Anyone yet with the new Sprinter based 4x4 RV? I did a search on here and found nothing, but I'm hopeful. M.B. is the first to build their outstanding Class C with factory 4 wheel drive. My single son is on the hunt for a 4x4 Sprinter ( orDodge, or International, or Ford) that has dual rear wheels, 4x4, transfer case, diesel engine in an RV format.I've seen quite a few with rear wheel drive but not 4 wheel drive.regards, as always, jefeI usually hang on the TC forum.This is my RV:

There are conversion companies doing them, but I don't know if with dual rear wheels? I knew a guy who put on one order, but I don't know how it turned out.BillClicky

CLICK HERE to see a 2009 Phoenix Cruiser 2350 4x4 for sale on Ebay going on right now.

ron.dittmer wrote:CLICK HERE to see a 2009 Phoenix Cruiser 2350 4x4 for sale on Ebay going on right now.That's on a Ford chassis. The OP was asking about 4x4 Sprinter.Here's a quote from the Phoenix web page:Phoenix Cruiser offers a 4x4 option on ALL models and floorplans. When added to our Factory-Direct price, Phoenix is one of the most affordable and reliable 4WD RV's on the market. I don't know if this includes their Sprinter chassis models.

If you are thinking about swapping your truck-camper for a C to use for the same sort of off-road adventures, I suspect you will have trouble finding one, particularly with DRW, that you can take to the same places. C motorhomes are usually built with long rear overhangs, so as to make sure that dual wheel axle carries about 2/3 of the load, and this usually means problems with departure angles. We get hung up on gas station driveway approaches. At least the Sprinter won't be stretched in wheelbase, so the high-center limits will be defined by the longest wheelbase coming out of the factory.The promise of a 4x4 Sprinter holds better for a B, particularly if you can build what house you need in the confines of a short wheelbase, non-extended model, and keep it low or medium top for lower CG.

For Sprinter, Sportsmobile might have something or be willing to build something. Their factory is in Fresno. The Sportsmobile site offers a link to the Sprinter Cargo Van site, which says models are available in 4x4 but says nothing about DRW.Also, you said "My single son is on the hunt for a 4x4 Sprinter ( orDodge, or International, or Ford) that has dual rear wheels, 4x4, transfer case, diesel engine in an RV format." What about a Tiger? They are available on Dodge and Ford these days, in addition to their more usual Chevy. Some can be had with DRW. Regular cab, extended cab, crew cab. Gas or diesel.http://www.tigervehicles.com/

Sprinter based 4x4 RV? | Good Sam Community

VA-Apraisr
Explorer II
Jun 09, 2015
Space is key when using it a lot. My 4x4 Ford E450 FourWinds is 28' long with Quigley installed manual locking hub 4wd system and has been flawless for 10 years now. I've crossed some creeks, gone snow skiing and mostly use it on Outer Banks beaches for fishing. Gone through a foot of overwash on sand and it got right through. As for any refrigerators/cabinets falling off, nothing has moved or squeaking. Cost about $10k to convert to 4x4. Raised it up 3" and put on taller tires for better ground clearance. Anyway, just another option for your son.
Naio
Explorer II
Jun 06, 2015
I dunno if this is far, far too wimpy, but if he is just talking about getting to trails and through snow, there are a lot of AWD options out there.
DiploStrat
Explorer
Jun 06, 2015
jefe 4x4 wrote:

... No way does he have Goler Wash in Death Valley( as in the photo) as an objective.

Why not? Tigers can handle anything that you can handle with a pickup and a TC. The CG on the Tiger will be lower as well. The total weight may be lower as well as you do not have the pickup body.

... Also, I'm not sure if the Tiger has solved the twisting frame to 3-point attachment woe that the big Euro Campers have solved.

Wasn't aware that Tigers have a frame twisting problem. At least none have broken in 25 years of production. In any case, the Malayan and Siberian lines all have three point camper mounts. (Although there are some of us who are not convinced that this is necessary.)

As noted, Tigers come in all shapes and sizes. A regular cab Malayan LT should meet most of your criteria. And the camper is much better insulated than most production Class C or TC.

Of course, I am VERY prejudiced.

This, too, is a bit dated and, of course, very prejudiced, but they have been in their Tiger for some seven years and fifty+ countries: Tiger analysis
RobertRyan
Explorer
Jun 05, 2015
pnichols wrote:
Robert,

That's a nice looking Class B!

I like the water breather tube.

Yes it is
pnichols
Explorer II
Jun 05, 2015
Robert,

That's a nice looking Class B!

I like the water breather tube.
RobertRyan
Explorer
Jun 05, 2015
jefe 4x4 wrote:
I wasn't very clear. My son Matt is thinking about moving into class C 4x4 for full-time accommodation. He has his eye on the recent release of the M.B. Sprinter 4x4, RV version. It looks to be well thought out and actually has a low range transfer case and traction control. I'm not sure any RV builders have put the M.B. Sprinter 4x4 and an RV body together as of yet. Although he has had many 4x4's in the past, moving into one of these full time might be a stretch. He's an I.T. guy and works from home via the internet, so exiting his current small lease lodging in Truckee, CA would not be much of drop in lifestyle.
It would be a change.
The photo shows my rig and it's what he is used to in terms of XTC-ing and RV travel.
No way does he have Goler Wash in Death Valley( as in the photo) as an objective.
He is aware of the big departure angle problem. It has plagued many off-road wanderers over time. His passions are mt. biking and skiing, something that would be a natural with a 4x4 Sprinter (or facsimile). The key is that he would be living in it alone most of the time. The Tiger 4x4 looks a bit cozy if costly. Also, I'm not sure if the Tiger has solved the twisting frame to 3-point attachment woe that the big Euro Campers have solved. In looking at the info on just the class B version of the Sprinter, the body does NOT flex and just lets the tires lift of the ground when the axles get twisted up. In a class C version there is no body to remain rigid so the frame will twist and take the RV part with it, pulling it apart little by little.
Our little Lance truck camper is one of the smallest made and it is JUST big enough for two consenting adults if you get your ballet slippers on and belly up when it looks like your darling is set to pass by. We've slept more than 200 nights in it from below sea level to close to 14K feet.

So far the Sprinter is the only platform in class that offers the 4 wheel drive feature.
Thanks ever so much for your wise input.
regards, as always, jefe

Trakka here amongst others makes a 4x4 Sprinter, same GVWR as the Commercial Van, so not a lightweight. And is a Dually Can easily do dunes and water crossings
Maybe a convertor in the U.S. Is doing the same?
Cannot think of a Class C 4x4 Sprinter at the moment that does the same
pnichols
Explorer II
Jun 05, 2015
Here's another Tiger model that probably can make it to any trailhead - other than ones where maybe only a low-height jeep, cross-over SUV, ATV, UTV, or motorcycle could park ... and it still has a 3-point isolated coach. If we were richer and younger (in that order), we'd probably have both our 24 foot Class C ... and one of these for extreme camping, exploring, and rock hounding at places such as the Cosmic Ashtray :) :

http://www.tigervehicles.com/tiger-models/malayan/
Tiger4x4RV
Nomad
Jun 05, 2015
pnichols wrote:
Not all Tiger models are "the same".

No kidding! It's more like no two Tigers are alike. Chevy, Ford, Dodge. Regular, extended, crew cab. Gas, diesel. SRW, DRW. CX, TX, Malayan, Siberian. Generator or solar or both or neither. Much customization.

The Siberian is quite large in addition to its other differences. This would probably inhibit trailhead access.
pnichols
Explorer II
Jun 05, 2015
Not all Tiger models are "the same".

Their Siberian model has the coach isolated from the truck frame with a 3-point system ... so on the properly set up truck it should be able to go anywhere a non-popup TC can go ... and maybe more safely, too, because of it's lower center of gravity (at least I think that this Tiger model's heavier items should be down lower than the heavy items on a TC) :

http://www.tigervehicles.com/tiger-models/siberian/
Tiger4x4RV
Nomad
Jun 05, 2015
It sounds like Matt wants a vehicle large enough to live in and and yet capable enough to get to trailheads for mountain biking and through snow for skiing.

I think that a Tiger, perhaps an extended cab or crew cab model, would be a good answer.

I've driven small (first 17.5 ft and now 19.5 ft) 4x4 RV's since 1991. Over 100K miles, thousands of miles off-pavement (but not in snow), over 500 nights, all solo.

My Tiger has a stock Chevy 4x4 chassis, with skid plates, limited-slip differential, high and low range gears. I have never expected it to be a rock-crawler. It has done everything I've ever asked of it, mostly what I ofter refer to as 4WD-lite, and travel limitations have come mostly come from either my own personal fears (OMG, not another one-lane shelf road) or from size factors. My Tiger CX at 87" wide and under 9.5 feet tall is narrower than and not as tall as many RV's and those factors have really helped in getting access to remote areas and trailheads.

Many Tiger owners travel in snow with proper choice of tires and with the addition of the winter insulation package and tank heaters.