There were several conversion companies that made purpose-built fifth wheel tow rigs during the boom years of the RV industry. Centurion was the largest, and Cabriolet also joined in for some years. These were built on a Ford E-350 cutaway chassis, as would be used by motorhome manufacturers or for cube vans.
This 1990 Ford E350 Cabriolet came with a fuel-injected 460ci V8 engine, backed by an automatic transmission with overdrive. That giant produces a modest 245hp, but an impressive 400ft/lbs of torque. It was that latter figure that made the Centurion such an accomplished tow vehicle.
The inside of these trucks was just as custom as the outside with creature comforts such as power windows, power locks, air conditioning, cruise control and, a sweet tilt wheel. They also had cabinets for storage and the rear couch folded out into a bed.
These trucks not only allowed you to tow a fifth wheel, but to do it comfortably and give you a place to sleep.
Cabriolet is long gone. On January 10, 2006 it became part of the Southern Comfort Conversions automotive family. From there it becomes a confusing rabbit hole that goes to MCM Custom Vehicles, SCA Performance, and Black Widow (Trucks).
Centurion Vehicles, Inc. – A Brief History
NOTE: This is from the centurionvehicles.com website that I found on the Internet Archive.
Centurion Vehicles of White Pigeon, Michigan, was founded in 1977, in response to the rising interest among automotive enthusiasts for specially upgraded and modified pickup trucks. While auto parts suppliers were offering more and more “bolt-on” parts and accessories for do-it-yourself owners of pickup trucks, Centurion company founders saw a need for a well-controlled, well-organized manufacturing environment to create complete upgrade packages and conversions that could be sold, serviced and warranted by the nation’s new-car dealers.
With the benefit of integrated design, testing, engineering and manufacturing, Centurion truck conversions soon came to be known for their quality, reliability and innovation. While the company grew to national stature, it retained its ability to respond quickly to the changing tastes and styles of the custom truck market, filling a gap that the Detroit chassis manufacturers were unable to accommodate.
Soon Centurion was one of the best-regarded brand names offered through a network of franchised car dealerships around the country. Throughout this time, Centurion’s history of growth and development was punctuated by innovations in engineering, assembly and vehicle features that others (including the Detroit auto manufacturers) soon imitated.
As Centurion Vehicles developed its own specialty in the pickup truck market, other companies applied the same strategy to building luxury conversion vans. The process, which turned basic “plumber’s vans” into luxury vehicles. Soon hundreds of companies across the country were offering conversion vans to car dealerships. As the business matured and grew, the number of conversion companies shrank and quality standards improved, making conversion vans a popular alternative to mini vans and luxury cars for hundreds of thousands of families around the country.
With its extensive manufacturing and engineering experience, Centurion Vehicles saw an opportunity to diversify its business, adding conversion vans to its popular line of pickup trucks. In one sweeping step of growth, Centurion Vehicles acquired three popular conversion van brands: Advantage, Rockwood and Cobra.” Each of these brands had a well-defined heritage of its own, as well as its own dealer base. After the acquisition, each also benefited from the advanced engineering and assembly experience of the nation’s leading truck conversion company.
In 2001, Centurion Vehicles took another huge step in its commitment to the conversion industry, acquiring the rights to the nation’s most honored, most recognized conversion van brand name, Starcraft. The Starcraft brand, with a heritage that extends back to the beginning of the twentieth century, as the Star Tank Corporation, added significant stature and production volume to the Centurion operation. Mindful of Starcraft’s long, storied reputation, Centurion Vehicles made an unequivocal promise to uphold the value, integrity, quality, and appeal of Starcraft conversions.
Operationally, this meant dedicating an entire building, separate assembly staff, a distinct sales force, independent financial reporting, and other steps to ensure that the Starcraft heritage would thrive in its new home.
Today, Centurion vehicles bearing any one of the company’s brands, criss-cross the country providing an enhanced level of functionality, comfort, luxury and convenience for the families that own them. Backed by a truly responsive and caring customer service operation, and sold by selected dealers in all fifty states, Centurion vehicles represent the true realization of the company’s motto. . .
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