After a five-year journey Allan Brown's custom-built MAN Truck and Motorhome is finally a reality.

After 20 years in the mining business Allan Brown was interested in undertaking a long-term project which would fulfil his dream of living a flexible lifestyle, a highly functional yet comfortable mobile living space. From the outset Allan had a clear vision of what he wanted to achieve with his build and design specifications following four years of intensive research and planning.

After purchasing a MAN TGM 13.250 cab from Penske NZ and a Fruehauf trailer it was time to customise and kit out both components. As Allan envisioned living in the Fruehauf trailer motorhome towed by the MAN Truck on a permanent basis, one of his key considerations in the functionality of his mobile living space was maximising storage within a limited area. He soon realised that a custom approach using aluminium storage compartments to meet his very specific requirements was the way to go.

Allan worked in the transport industry for a number of years and had used Roadrunner Manufacturing gear before, in a commercial capacity. He always found their gear extremely hard-wearing and able to handle the rigours of the road, so when it was time to address his need for custom aluminium fabrication, Roadrunner was his clear first choice.

Allan approached Steve at Roadrunner Manufacturing with an extremely well-prepared concept, layout, and design brief. The groundwork was done but Allan really appreciated their understanding of his vision and attention to detail when briefing the project. Roadrunner quoted Allan for a fuel tank, a range of custom storage boxes and the brackets to mount them on both truck and trailer. After such a positive initial experience it was an easy decision for Allan to commission Roadrunner to complete the job.

Allan felt confident in Roadrunner Manufacturing from the beginning.

"Dealing with Steve Tunnicliffe and the team at Roadrunner was a fantastic experience from start to finish. Steve was friendly and helpful right from the start, he seemed genuinely enthusiastic and excited to take on an interesting project which reassured me I had made the right choice. When you get that sort of reaction from an initial meeting with someone you know that you will be looked after and there will be a good outcome."

Allan found the communication with Steve highly consistent; this made the project run on schedule and allowed the storage compartments to be completed seamlessly. The final result exceeded Allan's expectations and enabled him to store all his utilities as well as extras, like a Weber BBQ.

The service from Roadrunner Manufacturing did not stop once their part of the project was complete. On completion of their customised MAN Truck and Motorhome Allan and partner Gemma undertook a "thank you tour" to visit all the parties who contributed to making their dream a reality. When they arrived in Bulls, Roadrunner offered a free test and service of all their gear on the unit to make sure everything was working properly.

Allan reflects on his positive experience and outcome with Roadrunner Manufacturing,

"Roadrunner's service and expertise throughout the process was outstanding and the final product was even better than I imagined. Naturally, Allan gets a lot of questions from people when out on the road and in holiday parks, the finished MAN Truck and Motorhome is also featured in Motorhome, Caravan & Destinations Magazine. He is now living his dream and is out exploring all that New Zealand has to offer."