mercedes sprinter chassis
we are downsizing from a diesel pusher to a class C. We had a tiffin before current one and the Wayfarer caught our attention, but when studying it a bit the 702 lbs carrying capacity killed it for u...
Forum Discussion
Thor and Jayco are still lower-end brands based on everything I read on forums. The lower price translates to more issues of which new owners deal with. That old saying applies, you get what you pay for.
The Tiffin Wayfarer sure looks interesting. Too bad it is so heavy. A full-length slide out with a Murphy bed, or two slide outs, all add significant weight. A typical slide out adds around 600 pounds. I can see how it gets down to 700 pounds for you and whatever you bring on-board. Their website does not break the specs down per model leaving me to wonder if the twin bed model 24TW with one small slide-out could double that ridiculous 700 pound limit.
Are you dead set on the Sprinter chassis? There are many interesting shorter class B+ motor homes built on the Ford E350. You do seem to be diesel-seasoned, maybe staying away from gasoline models. But in-case you are curious, here are some considerations to thing about.
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Advantages Of The Ford E350 with V10 Engine, Over The Sprinter Diesel
- 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, you are low on propane, or you have a mechanical failure with the generator or roof a/c. The Ford offers a great backup system. The V10 can safely idle for hours on end with 55 gallons of fuel to support it, heating, cooling, and battery charging, all valuable if you have a baby, pets, or health/respiratory issues.
The Tiffin Wayfarer sure looks interesting. Too bad it is so heavy. A full-length slide out with a Murphy bed, or two slide outs, all add significant weight. A typical slide out adds around 600 pounds. I can see how it gets down to 700 pounds for you and whatever you bring on-board. Their website does not break the specs down per model leaving me to wonder if the twin bed model 24TW with one small slide-out could double that ridiculous 700 pound limit.
Are you dead set on the Sprinter chassis? There are many interesting shorter class B+ motor homes built on the Ford E350. You do seem to be diesel-seasoned, maybe staying away from gasoline models. But in-case you are curious, here are some considerations to thing about.
---------------------------------------
Advantages Of The Ford E350 with V10 Engine, Over The Sprinter Diesel
- 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, you are low on propane, or you have a mechanical failure with the generator or roof a/c. The Ford offers a great backup system. The V10 can safely idle for hours on end with 55 gallons of fuel to support it, heating, cooling, and battery charging, all valuable if you have a baby, pets, or health/respiratory issues.
