Motorhome Insider: RS Motorhomes
47d25de1-15d5-441f-926c-a4d5b46f2a61
RS Motorhomes is Britain’s only A-class manufacturer, producing high-end coachbuilts that start at £138,000 and rise to…well the sky’s the limit.
But that is all about to change as it has confirmed it is to build a 3.5-tonne coachbuilt for the first time. In addition, RSis about to launch a new rising roof campervan based on the Volkswagen T5 (SWB or LWB).
But it is the arrival of the new entry-level 3.5-tonne coachbuilt – which will be launched in late 2014 – that is of most interest. The new coachbuilt will sit on a Fiat Ducato/Al-Ko chassis, although RS also plans to build on the Mercedes
Sprinter. RS customers often prefer a Merc, not just because of its badge, but also because it is rear-wheel drive.
“We’re being driven towards smaller coachbuilts, but we will retain RS’ quality, just in a smaller vehicle,” explains Mick Rowe. “We only use high-quality materials and we build everything in-house. That will not change.”
In January 2013, RS secured funding from a venture capital company, Seneca Investments, which has allowed it to invest in developing the new models. Mick says the arrival of Seneca has given added security to RS and also allowed
it to expand and move to its new 3.5-acre site just off the A1 near Doncaster, which acts as a production, administration, body repair shop and sales outlet.
“We’re now 100 per cent stable and have a fantastic backer behind us.”
He says the move into producing smaller coachbuilts is part of a growth strategy that will eventually also see RS producing a range of campervans. Mick confirmed that it is likely that it will build a new van conversion on the Fiat Ducato later this year, so the company will have three van-based models – on Ducato, T5 and Sprinter.
This will make the one-time producer of luxury coachbuilts a major force in the British camper market. In contrast, until recently, RS was only building on the Sprinter, or the Iveco Daily and Mercedes Atego for its larger models.
While demand from RS’ traditional motorsport market has been somewhat insulated from the recession, it is still a small sector. And RS’ other niche market – motorhomes for the disabled – is also small. Therefore, its expansion into the leisure market comes as no surprise.
“We will always be at the top end, but we are getting more people coming from mainstream manufacturers who just can’t find the layout and the quality they want,” explains Mick. “We now have more leisure customers than from the
sports and disabled markets.” And it is this new demand that has driven the move to build smaller, lighter models.
Indeed the arrival of an all-new 3.5-tonne coachbuilt opens the Yorkshire-based marque to a whole raft of potential new customers. But while it is looking to the more traditional 3.5-tonne motorhome and campervan markets for growth, RS is still developing models in the niche A-class and Liner market. For a start, it is likely the new coachbuilt will also be available on a 5-tonne chassis, giving customers the flexibility to upgrade and specify a slide-out, which will only be possible on a 5,000kg chassis.
This Insider interview is an extract from February 2014 Which Motorhome. To purchase your copy, click here.
More useful Motorhome pages:
Motorhomes for Sale | Motorhome Reviews | Sell Your Motorhome | Motorhome Advice | Motorhome Buyers' Guide
Motorhome News | Motorhome Articles | Motorhome Forums
Campsite Finder
MMM (Motorcaravan Motorhome Monthly) Magazine | Which Motorhome Magazine | Motorhome Shows
Recent Updates
Campervan festivals: all you need to know
Get the lowdown on going to a festival with your campervan. We've got everything you need to know, from choosing the right festival to deciding what ...
Off-grid campervans: what you need to know
Ditching electric hook-up and wild camping in your campervan is a great, low-cost way to enjoy the outdoors ...
Where and how to sell my motorhome: the ultimate guide
Whatever your reason for selling, there are a number of steps to take to try to get the best price for your ...
Gas tanks or refillable cylinders: our guide to motorhome gas
From cooking dinner to the central heating, gas is an essential feature of motorhoming – here, we explore ...
Engine management lights: all you need to know
What is the engine management light? What does it mean, and what do I have to do? ...
Motorhome air suspension: all you need to know
Motorhomes are heavy and the additional weight of equipment and height of the bodywork can increase the loads ...
Motorhome WiFi: how to get better motorhome internet
Staying connected on the move is more and more essential, so relying on campsite WiFi isn't an option – here ...
A class of their own - our guide to A-class motorhomes
Thinking of trading up to an A-class, or even going straight to the top of the motorhome tree? We guide you ...
Explore overseas on a motorhome dream tour
Enjoy exotic travel in a campervan or motorhome by hiring, swapping with someone else or exporting your ...
Motorhome water systems: everything you need to know
On-board water is an important part of every motorhome – here’s everything you need to know ...
Other Articles
Campervanning in Europe: what you need to know
Whether you're planning a leisurely drive through the French countryside, navigating bustling city streets in Italy or winding your way around ...
Campervan security: all you need to know
With thefts on the increase, it’s important to know how to keep your campervan secure and prevent campervan ...
Campervan furniture: everything you need to know
Our campervan experts guide you through all the essentials for your campervan, including tables, chairs, ...
Campervan finance: how to fund your purchase
Here we look at the different types of campervan finance available, to help you decide what’s the best option ...
Britain’s best used motorhomes
Want a great motorhome without paying the premium for a new one? Here's a guide to the best you can get in ...
Which motorhome? Choosing the perfect motorhome for you
Choosing a motorhome or campervan is one of the biggest buying decisions you’ll ever make, so it's important ...
Campervan washroom essentials: stay fresh on the road
Our guide will take you through the campervan washroom essentials you'll need so you're well-prepared for ...
Dogs in campervans: all you need to know
Follow our advice and your dog will enjoy campervanning as much as you do ...
Electric campervans: all you need to know
Our guide will take you through everything you need to know about electric campervans and what the future ...
Motorhome electrics: a complete guide to your motorhome electrical set-up
Motorhome electrics can dramatically enhance the convenience and comfort of your vehicle – but they can be ...