(I’ve never seen one of these or knew of its existence. Another bold and creative motor home from an era when there were a number of them. This one is FWD, using a Ford F-350 4WD frame and chassis, but with only the front axle driven. PN)
A strange shape appeared as I was cycling in Calgary the other day. Was it an EMC Eldorado Starfire profiled by Paul on August 3 ? No, not an anteater nose, but something sleeker. The web reveals that this is a 1991-92 Clarion, only 270 built by Coachmen at a dedicated plant in Holland, MI. The vehicle’s construction and build process depicted here in an 8 minute video, once you get past the strange first minute.
Web and video reveal that the structure is a gel coat fiberglass over balsa wood (!) core, set on a Ford F 350 4×4 chassis converted to FWD (rear axle not powered). Length 23′, couldn’t find weight without further research. Price around $ 74,000 in 1992. Performance 0-55 mph in 18 seconds, reportedly 14/16 mpg city/hwy. Rear axle with individual trailing arms “Made in Germany”.
The rig looked in very good shape, and in current use. It was plugged in to a residence with a fan circulating air inside the RV.
I’d like it retrofitted with a modern diesel as in the European “Promasters”, or probably one engine size up from that.
Postscript: Here’s a pretty thorough look at an owner’s Clarion, although he is a bit hyperbolic about certain aspects: “it’s as aerodynamic as a bullet”. These do seem very well built with its balsa-fiberglass composite construction and other details. PN.
Great find, great pictures. Pretty unhinged commercial.
After the decidedly strange opening with what appears to be someone receiving archangel training (every time a horn blows, an angel gets an RV? 😉 ) the bits about how the low ride height “creates natural harmony with the Earth itself” and provides “easy access to earthly possessions” made me wonder if I was watching an RV commercial or something else altogether.
Commercial aside, it looks like a pretty neat vehicle and clearly a cut above what I suppose were more standard RV offerings at the time. Even though that $72,000 in 1992 would be about $150,000 today, I’ll bet that you could find a bunch of buyers for a vehicle like that at $150,000 today. E.g., Earthroamer doesn’t seem to have a problem moving (also Ford-based) luxury RVs at $1.7 million. I guess the Clarion was just way ahead of its time.
I couldn’t make it through the video – it is too early for that much cheese.
It would surely have been a success if pushing the horn button would have resulted in a blast of three of those clarion trumpets in a regal-sounding chord.
Think how much time PN wasted outfitting that Promaster when one of these is still out roaming the roads. Yes, the Promaster is nice, but it lacks those poofy red velour seats up front or the thrifty Ford 351 V8. Nor does he get to enjoy that lovely early 90s luxury aesthetic that never goes out of style.
Seriously, I had never heard of these. But then it seems that a quite a few RV buyers never did either.
I know your comment is tongue-in-cheek, but seriously I have lost all interest in motor homes other than vans, simply because the vans are true multi-purpose vehicles. I can drive it without a thought around town, park easily, and most importantly, get decent fuel mileage (17-20 mpg). Motor homes, even fairly compact ones, are really just good for the open road. I used to hate even driving the Chinook around town.
There is a very good reason they’ve become (too) popular.
The advent of the Promaster, Transit, and Sprinter is a big reason the small, Class B motorhome segment has really taken off, and it’s due entirely that the FWD layout of these modern cargo vans lends itself to more coach room, yet maintaining some semblance of maneurability (as well as respectable fuel economy) not found in larger Class A/C RVs.
In fact, these conversion campervans (typically DIY installations) have become so popular, that the big RV companies have taken notice to the point they’re offering their own, ready-made versions in varying degrees of comfort and amenities. Check out the Thor Rize/Scope, Winnebago Solis Pocket, and Pleasure-Way Tofino.
And if you ‘really’ want to spend some money, there’s a whole slew of raised-height, 4WD versions. But, be warned, they’re salty.
The Transit and Sprinter are RWD, not FWD. That’s why the FWD Promaster sits lower and has better space utilization.
If anything it reminds me of the Lesharo/Phasar.
Wow, I had no idea about the Transit and Sprinter drivetrain configurations. It’s surprising and explains a lot.
I’m a bit unclear on the un-driven “European” rear axle. I’m imagining something like a modern ProMaster, just a stick axle on leaf springs – so the floor could be 4-6″ lower, just like the PM has a low load floor? And then the transfer case is locked in 4WD and the rear driveshaft output is just capped off? It seems like a roundabout way to get there, but then again, there was no other option in those days to get FWD on a truck chassis.
Interesting stuff!
From watching the second video, it appears that the rear axle is not a rigid one like the PM but has trailing arms, which allows the floor to be very low between the wheels in the back. It’s essentially what the old Citroen H-Van used for the same reason.
Yes, the transfer case is just capped at the rear output.
Our local library has or had a bookmobile set up this way. The front was normal Ford van, but with a powered axle, and the rear was a custom built low floor box.
I dig seeing the parts lifted randomly from the Ford parts bin: 87-91 F-series dashboard, Mercury Sable taillights, et cetera. I’m not sure what vehicle the front corner lights were taken from, though.
I find that interesting too how RV makers make use of parts bins. The front corner lights look like those from a 1990 era Ranger.
The FWD system, Revcon did something similar with GM parts when the Toronado drivetrain was discontinued after 1978. Makes it nice because you can change the gearing or swap just about anything into it, replace u joints, etc.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/185555136676?mkcid=1&mkrid=711-53200-19255-0&siteid=0&campid=5337851298&customid=556036&toolid=10001&mkevt=1
Its not too late Paul! Here’s one of these unicorns on eBay as we speak, I mean the Promaster is nice and practical and all, but is it in harmony with the Earth or whatever the Clarion commercial said? Lol.
The eBay listing has some good shots of the undercarriage, though none really showing the one of a kind rear axle.
I wonder how much the rig weighs and if the transfer case is bone stock seeing as originally they were not meant to drive just the front wheels especially with the added weight.
Very neat — I’ve never heard of these either.
I assume the concept was doomed since it debuted at one of the RV industry’s low points, and the compact touring vehicle/RV idea didn’t quite blossom like many had thought. And added to that was the price… I’m sure many bigger RVs were available at that price point.
But wow… this sure is an interesting vehicle – great find!
Shedding some more light on this unique RV is that it was considered/sold as a touring vehicle. Original water supply was a meager 15 gallon or so and interior coachwork was never a coachmen hallmark. It’s body is extremely sturdy with a boat hull concept and 2 piece tub (top and bottom with mid seam). I can walk on my roof without sag and been told a roll will not crush them. Many features were ahead of their time, remote heated side mirrors, driver front system control console, above dinette LFL lighting, stainless steel exterior fitments/hinges, lower built in sealed compartments for stowage and spare tire. I can drive it for hours with a bad back due to orthopedic front seats and full electric adjustment. I have converted and relocated the DC fridge to a 3 way and now in the wardrobe, as one shown here. LP was only at 5 gallon and I hope to convert to larger. There is question whether the F250 independent front axle is designed for 8500# wear and tear. Boy a 10 speed Ford with eco 3.5 would be stellar, hmmm.
These were built in ELKHART INDIANA. Not Michigan . I know, I painted them . Infact that is me in the commercial in the booth . Mike rivers sanding the body down. And Orv Yoder the plant manager .coachmen was Forced to stop using the name Clarion by the Clarion audio company. The factory burnt to the ground not to long after production was started . Built from the ground up. And I painted everyone of them.
Great job on the paint! We love our Clarion!
Thank you Jeffery for your awesome paint on the Clarion, I own a green one. Please let me know particulars as you remember on this RV I posted above you about adding a 3 way fridge. Among other questions, How are the rear cabinets secured? Is there a plywood panel beneath the ceiling cloth and how is it secured? to what? Thank you very much and hopefully you can email…..firnum@gmail.com
That’s very interesting!
I’m so glad I found this site, I’m learning so much about the Clarion I didn’t know/! I happen to own a 1991 Clarion that I’m restoring, and I will have for sale soon. It truly is an amazing, special vehicle. It feels solid like a truck but goes smooth down the highway. The layout is well designed…far superior to any sprinter, Transit van etc….
My Clarion looks amazing! ‘ve polished the fiberglass and updated thpinstriping to give it a modern look. I will try to figure out how to download photos.
Here is my Clarion