Rare-Spares Universal Ducato Handbrake Extender

Universal Ducato Version

From 1993 to Current Models

Designed and manufactured in the United Kingdom, The RARE-SPARES Handbrake Extender makes your handbrake much more accessible.

More than 2000 sold to date.

It is intended for use with FIAT Ducato, Citroen Relay and Peugeot Boxer motorhomes (based on the usual Sevel manufactured chassis) where, due to the height of the seats, the standard handbrake in the 'Off' position is often too low for ease of use.

Other extenders on the market invariably inhibit the use of the swivel seats as fitted to many motorhomes.

How has the Rare-Spares handbrake extender been improved?...

Firstly, we have developed this revised version to be a universal fit for all Ducatos and thus it replaces the two different versions we have sold up until now (known as the Pre and Post 2006 types).  Note that the revised version remains externally visually the same as the previous Post 2006 version.

Secondly, we have also now made the lever on this version spring-loaded to give it a more positive feel and to dampen any lever vibration that might possibly occur under certain circumstances.

 Otherwise, all features are as before.  The Rare-Spares extender being unique because...

(1) Once the vehicle is parked, the lever itself can be moved out of the way to reduce the overall height of the complete assembly to little more than the original handbrake.  The right-hand side of the photograph above shows this.

(2) The RARE-SPARES Handbrake Extender raises the handbrakes' handgrip higher than other extenders (giving approximately a 200mm or 8" increase in height) to make it easily reached.

Operating the Brake  

The use of the handbrake when driving is self-explanatory and will soon be found easier after a short trial. 

The action of the lever which operates directly on the existing release button obviates the need to press the release button with the thumb. Instead, the whole arm is moved. 

The rubber grip is also of a larger diameter than conventional handbrakes. On these two counts then it is eminently suited for those suffering from restricted and/or painful movement of the fingers and thumbs.

IMPORTANT: The movement of the lever on the handbrake's release button effectively makes the handbrake act as the type known in the vintage motoring era as a ‘Fly-Off’ handbrake. Because of this quick release nature, the driver should always play doubly safe by leaving the vehicle in gear.  This is something recommended by all experienced motorhome users whatever the method of handbrake actuation.

Please satisfy yourself that you are happy with the concept of this 'Fly-Off' action prior to ordering.

Dropping the Lever

This is achieved by pulling out an aircraft-style quick release pin. This lets the lever swing downwards until it touches the floor.  This provides clearance for swivel seats to turn.  

Note: The swing down lever is also a useful safety feature when the handbrake is mounted between the driver's seat and the door.  This is a common location in motorhomes where virtually any handbrake could be released accidentally by contact with the driver exiting the vehicle.

Childproof?  

If the quick release pin is replaced whilst the lever is in the down position, this provides an additional safety feature for when playful children are present. Neither inquisitive fingers nor the extension lever itself can reach the original handbrake's operating button

Quality Construction

Do not mistakenly compare this product with those on the market that have a 'cheap and cheerful' construction. When you have paid a great deal of money for your motorhome, why spoil it with an accessory with a 'Heath Robinson' appearance? The RARE-SPARES Handbrake Extender is a quality product manufactured using the finest materials:

The clamping body is injection moulded from glass-filled nylon which is extremely tough and shatter-proof.

The lever itself is made from 6mm satin finish stainless steel.

The hand grip is made from a soft high grip bi-coloured rubber.  



What will it fit?

We are unable to provide a complete listing of all the motorhome makes and models to which the RARE-SPARES handbrake extender will fit...as there are a few upper-end Ducato based vehicles that have non-standard handbrake levers fitted.

This new revised universal fit version should, however, fit the majority of common motorhomes based on the very popular Fiat Ducato, the Peugeot Boxer and the Citroen Relay built on the Sevel chassis from 1993 right up to date. 

The photos show both types of Ducato grip (pre and post 2006 type) that this extender will fit.

Delivery Timescale

We generally hold no or very little stock of these extenders as they are made as a private venture in small batches when our workload allows. To cover this effectively 'made to order' situation we feel we have to quote up to 30 days delivery. Please be aware of this situation as even if we are showing this item to be available, this means availability within the 30 days.  However, generally your wait will be much less than that and your extender could be despatched within 2 working days!