RE DUCATO WHEELS
I have found that the new (2009) Ducato Maxi wheels are 16' 5 stud with PCD of 130 and offset (ET) of 56mm. This should mean that Mercedes Sprinter wheels (ET 45) and VW Crafter wheels should fit as they also both have OCD of 130 and 5 stud pattern and similar offsets. Center hole diameters (the Bore) are also important. I think that the Ducato is 78mm and the Sprinter is 84mm so spinter wheels should fit OK

G'day firestone99
I am no help with your specific questions, but just saying hello. I have a 2006 Avan Applause 500 - see www.manins.net/motorhome/sitemap.html for lots of info on it. As you would know, it is based on the Ducato 2.8JTD Maxi - one of the last of the 244 models. Good to make contact.

Re: Ducato wheels, AVAN 500

Hello Peter

Yes we have a Fiat Avan 500 Motor home 2009, we have just bought it at auction (from a failed RV outfit) and are going through the ropes of ownership. I have had a look at your site and you have done quite some amazing things with your van!! Ours looks very similar but no heater! Also most recently the 500 now comes with a 3 litre engine. Our biggest shock was to try to get a spare key from Fiat ($495 inc GST)!! Also has no spare and I think that we may have to get a new steel rim from Fiat ($425!!for the rim no tyre!). However it is very pleasant to drive and has no shortage of power. We have yet to make a trip though without a spare!

Regards
Peter

Wow, I am sure you did well getting it at auction.

A diesel air heater is really the best thing you can add to an Applause - it has pretty much everything else as standard. That and solar panels to keep the house battery in good condition and for bush camping.

Yes but its not just Fiat that has outrageous prices for spare keys. Try Peugeot for example.

And no spare wheel? Seems very strange? Have you asked Fiat dealer about that? Maybe A'van has the spare sitting at the factory here in Victoria. I have seen the vehicles at Fiat Dandenong waiting to go to A'van for conversion - the cab-chassis ones all have a spare wheel fitted.

Suggest you join http://www.cmca.net.au/pages/index.php CMCA. Lots of relevant information for our kind of setup.

Peter