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Retrofitting frame extensions and towbars for Fiat Ducato motorhomes on FIAT and ALKO chassis

When it comes to choosing the best base vehicle for motorhomes, there is a clear frontrunner: the Fiat Ducato. For many years, the Ducato has been recognised as the most popular base vehicle for motorhomes and dominates surveys in the camping industry. In particular, trade magazines such as German Promobil or British Camping and Caravanning, a leading platforms for RVs and camping enthusiasts, regularly emphasise the Fiat Ducato as the ideal base vehicle for A-Class, C-Class and C-Class with overcab bed motorhomes.

Many Fiat Ducato models, such as the X250, X290 and X295, come with a towbar as standard. However, for anyone who has a model without a towbar and would like to retrofit one, X-CAMPING offers a wide range of complete solutions.

This blog post serves as a guide for motorhome owners who want to equip their vehicles with a towbar and shows the essential steps and components.

Fiat Ducato frame extensions

The importance of the frame extension for motorhomes

One of the key questions when retrofitting a towbar is: Which frame extension is suitable for my motorhome?

To answer this question, it is important to look at the frame construction of the vehicle in each case. The Fiat Ducato and its identical models from the Stellantis group – including the Citroën Jumper, the Peugeot Boxer, the Opel Movano and the Vauxhall Movano – are based on identical platforms. This offers the advantage that the same frame extensions and towbars can be used for all these models.

What is a chassis extension?

A frame extension is used to extend the vehicle frame so that a motorhome towbar can be securely mounted. A frame extension is particularly essential for RVs with a large overhang, such as A-Class and C-Class RV models. This also applies to motorhomes based on the ALKO chassis. Here, the chassis extension ensures that the loads of the trailer coupling are optimally distributed on the vehicle frame and that the driving dynamics of the motorhome are not negatively affected.

Components of a trailer hitch

Retrofitting a towbar for motorhome consists of several steps and components:

  • Frame extension
    • Extension profiles: These profiles provide the necessary extension of the chassis.
    • Vehicle-specific adapters: These adapters connect the extension profiles to the original frame of the vehicle.
  • RV towbar
    • There are different variants: fixed and detachable towbars. Which type you choose depends on the individual requirements and the desired flexibility.
  • Towbar wiring kit
    • A distinction is made here between 7-pin and 13-pin variants of towbar wiring kit. 7-pin kits are suitable for simple trailers without additional functions, while 13-pin towbar electric kits also support reversing lights and constant power for caravans.

The different frame types for the Fiat Ducato

An important factor when choosing a motorhome frame extension is the frame type of the vehicle. The Fiat Ducato models and their Stellantis counterparts (Peugeot Boxer, Citroen Jumper, Vauxhall Movano and others) can be based on two different frame types: the Fiat ladder-type frame or the ALKO frame.

Fiat ladder frame

The ladder frame of the Fiat Ducato, which was particularly widespread in the 2006 to 2015 model years, is considered to be extremely durable and versatile. This type of chassis is not only used in motorhomes, but also in commercial vehicles such as vans and tippers, as it is highly stable thanks to its double U-profiles.

Different types of chassis Fiat Ducato

Fiat Camping Car Special (CCS) – semiconductor frame

The Fiat CCS frame, also known as a wide-track or low frame, is a special variant of the Fiat Ducato’s ladder frame. It was developed to give motorhomes a lower vehicle profile and thus ensure better road holding. The CCS frame consists of the lower U-profile of the standard ladder frame, but with welded-on sheet metal strips for additional reinforcement.

One advantage of the CCS frame is its lower weight and reduced floor level, which makes it particularly popular with modern motorhomes. An important point, however, is that the RV body must be mounted directly on the frame to ensure full stability.

AL-KO frame – a popular alternative

Many motorhomes, especially A-Class models, rely on the AL-KO chassis. The AL-KO frame is characterised by its weight optimisation and flat body, which is particularly advantageous for larger and heavier motorhomes.

Features of the ALKO frame

  1. Independent wheel suspension: AL-KO chassis relies on independent suspension with torsion bar springs, which offers improved suspension and driving stability.
  2. Tandem axles: For particularly heavy motorhomes, AL-KO also offers frames with tandem axles (two-axle version).
  3. Hot-dip galvanised frame: The AL-KO frame is corrosion-protected and silver-coloured due to the hot-dip galvanisation – in contrast to the white-painted Fiat frames.
  4. Oblong holes for weight reduction: These help to reduce the overall weight of the vehicle without compromising stability.
Frame Fiat Ducato

Different approaches to retrofitting

Retrofitting Fiat ladder frames

X-CAMPING offers frame extensions that are universally suitable for all Fiat ladder frames (Fiat Ducato type X250, X290 and X295). The decisive factor here is the length of the extension profiles, which depends on the overhang of the vehicle.

A simple principle for determining the correct length is: measure the distance from the end of the original frame to the rear skirt and subtract 10 cm. This length is the minimum required frame extension.

Fiat Ducato extended chassis

Retrofitting AL-KO frames

Retrofitting is often easier with the ALCO chassis. Due to the flat design of the frame and the individual wheel suspension, often only a simple extension is required. In some cases, the frame already extends to the end of the vehicle so that no extension is required.

AL-KO Fiat Ducato Frame

In other models, grid plates are used to securely mount the towbar.

Grid plate for installing towbar on extended motorhome chassis

Adjustable towbars – a flexible solution for every Fiat Ducato frame

At X-CAMPING you will find a wide range of adjustable towbars that are suitable for both: Fiat and AL-KO chassis. These items are available in different versions – rigid or detachable – and offer a flexible solution that can be adapted to different frame widths.

Adjustable towbars for motorhomes

Electrical kit – an important addition to the towbar

In addition to the towbar and frame extension, a complete installation kit also includes an electrical wiring set. At X-CAMPING, you can choose between universal and vehicle-specific towbars wiring kits, depending on which requirements your vehicle fulfils. A 13-pin towbar wiring kit is ideal for caravans that require additional functions such as reversing lights and continuous power.

Conclusion: Everything you need to retrofit your towbar

Retrofitting a towbar and frame extension is a crucial step in increasing the versatility of your Fiat Ducato or other Stellantis vehicle. Whether with a Fiat ladder frame or ALKO chassis – at X-CAMPING you will find everything you need for a successful retrofit.

Discover the large selection of adjustable towbars and mounting kits at X-CAMPING now!

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