Ride Quality of Sprinter versus Transit

ron.dittmer wrote:
If you study the photos from the link I provided higher up of the Sprinter cut-away chassis, it has a partial uni-body. The front cab is not bolted onto the chassis frame like a conventional Ford E-series or Chevy. The front cab "IS" the frame up front. The Transit seems to be the same as the Sprinter as one of my pictures indicates. It would have to in order to set the cab so low to the street.

From the cab on back, both the Transit and Sprinter have box frames. The Sprinter is comprised of two thin gauge "U & n" channels glued together at mid-point flanges. The Transit has one "U" channel with a top flat stock steel plate glued on it to complete the box.

In both cases the strength of their frames are critically dependent on maintaining their shape. RV Outfitters are not allowed to extend the frames because any extension will deform the original frame in some manner. Outfitters are not even allowed to drill a hole in the frame of the Sprinter. They must used the holes provided.

Some years ago I recall reading that the Sprinter frame is made of a thin gauge hardened steel which heat from a welding torch will severely weaken and deform. That is one reason why cutting & welding the frame to change the wheel base is not allowed. I also wonder if someone did cut the frame, maybe it would just fold up given it's strength comes from it's shape.

The Sprinter & Transit box frame are fine as long as they remain undisturbed. A good dent in the thin steel in a bad place could be ripe for a catastrophic failure, and repairing the frame seems to be very risky.

I work on lots of old vehicles with the need to heat up bolts to remove them. What harm does that do to the thin gauge hardened steel Sprinter frame? It could cause the steel to warp or buckle.
Then what?

I am very comfortable with my E350...happy to have it's thick steel "C" frame supporting our Phoenix Cruiser. My wife and I plan to keep our rig for the rest of our driving years which is 35+ years. I feel a conventional frame is the better choice for our situation. If you like to trade in your motor home as some people do on a regular basis with their cars, then I could see a Sprinter or Transit being a non-issue.

With what I understand, I recommend anyone buying a 10 year old Sprinter should thoroughly inspect the frame for any deformation or repair. The hardened steel should rust at a slower rate so surface rust would not easily penetrate, but still should be addressed as with any solid frame or uni-body. Don't just let it ride.