Instruction manual Fiat Ducato Side Steps

1.  Ensure the passenger step is on the left of the vehicle and the driver step is on the right.  

2.  The passenger side of the Fiat Ducato has 3 x M8 threaded nuts already fitted in the chassis (may be covered with underseal). Remove the factory plastic ring plugs to access them. The driver side is not as simple to fit, as it has no pre-installed nuts and needs to be fitted with M8 RivNuts using a special RivNut tool.   

3.  Always fit the passenger sidestep first, to establish the exact location of the step on the vehicle using the 3 x factory-fitted M8 nuts as bolt-on locations. 

4.  Start by fitting the long 45-degree angled galvanised sill brackets (as shown in the image above) to the step using 4 x M6 bolts, washers and nuts supplied; the angle should be pointing away from the aluminium step

5.  Now gently lift the step with the front rounded end, facing forward, ensuring that the galvanised angle fits snug under the sill of the vehicle and the sill flange lines up with the threaded chassis nuts.  See the video too

6.  The plastic or fibreglass column/skirt between the cab and the motorhome body may need to be trimmed slightly, depending on the manufacturer of the motorhome. (as shown in the image below) Different manufacturers and models have different-shaped columns, and the shapes will change from year to year.

7.  Once the step is correctly located on the passenger side and raised into position, the 2 mounting holes on the sill side of the step should line up with M8 nuts on the chassis. Trim the column if required. Insert two of the supplied 30mm M8 bolts with spring washer and standard washer through the galvanised flange. Do not tighten any bolts fully until all bolts have been screwed in by hand. (Take care not to cross-thread the bolts. 

8.  You will find 2 x galvanised 90-degree angles with slotted holes in the box supplied. (as shown in the image below) Use a 20mm M8 bolt to connect one of the galvanised angle brackets to the passenger step through the slotted holes. Orient the angle flange so it lines up with the RivNut in the chassis rail about 300mm from the sill. Adjust the step so that you are sure it is in the correct location and level, and tighten the bolts (take care not to over-tighten them).

9.  Optional pop rivets can be installed in the 3 small holes on the angle bracket. 

10.      Once the passenger side is fitted, it is possible to start fitting the Driver side. This side requires a bit more skill and a RivNut tool to complete the work. (the Rivnut shown in the image below)

11.      The Driver side should be held temporarily and marked through the holes in the step’s sill mounting bracket. Trim the column, just as you did on the passenger side, if required.

12.      After marking the location and confirming the location is correct, matching the passenger side, drill 2 holes at the recommended size of your RivNuts, measuring the outer diameter of the M8 RivNuts supplied with this kit (we cannot give you a size because the OD might vary depending on the RivNut supplier, and it is important to get the correct diameter). 

13.      Once the holes have been drilled, install the RivNuts with a RivNut tool. (Not provided)

14. Once the RivNuts are firmly in place, the Driver's sidestep can be mounted much like the passenger's sidestep. Find the remaining galvanised angle with slotted holes and use the remaining 30mm M8 bolt to connect the galvanised angle brackets to the driver step through the slotted holes. Orient the angle flange the same as you did the passenger side, mark the location, and drill another hole for the third and final RivNut. Fit the last RivNut, adjust the step to ensure it is in the correct location and level, and tighten the bolts (take care not to over-tighten). 

Congratulations, you have now completed the installation, and we hope the steps will make it much easier to climb in and out of the vehicle. If you are still having problems, it is also possible to fit handles to the cab's A-pillar. (as shown in the image below)

These handles are available from our website https://www.vantagerv.co.nz/collections/steps-ladders/products/fiat-ducato-cab-grab-handle

 Contents of this package:

Note: if you have ordered one step only, the package will contain only ½ the quantities of Rivnuts supplied for the driver's side.