When you're on the hunt for the perfect motorhome, it can be easy to get swept away by high technology, stylish interior or extra storage space. Beneath the surface lies one of the most important motorhome components, the chassis!
What is a motorhome chassis?
The chassis is the structural framework of the motorhome, basically the skeleton that holds up and supports everything else. Campervans aside (where the conversion begins with a standard van chassis), your motorhome begins with a chassis cab which includes the cab engine, axles, suspension (our specialty!), braking system and the frame that supports the habitation unit.
We like to think of it as the foundation of a house, without a strong base, nothing else matters. The motorhome chassis not only affects the vehicles drivability but safety, weight capacity and more.
When you choose your motorhome, the base vehicle (chassis cab) will be one of the most important decisions you make. In the UK most motorhomes are built on regular commercial vehicle van chassis cabs such as Fiat Ducato, Ford Transit, MAN TGE/Volkswagen Crafter or Mercedes-Benz Sprinter. But, there are also specialist low frame chassis such as AL-KO or Meier, we will cover all the different types below.
Fiat Ducato Chassis
The Fiat Ducato chassis cab is the most popular motorhome base vehicle in the UK. This chassis dominates the market and is used for both coach built and A-class motorhomes. Fiat has a specially designed chassis cab for motorhomes which is lighter and lower then the standard chassis, these chassis are also available as 'wide track' which improves cornering and stability. Due to this base being the most popular in Europe, there is a massive dealer network and parts support. Most motorhome manufacturers have a Fiat Ducato chassis cab in their range.
Fiat Ducato vs Fiat AL-KO
Both the Fiat Ducato and Fiat AL-KO chassis start with the same Fiat cab and engines however, the AL-KO chassis offers a 'low-frame' which uses torsion bar suspension , rather than the leaf springs on a regular chassis cab. This means that the chassis can be lower in relation to the ground than a standard chassis cab. This chassis allows for large underfloor compartments and extra storage spaces or can reduce the overall height of the motorhome.
While the Fiat Ducato chassis cab is used on all types of motorhomes, an AL-KO chassis is a more expensive option and more likely to be found on larger/longer premium coachbuilt or liner/A-class motorhomes.
In simple terms, the Fiat Ducato chassis is the standard base used for most medium size motorhomes and van conversions, it's very cost effective and practical. Fiat AL-KO is a customised upgrade, where AL-KO replaces the back of the Ducato chassis with their own engineering. Giving the vehicle a stronger and lighter platform for those luxury vans and huge garage spaces.
Ford Transit Chassis
The Ford Transit is available as a chassis cab for coachbuilt motorhomes. Compared to others in the market, this chassis is described as having a car-like driving feel and is becoming increasingly popular for van converters to use. Manufactures such as Roller Team (Zefiro model) and Chausson use a Ford Transit base on their motorhomes.
Ford Transit vs Ford Skeletal
The Ford Skeletal chassis is a lower, lighter and modified version of the Transit chassis we talked about above. The chassis is made specifically for motorhome conversions and is essentially 'ready to convert' with a lower floor and the ability for a fully flat habitation area. As this chassis is made for motorhomes, it has better weight distribution however it does only come with FWD, unlike the Ford Transit van chassis. As this chassis is more expensive to produce, its often used on mid-range - premium motorhomes. Motorhomes such as the Bailey Adamo and Swift Voyager utilise the Ford Skeletal chassis.
Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Chassis
The Mercedes Sprinter is considered the most premium and advanced base in the UK and Europe motorhome world. It's van chassis is used for camper conversions and has 3,5t and 5,0t chassis cabs for coachbuilt/A-class motorhomes. Premium motorhome manufacturers like Hymer (Grand Canyon S) and Auto-Sleepers use this chassis, as well as van converters RP Motorhomes and Project Yonder.
The Mercedes Sprinter chassis is a higher base cost then Fiat and Ford, parts and servicing can be more expensive, however it does offer a premium driving experience and brand kudos.
Mercedes Sprinter vs Mercedes AL-KO
Much like the Fiat AL-KO chassis, this chassis is the Mercedes cab on the front and an AL-KO frame on the rear. The AL-KO chassis replaces the rear on the original chassis and offers a lower floor and is more light weight. It's typically used on larger, coach built motorhomes that have higher demands for more space and stability.
If you're looking for off road capability, the Sprinter is a great choice due to the all wheel drive function for 'overland' style campers. However, if you're looking for more space and reduced sway when driving, the Merc AL-KO chassis may be the better option.
MAN TGE / VW Crafter Chassis
Both vehicles are built on the same platform, developed by Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles. MAN TGE is essentially a rebadged Crafter with access to the MAN Truck & Bus service network, mechanically, they’re nearly identical. The van comes in FWD, RWD and AWD (4Motion for VW and 4x4 for MAN). It is typically used for campervan conversions such as the VW Grand California. It is a good chassis option if you're wanting to go off the beaten track.
So, as you can see motorhomes are all start out as regular van or chassis cab chassis and are then converted into motorhomes and campervans (a lot of extra weight). This is where we come in!
If you have a vehicle on any of the above chassis types and want to improve the comfort or driving characteristics, we have air suspension systems for all the above. We're approved by all these manufacturers, meaning adding our systems will not void your manufacturers warranty! If your after a smooth and more stable ride, call your local VB-Dealer.
