Interview

During December 2010, I spoke over the phone with the founder of Ute Liner, Inc., Maurice G. Burton. He started the company in 1967 and sold it in late 1973.

He designed and was granted a patent on the adjustable tilt steering column used in Ute Liner motorhomes.

He also designed the overhead bunk that is unique to the Ute Liner. Other manufacturers utilize an overhead bunk, but it has to be pulled down from the ceiling and generally sits on top of the driver and passenger seats. The overhead bunk in the Ute Liner is just like the overhead bunks utilized in the Class C motorhomes. He mentioned only a midget could fit in other manufacturers overhead bunk.

He also mentioned that while attending a motorhome manufacturers convention in Louisville, Kentucky, around 1972, he was approached by a man who had published a consumer review book regarding motorhomes. In 7 out of 10 categories, the Ute Liner was on the top of the list. It was voted the best buy in the country. He couldn't remember the name of the publication and didn't keep any copies. [I've since discovered it was called "Motorhome Consultants". I hope to find a copy of this publication and digitize it for inclusion in this website.]

He mentioned that during safety tests they rolled at least three of them and were able to drive them away. They were built so strong that a general collapse didn't occur and they were still driveable. [I would say that was very rare for early 70s motorhomes.] He said the Ute Liner was the strongest-built motorhome on the road at the time. He visited other manufacturers and where it took competitors only one-half hour to install a side, it took his company eight hours. They used the strongest "triple laminated" wood products available.

He said he was able to get International Harvester to strengthen the engine block for the Ute Liner. Earlier engines had trouble with weakness in the #8 cylinder area of the block, when used in a heavy motorhome load application.

He said they started using one-piece fiberglass roof covers in mid to late 1972.

He mentioned they were designed as an all-weather motorhome. The water pipes all sloped so that no pipe was level and the contents susceptible to freezing. Spray foam was used to coat the holding tanks and sub floor.

[I plan to conduct some more interviews with Maurice G. Burton. I also plan to get some photos of him standing next to our 1973 Ute Liner.]