How many of you have a Sprinter Van?I need opinions:a) Quality and workmanshipb) Ease of dealer servicec) Was it worth the upgrade to the camper vs DIY cargo vand) Would you buy anothere) If not, what would you buy

I'd try www.sprinter-source.com for real, first-hand resources on that. There are a lot of opinions good and bad. I'll go in order:A: Sprinters are the top of the pack when it comes to luxury features such as lane departure warnings and automatic braking.B: Varies. Here in Austin, there is a very good Sprinter dealership, as well as a Freightliner dealership. However, some other areas may require driving hundreds of miles, only to find the Mercedes place only services cars, or the FL place only does big rigs.C: This is an "ask three people, get four answers back" question.D: The Sprinter Source forum has a poll on this exact topic.E: Not much to choose from now, but later this year, it will be a toss-up between ProMaster upfits, Transit Upfits, and Sprinter RVs.As for a Sprinter van, got more details of what you want to use it for? Something that would be an ideal fit for me would probably drive someone else absolutely insane.

How many of you have a Sprinter Van?I need opinions:a) Quality and workmanship - Excellent - we have 134,000 miles on our Sprinter based camper after almost 10 years. We've had a problem with the turbo resonator, but I think that issue was resolved on later versions of the Sprinter. b) Ease of dealer service - Used to have to drive a way for a certified Sprinter dealership, but Mercedes finally opened a location here so it's no longer an issue. Most Freightliner dealerships will also work on Sprinters. c) Was it worth the upgrade to the camper vs DIY cargo van - For us - yes, don't have the skills or time to DIY (although I would love to attempt it some day)d) Would you buy another - Yese) If not, what would you buy - Only thing we would change would be to get something with 4WD so we could get out further into the wild.

I have to echo Juliev. Our Sprinter has exceeded our expectations in jus tabour every way. As for buying an RV v. DIY, you would have to be a very skilled craftsman to duplicate a factory unit. Think of the electronics alone. On the other hand, there are some nice DIY units documented on the forums and TouTube.

Lets see, there's lots of opinions you'll get here, I'll try to answer best as I can.We are 2 time Sprinter owners, and the second one will be our last.Answers:A: our 2008 , very good. Our 2013, the body and sheet metal fits, bad. Otherwise a terribly misaligned from Mercedes, front end when new chewed up our front tires so they needed replacement by 10k miles.B: dealer service varies a lot depending where you are. We have to drive 40 miles to either a Freightliner or MB dealer to get anything done, and we're in a metro area with 1 million + population. Some places 100 miles or more C: to us, yes. Poor skills to do it hereD & E: no, if there is a next one, it'll probably be a Ford Transit based unit or a MUCH lesser chance, a Ram ProMaster. Way, way, way more service locations on either of those

I have a Sprinter ( 2007 ) have nearly 100K miles and seems to be running better than new if that's possible. Great fuel mileage ( diesel) only service issue was and injector that went out but covered under warranty.I change my own oil and fuel filters every 10-15K miles. (2) sets of brakes, (2) sets of tires.

Sprinter Vans | Good Sam Community

yr2017
Explorer
Jan 23, 2014
I agree. Thanks for everyone's answers. You've been a wealth of information.
mlts22
Explorer
Jan 16, 2014
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
Explorer
Jan 16, 2014
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
Explorer
Jan 16, 2014
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
Explorer
Jan 14, 2014
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
Explorer
Jan 14, 2014
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
Explorer
Jan 14, 2014
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
Explorer
Jan 13, 2014
Are these Sprinter models?
Fastpaddler
Explorer
Jan 13, 2014
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
Explorer
Jan 13, 2014
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.:)