Fiat

[Teuchter]

Facelifted Fiat Ducato New 2.3L 150PS, Comfortmatic 6 speed automatic gearbox

Anyone got experience of one of these on a motorhome plated at 3.5 t?

 

[Judge Mental]

nice base I think, I have a 2013 150 and plenty of power..but all really depends on what make/model your looking to buy as to how practical it is @3500...Truth being not many Coachbuilts are, and even less A class. even some bigger panel vans can be compromised as well .....

 

[DBK]

I have read very few adverse comments about the Comfortmatic. Those who have tried it generally wonder why they didn't get one earlier. I'm very happy with mine.

I think the 2.3 150 has a timing belt, which the larger engines don't, so expect the cost of changing that - every 5 years IIRC.

Other than that, it is a modern engine with more sensors than the Starship Enterprise so expect the odd dashboard light to come on from time to time, even on a new vehicle! It happened on mine when it was only 6 months old - but it has behaved since then.

 

[Teuchter]

nice base I think, I have a 2013 150 and plenty of power..but all really depends on what make/model your looking to buy as to how practical it is @3500...Truth being not many Coachbuilts are, and even less A class. even some bigger panel vans can be compromised as well .....

It is a Knaus "semi integrated" Sky TI 700meb - mass in running order 2980 KG giving a 520KG payload

 

[Clarky]

Just changed to an A Class Carthago on the new X290 chassis cowl with 150BHP and auto box.
The Comfortmatic box is brilliant and as someone else said, I don't know why I didn't try one before. It's so new that I still find my hand reaching for the gear stick when we approach a roundabout.
Our last van was 4.25 tons and had a 150BHP engine and it pulled well, even up mountains. This new van has the same engine and again it seems more than adequate, although it only has 650 miles on the clock so far.
So far our fuel consumption is better than our old van which is surprising with a new and tight engine. Whether that is due to the more slippery shape, auto box or more efficient engine performance I don't know.
Our old AutoTrail did just on 25mpg over 23,000 miles this one is doing 28mpg so far.

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[Judge Mental]

@ Clarky, I'm thinking of changing to Carthago i 138...which dealer did you use please

 

[Lenny HB]

Our van is on the last of the X250 hardly any difference to the latest engines we have the 150 with comformatic, absolutely love it bags of power. We always run a bit overloaded just in the process of uprating to 3850.

 

[Judge Mental]

It is a Knaus "semi integrated" Sky TI 700meb - mass in running order 2980 KG giving a 520KG payload

one of these 7.5 meter vans? In that case not a chance of being practical @ 3500 IMO. +unless on maxi chassis there's a big load on rear axle to start with with that rear bathroom behind rear axle. have you bought one or just looking. Sorry, I am no expert believe me, but I would not touch this van without weighing it first to see where you stand. especially if upgrading chassis not an option open to you...... what extras are fitted.

http://www.lowdhams.com/knaus-sky-ti-700-meb-motorhome-47746.13

 

[Techno]

I would get very fine details of how they worked out "estimated payload" weights can be 5% out just in construction alone. Anything like aerials satellite extra battery awning and other fixtures are usually not included. How much fuel water gas etc are always sketchy and your own weights.
Personally I would always buy a van with 16" wheels as it is a fair sure sign the payload can be increased significantly.

 

[Teuchter]

one of these 7.5 meter vans? In that case not a chance of being practical @ 3500 IMO. +unless on maxi chassis there's a big load on rear axle to start with with that rear bathroom behind rear axle. have you bought one or just looking. Sorry, I am no expert believe me, but I would not touch this van without weighing it first to see where you stand. especially if upgrading chassis not an option open to you...... what extras are fitted.

http://www.lowdhams.com/knaus-sky-ti-700-meb-motorhome-47746.13[/QUOTE

I've bought one

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[Judge Mental]

I would get very fine details of how they worked out "estimated payload" weights can be 5% out just in construction alone. Anything like aerials satellite extra battery awning and other fixtures are usually not included. How much fuel water gas etc are always sketchy and your own weights.
Personally I would always buy a van with 16" wheels as it is a fair sure sign the payload can be increased significantly.

Indeed.......Most MIRO (Mass In Running Order) figures are totally unrelated to use, a bit like MPG claims by car manufacturers!

75 kg driver (no passengers allowance?) 2o litres of water?, 1 gas bottle, 90% fuel etc. ...They take no account of vehicle upgrades ( like larger engine/auto options ) or include weight of extra fittings, awning, 2nd battery etc......

I would just get it weighed to see what you are dealing with....

 

[ABZSteve]

Facelifted Fiat Ducato New 2.3L 150PS, Comfortmatic 6 speed automatic gearbox

Anyone got experience of one of these on a motorhome plated at 3.5 t?

We have had our 2015 Autotrail Imala 615 for three weeks now. It is 3500 plated to 3650 and has the 15oBHP with Comfortmatic. I know it is early but so far, excellent all round. I have climbed some relatively steep hills without it blinking; may have had to kick-down a little on the really steep bits but that's to be expected.