Any converters using the Ducato 4x4?

mikebeaches

mikebeaches

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Just wondering if there are any converters selling PVC or coachbuilts using the Fiat Ducato 4x4 chassis?





Reckon it would be cool to have one - extra traction and ground clearance would come in handy. ;) :)
 
The Dangel system they use, French made, I read years ago someone got a motorhome made with one in the UK and the 4x4 system went wrong it was a nightmare getting it repaired, the converter didn't want to know and it had to go back to Dangel for repair.

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CazPaul said:
The Dangel system they use, French made, I read years ago someone got a motorhome made with one in the UK and the 4x4 system went wrong it was a nightmare getting it repaired, the converter didn't want to know and it had to go back to Dangel for repair.
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Interesting - so is that the system the Fiat have adopted for their latest 4x4 version?
 
mikebeaches said:
Interesting - so is that the system the Fiat have adopted for their latest 4x4 version?
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They have always used the Dangel 4x4 system , think they still do, yes.
Saw a Westfalia Columbus 4x4 on one on mobile.de last year, good price too it was and soon sold.
 
Doesnt look the most robust of systems , can see two main areas for concern . The Iveco system better IMHO .
 
I think Hymer do a 4x4 coachbuilt but don't know what it uses.
 
tacr2man said:
Doesnt look the most robust of systems , can see two main areas for concern . The Iveco system better IMHO .
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Out of personal interest, what are your concerns with the Fiat and why is the Iveco system better. I ask as we were only talking about these base vehicles today as possibly going down the 4x4 route for our next van.

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Armytwowheels said:
Out of personal interest, what are your concerns with the Fiat and why is the Iveco system better. I ask as we were only talking about these base vehicles today as possibly going down the 4x4 route for our next van.
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Iveco system is a proper 4x4 one with diff locks etc, Fiat is not.
 
Fiat definitely last, Iveco and Merc good systems, Iveco best but you can get a wonderful Merc engineered by Oberaigner but I don't think that is what you get if you order a Hymer 4x4 etc.
 
Armytwowheels said:
Out of personal interest, what are your concerns with the Fiat and why is the Iveco system better. I ask as we were only talking about these base vehicles today as possibly going down the 4x4 route for our next van.
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The problem arises with adaptions to FWD vehicle to get a 4wd system by its method most drive taken from one side of front diff to provide drive to rear , also has a external sealed viscous coupling , similar to as used on Freelander, which requires replacement at certain mileage to prevent lockup and which if not can cause damage further along system . They seem to be used to mostly doing conversions to passenger car size vehicles , and a heavily laden camper might find limitations in the longevity of the system esp if used in arduous conditions , rather than just used to get off muddy site . The Iveco pedigree and being manufacturers of H/D
4wd systems for heavier vehicles , and also being a RWD vehicle with inline drive train and separate in line transfer box much more robust JMHO

ps the Iveco has been well received and tested in Australia in sveral camper versions .
eg http://earthcruiser.net.au/

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CazPaul said:
but you can get a wonderful Merc engineered by Oberaigner but I don't think that is what you get if you order a Hymer 4x4 etc.
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saw one of those parked up O/night by the old station at Som port tunnel on French side a couple of years back. Like the Iveco a serious piece of kit.
 
Another Iveco serious bit of Camper kit
ivecoastra8x6expeditontruck28.jpg

http://www.expedition-trucks.com/brokers/iveco-astra-hd8-8x6-expedition-truck
 
Colin has fallen for a C3 Cartier 6x6, but we cannot even find the price of them, let alone find a 2nd hand one for sale. We parked next to one in Italy and it quite turned his head. :RollEyes:
 
Minxy Girl said:
I think Hymer do a 4x4 coachbuilt but don't know what it uses.
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It's on a Mercedes chassis - I've seen a couple in the flesh so to speak, one at our local dealer and another owned by a German couple on the top of the Grosssglockner pass in Austria.

They said they'd had it shipped to New Zealand for a year, then had it brought back to Europe after there exploits in the southern hemisphere.

Nice machine and loads of ground clearance.

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The thing we have wondered about with the 4x4 Hymer is how well the actual habitation area will stand up to a bit of off-roading. Have they made the inside extra tough as well as the outside.
 
i remember seeing a Fiat advert a couple of years ago showing a serious looking expedition van on a 4x4 chassis.
 
Armytwowheels said:
The thing we have wondered about with the 4x4 Hymer is how well the actual habitation area will stand up to a bit of off-roading. Have they made the inside extra tough as well as the outside.
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I guarantee the eggs and beer bottles in the fridge still break :p
 

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