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Best Chassis and Why

  • 22-03-2010 9:09pm
    #1
    dfbemt
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,398 ✭✭✭


    Looking at new campervan and was wondering about preferred choices of chassis and why.

    I know this could be an individuals self preference but some may have particular reasons.

    Am interested in a new Transit RHD myself because of dealer network and huge parts availability. RHD because my trips to the continent will be rare.


Comments

  • #2
    peasant
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 17,819 ✭✭✭✭peasant


    RHD or LHD is just a matter of personal preference ...RWD (rear wheel drive) or FWD (front wheel drive) is where the real arguments start :D.

    Me, personally, I think that FWD is fine for camper-VANS but big and heavy motorhomes are better served with RWD.
    (As this rules out the Ducato chassis, there isn't much left after that)


  • #3
    Aidan_M_M
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,213 ✭✭✭Aidan_M_M


    I've driven 8m plus Twin axles , I've driven/sold/serviced/towed with Fords , Fiats , Renaults , VWs , Mercs , Pug+Citroens(basically Fiats) , And I could never fault the FWD . If you do want RWD , I'd have a VW LT based one over a Merc , and a Merc over a Ford . You rarely ever see Premium class motorhomes on Transits .

    Parts availabilty for Fiats or Renaults isn't a problem , A Fiat/Peugeot/Citroen are basically identical , And Renault/Nissan/Opel vans are too . Parts for them aren't expensive either .

    I'm a Fiat man myself , my dad always had them since I were a nipper , but the modern Renault MAster based Vans are very impressive . WE have some sold since 2006 , and had no issues at all with them . A wiper stalk and a reverse light switch is all the failures I can think of!

    The 3.0 Fiat may have more power , the 2.3 Fiat is incredibly impressive for its size and a beaut to drive , but the Master is also very very comfy , and a helluva lot easier on fuel . And has plenty of poke too . Dad has an A-class on Renault, and drove to Spain with a Rally car and trailer! No problems .

    The Transits aren't particularly comfy , reliable , refined or economical in the higher bhp models , and the smaller engined ones are underpowered for campers .

    Also RWD means a higher camper , as the floor will be higher to go over the prop haft . So they tend to be less stable in cross winds.

    How large a camper and what layout have you in mind?


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