In need of opinions, thank you

[Johnny_Hurryup]

Over the years I've had a 24 ft TT, a 32 ft TT a 33ft Class A (no slides) and recently a 28 ft TT. I wanna get a small Class C. 24 to 26 ft. Mercedes diesel or Ford gas. I realize that gas is cheaper than diesel and Fords are cheaper than Mercedes' What do ya think?

[ernie1]

I have a 2017 class C on a Mercedes Sprinter chassis. The first time I needed needed service because of a "check engine light"I was in Utah and I live in California. The vehicle was brand new and on it's maiden voyage. I contacted three MB dealerships and was told by the first two that they don't service Sprinters. The third dealer said they did and would have to give me an appointment that was three weeks out because they were all booked up. About a month ago I got the dreaded "check engine" light again and I was in El Paso,Texas. went to the only MB dealership that said that they do indeed work on Sprinters but they were all booked up for two weeks.

On this same trip in Texas, my key fob quit working even after I replaced the two batteries so I contacted a MB dealer about a replacement. I was told that MB had sent a bulletin to all MB dealerships telling them that a replacement key fob would not be available if the owner of the vehicle still had one functioning key fob and that a replacement would not be available until maybe, just maybe, January 2023! Still it's not a sure thing. If one eventually gets a new key fob from MB, based on your vin # they will cut the key in Germany and partially program the key fob so that one can start the engine but you still can't lock nor unlock the doors. Cost? $175.

When the cut key and fob arrives at the dealership, the owner has to bring the vehicle in to have the fob further programmed so that the doors could be locked and unlocked. Cost? $250.

Along with the $500 front end alignment and other ridiculous expenses, this will be my last MB anything.

[theoldwizard1]

MDKMDK wrote:

I had a 2016 Sunstar 26HE (pretty close in size/weight to a small Class C) with the V10 and the 6 speed transmission and got around 7mpg average (gas) over the 4600 miles I did in it.

No comparison with the Transit based chassis and turbo-V6 and 10 speed transmission.

[theoldwizard1]

WinMinnie02 wrote:
Not sure what you are asking Ford vs MB based on mpg? As a long time RVer again not concern about mpg or fuel price. I prefer power get the Ford V10 and if you are worrying about longevity I have the same unit for 20 years bought new.

The Ford V10 or the current large gas V8 was never available in a "small Class C".

Don't forget, with diesel, you have to buy DEF and the oil changes are usually measured in gallons, not quarts. Both of these add up fast over time.

My vote is for the Ford.

[time2roll]

How easy is it to get Mercedes diesel service? I would assume the Ford could be serviced at more places if needed on the road.

[WinMinnie02]

Not sure what you are asking Ford vs MB based on mpg? As a long time RVer again not concern about mpg or fuel price. I prefer power get the Ford V10 and if you are worrying about longevity I have the same unit for 20 years bought new.

[MDKMDK]

The better fuel economy of the MB diesel, more than offsets the slight difference in the price of a US gallon of gas, which today, might be 15% less than a US gallon of diesel. If the diesel gets twice the mileage of the gasser, it elminates the fuel price argument.
I had a 2002 Chevy with a Vortec 350 V8, and got around 15mpg (gas). Not too bad.
I had a 2016 Sunstar 26HE (pretty close in size/weight to a small Class C) with the V10 and the 6 speed transmission and got around 7mpg average (gas) over the 4600 miles I did in it. Not too good.
I now have a 2018 Navion on a 2017 MB 3500 Sprinter chassis and average 15mpg solo, and 13mpg towing a 4500lb Wrangler. Not too bad.
Do the math.

[midnightsadie]

great question we have a 2006 MB 5cyc diesel just took it on a 200 mile trip. darn thing only got 19.2 mpg . I,ve had them all over the years ,I like this little thing 25ft its at lake erie right now but I,m at home,kid has it at a dog show. chassis is a dodge sprinter rv is a liesure travel van.com