23 NOV 2023
DUCATO: THE ADVANTAGES OF A CHASSIS DESIGNED FOR MOTORHOMES
PRODUCT
The extensive Ducato range features versions with the motorhome Special chassis, which is specially designed for campervans. Ducato was initially used for building motorhomes back in the early 1980s and has been increasingly improved over the years. The real breakthrough was about 20 years ago when design work commenced on the new Ducato platform, which was publicly launched in 2006, with a number of versions specifically created for building camper vans, in particular motor caravans, low profile models and motorhomes. Developments are still ongoing, and those features and solutions have been improved in modern Ducato motorhomes, to the advantage of motorhome outfitters and people who use them as a leisure vehicle. Here are the advantages of Ducato motorhomes in detail.
First of all, the chassis for the Ducato motorhomes is more than 12 centimetres lower than the standard chassis, which ensures excellent torsional stiffness. This means that motorhomes can now have a reduced overall height and a more easily accessible interior. Alternatively, double flooring can be used in order to improve acoustic and thermal performance, which also allows technical equipment to be installed.
A larger rear track
The camper chassis offers another key advantage, which is a larger rear track: 1980 millimetres, which is 190 millimetres more than the standard track. In the past, the rear wheels of motorhomes were more or less aligned with the front wheels, and this is still the case for vans and small-width models. However, over the last few years, the larger rear track that was first introduced by Ducato has become the solution preferred by motorhome builders throughout Europe, and this is due to several reasons: it increases outfitting options, allowing for wider motorhomes and, therefore, a more spacious, comfortable interior. The flush wheels also make these vehicles more aesthetically pleasing. A crucial element is also the fact that the wider rear axle provides increased vehicle stability, making it safer for both the driver and passengers.
Special suspension also ensures greater safety, as they are designed to offer both comfort and resistance to high loads, two qualities one hopes to find in modern motorhomes. The front chassis has MacPherson independent suspensions while the rear chassis has leaf spring suspensions, both equipped with anti-roll bars. Composite suspensions are also available on versions with a 3500 kg Light frame, which allow for a weight efficiency of about 14 kg.
The Ducato Camping Car Special chassis is lightweight yet durable, making it possible to convert fully-equipped motorhomes while maintaining a maximum total ground weight of 3500 kg, which is the limit allowed in most countries in Europe to drive with a regular car driving licence.
These are the advantages of the Ducato-based motorhome: a set of features that can make it easier to equip the vehicle and improve road performance and life on board.