General Serious Flaw with Ducato

[Fiat Ducato Motorhome]

After owning 2 Fiat Ducato Motorhomes now, and having the same problem with both of them. I have done some researching and it seems to a very common fault with Fiat Ducato vans.

The Engine battery sits on a tray on the left hand side tucked under the wing slightly. It would appear that when it rains, water seems to come down the windscreen and find its way over the scuttle and down on to the battery.
Both the van I own now and my previous vans have had very seriously corroded battery trays, the one I have now is completely corroded beyond saving and will need to be replaced. I have had to cut out a section of the support underneath as well, and grind all the rust off and treat. I will need to prime and will probably spray with some stone chip paint or similar to protect.

You think they (Fiat) would identify this problem and find a way to solve it, putting a simple plastic cover, of a box like type over it would solve this problem.

Feel free to leave comments, feedback or your opinion on this matter.

Best Wishes
Paul

 

[rayc]

You think they (Fiat) would identify this problem and find a way to solve it, putting a simple plastic cover, of a box like type over it would solve this problem.

Feel free to leave comments, feedback or your opinion on this matter.

Best Wishes
Paul

The battery was relocated to inside the cab under the floor with the introduction of the X250 variant in 2007. The new scuttle arrangement was worse of course with the water flowing onto the alternator and engine electronics. Perhaps they have got it sorted out on the new X290 cab introduced this year?

 

[ecunotemu]

They're not usually so badly corroded with vans its common with motorhomes because they often stand around for months at a time and the water doesn't get tiltedvibrated/evaporated out of the tray as in daily use also people leave the battery go flat over the winter, then in the process of trying to charge and use a duff battery they leak acid.

 

[adlarplant]

Battery trays have been corroding ever since lead acid batteries have been in vehicles its not just a fiat issue remember cleanliness is next to godlyness which is next to impossible cheers Adam

 

[Fiat Ducato Motorhome]

Good to here all your comments,

Yes your probably right 'ecunotemu' they do get left standing around for long periods and if not parked completely level than this probably adds to the problem.
Having problems finding a replacement battery tray for my 1997 Fiat Ducato Motorhome. Old one has had it, was thinking about going to a fabricators and getting them to make a new one, then prime and paint it with some underseal paint or stone chip, for added protection.

Regards
Paul

 

[rayc]

You can get ready made battery trays on ebay that may fit with a bit of work.
google 'BATTERY TRAY - relocation tray - kit / race / rally / drag / project cars'

 

[ecunotemu]

Good to here all your comments,

Yes your probably right 'ecunotemu' they do get left standing around for long periods and if not parked completely level than this probably adds to the problem.
Having problems finding a replacement battery tray for my 1997 Fiat Ducato Motorhome. Old one has had it, was thinking about going to a fabricators and getting them to make a new one, then prime and paint it with some underseal paint or stone chip, for added protection.

Regards
Paul

You should check the inner wing below it too while you're add it the padding on it can soak up water / electrolyte from the battery tray and huide the resultant rust underneath.

 

[EJB]

My 2002 (to 2006) Ducato MH has always had water in the engine compartment.
It's never caused a problem although I do cover the alternator area with a plastic cover when it is static for a period.
The rain water runs off the large roof area in the centre of the windscreen onto the scuttle area.


PS. Replaced bonnet seals etc. but it made no difference!

 

[robin123]

i have 2001 ducato motorhome and rain water is dumped over battery on one side and on top of gear box the other i have got various bit of plastic covering trying to protect them but never the less its not a good design to have all that water splashing about?