2014 F150 SVT Raptor or 2015 Sprinter 3500 4x4 as tow Vhcle

[1220brown]

I have a 17' Casita Spirit Deluxe and want to be able to take it off road, over high mountain passes all the while loaded with 2 passengers, 2 mountain bikes, perhaps 2 Enduro Trail bikes and all gear. So, I need alot of power and room.

I considered a van, but, the Chevy express is Rear Wheel only, and the conversions are expensive. Thus, I have narrowed it down to a truck with a 31' Cap, or, a sprinter Van.

I prefer the truck as I feel it has more off road capabilities, but, the Sprinter does have alot of space.

Below are what I estimate to be my total weight, and, the specifications of each vehicle.

Which vehicle would you recommend as a tow vehicle, and why?

Also, am I being realistic with my estimated "Weights"?
Thank you very much.

Weight
2014 Casita 17' Spirit Deluxe (Axle Capacity 3500) 2,480
2 people 370
2 Mountain Bikes 200
2 Enduro Trail Motorcycles 500
ARE TW 31" Truck Cap 290
Gear 1,200
TOTAL WEIGHT 5,040


2014 Ford F 150 SVT Raptor Crew Cab 4X4

Max Tow Capacity 8000
Towing "Lee Way" 37%
Engine Type 6.2 V8
Transmission 6 spd.
Horesepower 411 @ 5500
Torque 434 @4500
Price $50,000
Used, 50,000 Miles


2015 Mercedes Sprinter 3500 High Rise 4x4 144' Wheel Base

Max Tow Capacity 7500
Towing "Lee Way" 30%
Engine Type 3.0-liter V6 BlueTEC diesel engine
Transmission 5 Spd Automatic
Horesepower 188 @ 3800
Torque 325 @ 1400-2400
Price $55,00
New

[Timberdog]

Sprinter now has a 4x4 version, that would solve your space and off-road issues.

[Majja13]

The Raptor is a very cool ore runner truck. Remember they are wide. With 55k there are many options. If you don't want to mess with adding suspension your self you could also look at the new Tundra TRD Pro. It is no Raptor but comes with an upgraded suspension and still has some decent tow numbers.

[Grit_dog]

Not even sure what kind of question the OP is asking. Those 2 vehicles couldn't be more different. Apples to oranges. And what's with $50k for a 50kmi Raptor?
I got an 07 Dodge diesel that'll whip both those trucks I'll sell you way cheaper. Lol

[SouthpawHD]

For $55k you can pretty much get whatever you want - and of the big three in 1/2 ton, or 3/4 ton configurations, gas or diesel. My point is that for that kind of money, your options are pretty much unlimited. Don't limit yourself to just those two choices, as they are apples and oranges.

[KD4UPL]

$50,000 for a used F-150? Wow. At work we just bought a 2015 Chevy 3500 SRW double cab 4x4 new for less than $40,000.
The Raptor is a purpose built off road truck and probably excels at that. I doubt it would do very well with a lot of weight in the back and on the hitch.
Of the two vehicles I would think the van would make a more stable towing platform.
What is the price on a new van with a Quigley conversion? I can't believe they would be more than $50,000. 4wd vans are really cool and have amazing resale value since they're so rare.

[carringb]

My pick would be a Transit QuadVan 4x4.

It will have nearly the same power as the Raptor (provided you to with the EcoBoost), have a reliable 4x4 system with more suspension travel than the Sprinter 4x4.

All for less total cost, and a lower lead time than the Sprinter.

http://newbergford.com/inventory-details/2015/Ford/Transit%20Wagon/1FMZK1YM9FKA96685

[shepstone]

From just a towing standpoint the Raptor just doesnt seem to be particularly designed as a tow vehicle , why not look at a f250 with 6.2 ? it would give you lots of overhead in towing capabilities compared to the Raptor & probably less expensive too, The Mercedes is going to be an expensive rig to repair and as an off road towing vehicle it doesnt seem very practicle either.

[rjstractor]

I'd forget about the Raptor, IIRC it has a payload of only about 1000 pounds.

I did some quick research, and a 3500 Express passenger van even with the Quigley 4x4 conversion is still less than the $55K Sprinter and will have much more towing capacity and power. If you go with a pickup, any of the big 3 run of the mill 4x4s should also do the job you want as long as you watch the payload and order the most powerful engine.

[brulaz]

HP or fuel economy. Depends upon what's more important to you.
Those two vehicles provide wildly different solutions.

And agree, the Raptor is not particularly well known as a tow truck.

[Fast_Mopar]

1220brown wrote:

2014 Ford F 150 SVT Raptor Crew Cab 4X4

Max Tow Capacity 8000
Towing "Lee Way" 37%
Engine Type 6.2 V8
Transmission 6 spd.
Horesepower 411 @ 5500
Torque 434 @4500
Price $50,000
Used, 50,000 Miles

The Sprinter will have a higher payload. I have not looked at Raptors in a while, but when they first came out, their payload ratings were less than 1000 lb, but they have probably improved in recent years. Anyway, just something to consider.

[1492]

Moved from Forum Technical Support