Fiat Ducato Forums

BillW

I am in the process of selling my Mercedes Sprinter 313 Turbo Diesel Sprinter and am looking at a new Motorhome based on the Front wheel drive Fiat Ducato 2.8 turbo diesel.
As there are very few of the Ducatos here in Australia I would very much appreciate any feed back from members.
Many Thanks , BillW

Jeanann

Hi BillW

We have a Hymer 544 cmp Swing on a Fiat Ducato 2.8TDi base. We are getting 28 mpg but not sure what the weight is, got to get it to a weighbridge soon!!

Jeanann

BillW

Hi Jeanann,
Thanks for your prompt reply, I thought that the fuel consumption would be similar to the Sprinter as their horsepower and torque figures are very close.
Do you have any problem with the front wheel drive when starting off, uphill, on moist grass?
Is the realiabilty of the Fiat regarded in the same light as the Sprinter,amongst the general users?
Is the front wheel drive noticable when driving - particulary when accelerating out of a corner?
Sorry to trouble you, but I do appreciate your help from over here in sunny Queensland, in mid winter with a 22 degree C max today.
Cheers BillW

dodger148

Hi,

The Fiat /Peugeot (same chassis) holds around 70% of the new motorhome market and is held in high esteem with the 2.8TD motor.

Driving wise is ok and tends to a firmer suspension than say a VW.

You seem to be aware of the "wet / soft ground issue" with front wheel drive and the remedy is to make or buy wheel pads to park on, allowing you to get a grip when you start to move off. Hill starting has not been a problem for us.

Fuel consumption varies and the 28mpg mentioned is about average in my experience, holding at about 55/60mph, top gear, motorway type roads will give you better fuel figures

BillW

Hi dodger 148.
Thanks for the info.
As I mentioned earlier the Ducato is a bit rare here, but more are showing up every day.
The VW LT35 and Iveco Daily are also beginning to appear.
The platform of choice used to be the Ford Transit but in recent years most of the Converters have used Mercedes for the smaller MH and Japanese Toyota, Isuzu etc. for the truck (Lorry) based vehicles.
This is a great web site and I'm glad that I stumbled across same.
Best Regards, BillW

Boff

Hi BillW,

Ducato vs. Sprinter is an ongoing "competition" in my German motorhome forums.

Regarding the overall reliability I think I can state the following as a preliminary outcome of these discussions:

The Ducato frequently shows little nuisances like squeaking noises from the fan, flickering dashboard lights, inaccurate fuel level indicators etc, but almost never breaks down totally.

The Sprinter shows very few of these nuisances (well, there have been reports about problems with the fuel meter...), but if problems occur, they are usually more serious.

The front wheel drive can become an issue e.g. on wet grass or sand. But there are technical means to overcome this like wheel pads. Hill starting is no problem at all, provided that the van is properly laden.

A difference to your continent of course might be that here in Europe the Ducato (together with the Citroen Jumper and Peugeot Boxer which are identical in construction) not only rules with about 70 % share over the motorhome market, but also with a similar or even higher percentage over the transporter van market. So if you get in trouble here, help is never far away.

Best Regards,
Gerhard

nobbythehobby

Hi there,

I have a Ducato 2.8JTD and really love it, especially the superb engine.

However, if I were in your shoes, my concern would be over the availability of spare parts in Oz at this early stage in their appearance over there. I think i'm being kind when I say that Fiat have a patchy reputation even in Europe for parts supply for the Ducato as do Peugeot for the Boxer.

Somebody has already pointed out that the Fiat and the Peugeot are the same 'badge engineered' van and this is perfectly true. In actual fact the 2.8 engine found in both vehicles is a Fiat and the 2.0 litre is Peugeot sourced. If you already have a good Peugeot network in Oz, then the parts situation for a Ducato may be eased somewhat if you bought a Fiat Ducato.

Despite my respect for the Ducato (at the right price), in your situation I would be more inclined to go for a base vehicle with a good established parts supply. If MB or Ford are established within the commercial market over there, then I reckon that is the route I would take. The Transit and the Sprinter are great vehicles also.

Good luck,
Steve

BillW

Hi Gerhard and Steve,
I think I will act on your good advice and stay with a Sprinter.
MB have a long established Dealer network throughout OZ whereas Fiat/Citroen/Peugeot in the past seem to have disappeared off the scene occasionally.
I have been very happy with the performance and fuel consumptoin (10 litres per 100---29 mpg ?) and its ability to sit on 110 kph over long distances without promoting driver fatigue.
I think that I will purchase a "Sprintshift" this time and would welcome any feedback.
A friend with an Auto Transmission repair shop suggests that they need a rebuild around 150,000 KM. but that is most likely on parcel courier work.
Also, it is unlikely that I would kock up that amount of running prior to disposal.
Thanks very much for your assistance, Cheers Bill.