Why the love of the Fiat Ducato?

[jessthedog]

As a newbie to the site, I'm interested in why the majority of motorhome manufacturers go for the Fiat Ducato.
If I was going to buy a car, no disrespect to fiat car owners, a Fiat would be would be way down on my list. ( I do like the look of the little 500 though!)
The fiat Ducato dosen't even come in the top 10 of vans sales in the UK.
In Europe, its sister company IVECO, gets to No4 for truck sales in Europe.
The companies who make comparable chassis, The Transit van is the most popular van in the uk, followed by Mercedes, Volkswagen, Renault then Peugeot.
What is it, that makes the Fiat Ducato an ideal motorhome van, but according the vast majority of businesses in Europe who buy vans, no good for them?

 

[Speve]

I think the Ducato speaks for itself by how many Motorhomes are built on them and Fiat provide excellent cover in Fiat Camper.
We are on our second Fiat based van and would not hessitate on a third.

 

[jessthedog]

In a word.....cost.

A ducato will always be cheaper than a VW or transit

Thanks Pappajohn,
That was my thought from the outset, but It seems, it does the job and that most are happy with the Fiat, apart from some with reversing problems.

 

[pyro]

As far as I know, those old reversing judders were sorted out a couple of years ago. Certainly no problems experienced by ourselves.

The security issue with Transits seems a problem, and the Fiat Campervan cover is truly excellent (used once, brilliant service)

As for cost, certainly Chausson charge a premium for the Fiat versions over the Ford version. £1600 more on a new purchase.

We were convinced when we saw Ducato and Boxer based ambulances. Those vehicles go through hell and yet they survive

 

[jessthedog]

I think the Ducato speaks for itself by how many Motorhomes are built on them and Fiat provide excellent cover in Fiat Camper.
We are on our second Fiat based van and would not hessitate on a third.

Thanks Speve,
So you are saying that if they were the same spec and price you would buy the Fiat based Exsis over a Mercedes? Because even after reading all the praise for the Fiat, I would go for the Mercedes, because I naively look at them as a prestigious mark!

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[tonyidle]

As well as advantages already mentioned FWD probably helps a lot too. Double floors, replacement ALKO chassis, chassis extensions, twin rear axles, are all easy / possible with FWD.

 

[jessthedog]

As far as I know, those old reversing judders were sorted out a couple of years ago. Certainly no problems experienced by ourselves.

The security issue with Transits seems a problem, and the Fiat Campervan cover is truly excellent (used once, brilliant service)

As for cost, certainly Chausson charge a premium for the Fiat versions over the Ford version. £1600 more on a new purchase.

We were convinced when we saw Ducato and Boxer based ambulances. Those vehicles go through hell and yet they survive

Thanks Pyro,
Weird, when the Transit is more expensive than the Fiat Ducato

 

[pyro]

Thanks Pyro,
Weird, when the Transit is more expensive than the Fiat Ducato

Not from Chausson, but I can't say about others.

 

[jessthedog]

[QUOTE="pyro, post: 2019262, member: 42972"
We were convinced when we saw Ducato and Boxer based ambulances. Those vehicles go through hell and yet they survive[/QUOTE]

Guess what they have where I'm from?

 

[jessthedog]

Not from Chausson, but I can't say about others.

Sorry Pyro,
I meant the base van chassis before conversion I think the Transit is more expensive.
Cheers

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[pyro]

Ahh, understood. Strange

Not around my way:



And a fancier one here

 

[funflair]

For whatever reason, and it could just be good marketing of their product but Fiat have a stranglehold on the FWD motorhome market much as IVECO has for motorhomes that require the higher load ratings, the IVECO chassis are modified and customised to make the best possible use of space when they are built into A class motorhomes, in my view Mercedes have been left trailing a long way behind.

Martin

 

[mitzimad]

the other plus point is since the x250 all fiats are galvanised body work unlike the merc's

 

[haganap]

I cant agree rory @Forestrory.
Ive had vans for over 12 years and everyone bar this one has been a fiat. I have owned a shed load of cars and plenty of them have been fiat.
However my current van is the 2009 merc 3L v6 auto and it is so much better quality than my fiats were but thats based on nothing more than personal choice.
Would i have another Fiat? Course i would . I would prefer my next one to go backwards in reverse though tbh.
This debate has gone on and on for years.
Personally i would be far more concerned about making sure you get the layout correct than what pushes or pulls it. I ended up with a merc by accident it just happened to be the right van on that chassis.
I would now ask myself if the two identicle layouts of vans in a fiat v Merc were lined out in front of me what would i choose?

The Merc is far superior engine wise in its current guise 3L v6 auto with gorgeous grunt but the running track is too narrow and needs air susspension to work properly


But

The Fiat on an Alko chasis is a far better ride imo and although a decent work horse its not as good as the merc although again better refined..

See its a tough choice.. in terms of reliability? Does it really matter these days? Both will get you too the moon and back providing you service them correctly.

As said ive had plenty of fiat cars..
Would i have another? Sure
But i have an Audi A6 Sline Avant now...the quality of that over the fiat is vast but then again so is the price tag and i would expect it to be so but I dont think that translates to the motorhome world.

Enjoy what you choose im sure it will be fine

 

[Left-Hooker]

When I bought my first motorhome I was apprehensive of the fiatl engine build quality. So I asked my local mechanic and he said...
"It's been built so that an Italian van driver can abuse it all day, every day. Don't worry".
Other van drivers are of course available.

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[mercianman]

Fiat certainly put a lot of marketing into it. https://www.fiatcamper.com/en/home

 

[Derbyshire wanderer]

Thanks Pyro,
Weird, when the Transit is more expensive than the Fiat Ducato

I think that the base vehicle cost is difficult to compare.
The various motorhome builders will get prices based on volume and Fiat are easily the biggest seller by far so their production costs can be managed much better than a manufacturer who does small batches.
Also the cost of delivery will impact cost due to volume and ease.

 

[gerry mcg]

AFAIK, the fiat DUCATO PVC is 2m wide, which allows transverse rear beds, however other vans are narrower above wheels which mean a transverse bed is short .

 

[Speve]

Thanks Speve,
So you are saying that if they were the same spec and price you would buy the Fiat based Exsis over a Mercedes? Because even after reading all the praise for the Fiat, I would go for the Mercedes, because I naively look at them as a prestigious mark!

The only thing going for Merc is rear wheel drive but at present I don't think that would sway me to pay extra.

 

[jessthedog]

When I bought my first motorhome I was apprehensive of the fiatl engine build quality. So I asked my local mechanic and he said...
"It's been built so that an Italian van driver can abuse it all day, every day. Don't worry".
Other van drivers are of course available.

Thanks Left Hooker,
So I'm not the only one who was apprehensive of the Fiat build quality! As I have said, I know nothing about Motorhomes. I'm looking for one now. (going to NEC in October). I'm a cautious person, who if I'm honest, over analyses stuff!!
I have a driven a few HGV rigid trucks, but these where mainly specialist vehicles. I owned a transit van 30 years ago. So my knowledge is virtually non existent.
What I have programmed in me from a young age though, is brand awareness. I'm sure if you asked most people, Mercedes/Volkswagen or Fiat, they would choose the latter.
But if you read the replies I've had, I shouldn't worry about the base vehicle. The Ducato is a good Motorhome vehicle, with a good solid engine.
Fiat are fully engaged in Motorhome building and their after care is excellent.

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[jessthedog]

The only thing going for Merc is rear wheel drive but at present I don't think that would sway me to pay extra.

Hi Alan,
Thanks for that. So you would choose the Fiat over the Mercedes if they were same spec and price?
cheers jezza

 

[mitzimad]

Hi Alan,
Thanks for that. So you would choose the Fiat over the Mercedes if they were same spec and price?
cheers jezza

if it was a panel van conversion i would definitley go for the fiat/pug citroen soley for the corrosion protection to many rusty mercs out there

 

[jessthedog]

if it was a panel van conversion i would definitley go for the fiat/pug citroen soley for the corrosion protection to many rusty mercs out there

Thanks Mitzimad,
What if it was an A class with Al-Ko chassis? Nothing left of the Merc to rust. Just engine and running gear.

 

[WillH]

On the engine side of things the 2.3 and 3.0 engines are both the Iveco engine. Lots more info about Sevel vans here:-

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fiat_Ducato

 

[Speve]

Hi Alan,
Thanks for that. So you would choose the Fiat over the Mercedes if they were same spec and price?
cheers jezza

Yes probably as Fiat service and spares would be cheaper We did have a Merc on a 2004 Autotrail Cheyenne the motor 5 cyl 316 was brilliant and pulled like a good un but it wallowed like a whale on merc chassis and when changing to Fiat had my reservations but as I said those reservations have gone drives beautifully no wallowing very positive and 2.3 150 pulls just as well even towing a car trailer.

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[jessthedog]

I would like to thank you all, for the replies I have received. I'm glad I joined

If I can surmise why I think the Ducato has literally got a stranglehold on the motorhome market.
I think at first it was cost

Yes probably as Fiat service and spares would be cheaper We did have a Merc on a 2004 Autotrail Cheyenne the motor 5 cyl 316 was brilliant and pulled like a good un and when changing to Fiat had my reservations but as I said those reservations have gone.

Thanks Alan,
So I'm not alone, a lot of motorhome owners had reservations, but once they own one, are totally happy with the Fiat base.
I bought my house in 1984, so the motohome I will buy, will be more expensive then that.
So I like to do my research!
Cheers jezza

 

[jessthedog]

I would like to thank you all, for the replies I have received. I'm glad I joined

If I can surmise why I think the Ducato has literally got a stranglehold on the motorhome market.
I think at first it was cost. Then Fiat invested time and money into it. The engine range is solid and the after care is excellent.
No other manufacturer has spent the time and money on what is a niche market.

Great forum with a wealth of knowledge and experience, thanks for putting my mind at rest, for what is a big purchase.
Thanks

 

[jezport]

Ive had Transits and Ducatos and recently bought an extra high top extra long wheelbase globecar PVC based on the Ducato and I can say the driving experience is absolutely spot on, the cab and driving position is spot on, I have spinal problems meaning that some vehicles are unsuitable due to poor cab comfort and layout but the Ducato is great.
The Mercs still rust badly, plus they have other issues with head gaskets blowing etc. The transits dont have the space and payload I needed plus their current issues with locks and immobilisers really put me off. Other brands like iveco, renault etc are not ideal as you cant get custom motorhome parts like cab blinds that fit etc.

Ive just fitted a rear view camera that is made to replace the high level brake light, try finding one for a Renault or Iveco.

The Ducato panel van has a good shape for a motorhome as its very square up to a good height, there are good options in engines to suit most people.

Driving my van is a pleasure rather than a toil.

 

[sdc77]

I'd say that to use the word stranglehold is a little disrespectful to Fiat who have put a lot of work into the marketing and provision for the Ducato. If it was rubbish then it just wouldn't be used . I can only speak from the 3ltr version but it's a great drive and pulls very well. Our last can was a Crafter pvc and it was plagued by sensor issues and you only have to go on the crafter and sprinter forums to find the massive amount of DPF issues . I know the OP showed some pics of merc ambulance and fire engines. I do know that ambulance authorities did get some good deals on mercs but most of the new private companies muscling in and the patient transport vans are ducatos. There's no doubt mercs are a lovely drive but i think the Ducato is the natural motorhome base. Until another manufacturer puts the effort in.

 

[jessthedog]

I'd say that to use the word stranglehold is a little disrespectful to Fiat who have put a lot of work into the marketing and provision for the Ducato.
Hi sdc, thanks for comments.
No disrespect intended. Just that Fiat have over 2/3 of the market.

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[Geo]

Short answer £
Long answer £