Long ago, I got into huge trouble by calling these ‘demountable’. The (then) editor of a newsstand magazine opined that there was no such word in the English language, the correct one was ‘dismountable’.
Whatever, this type of motorcaravan is hugely popular in America. They didn’t achieve the same level of market penetration in Blighty, but have sold steadily since 1973, when the Suntrekker first went on sale. Others had built demountables before, but this was the first to sell in any number. Originally developed by Northamptonshire-based ICP Sales and Exports, and underpinned by Ford Transit and Bedford CF pick-ups. Nowadays, the Ford Transit is still a popular base vehicle, making it into our best van for a camper conversion round up.
It was a traditional ‘frame and clad’ build, with glass single-glazing and a rear entrance door. Owners were informed the body should be lowered as close to the ground as possible when freestanding. Production later transferred to Walkers of Watford, who expanded the range by producing different sizes of Suntrekker. One popular model fitted on smaller trucks, initially by Datsun and Mazda, and finally Ford’s P100.
Walkers also updated the body, using moulded GRP. Island Plastics (Romahome) took over stewardship in 1989; production continued for nine years. The term ‘demountable’ stuck and ‘dismountable’ withered!
Interested in your own conversion? Then take a look at our guide to the pros and cons of self build campervans.
Key information about the Suntrekker Demountable (1973-1998)
Suntrekker demountable motorcaravan bodies built by IPC, Walkers of Watford and Island Plastics. Dimensions depended on model and base vehicle. Pictured above is a contemporary advertising image, showing an early variant and a Mk 1 Ford Transit. 1.7/2.0-litre V4 petrol engine or 1.8-litre inline Perkins diesel engine. Rear-wheel drive. Automatic transmission available. In the lead image, you can see a later moulded-GRP Suntrekker and LWB Land Rover on a road test for a newspaper.
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