All mod cons

Karla Baker visits specialist Warwickshire modification company Coachbuilt to find out more about accessible leisure vehicles

Whether you like to escape for the odd weekend, go on extended tours of the UK or head overseas, a leisure vehicle is the perfect adventure partner. But what about those of us with disabilities? Is it possible for us to have those experiences while having our access needs met?

If you’ve read any of my previous travel features, you’ll know that the answer is a resounding ‘yes’! In fact with the right vehicle, and perhaps a few modifications, campervanning, caravanning or motorhoming can be the most accessible way to travel – even for someone with substantial access requirements, like me.

While it wouldn’t be feasible for manufacturers to build accessible vehicles as standard – after all, everyone’s needs are different, and so are our definitions of ‘accessible’ – there are countless ways they can be modified to suit your needs.

One way to improve accessibility for people who are ambulant but struggle with steps is to use a device such as a Motorstep – a motorised lift that elevates the user to the height of the door entrance without any need for vehicle modification.

However, should you require something more, the possibilities are endless. As a full-time powerchair user, the first thing I needed was the installation of a wider door for my caravan. This sort of work may be something a regular workshop is willing to attempt, but it can pay to take your leisure vehicle to a specialist company with a team that does this sort of adaptation day-in, day-out.

Bespoke vehicles

Gallery

This lift made light work of raising Karla's powerchair

This lift made light work of raising Karla's powerchair

Keen attention to detail

Cutting a bespoke piece

Computer-aided design tool

A track hoist

One such company is Coachbuilt. Classed as a ‘third-stage’ manufacturer, it takes standard campervans, caravans or motorhomes (new or pre-loved), and modifies them to suit your

needs. My husband and I have been huge fans of its work since discovering the company almost 10 years ago, so we were delighted to become brand ambassadors in 2025. We were even more excited when we were invited for a behind-the-scenes tour of its workshop in Nuneaton, Warwickshire.

The business began in the summer of 2010, with an accessible vehicle build on the driveway of the founder’s family home. It has gone from strength to strength since then, building bespoke vehicles for an average of 120 new customers each year across Europe. Despite its growth, it remains a close-knit, family-owned business.

What really shines through is how much every member of the team cares about the customer. Accessibility isn’t just a box-ticking exercise for them. From the very first consultation, they take time to understand not only your physical access requirements, but how you actually want to use your leisure vehicle day-to-day. Customers are invited to be closely involved in the design process, from choosing layouts and equipment to fine-tuning small details that make the vehicle feel like home.

Workshop tour

Coachbuilt Managing Director Kate Birch (left) took Karla on a behind-the-scenes tour

Managing Director Kate Birch, who always impresses with her encyclopaedic knowledge and passion for the company’s work, showed us around during our visit.

As each vehicle is tailored to specific customer requirements, Coachbuilt has adopted an individual approach to the conventional production line. Bays house outfits at various stages of completion, while there is a dedicated area for servicing and repairs.

The ‘First Fix’ bay is where the process begins. During our visit, a Swift Voyager motorhome took up the spot. It had been completely gutted, ready for a full refit, having just had its door widened. It was quite startling to see it in such a raw state, but as we moved through the various stages, we began to appreciate the process.

In terms of modifications available, there really isn’t much that can’t be done! To improve wheelchair access, a ramp or hydraulic lift can be fitted, while space to manoeuvre inside can be created by changing the layout or even adding a 12V ‘slide-out’ section. If you need help with transferring to/from your wheelchair, a ceiling-track hoist can run from the living space to the bed and washroom.

The washroom itself can be highly modified too, with grab handles, shower seats and fold-out shower beds available.

Sleeping areas can also be designed to suit your requirements – provision can be made for highly adjustable profiling beds and additional storage for medical equipment.

In the kitchen, larger refrigerators can be installed should you need extra space for medication, worktops can be lowered and cupboards can be redesigned. In one motorhome we looked around, the oven had been completely removed, and in its place sat a specially designed air-fryer drawer. Genius!

Driving your motorhome can also be made more accessible, with wheelchair restraint systems, hand controls and more.

The finished product

A 12V slide-out section creates extra space

One of my favourite things about Coachbuilt’s finished vehicles is that they don’t look clinical, or even significantly different.

The company’s close relationship with manufacturers means that it can source many original parts, and this, along with its impeccable attention to detail, results in an end product that is not just practical, but beautiful too. It’s no wonder it has won multiple awards, including at the Club’s recent Motorhome and Campervan Design Awards.

We toured the workshop like two big kids in a sweet shop, wowed by the ingenuity of the team’s adaptations, but I couldn’t help but think about how the end users’ lives were about to change. For a lot of Coachbuilt’s customers, these aren’t just modes of transport; these vehicles represent the only way they are able to travel, spend quality time with loved ones and experience new places.

I’ve seen first-hand how life-changing an accessible leisure vehicle can be, and I’m thankful for companies like Coachbuilt that enable us to enjoy the freedom of travel and make everlasting memories, just like our able-bodied counterparts.