ron.dittmer wrote:
mlts22 wrote:
If MPG is a big concern, there are Sprinter diesels which can get upwards of 18 MPG. However, if given the choice between a Sprinter versus a Ford E-450 of the same floor plan, I'd go for the Ford, as the $15k difference in chassis would buy about 40,000 miles worth of gasoline.
You make a good point about the difference in purchase price. But there is also the higher price for diesel fuel and higher chassis maintenance cost which further closes in on the financial mpg benefit. And the 18mpg figure you mentioned is not for a class B+/C, but rather a class B. Comparing identical rigs, getting a 33% improvement in fuel economy with the Sprinter, at the higher purchase price, higher fuel costs, and higher maintenance costs, the payback date drifts farther out then many people realize. Then adding that many people don't drive enough miles to reap the benefits. We travel far, but such trips are at best once a year. Our E350 has 17,000 miles in 6 years. It would take a lifetime for us to recoupe such costs. People who travel great distances all the time would recoupe those costs quickly. The more you drive a Sprinter in the shortest amount of time, the benefit starts to reveal itself nicely.
Like you mentioned, I think the industry & consumers are looking forward to some good competition in the smaller diesel RV market which could make the financial benefit a no-brainer better value.
There are other benefits to a Sprinter diesel of which is off-topic.
When you buy the diesel you also get the smell, shake, oily feet in the RV, and you have to have a long chain on your wallet.
