Peugeot 280L (J5)
Built: 1985 · Series: 280L
More machines from model year 1985
Not the right version? The data comes from vehicle registers holding many near-identical versions side by side. Photograph the data plate — we read make and type from it. Open the scanner e-mail address required
Peugeot 280L – the Sevel Sud-built J5 van as a motorhome base: 2.8 to 3.5-tonne gross weight, four-cylinder 2.5-litre diesel, conversions by Hymer and Bürstner
The Peugeot 280L is a version of the Peugeot J5, which PSA built from 1981 jointly with Fiat and Citroën in the Sevel Sud plant at Val di Sangro, Italy; the sister models were sold as the Citroën C25, Fiat Ducato and Talbot Express. The type designation on these vans follows the weight class: 280 denotes roughly 2.8 tonnes gross vehicle weight, L the long-bodied variant. The J5/280L was a favoured base vehicle for motorhome conversions; the model names on this page accordingly show conversions by coachbuilders such as Hymer, Bürstner, Eura Mobil and Clausson.
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The register lists 12 versions here with four-cylinder diesel engines of 2,482 to 2,500 cc, kerb weights of 1,920 to 3,180 kg, gross vehicle weights of 2,800 to 3,500 kg and widths of 1,970 to 2,400 mm.
Alongside the Fiat Ducato, the J5 was one of the defining base vehicles of the European motorhome industry in the 1980s and 1990s, competing with the Mercedes-Benz T1 and the Ford Transit as a conversion platform.
When buying one of these early motorhome bases used, key points are corrosion on the frame, wheel arches and floor pan, the condition of the cylinder head gasket on the PSA/Peugeot XD diesel engines, and – on the motorhome conversion – damp in the walls and roof; chassis parts are available through the independent trade for PSA commercial vehicles, body parts through the respective conversion manufacturers.
Sources: SpecCodex register, model data: Peugeot 280L, Peugeot (manufacturer)
Technical data
Engine
| Cylinders | 4correct |
|---|
Dimensions and weights
| Width | 2,100 mmcorrect |
|---|---|
| Wheelbase | 3,650 mmcorrect |
| Unladen weight | 2,340 kgcorrect |
| Gross vehicle weight | 2,800 kgcorrect |
Drivetrain and chassis
| Wheels | 4correct |
|---|
Frequently asked questions
How much does the Peugeot 280L (J5) weigh?
The unladen weight is 2,340 kg.
What is the gross vehicle weight of the Peugeot 280L (J5)?
2,800 kg.
What engine does the Peugeot 280L (J5) have?
4 cylinders.
When was the Peugeot 280L (J5) built?
Production years: 1985.
What to check before buying
- Check the hour meter against the service records — a replaced instrument is the most common gap.
- Compare the data plate and chassis number with the papers.
- Check the weights in the papers against the figures here — attachments change them.
- Ask about parts availability for this build year — the running costs hang on it.
A general list for this type of machine — no substitute for an inspection or an appraiser.
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This page carries 8 individual figures for this model. They come from 1 recorded source; every figure can be traced there. What we cannot document is not here — we leave gaps open rather than estimate them.
The technical data on this page comes from official vehicle registration records (RDW/Traficom), not from the manufacturer.
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Other models in this series
280L
280L /HYMERCAMP
280L HYMER
280L KAMPEERAUT0
280L KAMPEERAUTO
280L KAMPEERWAGEN
280L SCOUT ARCA
280L/BURSTNER
280L/CLAUSSON
280L/EURA LINE FLAMINGO
280L/HYMER MOBIL
Sources: RDW — Dutch national vehicle register (retrieved August 2026) · How we check the data
Van in 3D section
Turn the model, look inside and click an assembly — each one is explained.
