Mercedes Sprinter Fuel Mileage

We cruise at 58-60 MPH in our E450 24 foot Class C and it feels just right:

1. No engine noise.
2. Enough time for the DW to observe and identify wildlife.
3. Probably at least 10 MPG mileage from the V10.
4. Fast enough to be beyond a mysterious rattling noise we've had for 10 years when traveling around 40MPH.
5. Slow enough to stop quickly and safely.
6. Slow enough so any small side-push from a big rig doesn't bother us.
7. Slow enough so unexpected side-wind gusts on the open road in New Mexico don't put us into an unsafe situation.
8. Slow enough so the dog doesn't get motion sickness.
9. Slow enough to fully enjoy the music.
10. Slow enough to suddenly and safely steer around or slow up so idi*t drivers coming at us from an oncoming lane don't cream us head-on when trying to unsafely pass a vehicle.

;)

Regarding fuel economy, it is hard to do a direct comparison between a Sprinter diesel and E350-V10 because drivers of the Ford naturally go faster. It feels right for me with our 2007 E350-V10 whether towing or not, to cruise between 65-70 MPH. If I slowed down to 55-60 MPH, I'd feel like something is wrong. At my speed everyone still passes us, but not like we are standing still.

Dennis12 wrote:
My Vegas gets right at 12mpg on open roads.

That's great V10 mileage on your Vegas!

Probably you have the 3-valve version of the V10 in your Class A motorhome. I wonder if the 3-valve V10 gets better mileage than the 2-valve V10 that is in Class C motorhomes?

A few points from owning two Sprinters over the past seven years to add to Ron's summary; other owners may have different experiences to share.

We have a Sprinter which came with a diesel generator; they don't always come with only the option for propane generators.
The resale value far exceeded our expectations on our first Sprinter... depreciation is often less with diesel engines vs gas.
We've never had problems finding places for servicing.

You do the math on the 13K more money with less power. By the time you pay more for diesel you have probably already sold the unit. My Vegas gets right at 12mpg on open roads. More than enough power, even towing. Love it. 60mph makes the world of difference in my mileage.

I get 15 MPG @ 65 MPH without toad. I get 15 MPG @ 55 MPH with toad.

ron had a great write up. comes down to how you use your rv.

2015 Pleasure-Way Plateau XL B+.
8,000 mile trip Michigan to Oregon and back.
Low 16.4mpg average.

better save up those $$$ saved in mileage cause you will need them for expensive repairs/etc. later
bumpy

The Sprinter surely gets great fuel economy, a 33%-50% increase compared to the E350/V10. There are two very strong reasons to get a Sprinter.

1) The house built on top of it is exactly what you are looking for.

2) Your plan is to drive 150,000 during your ownership so that the improvement in fuel economy outweighs the increase in cost associated with purchase and maintenance.

Below is a piece taken from another post of mine.
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If considering a current-day “small” class B+ or C motor home, here is a comparison between the two current main chassis contenders, the Sprinter with the V6 diesel engine and the Ford E350 with the V10 gasoline engine.

Advantages Of The Mercedes Sprinter With Diesel Engine
- Offers a 35%-50% 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, 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, 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 Navion and View. 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 on the Sprinter and most recently on the new Ford Transit.

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Many people buy a motor home and live in it "parked" much more than they drive it. For those people, the E350 would be the more economical choice. Some people put on many miles, for example following ball clubs around the country. The Sprinter would be ideal for the piles-of-miles.