Ducato rear door opener

In many camper vans based on the Fiat Ducato or similar models, the rear door is difficult or impossible to open due to the shape of the mattress. Often, there isn't enough space to operate the original door opener.

This model replaces the existing handle with a small, vertically opening lever.

The first version by Konfetti was great, though a bit complex to print and assemble. I used his solution in our camper van for almost a year. It was much easier to use and open the door than the original (in our case, from Citroen), but it could still be tricky at times. We printed Konfetti's door opener in PETG, and it worked pretty well overall.

Last year (2024), Ranseyer published his "new" door opener on Printables, which I downloaded and printed immediately (in PETG). Assembly was simple and quick. However, the gap size was often suboptimal, and the bracket broke immediately when installing the Bowden cable. I then made a few modifications to the parts, resulting in a perfectly fitting construction. The support bracket and the end stop have been reinforced, and the distance of the rotating body has been reduced to 0.4 mm.

I installed the handle, and it worked well for the first few weeks. However, our motorhome has a dark paint job, and PETG turned out to be unsuitable for the door opener in hot weather conditions.

So, I printed the model in ASA. Even higher temperatures in summer couldn't harm the model. To be on the safe side, I also printed the model for friends using Extrudr GreenTec Pro, which has been in use since September 2024. Both filaments seem to work reliably.

I've been using the door opener in its final version in my camper van since September 2024. My wife and I use it regularly and are impressed by its stability. To date, we haven't had any problems with this model.

Installation Instructions

1. Remove the Original Mechanism
   • Unscrew the two screws on the left and right sides.
   • Unhook the wire rope.
2. Assemble the New Mechanism
   • Place the handle part and the rotating element on the panel part from both sides.
   • Secure them together with the M4 screws (see pictures).
3. Check Fit and Function
   • Before final assembly, ensure all parts fit perfectly and function correctly.
   • Rework if necessary.
4. Hang the Bowden Cable
   • Attach the Bowden cable carefully.
   • Attention: If any component breaks, reprint the broken part. Do not use glue.
5. Attach the Baseplate
   • Screw the baseplate to the door.
   • Perform some testing to ensure proper installation.

Changes  to the Original by Kofetti

• Significantly larger to completely cover the recess on the cover with the van extension.
• Increased material consumption and longer printing time.
• New handle design.
• Reduced requirement for printing accuracy.

Changes to Version 2 by Ranseyer

• Improved fit.
• Reinforced Bowden block.
• Reinforced discharge.
• New filament profile.

Note on our own behalf: 

We use this door opener frequently, especially when traveling with our campervan. Its convenience allows us to open the rear door from the inside 2-3 times a day. While I personally find this door opener safe, it's important for everyone to make their own judgment. Please note that this model is a printed prototype. Therefore, always keep the following safety warning in mind: