Hi! My first post here and would like some advice please on choosing between fairly old motorhomes to buy.
engine wise mainly, both have Italian coach builds.
1996 Fiat ducato 2.5D (non turbo)with 41k miles, very clean, rust free and sounds like new! 5.5 metre coach.
2000 W reg,Ford Transit 2.4 tdi (not tdci) 55k miles. 6.3 metre coach, rear wheel drive, twin rear wheels. I'm going see this one today.
Any ideas of economy comparison, durability or known issues?
Any input would be much appreciated!
Thanks
Jonathan
We had a 1992 Talbot, same engine as Fiat I believe it had gearbox problems and parts weren't available.
A friend has a Fiat a bit younger than the one you are looking at and it also has gear box problems.
And welcome to the forum!
I've not experienced gear problems myself, but I've read of people who have. Have had dodgy gear linkage on the pre-facelift versions. I had more trouble with things like rusted brake pipes.
No experience of Transits, but if you're new to motorcaravanning, 6.3 mtrs (that's 21 feet) is a big beastie to start with. Consider parking problems, access etc..
Economy? - maybe high 20's - low 30's.
The worst problem with the non turbo 2.5 Diesel,is the lack of power. Change down gear if you see a bump in the road, sort of thing. You might find this a tad frustrating. I'd ideally look for a turbo diesel.
------------- Two drifters off to see the world.
I'm tired of reality, so I'm off to look for a good fantasy.
Thanks for replies and the welcome. I saw the transit too, on a Rimor coach, fibreglass exterior seems to be?? The ducato is an old Ci (biege) aluminium. I believe modern motorcaravans are sheet metal, any downfalls to fibreglass or aluminium?
I've had a few campers and vans over the years so not too daunted by the size.
The gears are fine on the Ducato btw.
Most coachbuilt conversions (and caravans) use aluminium panels which is both light and rust free. There are some that do use GRP and older Autosleeper models had a GRP monocoque construction.
While aluminium is light, it is relatively easy to dent or puncture. Aluminium is usually used in sheet form, so there are joints which are prone to leaking after many years. This is often down to the sealant and / or screws / rivets.
GRP is generally moulded in one piece or in large sections with few joins. It is heavier and more rigid and less prone of leaks. However it will break if hit. Small breaks can be repaired DIY.
It's not uncommon to have campervans with one-piece GRP roofs.
------------- Two drifters off to see the world.
I'm tired of reality, so I'm off to look for a good fantasy.
A day of all things motorhome and campervan. The show is held both in the main indoor arena and across the grounds. Catering, hot drinks and food options are available. Easy access to the site and free parking included. Win one of five pairs of day tickets
Topic: looking to buy
