hello, i am from sunny Coventry, new to the fiat forum, but not to the brand, having owned a Punto, and working for Iveco for some 15yrs, i have just bought a 1991 ducato motorhome its a compass drifter, its a nice vehicle, but two questions, the steering is very heavy, and i mean heavy, i know its non power steering, and it has just passed its MOT so i know its not ball joints, any ideas, and the engine is also a non turbo, is it possible to fit a turbo to this vehicle, my daily driver is a ford fusion 1.4 diesal with a turbo fitted but no inter cooler, can a similer set up be fitted. thanks.......Paul

A lot of motorhomes run with the wrong tyre pressures. That would aggravate your situation. Get the van on a weighbridge and find out the axle weights. This is best done in full travelling trim ie: full water and fuel tank plus food clothes etc. You could guess the food and clothes bit though.

Once you know the weights you can email the manufacturer and they will give the recommended pressure at that weight. many m/homes run overweight, usually on the back axle. The weighbridge will tell you if you are road legal and you will not worry when VOSA pull you over. They love m/homes and always pull them over because they are rich pickings.

As for the turbo etc. I am not sufficiently qualified to give good advice. I know that it is possible to fit power steering on to Transits. It might be possible on Ducatos.

I don't know about your model, I have a series 2, these are prone to the top bearing in the front strut seizing up, the steering is not only heavy, but when it gets bad, doesn't self centre as well, more noticeable from full lock.