LMC Innovan 560: Fiat vs Ford

A certain desperation currently determines the happiness of camper builders. The list of production problems that drive many CEOs to despair is quite long. The problematic delivery of the popular Fiat chassis plays an important role in this. Among others, LMC has found a solution for this by building the new LMC Innovan 560 based on a Ford Transit. However, this is not without consequences.

In these turbulent times, Fiat has attracted quite a bit of skepticism by not fulfilling delivery agreements in the camper market very well. Like every brand, the Italians suffer from a shortage of chips and other crucial parts. The demand for new campers continues to exceed capacity, and the Corona-related issues further pressure production. But in addition, a significant number of Ducatos have been promised to Amazon. That deal means that Mr. Bezos receives 5500 units annually, which are therefore not available to camper builders. These manufacturers do not passively watch. It leads to choices that come at Fiat's expense.

LMC Innovan 560 On Ford

LMC's decision to use a Ford Transit for the Innovan 560 camper van is understandable given the circumstances. But whether that puts a better camper van on the market has a few caveats. Fiat has been the best-selling camper chassis for years for a good reason. Ducatos are a lot wider and often longer than the alternatives. In addition, the Fiat is also a price-conscious base, and the service network for Fiat campers is more extensive than that of other brands.

Narrower and Higher

Fiats are available in lengths of 500, 540, 600, and 640. The Ford Transit that LMC uses is called 560, but it actually measures 600 cm in a parking space. So that's not the problem. The width of this van is more of a headache. A Ford Transit is nine centimeters narrower than the Ducato. The maximum length of a transverse bed in a Ford is therefore only a mere 1.88 meters. For those tall Dutch people, that's a size reminiscent of an old-fashioned box bed. To prevent this group from waking up with cramps, a few crucial centimeters could be gained with an often-used extension in the side wall. A kind of slide-out at the foot end is another solution. This folds in during driving, so the appearance and aerodynamics are not spoiled during the journey. However, LMC has not yet decided whether these fixed or flexible ears will be incorporated into the design. The LMC Innovan 590 with the raised roof of the Ford is somewhat better. The LMC thus achieves a comfortable standing height of over two meters.

Walk-through

Another disadvantage of a narrow van is a limited walk-through. Nine centimeters less leeway seems little, but in width, such a small difference still creates a completely different interior. The kitchenette is therefore built from three different elements that gradually become smaller in height and depth. This benefits the walk-through but limits the usability of the kitchenette. The bathroom is also extra compact, but that is something you encounter in most camper vans.

Reliability

Every brand makes a misstep now and then. For example, the new Mercedes Sprinter already has quite a few recalls, or Volkswagen sometimes launches something new too early, before it's fully developed. Fiat also has a few problems. For Italians, it's generally quite difficult to tighten the screws of a terminal block, resulting in malfunctioning electronics. In the recent past, an automatic transmission was also supplied that could develop annoying quirks, preferably just after the warranty expired. Ford's sin in this light was a faulty batch of injectors that caused engine problems. A problem that is now a thing of the past, but for which the brand has nevertheless been severely penalized. Perhaps a little too severely, because no matter how annoying it is when your camper holiday ends on the hard shoulder, structural problems, in what is basically a commercial vehicle, are not sustainable. No brand will see the wrath of a fleet manager as good marketing.

The price of a new LMC Innovan 560 based on Ford Transit is not yet known, but the intention is to maintain the same price as the Innovan 600 based on a Fiat Ducato.

More information: www.lmc-caravan.com

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