Mercedes Sprinter vs Ford E450 seeking opinions

Sprinter guy here. 1st - the cab/chassis units that B+/C rigs are built on do, in fact, have a frame, not a unibody. Moved to the MB after 100k on a Chevy Express 3500. Sprinter climbs hills just as well as my big old V8 did. We also tow 3300# of toad with it. I have never tried to climb hills in either rig with engine screaming - not afraid to slow down on long climbs. Still pass semi's going uphill. Got 15 mpg in the Chevy. Get 15+ mpg in the Sprinter while towing. Liked my Chevy. Like my Sprinter. Used to change oil in Chevy about twice a year, maybe 3 times. About $50 a pop. Do annual oil change in Sprinter, since they say good for 20k. Cost $140. So break even there. didn't have any major issues with the Chevy, so far none with MB, so can't compare. Familiar with Ford Super-Duties - drive F450 almost every day. Have had more issues with that truck/suspension/transmission than either of my rigs. So wasn't interested in going down that road. All said, get what feels right for you! ST

v-10 for me.

I have a v10 and my dad has a mercedes sprinter, gas is easier to find and cheaper. His rv is a 2013 or 2014 so longevity has yet to prove itself. His does run quiet but any maintenance/repairs would exceed the ubiquitous Ford V10 which is cheap to maintain.

You don't have to settle for "lesser quality units" if you go with a Ford chassis C class. Take a look at the small C class Winnebagos.

Here is my take I went from the MB to a Chevy (I had a custom build & wanted the Chevy do to a relationship I have with Chevy) I like to travel in rural areas I had a break down in the MB & was towed nearly 100 miles for repairs, could not get a local shop to look at it, broke down in the Chevy in rural WV & the local shop that worked on commercial coal trucks did a repair for me.

Why not put a Class C built on a Chevy Chassis in the mix?

The higher cost of the Sprinter and higher maintenance costs of them would be a consideration.

There are some nice RVs in the length range on Chevy Chassis like the Sunseeker just check out their floor plans,most come on Chevy and Ford Chassis.

Here's my opinion from first hand observations..

I'd get the Ford over the MB because the MB is monocoque construction, that is, no frame. It's all welded sheet metal box construction so (pray tell) if you get in a wreck, the MB is almost impossible to repair. I know, I've seen a few cut apart and welded back together and no matter what you do, they are never right again.

Just my 2 cents.

Give me a frame over unibody (on a truck like vehicle) anyday.

Are you going to tow? If yes get the V-10 Ford {or the 6.0L Chevy}, it is just that simple. Yes, the Sprinter/MB "can" tow but they do not do it very well. I've passed many laboring up a 6 per cent grade with their flashers on. Look closely at the CCC or OCCC {whatever they are quoting these days}. The Sprinter chassis will not even come close to the payload of an E-350/450.

The Sprinters get better mileage, no question {think 15 - 17 and no, they do NOT get 20+} but it's not that much better given the seriously higher maintenance costs that come with a MB diesel not to mention the higher cost of diesel fuel in most locations. Expect around 9 - 10 {8- 9 towing} mpg with a V -10.

Any little town big enough to have a Dollar Store probably has a Ford dealer who can work on your V-10 - authorized MB dealers are spread pretty thin. If you doubt it go on line and check for authorized MB service centers.

Yep, I have an E-350 V-10 {full disclosre here}.

As always.... Opinions and YMMV.

:C

I agree with Ductape...get the one you like the best.

Gas for the Ford will more than pay for Sprinter maintenance.

Get whichever one you like.