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Just had a (probably daft) idea. I always assumed that the base Fiat for "C" class vans would be mechanically identical to the standard white-van man type of panel van. But some postings suggest that there are differences with the width and more significantly gearbox. Also, with the 130bhp engine only available in the campervan base, does that mean that my 120bhp panel van conversion might be different drive-train wise to the "c" class vans?
You can see where I'm going here - does anyone here suffer from the judders in a PVC? If not, well at least we'll be a bit closer to identifying the problem. From a selfish point of view it would be awfully nice to get feedback that PVCs don't suffer from the judder, although I'm deeply sympathetic to those who do have a worrying problem in this respect.
For the record, my Autocruise Tempo hasn't shown any sign of a judder (yet), although it hasn't been asked to go far uphill in reverse (and I try to avoid reversing anyway, as I'm not good at it).
cheers
Steve
The following members of MHF thanked catcoriander for this posting
If motorhomers boycotted Fiat's then the manufacturer, under pressure from dealers, would have to do something about the problem. Fiat's advice to keep the revs below 1300 is an acknowledgement that the gearbox/final drive is faulty. Judder will place excessive stress on the oil seals and gearbox. When the warranty expires Fiat owners will be completely in the lurch and face heavy expenditure to repair a faulty product. If no permanent remedy is found the fault will reoccur.
I don't blame the original poster one bit for cutting his losses. Fiat should be shamed into dealing appropriately with their customers. There are enough people on this site to make meaningful representaions to Fiat UK.
The dealers have an important role to play here but as long as people buy their faulty goods they will not be incentivised to take action.
The following members of MHF thanked gelathae for this posting
I agree with gelathae. It beggars belief that a large company like Fiat is trying to shrug off a major defect in its vehicles. Anyone who buys one now knowing the problems has to be weird in my book. And it will ruin re-sale values for present owners.
In America there would already be a class action but good old Brits just take it.
I suggest everyone affected gets together and appoints a no win no fee lawyer on a contingency basis. Sue Fiat for say fifteen thousand per vehicle for loss of value.
In my opinion, and this is just MY opinion, they are a lousy company who make lousy vehicles. If i were the likes of Swift I'd urgently switch to another base vehicle. I can't be the only new purchaser who won't look at anything on a Fiat.
The following members of MHF thanked henrypartridge for this posting
FIAT produce a technical specifiation booklet (sales brochure) for the Ducato which should be available from any 'good' FIAT dealer.
This gives virtually all the information that keeps being asked on these threads.
Yes there is a difference between the motorhome 130 and WVM 120 engine, it's been re mapped, nothing more nothing less.
Rear track may be different on a motorhome if an ALKO or other motorhome manufacturer specified chassis has been added, but the normal chassis track will be the same as a WVM at 1790MM.
The only other differences are accessories and toys which seem to be removed from the motorhome base, look in the back of the technical specs brochure at what WVM has available.
Martin.
The following members of MHF thanked gm6vxb for this posting