Ford UK has officially confirmed the worst-kept base vehicle secret: the launch of the motorhome-specific Transit chassis. It has been highly anticipated for months, ever since Auto-Trail revealed its budget Transit Tribute line, which is based on the new chassis.

 

The chassis features a lightweight, low-frame design that provides greater payload and space for fitting a habitation body, and comes in three wheelbase lengths: 3.3m, 3.75m and 3.95m. Ford has looked after the details, too, the cabins come pre-cut for the fitting of habitations, and various modifications have been made to the vehicle systems – such as the inclusion of a central electrical connector and auxiliary fuel line connections – to allow easy fitting of motorhome equipment such as lighting and diesel heaters. The parking brake lever has also been moved to an outboard position, clearing up space between the cab seats for movement.

 

To signal how seriously it’s taking the motorhome market, Ford is also pledging to increase its levels of service and support for motorhome users; it will provide specialised support at its Customer Assistance Centres in Britain, Germany, France, Italy and Spain, and aims to build a pan-European network of over 1,000 “Ford Motorhome Charter” dealers.

 

The Tribute T620, which is based on Ford’s new chassis, nabbed both the ‘Best Budget Buy’ gong as well as the overall prize in Practical Motorhome’s 2010 Motorhome of the Year awards.