ducato handbrake

[snail]

Hi, has anybody fitted one of those handbrake extension handles to make it easier to reach when driving, can you tell me does it effect the seat swiveling when on site with handbrake on? I have a Hymer A class 05 model with the electro block etc on the drivers side and no door

thanks Snail

[Robinhood]

I have the "Rare Spares" version (http://www.prime-function.co.uk/rare-spares/) fitted to my Rapido A Class.

 

Because it folds down on-site it doesn't interfere with swivelling. It adds only about an inch to the height of the applied handbrake in that state - you can judge from the pictures on the site.

 

In that respect, it is better than the Kobran version, and I also think it is better in use.

 

The action to apply and release is more intuitive, and the release is essentially 'fly-off'.

 

It makes the hanbrake much easier to use.

 

More expensive than the Kobran though!

[Derek Uzzell]

Snail

 

Welcome to the forum.

 

This is an earlier thread that discussed handbrake extenders:

 

http://www.outandaboutlive.co.uk/forums/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=16238&posts=9

 

It doesn't directly answer your seat-swivelling question, but it may still be useful.

 

 

[BarnacleBob]

Hi Snail,

Yes I used a Rare Spares extender and found it to work very well without any problems. However if you did not remove the pin and lower the handle when brake applied, it might be a little awkward exiting the van because the handle was a little higher than the seat squab.

 

There are now two versions available to fit a pre or post 2006 Ducato.( the handle grip changed from being parallel sided to convex sided).

 

I have a have a pre 2006 Rare Spares extender in good condition for sale if you are interested. I now have a new A class 'van and do not need an extender.

 

BarnacleBob

[Derek Uzzell]

BarnacleBob - 2010-02-23 11:18 AM

 

...However if you did not remove the pin and lower the handle when brake applied, it might be a little awkward exiting the van because the handle was a little higher than the seat squab...

 

Snail's motorhome is a RHD A-Class Hymer with no door on the driver's side. If I remember correctly, at the best of times it's a knuckle-grazing exercise reaching the handbrake via the narrow slot between the side of the seat-squab and the side of the motorhome, so it could be a real exercise in dexterity to remove the extender's pin to allow the handle to be lowered. I think Hymer fit ISRI seats on their A-class vehicles rather than the standard Fiat product, which introduces another unknown.

 

I suspect the answer to Snail's original question is that an extender will probably inhibit seat rotation when the handbrake is on, but the only way to be certain is to fit one.

[Ris]

BarnacleBob

 

have sent you a message which will be in your forum in box.

[snail]

thanks for the words of wisdom from you all, Derek what are Isri seats and how do I tell the difference, I only have the poormans version of a Hymer the b644 classic but still a nice van

regards Brian

[Derek Uzzell]

Brian

 

"Isringhausen" is a manufacturer of specialised seats and (rather than carrying the company's full name) you'll usually find such seats prominently marked "ISRI", often on the knob/handle used to recline the seat-back. I have a 2004 Hymer brochure that shows the interior of what I think is a B-584 Classic and the seats look like Isringhausen ones to me. Of course, they could be from another manufacturer, but they don't appear to be standard Fiat Ducato seats.

 

It would have been less confusing if I had said "I think Hymer fit specialised cab-seats on their A-class vehicles rather than the standard Fiat product, which introduces another unknown".