Coachman Caravans

Coachman takes the ultimate Al-Ko test

14/02/2008

The VIP 520/4 caravan on the Al-Ko test track in southern Germany

Coachman, one of the UK’s leading caravan manufacturers, has recently taken one of its VIP 520/4 caravans to the Al-Ko test track in southern Germany, for a punishing road simulation performance test. The test track replicates some of the worst driving surfaces for caravans – including large ‘mooncrater’ potholes which put all parts of the caravan through its paces. Coachman makes the annual trip to ensure its caravans are tested in the worst conditions to identify any flaws with the caravan – from fixtures and fittings to chassis and axles.

“If there’s a weakness with our caravans – we want to know about it!” said Paul Gallagher, Technical Director of Coachman, who is responsible for taking the caravans to the test track every year. “We are the only UK caravan manufacturer to regularly test our vans on this track and we go there to identify any potential improvements that can be made. We simulate 120,000km under tow on various uneven road surfaces such as potholes and cobbles. We also test our stability control by driving a series of manoeuvres to push the caravan to its limits – I’m pleased to say we returned from our last visit with our VIP 520/4 in one piece!”

Paul Gallagher, Technical Director of Coachman comments on the Company’s testing procedures: “Here at Coachman, we pride ourselves on our testing procedures. Every single caravan we produce is put through rigorous pre delivery tests. We test all components such as electric, gas and water systems to ensure every caravan is of the highest standard before it leaves our factory. We want to make sure that our tourers remain in perfect condition after driving through difficult road surfaces and the Al-Ko test track is the perfect place to do this!”

Al-Ko manufactures a range of chassis and conversions for a wide variety of uses including caravans, light trailers, motor homes and ambulances. Al-Ko is a worldwide organisation, based in several countries from America to Australia. The company also supplies a wide range of caravan accessories, including stabilisers, spare wheel carriers and safety devices. The Al-Ko test track is situated in southern Germany and one lap equates to 1000 kilometres of road use.

Coachman Caravans was established in 1986 and continues to operate as one of the leading caravan manufacturers in the industry. The company employs 144 members of staff. Coachman strives to produce caravans of the highest quality and provides superior after sales service. Their range includes the Amara, Pastiche, VIP and Laser.

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