This is my first post. I am stationed in Europe and considering selling my VW Westy and buying a Fiat Ducato Camp (there a number of models/configurations, it seems).

A couple of questions:

Is there a particular model that seems to be the best options?
What is the best size engine/1.9 TD or 2.4
What has been your experience on reliability and repair? Are parts difficult to obtain?

Searching www.mobile.de and www.scout24.com seems like two of the best search/sell sites. Can any of you recommend any other outside the UK (as I will be purchasing with dollars to euros..the pound is 90 cents of the dollar currently)

Any other comments or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance.
RH

Ducato engines in general are very reliable,what year of ducato are you looking to buy?

A Turbo version is nice. I haev the 2.8 turbo and find it quite good on fuel. I am never saying bloody hell have to fill this thing again.

We have a Hymer B644 with a Fiat 2.5 TD '96. Bought it 4 years ago. We have had 4 long trips across Europe in it -average 9 weeks a trip, as well as using it in Uk.It now has 68743 km on clock. Averaged 28mpg on trip through France to south of Spain, returning via Madrid San sebastian in '05 -this was with fair bit of weight including a Honda 90 on back. This was mainly complteted on non toll roads so fair bit of stopping and starting and climbs.
Biggest problem we have had was 5th gear going near Brive in France. Going along and it suddenly would not hold in 5th. We had to have it replaced at local Fiat dealer. Cost about £250, which included a full morning's work on a Sat and a new 5th gear. It was drivable in the other 4 gears but we still had along way to travel so waited there for them to get part and complete job.Turns out that this is a common fault- with campers with this set-up and has been reported before in motor caravan mags. We had no trouble for a further 5000 km, but then had the 5th gear pop out again when we were about 80 miles from home after 9 weeks in Croatia. Took it to local Fiat dealer who could find nothing wrong-apart from needing to tighten a bolt. This cost £200 for the strip down and check- no chance of using the warranty on French job as the mechanics here found "nothing wrong!" Plus it was just over the 12 months. Been for a test drive since and it seems Ok so we are taking it to Ireland shortly with fingers crossed.
Apart from that Hymer van has been excellent. Fittings etc have lasted well. we are 3rd owners.
Hope this is hepful.
Desperate Dann

Hi Dan
It seems that i have the same problem as you with 5th - just will not hold. i suppose that you don't have a copy of the bill so that i can glean any part discriptions.
many thanks
steve hill

Hi there,

We have a 2.8TD, 1999 and the 5th gear went about 15 months ago when on the M6. Checked with our local dealer who advised it was OK to drive using the 4 other gears, but costly on fuel.

Went to GEARMASTER in Melksham who knew exactly what was wrong and did the job for £200 + VAT of £35.

The 5th Gear is a set of dog teeth and are about 8mm wide. If when changing gear you do not engage correctly the leading edge gets worn and the gearing cogs slip out. Also, driving at too slower speed in a too higher gear can cause extra torque on these gears.

We left the vehicle with them for 7 days as we were away abroad, they completed the job and kept the worn gear to show me.

Regarding fuel consumption, did a trip back from the Lincoln show last year and worked out the average fuel consumption was about 32MPG. (200 miles/25 litres x 4 litres per gallon).

I hope this is of help to anyone.

I have a 2.8 turbo gave about 25/28 mpg to Spain and back averaging 80/90 mph most of the way, which I am more than happy with on a 3 5 ton 6 berth van.
Look for the bhp you really want something above 125 bhp to give you some power.


couple of sites to give you some ideas



http://www.wohnmobil-galerie.de/page_englisch/index.htm

http://www.campirama.be/en/second-hands-mobilhomes.aspx