galaxyhunter 309 Posted August 29, 2016 Share Posted August 29, 2016 Hello from Canada I am contemplating the purchase of a 2008 Dethleffs T6611 with this engine. It presently has about 83, 000 k. Is there any concerns I should have about this particular engine? Bad habits? Weaknesses? We are planning on a 2 Year adventure with this Motorhome. We love the twin beds and large garage. I have had a Dethleffs before but it had the trusty and durable Fiat engine. Thank you in advance for any sage words of advice. Graham Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
galaxyhunter 309 Posted August 30, 2016 Author Share Posted August 30, 2016 Hi again. I hope I have presented the engine accurately. So I am going to assume that since no one has posted any experiences, either good or bad, that it is a satisfactory engine. A dangerous assumption? Since I live across 'the pond' I have to use an agency to make the transaction happen. I have engaged Donna Turner in Utrecht and had a great experience buying and selling a Motorhome. So looking forward to new adventures........of the travel kind. Take care all Graham Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Robinhood Posted August 30, 2016 Share Posted August 30, 2016 galaxyhunter 309 - 2016-08-30 4:41 AM I hope I have presented the engine accurately...... Graham ..sorry you haven't had any answers, and the above point might well be the issue. I would try to clarify the exact spec of the vehicle you are considering. I'm happy to be corrected by others on this, but there are a few fundamental questions: AFAIK, Ford (Europe) have never used a 2.8TDCi engine. At that vintage, there was a 2.2TDCi, but it would have been available in a maximum of 130 hp. In addition, I would expect T6611 to be built on a Fiat chassis, and at that date to be on a 2.3 (probably 120 hp or 130hp) Fiat engine. Up to 2006, Fiat did use a 2.8 engine, in various states of tune, up to 146 hp, and in 2008, there is a slight possibility that a Fiat vehicle might be fitted with a Ford-derived 2.2 engine which was used as an interim fit, but AFAIK at lower output than 140hp. Questions, questions... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Keithl Posted August 30, 2016 Share Posted August 30, 2016 Here is a link to a 2009 road test of a Ford Transit 2.2 litre 140 HP van... http://www.whatvan.co.uk/test-drives/first-drive/2009/ford-transit-22tdci-140hp-cab-in-van In which it is quoted as being 2.8 Tonnes Gross weight, might this be where the confusion has arisen? What it does confirm is that the 2.2 litre engine was available with 140 HP output. Keith. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Robinhood Posted August 30, 2016 Share Posted August 30, 2016 ...I know the 2.2 was available in 140hp, Keith, I had a 2010 Hobby with that engine (and liked it). I did think, though, that the original 130hp version was the maximum until late 2008, at which point it was mildly uprated to 140. Research indicates that it might have been slightly earlier than that, so it is just possible a 2008 conversion may have the higher output (though the 2008 FWD Fords I've quickly scanned are 130). Nonetheless, I would have expected that (the quoted model of) Dethleffs to be built on a Fiat. For a 2008 model, if it has a Ford base, it may well be a "Fortero", which was built on the RWD Transit, with the 2.4 TDCi (and might just be available in 140 hp at that time). It is somewhat lower geared and higher fuel consumption than the 2.2 FWD base - I am also advised that it is slightly less pleasant to drive. I still think the op needs to carefully check the details of the 'van being offered. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Keithl Posted August 30, 2016 Share Posted August 30, 2016 Could this be it... http://www.marktplaats.nl/a/caravans-en-kamperen/campers/m1081624538-dethleffs-6611-enkele-bedden-airco-cruise-control-solar-2008.html?c=efb2ef4dc323389c4f92ed10afa33e3a&previousPage=lr&pos=3 Keith Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Robinhood Posted August 30, 2016 Share Posted August 30, 2016 ..I suspect so - and that will be the 2.2 FWD six-speed (140). (I can't find any reference to this particular model anywhere, other than this particular vehicle. mobile.de is usually a good research source, and all contemporaneous T6611s are on Fiats) Subject to it being well-maintained, this base is good to drive with decent fuel consumption, a bit more roll than the Fiat, but a less crashy drive. It did have to have an engine remapto the 2.2 at some stage because of piston problems, and EGR valves can, as on other vehicles, be an issue at higher mileages. Fords are (IMO) rather easier and cheaper to repair than Fiats, though the cab is slightly narrower, and the top of the windscreen can be a bit low for taller people. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
galaxyhunter 309 Posted August 30, 2016 Author Share Posted August 30, 2016 Good morning. And thank you so much for the replies. Keith. That is precisely the Motorhome I am looking at. Seems like a good Motorhome and has all the features that I am looking for. The confusion, I believe, is my inability to translate Dutch. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Keithl Posted August 30, 2016 Share Posted August 30, 2016 galaxyhunter 309 - 2016-08-30 2:30 PM Good morning. And thank you so much for the replies. Keith. That is precisely the Motorhome I am looking at. Seems like a good Motorhome and has all the features that I am looking for. The confusion, I believe, is my inability to translate Dutch. Hi Graham, Here is the ad from the actual seller, I simply use Google Translate to get into English. http://www.boscampers.nl/Campers/tabid/736/Tweedehands/View/Camper/1034/Dethleffs_Designo-T-6611-Ford-TDci-6-Bak-met-140pk-ENKELE-BEDDEN-AircoCruise-Control.aspx Personally I have no experience with the Ford chassis or Dethleffs conversion but others do so ask away with any specific questions. Keith. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brock Posted August 30, 2016 Share Posted August 30, 2016 In the UK, Ford Transits seem to go on for ever and ever. My son had one that did over 800,000km [had to have a new engine and gearbox], his next one did over 400,000km with only routine servicing and minor were and tear replacements, whilst his third was up to just over a 160,000 miles with no serious issues. So mileage should not be an issue if it has been well maintained. 10,000km pa is about right for a regularly used motorhome. Like all vehicles, you need to ensure that it has been properly maintained with a good service record. It will not be a ball of fire so you might find it sluggish. Dethleffs is a recognised German brand. They tend to be well-built and solid, sitting between a premium brand and budget brand. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
galaxyhunter 309 Posted August 30, 2016 Author Share Posted August 30, 2016 Thank you Robinhood. Between you and Keith I will be much more aware of the right questions to ask and considerations to make. Although Donna Turner has a mechanic who will examine the vehicle I was going to fly over for the final approval. After all this is a large investment. Donna is going to the dealer today to make an initial eyes on inspection. I will forward the relevant questions about the specifics of the engine. If it is the 2.2 then I will be much relieved that it is viewed favourably. My wife, who is in a wheel chair and thus the desire for a garage ( not for her!! Lol) and for my electric folding bike. We camp lots here in Canada and have an old Pace Arrow that we adore. Camping is quite different in Europe in my experience. Both are great. We look at the Europe camper as a magic carpet carrying us to new adventures and experiences. Barb was an English teacher who has a passion for history especially the monarchy so as soon as I can summon up the courage we will head to the UK to explore. Thanks again, Robinhood and Keith, for the help. Graham Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
galaxyhunter 309 Posted August 30, 2016 Author Share Posted August 30, 2016 Thank you John. I am more encouraged than ever. To be honest I have a 1999 Ford Explorer which I have abused terribly. It has never had a tune up. Just oil changes, filters and routine wear items replaced. It has been a stellar vehicle. I know it isn't the same engine but it does speak to the durability. I also had a 74 Mustang which was a nightmare. Traded it for a diesel VW Rabbit and got the best in that deal. Take care. Graham Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Robinhood Posted August 30, 2016 Share Posted August 30, 2016 .though I'm quite surprised at the (Dethleffs) model number, the picture makes me 99% certain that it is a 2.2 FWD, not the 2.4 RWD (which has prominent front hubs that wouldn't take the wheel trims pictured). IMO, most of the time (barring slippy surfaces with a significant weight behind the rear wheels), the 2.2 is a nicer drive, with higher overall gearing making it quieter and giving better fuel consumption. Despite comments above, the 140 version is no slouch, and will keep up with traffic quite nicely. 1st gear is somewhat high, and can make starts (especially hill starts) a bit "hairy" until you get used to it - but I suspect all the 140s came with hill-start assist (the brakes will hold for a few seconds) which improves things. ISTR that there was a service bulletin for the "high gear and starting" issue that provided a remap to try to avoid the potential stalling, one would hop that, as it appears to have (some) Ford service history, this will have been applied. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Derek Uzzell Posted August 31, 2016 Share Posted August 31, 2016 Robinhood It is possible to visually discriminate between RWD and FWD Transit Mk 7s by the shape of the front wheels, but only if the RWD version has a 'twinned-wheel' rear axle. In the latter case the wheels will have a prominent ‘dish’ as shown in this advert http://www.freewheelleisure.co.uk/2008-dethleffs-sunlight-a69-new-stock-low-miles-perfect-family-getaway-29995/ but if the rear axle of a RWD Mk 7 is ‘single wheel’ type the same wheels are used as on FWD variants. In 2008 the FWD Transit Mk 7’s 2.2litre motor gained a 6-speed gearbox and the highest output became 140bhp. The 2.4litre 140bhp motor fitted to a 2008 Transit Mk 7 also had a 6-speed gearbox. I could not find any mention in 2008 motorhome magazines (UK or French) to a Ford-based Dethleffs T6611 and it’s evident that Dethleffs were building on RWD and FWD Transit chassis then. However, like you, I suspect that the motor is 2.2litre capacity (hence FWD) and, because of how deeply the rear wheels are inset under the wheel-arches (shown in the advert’s side-on photo) that the vehicle is built on Ford’s FWD platform-cab chassis rather than the specialised ladder-frame ‘camping-car’ chassis. A glance under the bonnet or at the rear axle would immediately confirm which powerplant the motorhome has. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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