[tl:gallery index=0 size=103×155]Our Gentleman Jack Bancroft is an irredeemable motorcaravaning enthusiast. His family have been camping, caravanning and motorcaravanning since 1928. Jack and his wife Flora are now on their tenth motorhome, a 2003 Auto-Sleeper Pollensa on a Ford Transit base. They have toured extensively at home and abroad, including a period of full-timing. Here, Jack answers your motorcaravanning queries:

 

Q: We had a coachbuilt designed and built for us many years ago by Charles Lown. It served well for 10 years but has now ended its useful life. We need a new custom-built ’van for our narrow drive (7ft wide), with a dog-leg.

 

Can you give guidance on which companies might help? I’d like to have it built on a SWB Mercedes chassis.
Les R, Beverley, Hull
Via email

 

A: I remember Charles Lown well.  There are fewer bespoke builders of small coachbuilts each year, but try Warrior Motorhomes (01482 797 001). O’Leary used to build anything on any base, so they’re worth a try, too (www.olearymotorhomes.co.uk).


Actually you don’t need a bespoke ’van because Bentley Motorhomes (www.bentleymotorhomes.co.uk , run by the former Autocruise management) has three production coachbuilt models in its Artisan Range that would fit the bill at 6ft 10in wide. These are built on the Renault Trafic, which is every bit as good as a Merc in my opinion. Bentley has a good dealer network and you’ll be able to test drive one. Alternatively, I’d go for a panel van conversion.