Ducato offers ample interior space for transformation into a camper van

In recent years, camper vans kitted out as a motorhome, usually known as a “caravan” or “camper van”, has climbed to the top of the rankings on the European market. It has therefore been possible to reaffirm the qualities of the Ducato, which from various points of view appears to be the best mechanical layout to create this kind of holiday vehicle. Ready to be transformed into a motorhome, Ducato vans have a fundamental feature that makes them particularly popular with users, i.e. a genuinely large interior space compared to the external dimensions.

The favourable ratio of dimensions to roominess makes it the preferred basis for converters. European companies involved in the construction of camper vans are well aware that, in a compact vehicle such as a van, every centimetre is precious and they have long understood that Ducato offers comfortable living spaces in small external dimensions. All made possible by a body width of 205 cm, an excellent mix of handling on the road and roominess when parked, but also by the square and regular shape: indeed, the Ducato combines a dynamic front end, with a tapered and aerodynamic cab, with a rear compartment with straight walls, which rise quite vertically. This proves a winning choice because it greatly benefits interior roominess. There are positive effects in the van bathroom and kitchen, which offer full functionality in small spaces, but the advantages are even more evident in the rear sleeping area, where the considerable width means a bed can be placed sideways to the direction of travel, which is no small matter.

Not only that: the regular shape and vertical walls offer enviable space for luggage, making it possible to create a load compartment with an outstanding volume, located under the rear bed. The space under the rear bed is also used for cabinets and the water tank, as well as technical compartments for the electrical and heating systems. The relatively low loading threshold facilitates luggage storage operations from the two rear hinged doors, but also benefits boarding in the front living pod, made even easier by the generous sliding tailgate.

It therefore has useful access routes and large interior spaces, while maintaining rather small external dimensions that offer simple driving and guarantee ease of parking. The Ducatos used as the basis for the construction of vans are available in three different lengths: 541, 599 and 636 cm. The short version has a 345-cm wheelbase, whereas the others have a 403-cm wheelbase. The H2 standard height is the most common, whereas the larger H3 guarantees greater interior roominess, exploited to create a descending bed in the front or rear. An extra-high roof is also available as standard, for maximum roominess.

The Ducato’s various configuration options make it possible to mix different lengths and heights to create various types of camper vans, always with the advantage of an outstanding ratio between external dimensions and interior roominess.