Realistic mileage for Sprinter based diesels?

[gwandsh]

We are edging towards retirement and are just starting to research our first RV. When the time comes, we expect to get a 4-5 year old sprinter based class B. I know there are dozens of variations on this platform, but at this point they all look similar to us. So lets call it a Vista Cruiser just to pick a model in the ballpark.

Usage will be long trips with stays of 1-2 weeks in many locations.
A big concern of ours is budgeting for fuel. Who knows what diesel will cost when we finally hit the road, but I have seen several posts claiming 12-14 mpg, and many claiming as high as 20+ mpg. In fact, today I saw a for-sale post where the seller claimed 13-14 mpg with the statement "don't let anyone tell you these will get more!".

I generally ignore dealers and manufacturers claims of mileage, and thought the folks here would be able to give me more realistic estimates. If it helps, I drive like a granny (no offense to any real grannies out there).

Would appreciate any real data from folks with vehicles on this platform. If you can include trip duration, terrain and speeds, that would be super helpful.

Cheers

[EsoxLucius]

Our 2013 Leisure Travel Vans Unity Class C motorhome gets 15 mpg while pulling our toad.

jtappen.wordpress.com
Currently in Tucson, AZ

[ReneeG]

pickerel cove wrote:
We have a 2008 sprinter chassis and get 19-20 mpg. It's a 2010 Winnebago ERA.

That's really good! I'm surprised. I'm not trying to hijack this thread, but we've thought of a Class B like this and have wondered on mileage. My daily driver, a 2005 Ford Freestyle 6 cyl, AWD, gets 20 mpg city driving and 22 highway.

[mkguitar]

Get out there and kick some tires- read some spec sheets ( roadtrek has most of the their old brochures/specs online).

a really useful resource are dealer videos on youtube- aside from the displayed features, watch how easily ( or not) the sales guy and camera person move around the coach.

if you are tall most if not all sideways sleeper model will be ruled out.

once you are looking- check for quality of coach conversion- the quality of materials and the craftsmanship which you will see under cushions or inside cabinets will likely carry thru to the unseen portions

Mike

[gwandsh]

Thanks all, this is great info and your time is appreciated. I am relieved to see that most folks tend to agree with the higher range of mileage in the OP, which will help us make decisions.

As we get closer to a purchase and narrow the list of candidates, I will probably ask for more details on models of interest. The multitude of offerings out there is pretty overwhelming for a newbie.

Cheers

[GailS]

Our 2005 LTV Sprinter averaged 23 mpg. We had it for 10 years and drove it 100,000 miles, FL to AK and everywhere in between. No engine problems what so ever.

[georgelesley]

Two long 5k+ trips iin the Rocky mountains yeilded us 18.5. 20 in flatter areas. We do travel at 60mph normally interstates included which we seldom use. We have a 2013 ERA. As stated, many factors will determine your mileage, but the 18-20 range seems quite realistic for most. Do remember some models, including ours use DEF which is cheap and not a problem, costs less than $10 every 4-5K. Of greater concern to me would be the cost of maintenence.

[Shearwater]

2006 Sprinter 110,000 mile average = 23 mpg. Later 6 cyl models get less - 18-20 mpg.

[davepcpowernet]

The worst that I have gotten with my 2015 MB Sprinter (Roadtrek CS) with the 188 HP engine was 17.3 with a headwind down the Columbia River Gorge. The best was downhill with a tailwind at 22. My average overall is right around 18 mpg. This was actual miles driven, and actual gallons purchased. Also confirmed with the on board computer calculation. Highway speeds were ranging from 55 to 70, mostly in the 60 to 65 range. Mostly tried to maintain truck posted speeds.

[mkguitar]

The diesels get good fuel mileage- compare to my gas van which is at only 15 or 16 MPG on regular.


Gas costs are at a low and Russia for one is preparing for $40 a barrel oil for the next 7 years...current prices at $33.

so pump gas is cheap- and for the past 10 years or so, pump regular is cheaper per gallon than diesel.( and cheaper yet at costco/sams)- so rather than comparing MPG alone, factor in the cost per mile...today's fill up got me at about 12¢ a mile



My van is a 2005 Chev 3500 chassis with a 6.0 motor- the coach is a 2006 Pleasureway Lexor TD. we usually run 65ish, 70 max


I think where I am going here, is don't give alot of weight to MPG- there are other factors such and use, features and comfort which will steer you in the right direction when choosing an RV.

for one a domestic built gas vehicle may be easier or less expensive to maintain and repair

there are a couple of recent ( and old) threads from Forum Members looking for that first RV.
we kicked alot of tires and looked at various layouts before finding out B- so many options and so many features


Mike

[Davydd]

If you were looking at a Vista Cruiser Sprinter then you were looking at a 5 cylinder model imported from 2002 to 2007 called a T1N. I had a 2005 Pleasure-way Plateau Sprinter and recorded every single fill for 65,000 miles. I may have missed a few but not many. The overall average mileage was 22.5 mpg.

[EV2]

Overall trip from Midwest to Washington state, south to Oregon, California then east across Neveda to Utah, finally south in Arizona to Tucson with various winds, grades,etc. on a fully loaded 2014 Thor Siesta Sprinter averaged between 17 to 18 mpg with very little diesel generator use.

[pickerel_cove]

We have a 2008 sprinter chassis and get 19-20 mpg. It's a 2010 Winnebago ERA.