Hi,
just for a change I'm asking a Question..!!

Now I'm getting on a bit my 1998 2.5 atmo Ducato camper is becoming hard to drive for over an hour,
so I'm considering buying a relatives 2004 Ducato with the 2.0 JTD - also a SWIFT coachbuilt,

so my questions are;

1, is it as gutless as people seem to say ?( struggling to pull 70MPH)

can this be powered-up relatively cheaply / easily..?? it's a VERY low mileage unit

2, are there any " avoid that year / model " type issues??,

3, I'm looking to get Cruise control adapted onto it - so I can drive for longer then 1 hour - any idea how complicated this is..? cost / insurance implications..??,

as always,
THANKS, :worship:

Charlie

Hi,

I won't offer an opinion on the engine (as I've only driven the 2.8JTD) but as a general observation the facelifted model with black dials had the issues such as No. 4 injector loom & accelerator loom of the earlier model with blue dials sorted.

I run a 2003 2.0 JTD which I have converted to a campervan myself and despite the extra weight, it still is quick. No problem doing 70mph at all. I guess a pro conversion will be heavier than mine and maybe have more wind resistance too. Always best to test drive, if you can!
Cruise control is an optional extra on the Ducato, so the wiring is already partially there. I tried to find a steering wheel with the cruise buttons on it, but gave up on that idea. I just built four buttons into a little black box and wired it into the loom from the ECU. The box sits just to the right of the steering wheel on top of the dash and works just as well as the factory fitted cruise. I do trips to Bulgaria and back and I wouldn't be without it! There was a series of posts about Ducato cruise control at FIAT Commercials > Ducato >

2005 2.8 cruise control fitment

I did end up giving more info in PMs to the guy who was going to fit it himself as I have the circuit diagram, cable colour codes to connect and where they are in the dashboard. By the way, it cost me £8 to get the parts and fit the cruise, so a lot less than aftermarket conversions. You can tell the insurance company it has cruise, but that shouldn't put up your insurance.
Hope that helps a bit!

We have now had our Mobilvetta driver 52 for couple of years now with the 2.0JTD engine, gross weight 3400kg.Been twice through alps in France and thought would like a 2.8 which we had before , then after further thoughts we are site seeing so why the rush, yes we can get up to 70mph on the flat but hills just have to use the gears more and on some climbs your down to 40mph. An upgrade to 120bhp they say cost £250 or so but what about the clutch?.Nah, we stick to it and see more. Cruise control, have this on our car with dsg box which pulling a caravan through France is a doddle but on a 2o JTD van cannot see the point myself but hey thats just me.

If you are buying anything made by Swift, take a damp meter with you and check it all out (including the floor area around the edges). They have a reputation for dampness.

I have had an 04 2ltrJTD CI Carioca for 2 years. It is a bit underpowered, but part of that is due to the load that MH's tend to carry. Don't forget you are legally restricted to 60mph on dual carriageways & 50 on other roads, so a low top speed of around 70 is only an issue on M-ways where 65-75 is a typical top speed.

It is very affected by gradients & I have been restricted to 1st gear on some really steep lanes as 2nd gear is a bit of a step up, also the reverse ratio is closer to 2nd than 1st, so reversing is like starting in second, which can be an issue if reversing up a steep slope.

It's a pleasure to drive tho, the seating & wheel position are excellent, visibility is good, the mirrors are great, but the handbrake is a long stretch without an extension handle.

All Excellent info - thanks,
def. swaying me towards buying a 2.0 / 2.3 LWB van , and kitting it out and adding the Cruise control bits,
Charlie

The 2.0 has feck all torque 20% less than the old 2.5td, it will be miserable to drive compared to the 2.8. Bigger engine will be better mpg too. Also the 2.0 basicallt has the old 1.9td / 2.8 n/a gearbox and most of the ones I see have a banjaxed gearbox.