EXHIBIT 23

                         Consent of Independent Auditors

Board of Directors and Shareholders
Coachmen Industries, Inc.

We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement (Form
S-8 No.  333-52378)  pertaining  to the  Retirement  Plan and Trust of  Coachmen
Industries, Inc., 2000 Omnibus Stock Incentive Program and Supplemental Deferred
Compensation Plan, Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 333-59251) pertaining to
the 1994 Omnibus Stock Incentive Program,  Registration  Statement (Form S-8 No.
2-64572) pertaining to the Employee Stock Purchase Plan of Coachmen  Industries,
Inc. and in the related  Prospectus of our report dated  January 29, 2004,  with
respect  to  the  consolidated  financial  statements  and  financial  statement
schedule included in this Annual Report (Form 10-K) of Coachmen Industries, Inc.
for the year ended December 31, 2003.


                                             /S/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP


Grand Rapids, MI
March 12, 2004