Back from the dealership, Ford/Chevy vs Sprinter

Veik wrote:
Thank you all for your feedback.

I noticed that overall interiors are better on winnebago vs thor.

Winnie minnie vs Four Winds...

Also mostly rubber roofs on Thor vs Winnie

we looked at the four winds 22e and the minnie winnie 22r. we bought the four winds 22e for the following reasons: much quieter, nicer interior fi ishes, cabinet doors raised up with air struts to give better access, refrigerator freezer easier to access, bath shower easier to enter and exit, easier entry ( winnebage steps different sizes, a slip and fall lawers dream) , only one entry handle on the winnie & two on the four winds, privacy cuftains for the bed , cabover bed and front windshield.

Fastpaddler wrote:

JaxDad wrote:
Before you get too excited about that Sprinter chassis ..........


Google "Mercedes Sprinter rust". Read the links and look at the images.

If one drives their RV in winter on roads loaded with salt, rust is to be expected in most rvs so Sprinter is no exception.

Do the research, they aren't just rusting in snow-belt areas. We have one in the fleet we bought used in FL (it had been in FL since new) for our work down there. It's as rusty, and in all the same places, as the ones we have in Canada, including one we bought new (and has never left) in Alberta.

My E350-based Class C is more than 10 years older than our Sprinter in Florida is and has now been in Ontario for 4 years now, it still has no rust, the Sprinter is covered in rust, including just random spots on the sides where no stone chip could explain it.

look at this as an investment , no ford or chevy ,dodge will return you as much money as a MB powered diesel. and gas will be rising back to that $5.bucks a gal number. ford /chevy/ dodge. 8mpg MB 20mpg. I ,ve had them all and out leisure travel van is the best out there. good luck in your choice. wonder why FED X uses them????

If considering a recent “small” class B+/C motor home, here is a comparison between the two main contenders, the Sprinter with the V6 diesel engine and the Ford E350 with the V10 gasoline engine.

Advantages Of The Sprinter With Diesel Engine
- Offers a 35% improvement in fuel economy over the Ford-V10, when both are loaded and driven identically.
- More ergonomic driver compartment with more leg room.
- Comfort continues with a car-like feel & quiet ride.
- A grander view out the windshield
- Made by Mercedes which people are attracted to.

Advantages Of The Ford E350 with V10 Engine
- Given identical motor homes both brand and model, the Ford is around $13,000 MSRP cheaper
- The Ford V10 engine has 50% more horse power and torque
- The Ford E350 chassis handles 1430 pounds more weight.
- The E350 is able to tow a heavier load.
- The E350 rear axle is significantly wider which translates to better stability.
- In most places traveled, gasoline costs less than diesel fuel
- The Sprinter diesel has limited mechanical service shops around North America
- The Sprinter diesel is typically outfitted with a propane generator. Propane is a critical fuel for RV operations, and generally needs to be rationed when dry camping.
- This Next Point Is Debatable But Still Worth Noting....The V6 Sprinter diesel engine is not allowed to idle for extended periods. This limitation is detrimental when you need a/c but there are generator restrictions or you are dangerously low on propane, or you have a mechanical failure with the generator or roof a/c. The Ford V10 can safely idle for hours on end, heating, cooling, and battery charging, all valuable if you have a baby, pets, or health/respiratory issues.

You decide what your priorities are, and pick the appropriate chassis. There are some really sweet motor homes being built exclusively on the Sprinter chassis, such as the Winnebago Via, View and View Profile. Others like Phoenix USA build their model 2350 and 2400 on both the Sprinter and Ford E350. They will even build it on the heaviest duty E450 upon request for a nominal fee. People who request an E450 for a small motor home, tow heavier things like for example, a multi-horse trailer. You can even special order a E350 & E450 4x4.

There is so much cool stuff offered in recent years, and even more anticipated with the upcoming cut-away Ford T-Series chassis. The general public hopes it will become available for the RV industry. It is kind-of like a Sprinter in size and fuel economy, but hopeful to be much more affordable and easier to get serviced.

The Chevy 3500/4500 Chassis
I do not understand why this chassis is not more popular. It offers more interior comfort than the Ford, but not as much as the Sprinter. It's power & weight ratings are a little less than their Ford counter-parts making them a great chassis for all but the heaviest of class Cs. They are also a little better on fuel consumption. One thing to keep in-mind, if you are counting inches to store your rig, the Chevy adds an additional 6" to the front bumper compared to the Ford. I learned that researching rigs that could fit in my 25'-0" deep garage. By default, the Ford gave me 6" more to work with. If you examine my motor home in my garage HERE, you will see our Ford E350 is quite tight already. That could be some of the reason why the Chevy offers a little more interior driver/passenger space.

Engine Power Ratings of Ford, Sprinter, & Chevy
Ford - 6.8L-V10, 305hp, 420ft
Sprinter Diesel - 3.0L-V6, 188hp, 325ft
Chevy - 6.0L-V8, 323hp, 373ft

JaxDad wrote:
Before you get too excited about that Sprinter chassis ..........


Google "Mercedes Sprinter rust". Read the links and look at the images.

If one drives their RV in winter on roads loaded with salt, rust is to be expected in most rvs so Sprinter is no exception. Not a good idea anyway. When I lived in Ontario I had my vehicles specially undercoated for that reason. In BC that isn't a problem, at least where I live. I have driven 2 C classes and a B class with not one case of rust anywhere. You see the odd Ontario car here and if youlook under the hood you can see the telltale white/grey dusting from the salt on the engine components.

Before you get too excited about that Sprinter chassis ..........


Google "Mercedes Sprinter rust". Read the links and look at the images.

The sprinter cabin feels very well designed.
I am just thinking about extra initial cost.

Sprinter A service is basically an oil change (there are 13 quarts of oil)and happens every 10,000 miles. B is the same with some added items every 20,000 miles. They are expensive at the dealers but so far I've easily done mine myself. Doing it yourself does not affect the warranty.

Our CCC is 1445 pounds.....not great but quite adequate for the 2 of us.

You are not just getting the diesel engine but the whole Sprinter chassis...... you won't see posts about cheap handling fixes, dog houses, noisy engines, not enough leg room, etc. about the Sprinter based RVs.

The most important thing - Pick the floor plan that you like.

Good luck

Also looked at Trend 23 again
No spear wheel, no roof ladder..

The overhead loft bed was already broken on the showeoom floor.

This is on promaster.

Thank you all for your feedback.

I noticed that overall interiors are better on winnebago vs thor.

Winnie minnie vs Four Winds...

Also mostly rubber roofs on Thor vs Winnie