| Author | Message | ||
     Ebear |
Hey Gang..... I've been researching Sprinter based Motorhomes.Trying to decide if to buy outright or buy a Cargo Van and convert with Tbears help....Any thoughts????? Will be converted to a Mobile Photo Studio/Motorhome. THANKS!  | ||
| Wolfridgerider |
We have a Sprinter at work. I would use it to haul my bike to the track on weekends and sleep inside it. Great power. It would have no problem getting you all the speeding tickets you may want, even when its loaded down. Great fuel economy, I think it was in the 26 mpg range. | ||
| Sphere79 |
The Mrs works for a medical supply company. They had either Dodge or Ford full size vans and when Daimler phased out the actual-Dodge vans and started re-badging Mercedes they bought those. I can't speak specifically to the engine or transmission setups but all I know is they "have had allot of problems" with them and most of the drivers do not like them. It does run contrary to what I have heard about them in the past and it's obviously only anecdotal 2nd hand info. However my wife has had to correct the drivers on several occasions who have complained about the "crappy American Dodge vans". How someone could think something so obviously Euro is "American" is beyond me but they certainly don't want to believe the "POSes" came from Germany. | ||
| Cityxslicker |
You might want to check out the new ford too. It is on my list. Everything is modular, so you can swap out seats, tool boxes, appliances, power tools, rv configurations, get it as either a panel, or with windows..... The only thing I dont like is the rear entry. I would prefer a drop gate rather than two barn doors. The XB will fit with the doors closed, the ULY, not in stock form. But in and out of town, with city driving, it is a bit more manueverable than the high cube Mercedes. http://www.fordvehicles.com/transitconnect/ | ||
| Strokizator |
The solar guys came out in one for an install at my house. The ground was a little muddy so the back tires spun a bit. The traction control cut in so even though he had the pedal floored, the engine rpm was just above idle and the van wouldn't move. The guy claimed there was no "off" switch. That needs to be corrected. Otherwise, tons of room inside. | ||
| Redbuelljunkie |
From what I've heard, the first generation diesel engines in the US ('01-'06) had the MB 2.7L I-5 Turbo- and these are not as reliable as the newer version. Since '07, the diesel engine is the MB 3.0L V-6 Turbo- the same as what I have in my '07 Jeep Grand Cherokee CRD. I have nothing but praise for this powerplant- average 26 mpg in town, 32 highway, bulletproof, pulls like... a diesel, and produces zero soot/exhaust smell. I have had to convince a few concerned motorists (watching me fill up at the diesel pump) that it really is a diesel! Parts are available everywhere (MB, Dodge, Jeep, Freightliner) so there's no worries about parts/service. I think you'll be very pleased with a Sprinter-based RV. | ||
| Ourdee |
Buddy of mine has one for his business in Chicago. He said it was a tank and quoted the 26 mpg. He really likes it. | ||
| Ebear |
Thanks for the input folks.... Cityslicker.....As far as truck brands I do like Fords , and if I was going 4-wheel drive I would use theirs.My choice of the Sprinter is that mileage number....and headroom.A drop gate would be a cool option but the rear doors swing out and articulate to lay flat against the side.Perfect as a doorway clearance loader.I'll bet I could design a tent that would utilize them doors for a huge hospitality tent off the back of an RV model! If Ford could do that and give a 6 year,100,000 mile with lifetime of 400,000 to 500,000 miles they would have me. There are 8-10 RV fitters for Sprinters but the price they ask for their conversions are pretty much ridiculous. Sportsmobile looks flexible but as far as the BEST THOUGHT out and executed conversion Westfalia by Airstream kicks Ass.Great use of space.unique engineering...if I could find a long wheelbase 1 tonner I would be highly interested. | ||
| Guell |
lol cityxslicker wants a paddywagon! | ||
| Mr_grumpy |
Here's a couple of places to look at. http://www.dodgetalk.com/forums/index.php http://sprinter-source.com/forum/forumdisplay.php? f=3 Very popular vehicles here in Europe of course, with bullet proof Mercedes diesels naturally. | ||
| 1313 |
Don't own one, but have had a little experience with one in Deutschland. For the 2007 MSM, one of my Buell riding friends in Germany, Frank (Tutte on BadWeB) made all the arrangements to rent a Mercedes van to haul the M2 he arranged for me to ride as well as his fantabulous X1.   It also doubled as my 'tent' that year and seemed to do admirably well on both accounts, even hauling on the Autobahns. However, the fine nights sleeps I experienced could have something to do with mass amounts of great German beer... 1313 | ||
| Swampy |
I tried to get one as my work van when they stopped buying 4 wheel drive pickups. They told me "No you are just going to put your motorcycle in it when you go up north" Now I am driving a Mommy Van, with all the seats but the front two removed and a divider to keep the bus ramps in the back where they belong. |
