by Thanos Pappas
- The Fiat Ducato Back2Back merges two cabins into one vehicle for easier transport.
- Both halves have independent drivetrains and are destined to split after delivery.
- Each unit will serve as a donor vehicle for aftermarket camper and motorhome conversions.
A growing appetite for camper conversions has pushed manufacturers to think creatively, sometimes in unusual directions. Among the many large vans produced under the Stellantis umbrella, the Fiat Ducato has become the go-to choice for motorhome builders. That popularity recently gave rise to a curious sight, a Back2Back version with two cabins joined together, forming what looks like a two-headed van.
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The Ducato Back2Back is not one, but two separate vehicles. The only reason they were temporarily bonded together is for easier transport. This particular layout doesn’t include the rear portion of the ladder-frame chassis and the rear axle, meaning it would normally require towing.
Two Cabins, Two Specs
Each cabin has its own drivetrain, with the 2.2-liter Multijet turbodiesel generating 178 hp (132 kW / 180 PS). Power is obviously transmitted to the front wheels, exclusively via an eight-speed automatic gearbox. This technically allows Back2Back vehicles to be driven both ways, as long as the other half is in left in neutral.
Interestingly, the two cabins don’t have to match. The example on display shows one half painted white and fitted with steel wheels, while the other is finished in silver with 16-inch alloys. Despite the different trims, both ride on all-season tires of the same size.
Ready for Conversion
Once delivered to the customer, the Back2Back will be split again. After all, the purpose of the conjoined heads is to become donors for recreational builds. The donor cabs are mounted on an AL-KO chassis with torsion bar suspension, engineered to support extensive recreational layouts. The design allows for a maximum weight of 4.4 tons (9,700 pounds), combining a high payload with a low, flat floor suited to elaborate camping setups.
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Standard equipment for each Ducato includes electric power steering, ESP, traction control, hill start assist, cruise control, heated electric mirrors, and dual USB ports. Motorhome buyers often opt for the Captain’s Chairs, which rotate 180 degrees and slide toward a dining table, making them ideal for interior living spaces. Optional extras also include a leather steering wheel with media controls, DAB radio, and an infotainment screen.
The Ducato is already a heavyweight in the camper segment. On German roads alone, it serves as the foundation for 427,590 motorhomes, claiming a 42.6 percent share of the country’s recreational vehicle market. Stellantis plans to showcase the Back2Back model at the Caravan Salon 2025 in Düsseldorf, held from August 29 to September 7.
More Back2Back Vans
The Fiat Ducato isn’t the only van to offer the Back2Back option in the configurator. The same treatment has been available on the Citroen Jumper and Peugeot Boxer siblings. The large vans are nearly identical, differentiated only by their unique grilles and badges. The wider family also includes the Opel/Vauxhall Movano, Toyota ProAce Max, Iveco Super Jolly, and Ram ProMaster, though availability depends on demand in each market.
