First time Build - needing some Help please ..

[Mosely May]

Hi All

My 2nd post here after the introduction page so Ill try to keep this short as possible and to the Point. here goes..

So I want to do a self build (Iv`e done a small build in the past, Vauxhall Vivaro type thingy before, very basic day van type of thing But, with NO electrics) and was looking to purchase a Fiat Ducato maybe around the £8k mark or there abouts, there are a few decent ones out there however my most important thing is this , Should I stick with the 2.0 Medium WB or the 2.3 Medium WB ? is there much of a difference ? .. Its only for myself as I`ve no need for a Long WB ..

My plan is to have a Fixed bed at the rear with the garage below, Toliet/shower on the fixed wall with the small kitchen on the opposite side where the sliding side door is . I will most likely use Light Ply Board for weight purposes to build the kitchen units and Toilet/shower area then incorporate some form of electrics to run a fridge etc etc,, I`m thinking along the lines of something like this >>>> Fiat Ducato 2.0 MultiJetII 35 Panel Van 5dr Diesel Manual M H2 Euro 6 OR maybe the 2.3 ltr version, would it make much/any difference for fuel consumption or not.. I know zero about the Ducatos , how are the for reliability etc and aquiring parts when/if needed etc ?

Thank you in advance .. All/Any info is greatly received

Mosely May

 

[CAB96]

I don't know anything about the engines, but I can't imagine the mpg is going to be much different in any of them.

 

[CAB96]

If you are happy with a manual gearbox, don't forget that the Citroën Relay and Peugeot Boxer are the same body, but with different engines.

 

[68c]

coastalmotorhomes.co.uk near Ringwood can supply most Peugeot/Citroen/Fiat van parts. They do mainly mail order but do have a parts counter if you are local to collect yourself.

 

[LesW]

My 2nd post here after the introduction page so Ill try to keep this short as possible and to the Point. here goes..

Cough up the £20 to become a full member, money well spent.

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[oldiesontour]

The Peugeot Boxer tends to be a bit cheaper in my experience and is mechanicaly the same.L3,H2 is the one to go for, remember it costs the same to convert (a lot more than you think) an old van as it does to convert a new one,so start with the best you can afford,think about current and likely emissions zones (so ideally euro6) as to make and model,the big advantage of the Stealantis vans is you can put a bed transverse (UPTO 6')) ISH).The reality is all makes have their problems.When buying ..think/ask about cam belt(every 5yrs) depending on miles clutch,etc, generally autos are more expensive to repair than manuals

 

[TheMobileWanderer]

Welcome, from a fellow convertor/self-builder. Well, I'm in the planning and costing stage. I'm unable to make comment about a ducato but if you're open to considering another vehicle, there's more space in a luton van, like a sainsburys delivery van. Loads of videos on YouTube which might interest you.



Hth

 

[Happy Jack]

My van is a 2016 Fiat Ducato 2.3MWB L2H2. 2 of us.
Don't know about the 2 litre so can't comment.
Self build very much along the lines you have planned.
Used lightweight furnitureboard as you plan.
Well worth the expense of lightweight board, our van weighs in fully loaded with all we take on our trips and with fuel tank, fresh, grey and cassette all nearly full at 3100Kgs; so 400 below max. Got it weighbridged with everything nearly full on purpose so we know the worst case scenario.
A few pics.













Enjoy.