THE DIY HANDBOOK FOR YOUR DUCATO MOTORHOME

CRACK? WHAT CRACK?

A while ago, when returning to your motorhome, did you happen to notice a crack about the front door? Don’t worry, it’s not a sign that your four-wheeled friend is about to kick the bucket. This area is particularly subject to wear and tear, because the continuous movements of the door put the entire surrounding area under a great deal of stress. So, finding a small crack here after a few years is completely normal: let’s find out together how to repair it and turn it to our advantage!

First, clean the area carefully using a sponge and a good cleaning product to remove all dirt, then dry it. Now it’s time to stop it in its tracks!

With a drill, make two small holes, one at each end of the crack; this will make it impossible to spread. Using sealant (or, if you don’t have any handy, silicone for outdoor use), cover both the crack and the two holes well, applying it in such a way that it sticks closely to the wall, to achieve a maximum sealing effect.

Great, now your Fiat Ducato based motorhome is in better shape, but nobody wants to see that patch-up job! So, here’s another idea: buying and installing a drip stop will not only solve the problem of how your camper looks, but will also ensure that your door is always protected from bad weather. And if you really want to show off in the DIY stakes, the time is right to go one step further! By installing lights inside the drip stop so that your door is always well-lit.

INSECTS? BUZZ OFF!

Now that our door is as good as new, let’s jump on board our Fiat Ducato. We haven’t even had the time to settle in when we find ourselves battling with that pesky fly that seems to have followed us: how many times has this happened to you?

There are many different types of insect nets available online and at specialist stockists. But what kind is the most suitable for you?
If you’re not absolutely sure yet, choose one of the services that offer made-to-measure insect nets, ideal for non-professional use, as they are made to the customer’s specifications and so there’s no need to adapt them later to fit the door.

But as well as keeping insects out, are you also looking for some shade? Then choose a shade screen insect net, the ideal solution for protecting your privacy too!

Looking for a solution that is strong and fully weatherproof? Opt for a insect roller screen, as these are easy to maintain and clean; the most common ones are also fitted with windproof poppers inside the runners and side protections on the handle bar to protect the runners and casing when in use.

Instead, if you prefer a faster, more immediate solution, the magnetic insect netis right up your street!
This is a device that is easy to open and closes automatically behind you thanks to the magnets inside. This way, you can enter and exit your motorhome even with your hands full. It only takes a few seconds to install and, when you don’t need it any more, you can easily fold it up and store it away safely for next time!

So don’t worry if assembling a net is what’s putting you off: there are different types of nets designed for all kinds of travellers. All you need is some screws, a drill, your insect net and some elbow grease and it’s in the bag!

LET’S SHED SOME LIGHT ON HOW YOU CAN SAVE ENERGY

Our last tip, before you take a well-earned rest, is perhaps the most important of them all: how can we make our Fiat Ducato based motorhome more eco-friendly from the comfort of our own garage?

Just had a light bulb moment? Great! Because it’s time to change over to led lighting! The procedure is not complicated, even for the most amateur DIY fans.

In fact, all you have to do is replace your old light bulb holder with a new one, on to which you’ll weld the led light strips. Next, connect the wires and put everything back.

This way, you’ll have an indoor environment that is immediately illuminated, an energy consumption up to three times lower, and a surprising lifespan with tens of thousands of lighting hours.

READY, SET, GO!

Good, we’ve come to the end of this short guide to DIY operations: remember that you must always take good care of your motorhome, as this way you’ll minimise the problems you might meet on the road and, most of all, ensure a safe, comfortable travelling experience!