Are Coachman Caravans Any Good? Let’s Talk Straight

So, you’ve heard the name Coachman floating around in caravan circles—probably with words like “well-built,” “top-end,” or even “posh” attached. But are they actually any good? Worth the price tag? Built to last? Or are you just paying extra for a shiny badge and a soft-close drawer?

Let’s not waffle—here’s what you really need to know.


Who are Coachman, really?

Coachman’s one of those names that carries quiet confidence. They’ve been doing their thing since the late ’80s—British-built, family-feel, not as huge as some manufacturers, but arguably more focused. If Swift is the Ford of caravans, Coachman is more like Volvo. Fewer gimmicks, more substance.

And honestly? That shows.


Why Do People Rate Coachman So Highly?

1. Build quality that feels different

The moment you step into a Coachman, you feel it. The heft of the door. The satisfying thud when it closes. The way drawers glide shut instead of slamming. It’s solid. There’s a sense that things have been over-engineered just a little—and that’s no bad thing.

Whether it’s their premium Lusso or one of the more accessible models like the Kimberley Acadia, they’re built with care. And it’s not just talk—Coachman vans have an excellent reputation for keeping water out, holding their value, and taking a beating from the Great British weather without flinching.

2. Modern tech without going overboard

Coachman’s always been thoughtful with innovation. They’ve added Alde heating systems, Bluetooth control panels, solar panels, and all the techy bells and whistles—but they’ve never leaned into gimmicks. Everything serves a purpose.

The layouts are user-focused. Showers you can actually stand in. Kitchens that don’t feel like an afterthought. And beds that, let’s be honest, make you question why you ever stayed in a hotel.

3. Solid aftercare and warranties

Here’s where Coachman really shines for practical folk. They back their vans up with a solid 3-year warranty and a 10-year body shell integrity guarantee—similar to what you'd expect from other big names. And with trusted dealerships like Kimberley Caravans behind them, you're not on your own when things need sorting.

Add to that the fact that parts are accessible, servicing is straightforward, and technicians know the brand well—and you’ve got a van that won’t leave you stranded or out of pocket when the unexpected happens.


Now for the flipside…

We’re not here to sugar-coat things. Coachman might build an outstanding caravan—but there are a few points worth knowing before you sign on the dotted line.

1. They’re not exactly budget-friendly

Coachman caravans are undeniably at the premium end of the market. You're not paying through the nose for nothing—but they’ll still give your wallet a good workout. That means for first-time buyers or casual tourers, the cost can be a bit of a jump.

Even on the used market, Coachman caravans tend to hold their value well, which is great when you sell—but not so helpful when you're buying on a budget.

2. Buying at shows? Read the fine print

It’s easy to get caught up in the moment at a caravan show. Bright lights, show discounts, fizzy prosecco... and suddenly you’ve bought a Coachman from a dealer 200 miles from home.

And here’s the rub: some local dealerships won’t handle warranty work if they didn’t sell you the van. So even though Coachman parts and servicing are easy to come by, you could still find yourself dragging your caravan cross-country for a fridge fix. Worth asking the question before you hand over a deposit.


Are they actually built to last?

You know what? Yes, absolutely. Coachman has one of the best reputations in the industry for longevity. Their bonded construction is rock solid, and the interiors are designed for real-world use—not just showroom sparkle.

You’ll still need to care for it, of course. Annual servicing. Good winter storage. A bit of mechanical sympathy when towing over pothole-riddled B-roads. But if you look after a Coachman, it’ll look after you.


But what’s it like to own one?

Here’s where the real joy kicks in. Owning a Coachman feels like levelling up. There’s a sort of quiet pride that comes with it—not flashy or showy, just reassuring. Like turning up to a campsite and knowing your caravan isn’t going to let you down in the middle of a rainstorm or a chilly March night in the Lakes.

You might even find fellow Coachman owners giving you a subtle nod across the site, like you’re in a kind of secret club. (You are. It’s just not the loud kind.)


Should you buy one?

If you're serious about caravanning—and you want something that’s beautifully built, won’t rattle itself apart after two seasons, and makes every trip feel like a treat—then a Coachman caravan is a brilliant choice.

But if you’re still figuring out if the caravan lifestyle is for you? Maybe test the waters with a used Coachman. At Kimberley, we’ve usually got a great selection in stock—well-kept models that’ll give you a true taste of premium caravanning without diving in headfirst.

Coachman might not be everyone’s first caravan… but for a lot of people, it ends up being their favourite.

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