Ducato base (1 Viewer)

[Jands]

Ordering a Pilote P740C on the 27th.
Like most new motorhomes it has a Ducato base to it.
I am aiming to order the 150hp engine and comfortmatic gearbox.
Also 4.4t chassis with airtop suspension as well as cruise control.
Does it have a trip computer as standard?
Any advice, suggestions or information would be helpfull.
Thank you in advance.

 

[Speve]

Yes it does have a trip computer although the mpg aren’t very near realistic best way for that is to brim fuel tank every time you fill up and check mileage that way.

 

[Derbyshire wanderer]

Yes it does have a trip computer although the mpg aren’t very near realistic best way for that is to brim fuel tank every time you fill up and check mileage that way.

Is that with the Comfortmatic?
My 150 manual fuel consumption readings are always within 1mpg of brim to brim checks.

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[Just smiffy]

As above yes, my trip averages about 26mpg but I clocked every litre for a 5k trip around Europe and got 31mpg.

I have the same configuration as you but 2012 4250kg I find it a bit under powered on the hills, and with the fiats troubles and strife’s I wouldn’t buy another.... but I’d go for a 3ltr....

 

[The Nomad]

You buy a 60k or more motorhome and you worry about mpg?
Really?
I have no idea what the month of ours is. Not did I know what the mpg of our two previous MH's were.
When it gets low I fill it up.
Just drive it.
The cost of an mpg variation between say 25 and 30 mpg, over maybe 6k miles per year is in relative terms virtually buggerall.

If you want a cost to worry about, worry about it's weekly rate of depreciation.
That dwarfs all other ownership costs added together.

 

[TheDogMan]

You buy a 60k or more motorhome and you worry about mpg?
Really?
I have no idea what the month of ours is. Not did I know what the mpg of our two previous MH's were.
When it gets low I fill it up.
Just drive it.
The cost of an mpg variation between say 25 and 30 mpg, over maybe 6k miles per year is in relative terms virtually buggerall.

If you want a cost to worry about, worry about it's weekly rate of depreciation.
That dwarfs all other ownership costs added together.

Since I joined Fun in 2011 I think it was I have always been surprised at the number or folks who are going to buy 50k - 80k 4- 5ton motorhomes and then start worrying about what the MPG is,

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[Jands]

Not stressed about fuel consumption it is what it is, just like my toys when I am driving.
Back on my original subject.
New Ducati base.
Radio? Digital receiver?
Not bothering with the built in sat nav.
Anything else?

 

[mikebeaches]

It ought to come with driver AND passenger airbags, but worth checking there is a passenger one.

It should come with heated rear view mirrors, but check it actually has them.

It will probably come with 'traction+', but if not, might be worth considering.

 

[Just smiffy]

You buy a 60k or more motorhome and you worry about mpg?
Really?
I have no idea what the month of ours is. Not did I know what the mpg of our two previous MH's were.
When it gets low I fill it up.
Just drive it.
The cost of an mpg variation between say 25 and 30 mpg, over maybe 6k miles per year is in relative terms virtually buggerall.

If you want a cost to worry about, worry about it's weekly rate of depreciation.
That dwarfs all other ownership costs added together.

Since I joined Fun in 2011 I think it was I have always been surprised at the number or folks who are going to buy 50k - 80k 4- 5ton motorhomes and then start worrying about what the MPG is,

Where does it state anywhere above that someone is worried about mpg....? Some people like to know the technical side of their Motorhomes.... the only ones mentioning the cost is your negative posts that have no relevance to the OP.

I think the people that moan about people concerned about mpg haven’t got 60k+ Motorhomes....

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[Speve]

Is that with the Comfortmatic?
My 150 manual fuel consumption readings are always within 1mpg of brim to brim checks.

Mine are brim to brim but the trip does not give the same so never use it.

 

[nicholsong]

Ordering a Pilote P740C on the 27th.
Like most new motorhomes it has a Ducato base to it.
I am aiming to order the 150hp engine and comfortmatic gearbox.
Also 4.4t chassis with airtop suspension as well as cruise control.
Does it have a trip computer as standard?
Any advice, suggestions or information would be helpfull.
Thank you in advance.

Jands

You do not say on this thread whether you are new to MHoming.

You do seem to be set on getting several options in your OP post and later posts. Of course to get those maybe the only option is to order new, but it could entail quite a wait as one might not be availsble off the production line as programmed for the near future - as some components for the next batch of vehicles have already been ordered. Remember some of your options have to be incorporated in the base vehicle by FIAT. Therefore you may be waiting for your own specification to be built by FIAT and then converted by Pilote, so maybe more than a year.

So, according to when you want to use the MH, maybe you should search around to see whether you could acquire one secondhand, at a much reduced price, but you might have to forego some of your spec features, but at a much reduced price. Apologises if you have already done that.

You do not say whether you want RHD or LHD or no preference. If you would accept secodhand and LHD then a search of Continental websites and agencies might turn up a MH near your spec and much cheaper than new.

If it is your first MH then I would encourage to buy secondhand because if it does not suit and you wish to change later then the depreciation will be much less and would leave more cash that you saved on a new purchase to put to another choice.

Your choice of route to take of course.

If you do order new do not part with even the deposit till the dealer has established a firm delivery date from Pilote and make it a condition of the contract, so that if the date slips significantly you can reject the vehicle, or seek damages for non-delivery based on that contract condition.

Good luck whatever you decide.

Geoff

 

[Boringfrog]

As above yes, my trip averages about 26mpg but I clocked every litre for a 5k trip around Europe and got 31mpg.

I have the same configuration as you but 2012 4250kg I find it a bit under powered on the hills, and with the fiats troubles and strife’s I wouldn’t buy another.... but I’d go for a 3ltr....

Are 3ltr engines still available on new motorhomes?

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[WillH]

I log my fuel for interest and to give me an accurate idea of range left in the tank. The trip computer uses a weird algorithm to work it out and it varies wildly, I like to know how far the van can go before fueling.

 

[Jands]

The only sizes are 2ltr 115hp and 2.3ltr 130, 150 and 180hp.
All Euro 6 not using blue.

 

[gus-lopez]

I've always wanted to know the fuel consumption on any vehicle I own. brim to brim every time & check it out. One of the first things to show up problems. Additionally if you do drive large distances it is always handy to know. At least by knowing the consumption I know that an additional 20L fuel means that I can run right through France when there is a fuel strike

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[peterc10]

Are 3ltr engines still available on new motorhomes?

Not on new Fiats anymore. Shame because I am really impressed with ours, which must have been one of the last to leave the factory

 

[Blue Knight]

Does it have a trip computer as standard?

It does but whoever in Fiat decided to put the trip button on the window wiper stalk needs shooting.

 

[Lenny HB]

On our 3rd Ducato mpg rea

It does but whoever in Fiat decided to put the trip button on the window wiper stalk needs shooting.

Why? I find it perfect there but I don't like the hair trigger on the indicator stork.

As for mpg readout on our 3rd Ducato, all 3 have been fairly accurate less than ½ mpg difference compared to tank brimming.

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[Blue Knight]

On our 3rd Ducato mpg rea

Why? I find it perfect there but I don't like the hair trigger on the indicator stork.

I'm not sure how many times that I've activated the wipers when pressing the button for the menu choices.

 

[Lenny HB]

I'm not sure how many times that I've activated the wipers when pressing the button for the menu choices.

For me once or twice over 3 vans, I can live with that.
Fed up with indicators going off when I switch dip/main beam & sometimes when I put cruise on.

 

[AndyLes]

It ought to come with driver AND passenger airbags, but worth checking there is a passenger one.

More importantly make sure you can turn the passenger airbag off IF your passenger travels with their feet on the dash like my wife has done for over 2 years, and like I see lots of car passengers do. Youtube results of minor prangs where the airbag has gone off, destroying the legs, hips and sometimes face as the foot hits it. Not looking for the usual argument...just saying

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[Just smiffy]

Are 3ltr engines still available on new motorhomes?

No idea, but I’d never buy a new Motorhome even if I had won the lottery..... I’d buy a Mercedes instead...

 

[Just smiffy]

For me once or twice over 3 vans, I can live with that.
Fed up with indicators going off when I switch dip/main beam & sometimes when I put cruise on.

Yea, there not in the right place are they.... and the indicator has that lane change feature where when you make a mistake and catch the the stalk it feels like it’s flashing on forever till it cancels, makes me feel a right prat....

 

[Addie]

There are lots of options available on the Ducato base, but it varies if your dealer (or converter) will allow you to specify any/all of them. One option I think is essential (for me) is a leather steering wheel & gearnob rather than the standard plastic items.

You can also usually spec things like:
125-litre fuel tank
If opting for LED running lights, you can have black or silver headlamps
Black or Silver Grill
Chrome rings on the speedometer
Silver trim around the interior air vents

and various bits and pieces like that.

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[Jands]

Hi Geoff.
Will be getting new as my specifications would be difficult to find second hand.
Have talked with Haynes and they can hold up the last ordered one till the 22nd, Pilote had put the last date to order a week earlier, I don't want delivery till September, as retiring at the end of July.
It will be my first MH but have hired previously, toured Europe on my motorcycle quite a few times and travelled by car a couple of times.
Spent the last few years sorting out what we wanted visiting shows and the internet so am sure what we have decided is correct.
Requirements are room to live in for up to a month, fixed bed, room for 125cc motorcycle. After looking the Pilote P740C fits all our requirements although to ensure we are ok payload wise going for the upgraded chassis.
I understand the second hand theory, but would be unable to get what we decided second hand, and to not get that would mean we would change to the Pilote soon after. Luckily my pension and other money allows this extravigance.

 

[veevee]

Not on new Fiats anymore. Shame because I am really impressed with ours, which must have been one of the last to leave the factory

@peterc10
What month/year were the last produced Peter?

 

[peterc10]

@peterc10
What month/year were the last produced Peter?

Not sure of a definitive date, but when I bought mine in late 2015 the dealer told me they could no longer order the 3 litre version.

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[Deneb]

More importantly make sure you can turn the passenger airbag off IF your passenger travels with their feet on the dash like my wife has done for over 2 years, and like I see lots of car passengers do. Youtube results of minor prangs where the airbag has gone off, destroying the legs, hips and sometimes face as the foot hits it. Not looking for the usual argument...just saying

The airbag isn't her only worry. I dealt with a collision many years ago pre-airbags where a young female passenger was travelling with her feet on the dashboard. The car she was travelling in was hit from behind. "Just" a normal motorway shunt, not particularly severe, but the shock of the impact broke her back and she was completely disabled from the waist down for the rest of her life. She was wearing her seatbelt. Car seats are designed to be sat in straight with feet on the floor for a reason!

 

[The Dudess]

@Jands We bought a brand new van last year (our 4th van) and one thing I was completely adamant about was that it should have Alde heating.