A new British motorhome manufacturer, Chameleon, is due to debut its revolutionary slide-out-equipped van conversions to the public at the National Motorhome Show in Peterborough this April.
The Gloucester-based campervan manufacturer will have a stable of three high-top conversions at launch – the two-berth 627M, built on the medium-wheelbase Mercedes Sprinter; the four-berth 728M, built on the long-wheelbase Sprinter; and the two-berth 627F, built on the long-wheelbase Fiat Ducato.
All three models feature rear U-shaped lounges which convert into double beds, but the 728M has an additional half-dinette, with RIB automotive belted seating for two. The 627F makes use of swivelled cab seats to create an additional lounging area in the front.
The real talking point of Chameleon’s products, though, is the unique rear slide-out panel that allows users to park up on-site, open the ’van’s rear doors, and easily extend the length of their habitation area. This creates a much more spacious rear lounge, while keeping the length of even the biggest Chameleon, the 728M, under the 7m mark.
These ’vans also feature bold timber-free construction: aluminium is used for the subframes that underpin the furnishings, while the furnishings themselves are made from an aluminium composite, finished using wood-look surfaces. Chameleon claims that the resulting product is not only far more durable and damp-proof than a traditional timber-constructed motorhome, but also much more fireproof. The ’vans are also fully insulated with 3M Thinsulate material.
“There’s simply nothing else like it on the market,” said Chameleon’s Managing Director, Owen O’Neill. “But we’ve tried hard to keep the price competitive as well, despite the levels of luxury, technology and specification.”
Chameleon expects the Mercedes-based models to retail for between £55,000 and £65,000, while the Fiat-based 627F will likely go for between £45,000 and £50,000.
