Hi, I am looking to buy a Ducato from around 2005/6, to convert into a camper and wonder if there are any pitfalls or things I should look out for on these vans?
Any help would be appreciated.

Petrol/diesel, engine size?

Hi,
I have a 2005 SWB 2.0ltr petrol?lpg van. Had it for two years now. i use it for work. Done plenty of miles in it, does about 27MPG on LPG @ 70p a litre. Fitted 18" alloys, panted green, removed back doors, fitting side windows, made some side skirts. Turning it into a day van. Only problems so far
Cylinder head cracked, fitted new one.
Rust holes found behind front structs
Rear valance rusted off
1 front struct was leaking, fitted 2 new structs
New discs and pads all round.

Overall, Im very happy with the van, drives like new, no rattles, nice to drive on long distances. Good on fuel. Ive had many vans and I think this is the best one ive had.

Regards
Simon


Note to mod, no touting for business has been made in this reply.

I am looking at the 2.3l or 2.8l turbo diesel model, long wheel base, high top, to convert into a camper.....…any advantage to the bigger motor? Or will the (more commonly available) 2.3 do the job!
Thanks for the replies in advance.

2.8 is better for heavy load, as a van conversion you probably won't ever be over 2.5ton so its not much difference. Just anecdotally I've a few 2.3 motors throw a crank, never seen a 2.8 do that.
Just be aware that buying a lemon with common rail injection can be very expensive to repair and you local indie mechanic can be lost with the electronics. That goes for all makes.
When test driving it you want to get it fully up to temperature and up to full load by driving hard up a hill, make sure you don't have smoke, engine management lights, limp mode or flat spots.

read up on the 'water feature' - search on the motorhome sites - scuttle at bottom of windscreen leaks like a sieve - water all over the injectors and electrics and maybe also into the gearbox selector.
check the cam belt has been changed - 2.2 has chain cam and 5 speed box which is fine in a van conversion.

berni109 said:

read up on the 'water feature' - search on the motorhome sites - scuttle at bottom of windscreen leaks like a sieve - water all over the injectors and electrics and maybe also into the gearbox selector.

check the cam belt has been changed - 2.2 has chain cam and 5 speed box which is fine in a van conversion.

Click to expand...

The 'water feature' is on the later X250 vans not an issue on the earlier X244 vans which the OP is asking about