campervan manufacturing. The 'IH' initials derive from his name. Ian's first conversion was taken to a motorhome show at York Racecourse — not as an official exhibitor, but parked in the car park with a 'For Sale' sign. The build quality drew such attention that he was soon invited to exhibit officially.

Starting from a small lock-up in Castleford, West Yorkshire, the business grew steadily through the 1990s and 2000s, undertaking several site moves to keep pace with demand. In 2005, IH moved to its current purpose-built facility in Knottingley, West Yorkshire, with a dedicated consultation area and NCC Approved Workshop.

A major milestone came in 2013 with the introduction of the N-Class — a revolutionary van conversion concept featuring a side entrance module that replaced the traditional van sliding door with a motorhome-style habitation door, blurring the line between van conversion and coachbuilt motorhome.

IH remains privately owned by Ian Hartley and has deliberately stayed small. The company has never aimed to mass-produce — instead building each vehicle by hand in dedicated bays with a small team of skilled craftspeople. This boutique approach has established IH as one of the most respected premium van conversion brands in the UK.

Exceptional hand-built quality — every IH motorhome is built by skilled craftspeople in dedicated bays, not on a production line. The furniture, fittings and finish are consistently described as superb by owners and reviewers alike.

Bespoke customisation — IH offers a level of personalisation that mass manufacturers cannot match. Customers work directly with the factory to specify layouts, materials, colours and equipment, creating a truly individual vehicle.

The N-Class innovation — the N-Class concept, with its motorhome-style side entrance module replacing the standard van sliding door, was a genuinely original idea that created a new sub-category of van conversion with significantly improved habitation space and weather protection.

Outstanding owner satisfaction — IH owners are remarkably loyal, and it's genuinely rare to find an unhappy one. The after-sales support from the Knottingley factory is consistently praised as excellent.

Premium resale value — used IH motorhomes are rare and highly sought-after, commanding prices that reflect their quality. A well-maintained IH depreciates very slowly.

If you want the finest van conversion money can buy — IH represents the pinnacle of UK van conversion quality. If you appreciate hand-crafted furniture, impeccable fit and finish, and attention to detail that mass manufacturers simply cannot achieve, IH is the gold standard.

If you want a bespoke vehicle — working directly with the factory to specify your exact requirements means you get precisely the motorhome you want, not a compromise from a fixed range.

If you value a personal relationship with the manufacturer — IH is small enough that you deal directly with the people who build your vehicle. The after-sales support and personal touch are exceptional.

If you want van conversion practicality with motorhome comfort — the N-Class range offers a genuine alternative to a coachbuilt motorhome in a vehicle you can park in normal spaces and drive every day.

If long-term value matters — IH motorhomes hold their value exceptionally well. Used examples are rare and sought-after, making the premium purchase price a sound investment.

Premium pricing — IH motorhomes are significantly more expensive than mass-produced alternatives. The hand-built quality commands a substantial premium over brands like Auto-Trail or Swift.

Limited availability — small production numbers mean waiting lists can be long for new vehicles, and used examples are rare. You may need patience to find the right IH.

Payload can be tight — the high specification and quality fittings add weight. Some models have limited remaining payload once fuel and driver are accounted for, which can be an issue if you want to carry bikes, a full water tank and camping gear. Check the payload carefully before buying.

Two-berth focus — most IH models are designed for two people. If you need more berths or travel seats, the options are limited compared to mass-production brands.

Limited documentation — some owners note that IH provides minimal technical literature. Wiring diagrams in particular can be hard to obtain, which can be frustrating if you need to troubleshoot electrical issues.

Interior styling can divide opinion — while the build quality is universally praised, some feel the interior design aesthetic leans traditional rather than contemporary. This is very much a matter of personal taste.

Check the payload carefully — weigh the vehicle if possible, or at minimum check the specification plate and calculate the remaining payload after fuel and driver. IH motorhomes are well-equipped but this adds weight, and exceeding 3,500kg has insurance and legal implications.

Verify it's a genuine IH — the build quality should be immediately obvious. If anything looks poorly fitted, roughly finished or 'not quite right', investigate further. A genuine IH in typical condition should look nearly new even after years of use.

Check the base vehicle thoroughly — whatever the chassis (Fiat Ducato, VW Crafter, IVECO Daily), check the mechanical condition, service history and any known issues for the specific engine/gearbox combination.

Inspect the habitation systems — test all appliances, heating, water system and electrics. While IH build quality is excellent, all motorhome systems require maintenance and components can wear over time.

Look for rust underneath and in door footwells — while corrosion protection is generally good, check underneath the vehicle and in vulnerable areas. This is more relevant on older examples.

Verify the full history — IH motorhomes should have a documented history. Any gaps or missing records should prompt further investigation.

IH motorhomes are typically sold with a manufacturer's warranty on the conversion, alongside the base vehicle manufacturer's warranty. When buying used, check whether any remaining warranty applies.

For used purchases, look for a dealer offering an independent warranty backed by a provider like the RAC. While IH build quality is exceptional, the premium components and bespoke nature of these vehicles can make repairs expensive if issues arise.

OakTree Motorhomes offer up to three years of RAC-backed warranty, which provides valuable protection on a premium vehicle where replacement parts and specialist labour carry premium pricing.

When buying a used IH, 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.