The Fiat Ducato has forged a reputation as the go to model for conversions because of its impressive van weights and flexibility.
Ducato vans range from the high end of the medium segment through to the very largest vans. The Fiat Ducato van weights reflect this wide range of sizes with a large range of weight carrying capacities for the different models.
Now owned and built by Stellantis, the Fiat Ducato shares its platform with no less than four other vans, with versions from Citroen, Peugeot and Vauxhall, as well as a model produced for Toyota.
That means that the Fiat Ducato van weights here are also mimicked by its siblings. So the Vauxhall Movano van weights, Peugeot Boxer van weights, Citroen Relay/Jumper van weights and Toyota Proace Max van weights are all the same as the Fiat Ducato.
In this guide to the Ducato van weights we’ll cover all the important information you need to know about this large van. From the Ducato payload to the Ducato’s weight, gross weight and individual maximum axle weights
These weights are really important to know for two reasons.
Knowing the overall maximum weights of your Ducato van will prevent you from overloading your van. The maximum payload and kerb weights will also give you an indication of what you can do to modify your Ducato and still stay within the permitted weight allowances.
The Ducato is much-loved by converters and the Ducato motorhome is one of the most popular camper vans you’ll find. Although these are usually based on a chassis van version of the Ducato, the reason for the Ducato’s huge following in the camper market is its low kerb weight and impressive payloads.
The same is true of the panel van versions. So let’s look at what the Ducato van weights are.
The Fiat Ducato is available in a variety of sizes, yet unlike many large vans, all of the models share the same gross vehicle weight (GVW). This is regardless of the Fiat Ducato dimensions, the GVW remains consistent across the range with all models from MWB Ducato to the extra-large versions all coming in at the same maximum weight.
All Fiat Ducato models have a GVW or maximum weight of 3.5 tonnes (3500kg). The exception is for the electric version of the Ducato which gets a higher GVW thanks to European law. We’ll cover the Fiat E-Ducato van weights separately, but in a nutshell, the Fiat E-Ducato has a maximum weight of 4.25 tonnes.
In contrast to competitors like the Ford Transit, which offers different GVWs based on body size, the Ducato has just the one gross vehicle weight, which makes things a lot easier.
Typically, large vans range from 3 tonnes to 3.5 tonnes GVW. Some go even lower, like the Farizon SV weight, which spans medium van and large van segment in the same way that the original Ford Transit used to.
Because there’s such a wide range of weights, there’s also a big range of payloads between the different models. The maximum payload available in a Ducato van is 1500kg, but as you will see, the bigger vans have a greatly reduced payload allowance because of the size and weight.
Payload capacity influences both the types of jobs a van can handle and also its earning potential. The Fiat Ducato has a payload of up to 1500kg, which positions it firmly as a large van.
With a maximum payload of 1.5 tonnes it’s also one of the few large vans at that GVW that is capable of such high payloads. Of course its siblings can carry the same, but compared to other rival models, the Ducato whips the competition as both a panel van and as a chassis cab, where payloads for the Ducato chassis cab can reach 2000kg or 2 tonnes.
Few large vans in this weight category can match the Ducato, or its counterparts like the Citroen Relay and Vauxhall Movano, in payload capability.
The Ducato comes in three body sizes, each the size of which affects the van's overall kerb weight and, consequently, its payload capacity.
Larger variants naturally have more weight, reducing the overall payload potential. That’s why for maximum payload, a smaller Ducato is the way to go, but if you want to move bulkier items, then opting for a high-volume Ducato might be more appropriate.
If you really want to get the very highest payloads, then a bodied Ducato built on the Chassis cab might be the best option for you. By using lightweight materials like composite plastics the Ducato can achieve much higher payloads. Consider something like a Fiat Ducato Luton van which offers high volume and payload.
Just be aware that this will reduce the payload, due to the vehicle's increased weight.
The short-wheelbase Ducato (SWB) offers the highest payload. It comes as a L2 model, which is the starting length in the range. It also comes exclusively with an H1 standard roof height.
Because it has the shortest body and the lowest roof height, the L2H1 Ducato is the model with the greatest payload, with a maximum carrying capacity of 1500kg.
Specifying a high-roof Ducato adds around 25kg to the kerb weight, reducing payload slightly, but moving from L2 to Ducato L3 decreases payload by approximately 75kg due to additional vehicle weight.
That means that the Ducato L3 with a standard roof height has a payload of 1425kg.
As previously mentioned, as the vehicle size increases, the payload decreases. The long-wheelbase Ducato L4 (LWB) therefore has a payload of 1265kg, the lowest of all the models. It’s also got no standard roof height option, so there’s only the heavier high and extra high options.
It might offer the largest volume, but it definitely has the lowest payload in the Ducato range as well.
It’s possible that you’re looking specifically for the weight of the Ducato van, but weight may refer a number of things.
Firstly there’s the maximum permissible weight (GVW) of 3,500kg for diesel variants. This figure includes the vehicle, passengers, payload, fluids, and fuel. This is the important overall figure that any van driven by someone with a normal car licence is permitted to drive. Exceeding this limit will land you in a lot of hot water.
There’s also the kerb weight of the van that you may be looking for. This is the overall weight of the van, without any payload.
We’ll talk a little more about kerb weight next.
Kerb weight for the Ducato ranges from 2000kg to 2265kg, varying with the van size, trim level, and any modifications.
If you want to maximise the payload of a van it’s important to think about the kerb weight. Specifications like gearbox type, whether it is a manual or an automatic, the wheelbase length, and roof height all influence kerb weight.
The Ducato's weight limit correlates with its payload capacity. So really the Ducato weight limit is its payload.
However, perhaps you’re thinking of those signs that tell you about weight limits on certain roads. These warning signs refer to the GVW. So that’s the overall maximum permitted weight it can operate at.
Even if the van is empty, vans that have a higher GVW than the posted limit may not drive on these roads with weight limits.
For the heaviest loads, the L2H1 Ducato (that’s the shortest wheelbase, standard roof van) has the best payload capacity of 1500kg. Specifying it with a manual transmission will ensure you get the maximum possible weight.
Managing axle loads is key to preventing overloading as it’s not just the overall weight that can get you in trouble.
Putting too much weight over the rear axle can destabilise the van and make you exceed the limits of the individual axles, even if you are under the overall payload allowance.
The standard GVW of 3.5 tonnes makes the axle weight fairly simple to understand as they are consistent across all of the models.
The front axle is rated at 1880kg, while the rear axle is 2000kg. For the heavy-duty versions of the Ducato, like the L4, Fiat has increased the axle limits to 2100kg at the front and 2400kg at the rear.
Overall weights for the Fiat Ducato range from 3,500kg for diesel models to 4,250kg for electric versions. Diesel variants offer payloads up to 1500kg, while chassis cabs have a payload of 2 tonnes.
The Fiat Ducato's kerb weight ranges from 2000kg to 2265kg, with a gross vehicle weight (GVW) of 3,500kg for all versions.
