I have a 'pannel van' camper built in a LWB 2008 3L X250 Ducato - because at the time Fiat were 'unable' to supply a 2.6L version that was normally used. So we had to pay the extra cost. We have a couple of DOT weighbridges close by on which I find the front axle is always within a few kg of 1750Kg maximum while the rear even at our max gross wt of 3,500kg is always well below its 1900Kg limit.
At a Fiat stand at a show a kind non technical lady found out that the 3L version is 50Kg heavier than the 2.6L.
Is there a known route to a higher front axle rating, even that extra 50kg would give us a margin.

The layout of the conversion is important to achieve balance across the two axles. Maybe you have your leisure batteries and water tanks in the front, you could relocate them more centrally or to the rear.

Thanks Corkman.
The manufacturer says there is no problem, although when I had it serviced I asked them to check its weights because I suspected they did all their design work on the 2.6L van so the extra weight of the 3L engine may be the problem - but their weighbridge wasnt working.
The leisure batteries - 2 x 110AH so about 50Kg - are under the front seats but the water tanks are as far rearwards as they can go - and almost empty to achieve a legal front axle weight. Bathroom at rear. I have looked round lots of different designs and we have very little at the front compared with many others. Overcab locker, hob and sidefacing seat/bed. I would very much like see the axle weights of others because I suspect all hitop fiat vans may be marginal.

Rabbiteer said:

the water tanks are as far rearwards as they can go - and almost empty to achieve a legal front axle weight.

Click to expand...

As you probably know, increasing the weight behind the rear axle will counterbalance and reduce the weight on the front. Moving the leisure batteries right to the back would make a big difference to the weight, but greatly slow down their charging from the alternator unless you wire them up with very thick copper cable - much thicker than its maximum rated amperage.

PS: Sorry just seen you have a panel van which suggests you have very little overhang behind the rear axle? I guess thats the problem

My query was prompted after I had the opportunity to look at a camper that was built on what looked like an identical LWB hitop van to mine but had a front axle maximum weight of 1850Kg.
While on holday I have been shown over a couple more with the same rating. One of the owners pointed me to some Fiat literature - pre 2010 - about the options.
There seem to be 4 suspension options independant of the engine options and body types done by maximum laden weight. This was never mentioned while I was going through the options when I bought my van.

3,000Kg maximum gross weight with front axle rated at 1650Kg
3,300Kg maximum gross weight with front axle rated at 1750Kg
3,500Kg maximum gross weight with front axle rated at 1850Kg
3,500Kg maximum gross weight 'Heavy' with front axle rated at 2100Kg.

Either it is possible to uprate by changing components - or it isnt.
It might be expensive but as my van is almost perfect in every other way it must be cheaper than changing it for a new van?
Unless you know better.

Hi,

I had my Ducato coachbuilt uprated from 3200kg to 3500kg; this also included uprating the front axle from 1650kg to 1750kg & the rear from 1700kg to 1900kg.

This was a 'paper' exercise, I sent them a cheque & they sent me a new rating plate & certificate

It might be worth enquiring if this is possible for your model. The firm I used was:

www.svtech.co.uk/

A final PS
The answer was to fit VB Air suspension to the front which allows the front axle rating to be uprated from 1750Kg to 1850Kg -By SVTech. At £3k rather expensive.
Goldschmitt offer a coil springs convertion that allows 2000Kg on the front axle for about £750 but we hope the air suspension will give us greater comfort.

Moral. Make sure your van if built on the right chassis.

Thanks for the update.

I guess, as you say, the moral is to go for the L4 Heavy, which gives you another 2 cubic metres of space, all behind the back axle, 16" wheels with bigger discs, and max axle weights of 2100kg front, and 2400kg rear. Mine cost £575 more than the L3, (2 years ago) and I have found it money well spent.

Incidentally I think you mean 2.3 litres. There isn't a 2.6 litre X2/50.