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Post Info TOPIC: Renault based Campervans or Motorhomes
Bryan


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Renault based Campervans or Motorhomes
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"The Fiat Ducato is a large car-based van or minivan developed by the Sevel joint venture between Fiat and PSA Peugeot Citroën, produced since 1981. It is also marketed as the Citroën Jumper (Relay) the Peugeot Boxer, and the Ram ProMaster (US and Canada). In Europe, it is produced at the Sevel Sud factory, in Val di Sangro, Italy. It has also been produced at the Sevel factory in Sete Lagoas, Brazil, at the Karsan factory in, Akçalar, Turkey, at the Chrysler factory in Saltillo, Mexico, and at the Sollers fatory in Elabuga, Russia.

Since 1981, more than 2.4 million Fiat Ducato vehicles have been produced.[1] The Ducato is the most common motorhome base used in Europe; with around two thirds of motorhomes using the Ducato base.[2]" Sourced from Wikipedia.

Sorry Jetl, it looks like the Renault is independent of this group



-- Edited by Bryan on Wednesday 20th of November 2013 09:13:14 PM



-- Edited by Bryan on Wednesday 20th of November 2013 09:14:01 PM

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Bryan
jetj


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Anyone have any experience with these, I'm wondering how they compare with the Fiat? I would appreciate any views.



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Janette
shekon


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When they get going my son assures me they will compare if not better than the Mercedes. Something to do with base and the different wheel drive. Will get exact details and report back.

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Bryan


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Don't know how true this is but I was told that Peugeot, Renault and Fiat vans come out of the same factory.

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Bryan
jetj


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Thanks Bryan and Shekon,

I think the Citroen, and Peugeot and Renaut vans are make in the same factory in parnership with Nissan. I might be wrong though.

I'd love to hear the details thanks Shekon.



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Janette
jetj


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Thanks Brian, I'm sorry I had that very wrong. I think Renault might have a relationship with Nissan but I could have that wrong as well. lol



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Janette
Bryan


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No not you Jetl, the Renault may well be part of the Nissan group. I was wrong linking it with Fiat, Peugeot and Citroen. I think Motorhome Uk had a comparison of 15 different European motorhomes. Some were based on the Renault. I'll try and find it again. If successful I'll post up the link.

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Bryan
jetj


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Thanks Bryan, that would be great if not too much trouble.



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Janette
shekon


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Oh dear I had to ring my son and see if he still had a job. He laughed out loud and said well we have just increased our sales by 40% this year in Australia and all manufacturers Europe have experienced a downturn due to the financial climate over there. Just life, but Cory assures me that all is well in his Renault world.
2010,  1200 cars sold
2013,  8000 cars sold.
So why would this manufacturer leave the country. I am sure if a Renault is the way one wants to go all would be good. I happen to know from my cousin who owns a large freight company that they got rid of all their Iveco's because of bad service and lack of parts being immediately available. Each to their own I guess.

 

Sorry I just had to stick up for my boy. heart.gif

I think that everyone has their own favourites and that is what most stick too. Their is good and bad deals to be done with all kinds of cars and trucks.



-- Edited by shekon on Thursday 21st of November 2013 01:21:55 PM

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I am fun and adventure. So much to see, so much to do, so many people to meet. Will see, do, and meet all that I can. 

 
jetj


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I thought Fiat had improved the traction and I do see more Renaults around. I read about the Crafter's relationship with Mercedes being dissolved.

I appreciate your boys prospective too, thank you Shekon.



-- Edited by jetj on Thursday 21st of November 2013 02:02:54 PM

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Janette
Peter_n_Margaret


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Personally, I would not buy something that was both imported and relatively rare.
I suggest you consider an Iveco (also made by Fiat, but rear wheel drive).

Cheers,
Peter

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OKA196, 4x4 'C' Class, DIY, self contained motorhome. 960W of solar, 400Ah of AGMs, 310L water, 280L fuel. https://www.oka4wd.com/forum/members-vehicles-public/569-oka196-xt-motorhome
 

 
Nelly


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What motorhomes are made with Iveco vehicles - I also wondered about front wheel drive vehicles - how they compare etc. etc.

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Santa


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Peter_n_Margaret wrote:

Personally, I would not buy something that was both imported and relatively rare.
I suggest you consider an Iveco (also made by Fiat, but rear wheel drive).

Cheers,
Peter

Your right Peter, with the car industry embroiled in turmoil and the future of established manufacturers uncertain, I would not be in the least surprised to see some of the newer imports disappear off of the Australian market in the not too distant future.

Be an early adopter at your own peril.wink



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Cheers,

Santa.

Moonta, Copper Coast, South Aust.
shekon


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Renault owns half of Nissan. Third largest manufacturer of all vehicles in the world, only beaten by Toyota and VW. Number one light commercial manufacturer of light vehicles in Europe for 15 years straight. All cab chassis are rear wheel drive. Vans can come in either front or rear wheel drive. All cars are imported unless you are buying a Holden or Falcon. Renault have been in the country for the past 10years and one of the few brands that are increasing their market share.

this information comes from my son who is the number one Renault manager and sales person in the country and has been for the past three years. He does know his cars even if I do say so myself. He previously was in top 10 salesmen each year for Ford. A true rev head.

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Bryan


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Nelly wrote:

What motorhomes are made with Iveco vehicles - I also wondered about front wheel drive vehicles - how they compare etc. etc.

Nelly, I have a Fiat Ducato based motorhome (front wheel drive). Never had any problems even last winter in Walpole when I was parked on very wet grass on a slight incline. There were as usual a few people watching me get into trouble so I used manual mode to give a smooth transfer of power and drove out of there with no problems. I think, the problem is trying to drive out in the automated mode where power transfer is not as smooth and can cause wheel spin. One day, if the circumstance arise, I'll try it, provided there's no one watching.  



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Bryan
Santa


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As I inferred in my previous post, you would have to be either brave or foolish to buy any Renault vehicle in Australia.

This from The Australian in June this year.

French car sales plunge, Renault worst hit

http://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/latest/french-car-sales-plunge-renault-worst-hit/story-e6frg90f-1226656479632



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Cheers,

Santa.

Moonta, Copper Coast, South Aust.
jetj


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Thanks everyone, I really appreciate your opinions. The Renault is a good size for me as is the Fiat, The Ivecos are somewhat larger but I know they have their merits. I believe vehicles are disappearing from Australia like the Opels, so care is needed.

My Hiace has had to be towed out of a sloping driveway and off someones lawn, so traction is important. 



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Janette
Nelly


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Thanks for the reply Bryan - I suppose if worse came to worse one could always reverse out - right or not? I was actually reading a review on a Ducato mh and it said that it had a "front diff-lock to afford the van more traction on slippery surfaces".
Another quote from a review said "that the VW Crafter vans and cab chassis are no longer available in Australia". It also said "Apparently the agreement with Mercedes Benz has come to an end and the Sprinter lookalikes are no more".
Also one must try things, like reversing etc. etc., when there is no one watching!!! lol

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Bryan


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You're right Nellie, apparently the diff lock is on 2011 or 2012 models on, mine is a 2010 model. That would give you traction on both front wheels instead of just one without the diff lock.

Santa is right about parts and service availability if Renault pulls out.

As an after thought I must find out if Fiat can retro fit the diff lock to earlier models

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Bryan
Cloak


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We had a very bad experience with Renault.

Also got the impression their diesels can be a bit of a hand grenade - highly strung and unless meticulously maintained
will be a problem. I saw 2 diesels on the floor, both from commercial vans that had dropped valves and written off the whole engine and this was just at one dealership.

Then there's the almost total lack of 3rd party spare parts. Can you believe we had a car off the road for 2 weeks while they flew in windscreen wiper blades from France.


I wish you well but this is one little black duck that wouldn't discharge my nose in a Renaults general direction.




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Bryan


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Shekon, I also hope Renault sticks around for a while yet. My first car was a Renault Gordini. A rear engine job.

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Bryan
Lorries


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I have a Sunliner motorhome on an Iveco Chassis and would I buy one again - yes. I have had no problem with service and parts - quite the opposite really.

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jetj


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Lorries wrote:

I have a Sunliner motorhome on an Iveco Chassis and would I buy one again - yes. I have had no problem with service and parts - quite the opposite really.

 Thanks Lorries,

I appreciate your opinion.



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Janette
Peter_n_Margaret


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I would guess that the biggest majority Australian built motorhomes like that owned by Lorries are based on Ivecos and Fiats, maybe followed by Fords.

Cheers,
Peter

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OKA196, 4x4 'C' Class, DIY, self contained motorhome. 960W of solar, 400Ah of AGMs, 310L water, 280L fuel. https://www.oka4wd.com/forum/members-vehicles-public/569-oka196-xt-motorhome
 

 
Shogun


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I looked at the Fiat and Iveco in the Jayco MH and chose the fiat. Did a fair bit of research on both and liked the Fiat better in the end. The Iveco has dual rear wheels and the fiat has dual axle. Test drive both and the fiat drove better for me. Depending on what size vehicle you buy if you get a MH you,may have to consider getting a heavy vehicle licence also.

Cheers

Brett

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