Sprinter Vans

[yr2017]

How many of you have a Sprinter Van?
I need opinions:
a) Quality and workmanship
b) Ease of dealer service
c) Was it worth the upgrade to the camper vs DIY cargo van
d) Would you buy another
e) If not, what would you buy

[yr2017]

I agree. Thanks for everyone's answers. You've been a wealth of information.

[mlts22]

It is interesting how Mercedes keeps the four-banger in its optimal power bands with the transmission. Maybe I'm wrong here, but I'm always in the "there is no substitute for cubes" camp, so even though it does lop off a few MPG, I'd go for the V6, just for better climbing power.

[yr2017]

RobertRyan wrote:

to the yarns being spun by Chrysler in the US, the Promaster is actually lighter and has a smaller payload than the Ducato. Lack of the diesel option maybe one reason.Gross Vehicle Mass is exactly the same for both the Ducato and Promaster(heaviest version , normal length. ) of 9350lb. Difference is in GVWR, 14,300lb v 12,500lb.
Taken from the Canadian RAM site.
Canadian RAM Promaster Gas Engine.

Real-world capability means not having to give up one advantage to enjoy another. With a GCWR of up to 5,670 kg (12,500 lb) and a towing capacity up to 2,313 kg (5,100 lb)17, the ProMasterTM is engineered for performance without compromise

Avida Birdsville
This is taken from the AVIDA Motorhome site for its Birdsville small Motorohome using a 3 Litre Diesel.

Gross Vehicle Mass 4250kg(9350lb)
Gross Combined Mass 6500kg(14,300lb)
Alternator Amps 140 amps
Chassis Voltage 12 volt

THE SPRINTER IS THE MOST USED CHASSIS FOR A CLASS B HERE. From what I have heard VW is not going to use the same joint chassis for its new Crafter and has MAN trucks developing a new Van that will compete with the Sprinter.Interesting times ahead.:)

Do you prefer the 3.0L or the larger engine?

[yr2017]

My Roadtrek wrote:
OK, thanks for the reply.
So I'm asking posters to keep the discussion about the Sprinter's and not take the thread off in the direction of Travatos. The OP was asking about Sprinter problems.Thanks

Yes I did and I have my responses. I will be building one from a cargo van.

[radio_man_7_262]

Purchased my 2006 Gulf Stream sprinter van 2 yrs ago with 25,000 miles on it and now have 55,000 miles on it. 23 plus m.p.g. Excellent machine, drives very good and comfortable, no wind noise, tires wears very good, excellent vehicle. So to answer your question,
A- great
B- 70 miles away
C- yes
D- yes
E- Another sprinter

I started out with a tent- then a fold down- truck camper- travel trailer- 5th wheel- a dodge "b" - and when I purchased the sprinter it will be my last rv as I am well satisfied with it and I see no reason for anything else . Radio man:)

[My_Roadtrek]

OK, thanks for the reply.
So I'm asking posters to keep the discussion about the Sprinter's and not take the thread off in the direction of Travatos. The OP was asking about Sprinter problems.
Thanks

[bobojay5]

My Roadtrek wrote:
Are these Sprinter models?

Winnebago ERA is a Sprinter 3500 dually 24', 59G is a Ram ProMaster 3500 chassis called the Winnebago Travato.

Videos:
Travato

ERA 70A, there's also a 70X

[My_Roadtrek]

Are these Sprinter models?

[Fastpaddler]

Interesting times, indeed. I am getting closer to selling my PW Plateau TS and getting a new B. Problem has been escalating costs of these new models. $125,000 or more is a bit of a pill to swallow whereas Winnebago is coming out with much cheaper units ie ERA and now presumably 59G. Maybe I can live without solid cabinetry if thats the major difference. And, of course, it depends on which models can be bought and used in Canada.

[RobertRyan]

Fastpaddler wrote:
I am watching the new Ducato conversions since in Europe these chassis have been very good. I wonder re front wheel drive and all the resins/chemicals in laminated woods though re smells in a closed interior. Cheaper to manufacture the cabinetry.

They are the way to go for a very smooth riding RV base. Now contrary
to the yarns being spun by Chrysler in the US, the Promaster is actually lighter and has a smaller payload than the Ducato. Lack of the diesel option maybe one reason.Gross Vehicle Mass is exactly the same for both the Ducato and Promaster(heaviest version , normal length. ) of 9350lb. Difference is in GVWR, 14,300lb v 12,500lb.
Taken from the Canadian RAM site.
Canadian RAM Promaster Gas Engine.

Real-world capability means not having to give up one advantage to enjoy another. With a GCWR of up to 5,670 kg (12,500 lb) and a towing capacity up to 2,313 kg (5,100 lb)17, the ProMasterTM is engineered for performance without compromise

Avida Birdsville
This is taken from the AVIDA Motorhome site for its Birdsville small Motorohome using a 3 Litre Diesel.

Gross Vehicle Mass 4250kg(9350lb)
Gross Combined Mass 6500kg(14,300lb)
Alternator Amps 140 amps
Chassis Voltage 12 volt

THE SPRINTER IS THE MOST USED CHASSIS FOR A CLASS B HERE. From what I have heard VW is not going to use the same joint chassis for its new Crafter and has MAN trucks developing a new Van that will compete with the Sprinter.Interesting times ahead.:)

[Fastpaddler]

AsheGuy wrote:
117K miles on ours over 8 years. As the signature line shows, we have covered all kinds of roads and terrain including two trips to Alaska. Wouldn't hesitate to go anywhere in it now.

• Quality and workmanship - As good as it gets in our opinion. Only minor problems and not many of them.
  
• Ease of dealer service - No problem for us. Dodge dealers continue to provide service and are close by. On the road, have only needed service once at a dealer and a Dodge dealer in Boston handled that nicely.
  
• Was it worth the upgrade to the camper vs DIY cargo van - Never considered anything but what we bought, it meets our needs completely.
  
• Would you buy another - Yes, although we bought our current B as a one and only and nothing on the market now tempts us.
  
• If not, what would you buy - N/A.
  

Well done.You are certainly getting your moneys worth.Our PW Plateau 06(07 build) is troublefree and meets our needs. I am watching the new Ducato conversions since in Europe these chassis have been very good. I wonder re front wheel drive and all the resins/chemicals in laminated woods though re smells in a closed interior. Cheaper to manufacture the cabinetry.
cheers
AL

[applegater]

No problem with DEF.

[bobojay5]

2.5 gallons of DEF every 5k or so miles. It's available everywhere now. Cheaper from the pump at truck stops.
Just like filling the windshield washer reservoir, except a bigger quantity

[EsoxLucius]

yr2017 wrote:
Those of you with the newer units - have you had any problems with DEF?

When the DEF warning goes on I fill it. No problem there.