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Yes, thanks Tom.
Thought that it was another moment with the Exsis that just had to be recorded, whilst informing members of the change.
Fred
Thanks for letting us know and where to find updated info, Tom.
We are indebted for all the work that you have done in the creation and updating of the invaluable ‘Little Exsis Book’ for this group.
Fred
Hello Jean, always sorry to hear about folks problems so I will tell you what I can from memory.
There have been references to rust issues in recent years and I believe thatb there have been contributions over the years from several forum contributors – some of them on previous versions of this Forum so some of that info may not be available on this site….but I think perhaps recent ones by Dougie K9 and Chris will be, so you will need to do a little research.
Dougie also posted photos I think and that was probably earlier last year -he had it repaired in Westbury in Wiltshire at a specialist Landrover restorer.
Chris had his repaired before he did his ‘Big Trip’ year out and posted about it at the time, perhaps two years ago. I think that it was done in Lincolnshire ?, maybe Rustbusters?? a well advertised outfit .
Both of the above and perhaps more will be on this forum if you search.
Previously and therefore not searchable will be comments from others, notably probably about 4/5 years ago from Russell (Swansea, not sure if he still has his Exsis) who I believe was critical of Rustbusters and got them to do a better job, so they will have learned from that as Russell is a very competent metal worker from examples of his work that we have seen (safe under seat and security box under boot) and he is very neat and precise….and would have demanded a proficient rustproofing job from them.
I remember that Maldwyn also described replacement of front crossmember, another well known Ducato issue – and more recently I think a newer member gave references for price and purchase, so that might be on this Forum.
Please check out the ‘Little Exsis Book’, that great contribution from Tom , because without his foresight all of that old information would have been lost. If you look at the most recent revision by Tom you will see additions to previous the information embodied in the book :-
item 25 – 11/06/16 – Undersealing
67 – 16/06/16 – Undersealing additions
122 – 04/08/18 – Undersealing additions
131 – 20/08/18 – Front Cross member corrosion
The base vehicle is Fiat Ducato and many motorhomes are built on this, so other Forums ( I believe that you have posted on them ?) may give you more information or repairers in your area. I believe that there is a reputable one in/near Poole ? Rustbeaters/ Rustbusters??
Although you must be disappointed, I suspect it may well come to us all and the words from Mccubbin are valid in there is so much residual value in all the good works of the Exsis over and above the base vehicle that it is built on.
Best wishes for a good solution – your experiences will be a valuable guide to others so please give feedback when it is done.
Stay safe and best wishes for a Happier New Year and travels.
Fred
Tell me that Hymer have contacted you and told you that at last they are going to manufacture a replacement for the dear old Exsis at a sensible price and you are first on the order list!
Dear Mike and Fran, thanks so much for all the help, advice and experiences that you have contributed to the Forum and Exsis meetings over the years and various press/media contacts you made on our behalf.
Best wishes for the future.
Fred & Gill
As far as I know it functions just the same as on the high heater setting – higher gas/heat output (2 clicks)
We usually run the heating on the lower setting (lower gas/heat output) as the fan is quieter.
If its cold use the high setting to get up to temperature then use the lower setting to maintain the temperature. From practical experience I would say that I think the temperature drops away a little before the thermostat kicks in again…..but that is probably because being an older design it uses bi-metallic strips or something (now outlawed by EU regs) rather than more modern technology.
Fred
Sorry forgot to add that we held ‘ Exsistravaganza in 2014 – 16’
I organised them with Barry, the previous website administrator – so that avenue of viewing will not be available unless a newer member takes up the challenge ….perhaps after this lockdown someone will be up for it!
I feel less inspired now in my mid seventies
Fred
I am fairly certain that there is no other 5.45m long van and narrow bodied that offers the same space and ‘livability’
Can go into the washroom which has wardrobe incorporated and come out washed/showered and dressed whilst the remainder of the van remains completely useable – kitchen / breakfast/ upper bed.
Probably not a good idea to drive by a rare blue one. Many Exsis are owned by ‘ older’ folk and possibly it does not get much use or they may find it difficult to spruce up and maintain- life doesn’t get any easier as the years roll by.
not necessarily the case, but worth thinking about and investigation to get the facts.
Fred
Hello Jeanette and welcome to the Forum.
We have owned our 2006 SG from new and have not found anything to replace it with because it is so practical and compact.
You can find more information and photos on a previous thread.
Have a look at Modifications and Enhancements
Page 3, Modifications for Big Year Out- the Lounge by Chris & Susan
They have shown their very substantial mods for their purposes
I contributed to show how versatile the SG is on post no 339 22/1/19 showing our arrangement
Without checking on this cold damp morning I believe that the width of the bed at the body is 54″ and is 74″ long across width of van. The bed tapers into the feet (side bench seat) with use of the infill cushion .
This can be seen on the photos that I posted.
Fred
I think that Dougie’s post quoted below is a classic!
“If you are serious about getting an Exsis then it will serve you well to do some reading on this site and the invaluable Little Exsis Book. Don’t be put off by the problems as you need to put them into perspective. All motorhomes of this sort of age have niggles and design flaws but only the Exsis has so much to offer compared to ‘others’ If you have ever seen one in the flesh as it were then you will know why they are so sought after…the amount of space is unbelievable, a very clever design.”
FYI Gary and other prospective newcomers, there are still quite a few of us who have owned our vans from new and several more long term owners as the merits of the Exsis still outway other considerations.
This Forum and its predecessors have primarily been friendly and helpful information sharing and assistance when needed. We have never seemed to be a ‘chatty’ type forum, so hopefully if it seems quiet we can assume that all is well.
Best wishes and if you should decide that the Exsis is for you and that you would like to see one then you could state the general vicinity that you are and ask if someone nearby could PM (private mail facility on this site) and arrange for you to view one. I allowed someone to do this a couple of years ago.
Regards to all,
Fred
Sorry to hear about the ABS woes of Tony and Piers.
Lets hope its not going to be too common on these old Ducato’s.
Thanks for sharing the info, shame you didn’t find a recognised replacement / reconditioned supplier.
What do I want to be owning an old vehicle for? ….then I remember it’s because it’s an Exsis!
Fred
That is a remarkable transformation, Fred.
Seems to take nothing away from the SK and adds the ability to carry passengers.
Well Done!
From one Fred to another.
Welcome Pablo and best wishes for your ownership and happy usage of your ‘classic van’
the bifold door can be rattle proofed by adding some sticky felt chair leg pads or some kitchen door/drawer buffers.
Whilst in camping mode you can just flip the second leaf closed, but it won’t be secured – so no good for when traveling.
I made a mod to my door to avoid having to always press the wardrobe door button to locked position by cutting out a semi circle and fitting a kitchen hinge blanking plate – see photo
if you want to obscure the open bathroom just pull the shower curtain around
The Exsis has the standard Ducato windscreen wiper mechanism with different wiper arms (Volvo)
Wiper blades are standard fitting- originally perhaps a bit short ( 20/22 “ I think??), so you can fit extended lengths. Normally I fit 22” on passenger side but they overlap the curve so I have 21” currently. Driver side I use 24”, but currently have 26” as Suggested by CV ( Chris ) I think – I do worry about the extra stress caused by the extra length on the mechanism though.
It is a good idea to use RainX because there are large areas not covered by the windscreen wiper sweep
Fred
Hello Jean – sorry can’t add any expert advice because I know even less about electrics that Chris or Barry.
From what I have read on Forums the safe bet is the Varta LFD & Yusa as Barry referenced.
I have run with the Varta LFD 110 ah (only single and no solar or B to B) for 3 trouble free years mostly non EHU several days at a time.
As Barry states many many motorhomers run with 2 x110 ah batteries, but that is at the limit of charger capacity as Martin and the late Alan Evans would advise……a stress factor would be if you are a heavy power user.
As I understand Lithium need a special charge regime and the Electobloc EBL 99 is dated and only provides a selection of lead acid or Gel (which were the original fitment) and the Gel also caused many problems failing after 18-24 months (mine did) ,, there were many questions about the ability to charge these Gel batteries correctly at the time because of many early failures on Hymer vehicles.
Keep it simple and stick to the Varta…..if you are really worried then use the smaller 75ah option x2
Best wishes
Fred
If that is what you want to do rather than a trailer, then as Chris says it has been done before by Ted as stated above.
I also remember from years ago that there was a white one from near Frome in Somerset that had one, that member sold up quite a few years ago…just can’t remember his Forum name (original Forum).
Think that he also had air assist on rear springs which will add extra weight.
Will eat into payload if you stay at 3500kg, but definitely has been done….would get my Guzzi on one though!
Fred
I am fairly sure that Chris (our Host and new forum administrator) fitted solar? – check back through the threads. He has done some very innovative and competent modifications.
Barry did also.
Both not in S.Wales though.
Bigger Forums non vehicle specific such as Out and About Live will have a wider audience and may have reader who live in the region and recommend fitters in Wales.
Fred
