Sprinter chassie questions

larnbarb wrote:
However, we are now thinking a little more room would be nice. We feel that our 6.0 L Chevy engine is bullet proof and I am not so sure about the sprinter diesel. Someone on this forum while comparing the two engines has made many comparison statements two of which I am having trouble with…. One is that qualified service centers are few and far between.

And this is pretty much why I purchased the LTV Libero rather than the Serenity or Unity. Out here in the prairie center of the US, there are probably a dozen or two places that can work on a Chevy to each Sprinter facility.

When you also consider the appr $10K+ price difference between the two platforms, that will buy a lot of gas even at today's prices. I won't live long enough to use that up...

True, there are less qualified Sprinter service places than Chev truck places. It is also true that one should not idle a diesel (any diesel) for protracted periods of time as it is detrimental to engine health due to temps being too low. This is not a problem if stuck in stop/go traffic. When you move you'll get the combustion chamber temps up. If stopped, shut it down. In any vehicle you should shut down if stopped anyway (unless you need to stay warm/cool).

There are both diesel and LP generators installed on Sprinter RVs. I have a diesel.

Sprinter engines only last a several hundred thousand miles in fleet service. Not sure if that will affect you.

larnbarb wrote:
I would really like to hear your thoughts. Thanking you a bunch in advance.
Larry

I've owned two Sprinter based motorhomes - a new Winnebago Class C, and a used Great West class b.

I loved the way the Sprinter chassis handled, but the reliability of the Sprinter motor left much to be desired. In 36,000 miles we had it in the shop ten times, and in more than one case, was left stranded in remote areas of the US due to lack of nearby service centers.

With Sprinters, parts and service is expensive, and finding an authorized service center a real pain. I live in central Florida, and the nearest service center is 100 miles away.

The breakdowns were always for small parts, but became so frequent that we were reluctant to travel.

Not all Sprinters are prone to frequent breakdowns - but the two we had were.

I've recently bought a Roadtrek with the Chevy 6.0, and while it doesn't get the fuel mileage of the Sprinter, I know that should I have a problem with the motor, I can get parts and service just about anywhere in North America.

Bill

we,ve had a sprinter for about 5years , runs great only needed a service call one time easy fix, cost $120 bucks for a oil change ,ours is the 5cyc diesel, gets 20plus mpg ,don,t worry about service .in my part of the world ohio theres two within 50 miles. idle is no problem theres a switch where you could idle all night . ours a leisure travel van mod freedom serenity is our last MH ,we,ve had big A,s and bigger C,s but this one fits perfect. and if theres one big thing you gotta look at is the leg room. I,m 6ft 1 and can turn around in the seat any time.

larnbarb wrote:
My wife and I have a 2012 Road Trek 190 Popular which we dearly love. However, we are now thinking a little more room would be nice. We feel that our 6.0 L Chevy engine is bullet proof and I am not so sure about the sprinter diesel. Someone on this forum while comparing the two engines has made many comparison statements two of which I am having trouble with…. One is that qualified service centers are few and far between. The second is that the sprinter diesel cannot be allowed to run at idle for any length of time. Most of the units are coming through with LP genets and I am concerned about being low on propane and getting stuck in bumper to bumper traffic on a real hot day in Florida and not being able to allow the diesel to idle until the traffic is moving again. Is this a valid concern? Anyone that has info or has experience in this area, I would really like to hear your thoughts. Thanking you a bunch in advance.
Larry

I owned a Sprinter chassis, Mercedes diesel engine for three years. Service centers are few and far between! My chassis was labeled a "Dodge" versus Mercedes, freightliner, etc. The warranty required I take the unit to a Dodge dealer certified as a Sprinter repair center. In the Fort Worth area, two dealers existed. Neither of their repair staff knew how to spell Sprinter much less work on them! A total lack of repair support in this geographic area. Parts are Mercedes brand and very expensive. Want a factory original oil filter for the engine? $36.00 plus tax. Yes, Mercedes parts and the engine are EXCELLENT quality.

I have never heard of any restrictions in idling the diesel engine. That sounds far fetched!

Regarding a generator, have you confirmed it is propane powered? The cab air in my 24' class-C was sufficient to cool the entire RV in Texas heat. The diesel generator was nothing but a noise contraption and I am glad to have sold the RV.