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Burning questions about motorcaravanning? Our expert team can help! Simply email one of the addresses below or contact practical.motorhome@futurenet.com, and we’ll do our best to answer it in an upcoming issue
Where can I find a replacement gear stick for my CI Riviera? Q
Recently, the gear knob on our 2003 CI Riviera suddenly came off in my hand. It seems that this has been fixed in the past – both stick and knob have been damaged and the knob no longer screws onto the stick.
It appears to have been glued in the past. I have temporarily reglued it and ensured it stays in place with duct tape! But this is a bit Heath Robinson, so who knows how long it will last.
I have tried to get a replacement gear stick tower from various online spare parts suppliers, but when I enter the Fiat Ducato 2.8 TDI details and the numberplate, I get a message that this vehicle cannot be found.
Could you please suggest any suitable suppliers and some information about how it should be fitted? I believe the vehicle is a 244 Platform, but I don’t have details of the horsepower figure. Bryony McCowan
A Diamond Dave replies…
I’m a little confused – a 2003 Ducato with 2.8 engine should be the JTD version, rather than the TDI. I don’t think Fiat has ever used the TDI designation for any Ducato. A 2003 should have the later gearbox, where reverse is to the left and forwards, with a lift collar under the knob itself. If yours has reverse to the right and back, then 1 it has the earlier gearbox, and I think that the gear stick assembly is different on these two variants.
I did find several gear stick assemblies on eBay, ranging in price from around £100 to over £250; there are also plenty of replacement gear knobs for under a tenner. Just be sure to get the right one for your vehicle, including whether it is right- or left-hand drive. Personally, I’d risk a tenner and try a new knob first.
When would be the best time to buy a pre-owned motorhome? Q
I’ve read on several occasions in your magazine, and online, that now isn’t necessarily the best time to buy a pre-owned motorhome. But we’ve spotted a nice A-class Rapido at our local dealership, which seems like a decent deal, so we are quite tempted.
Could you please explain why it might be better for us to wait a while? James Thomas
A Nick Harding replies…
Regarding the reasons for waiting, there’s too much demand chasing too little supply, so prices are ‘hard’.
In addition, with the ’vans that are out there being sold quickly ( ), it’s not so easy to just go and browse,1to get an idea of which layouts are best suited to you and your budgeting.
My main message is a bit more subtle, though – so if you do see something you like, at a price you deem acceptable, go for it. It sounds as though this might be the case with you.
However, longer-term patience might be rewarded – I predict a sea-change in the next couple of years. A proportion of people who currently own motorhomes, especially first-timers, may discover the lifestyle isn’t quite what they expected. Their trade-ins will add to stock levels, and prices could get more realistic.