Fiat Ducato as a camper: what’s great – and what gets on your nerves
Long-term experience with the Peugeot Boxer / Citroën Jumper as a base vehicle for a motorhome conversion
If you buy a motorhome based on the Fiat Ducato, Peugeot Boxer or Citroën Jumper, you’re basically not doing anything wrong. These models have been considered the standard base for many DIY builds and series campers for years. We built our own conversion on a Peugeot Boxer too – and after several years of use, one thing is clear: there’s a lot to like, but also a few points that really annoy you in everyday life.
The biggest advantages of the Fiat Ducato and equivalent models
1. The widest vehicle in its class – perfect for cross-bed sleepers
The Ducato is practically the only panel van where you can comfortably sleep crosswise without side extensions. That saves not only space, but also weight and build effort.
2. Best ratio of interior space to overall length
Compared with Sprinter, Crafter or Transit, the Ducato offers more load-area length for the same vehicle length. If you want to stay under 6 m, this is where you get the largest usable interior.
3. Straight walls – ideal for DIY conversions
The almost vertical side walls are a real advantage for converters. Furniture is easier to fit, storage space is used more efficiently, and the vehicle feels roomier inside.
4. Endless accessories – and usually with certification
Because the Ducato (and the Boxer, Jumper, Movano and, more recently, the Toyota Proace Max) has been built almost unchanged since 2006, the range of accessories is huge.
Windows, swivel bases, air suspension, security solutions – you’ll hardly find another vehicle with so many approved parts with E-marking or TÜV reports.
The downsides: what really annoys you in everyday life
1. Seating position and legroom
At 1.78 m tall, the footwell is pretty tight. To reach the steering wheel and pedals comfortably, you sit quite close to the dashboard – and somehow the steering wheel still feels oddly far away. A bit more room for your shins and a steering wheel that can be adjusted closer would significantly improve driving comfort. Shorter people probably struggle with the seat height of the original bases, but there are alternatives. We fitted the Sportscraft base (Amazon affiliate link) on the passenger seat.
2. Ignition lock in an awkward spot
The key sits on the right under the steering wheel – you somehow keep bumping it with your knee every now and then.
3. Harsh ride on the Light chassis
Many Ducato models with the Light chassis run on 215/70 R15 C tyres at around 5.5 bar pressure. The high pressure makes the ride extremely harsh – almost like wooden wheels.
Other brands (e.g. Sprinter or Transit) use larger 16-inch wheels with more air volume and noticeably better comfort. If you drive a lot, it’s worth considering this when buying – or later when upgrading.
4. Limited upward visibility
Especially with a Remis front blackout, visibility upward is significantly reduced. At traffic lights or under high road signs, you often have to lean forward – which is particularly impractical in the city.
5. Weak basic door security
A point that’s often underestimated: the Ducato’s driver’s door can be levered open with a pointed object in just a few seconds.
A quick jab into the door-handle area is enough to trigger the central locking – a well-known issue that affects many models.
If you park your vehicle unattended or plan longer trips, you should definitely retrofit additional mechanical security – such as door and rear-door locks from Prickstop or a pedal lock to prevent the vehicle from being driven away.
Conclusion: the best base for campers – with a bit of refinement
Despite minor weaknesses, the Fiat Ducato (and its equivalent models) is, for us, by far the best base for campervans.
It offers the best space-to-length ratio, straight walls, an enormous range of accessories, and straightforward approvals.
A few ergonomic quirks and the weak basic security are the main criticisms – but they can be compensated well with targeted retrofits and small adjustments.
So if you’re planning to convert or buy a motorhome based on a Ducato, Boxer or Jumper, you’re getting a solid, long-proven foundation – with huge potential for individual improvements.
When would we decide against a Fiat Ducato?
- if we needed less space and preferred longitudinal beds.
- if driving comfort or all-wheel drive mattered more than interior space.
