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Re: RoadTrek Sprinter RS or CS Adventurous for family of 5
jakegw2 wrote: I am a bit surprised that you are so firm on the MB platform. As near as I can tell the biggest benefit it offers is a higher tow rating (well, a 4WD option too). From anecdotal reports the ride is rough without an aftermarket suspension system. It uses diesel fuel which will likely start to disappear from many service stations in the next few years now that the VW scandal has removed so many diesel engines from service and all but killed the market for new consumer ones. Despite the nametag the Sprinter is not particularly 'Mercedees-like' - very few of the advanced MB luxury features are available on the platform. Not all that many MB service centers will perform repair work on the Sprinter making it a chore to get repaired if there is not a good one close by. Certainly it has the MB symbol on the front and I know this makes a difference to some people. The PM chassis on the other hand has more of the traditional car features, including the side curtain airbags. All Dodge dealers work on the platform, making it easier to service. Any cost comparison between gas and diesel fuel economy that takes into account the cost premium for the diesel engine will show a significant advantage for gas in terms of total cost of ownership. In my opinion the vertical side walls make a huge difference in the feel of the interior space, while still having a better turn radius then the Sprinter (more maneuverable). Not that I am trying to talk you out of buying a Sprinter chassis. The MB platform is fine and perfectly serviceable for a class B, but selecting a model with a preference for it outside of the tow rating and 4WD capability seems like it would miss the bigger picture. I would recommend choosing based on layout and build quality of the conversion regardless of which platform it is built on. *** I will second your opinion of the Zion SRT. It was very impressive to me and offered such a spacious interior with lots of flexibility. *** You also mentioned wanting to get the Voltstart system. I must say that offering this as a factory option with the LiPo batteries is by far the most functional factory power system offering on the market. I do have some concern over the quality and long-term reliability of the system however. If you have not seen it before please spend some time checking out the www.thefitrv.com. The blogger is an extensive DIY person who builds his own LiPo system with secondary alternator. The market is pretty immature right now. There are very few components that are specifically built for LiPo and that will not damage them in the longer term. As far as I can tell RT does not share the component info, but they do not appear to be using components from the few manufacturers who have completely rebuilt their components for LiPo-optimized functionality. But by all means take this with a grain of salt and do your own research. Even without the optimized components the Voltstart is far more functional then a traditional generator & AGM battery setup and will probably last as long as you own your RV if you are using it only sporadically. Hi Jake - all comments digested well - points taken! Have been "interviewing" Sprinter owners as well. The diesel engine is one of the things attractive to me in an MB Sprinter, yet just found out from an MB Sprinter owner that she has to fork over $700 every 20k miles for scheduled maintenance at the dealer. Man that is costly. I'm the type of dude who will buy a large bag of premium ground coffee so I get the most value per ounce. With that being said, if the overall cost of an MB Sprinter fuel/scheduled maintenance is more than one of a PM chassis (such as the Zion or Zion SRT), than the PM comes into play. Surely, the MB shiny symbol will lose its luster if it causes cash to disappear faster. What are your thoughts on the Zion SRT for a family of 5 as an everyday vehicle with extended travel use? Too small?1.1KViews0likes0CommentsRe: RoadTrek Sprinter RS or CS Adventurous for family of 5
Here is what was gained as a result of receiving insightful comments from you RV.Netters, further online research, and attending an RV show yesterday. - It became clear that the RS Adventurous made more sense versus the CS, just like Dave mentioned! Fact of the matter is, the additional captain's chair and visibility trumps the bigger fridge and closed in galley. The openness of the RS has more of an appeal. Along with family of 5, we can only take one more passenger on the CS. I can take my brother and his g/f or in both of my in-laws with the RS - makes a difference. The fridge, although small, is adequate for the planned usage of the vehicle (as discussed on this thread). Plus the XL adds more cargo space in back to add another cooler if necessary. - To fine tune now what is desired on the RS: XL extended length, undermount A/C for further stealth, volt start with underhood generator, screen package, two extra fold out beds, and diesel with Alde heat and hot water system. Not yet sure what extra power to go with - that remains to be seen (thinking of the lower Ecotrek level of litium ion battery and lower solar panel. - Winnebago ERA 70X is definitely out of the running. It's not conducive to sleeping 4-5 people as the front seats do not convert into beds. Did not enjoy the feel of this thing. - If MB Sprinter's did not exist, would definitely go with the Dodge SRT Zion. Nice little rig. - Since MB Sprinter's do exist, would definitely not go with ProMaster chassis. If I was 20-25k short, I'd still wait and save the extra green cash for a MB Sprinter. All in the name of resale value, better gas mileage, safety/smart features, more room. But I get it, for many, 20-25k means the ProMaster is for them, so I 100% respect that. Thanks to all again for your plug ins and please add more comments to teach this rookie a thing or three.1.1KViews0likes0CommentsRe: RoadTrek Sprinter RS or CS Adventurous for family of 5
We came back from an RV show yesterday and I will be posting my thoughts on it after a break in work duties. It was a great choice to go as it further filters out future purchase planning. It is my hope that the upcoming post speaks out to families of 4 or 5 in search for a Sprinter like yours truly.1.1KViews0likes0CommentsRe: RoadTrek Sprinter RS or CS Adventurous for family of 5
Caseyontheroad wrote: AdventurerW, Don't know how you (or your HOA) feel about going a bit longer, but Roadtrek offers both the CS and RS on an extended body Sprinter. XL Sprinter That gives you an 18 inch open storage area behind the rear couch. It may not sound like much but it would give you a spot to corral all of the stuff a family of five needs and free up space inside the main body of the van. Hi Casey - i think you are SPOT on! What's one foot? Not much and indeed the extra storage space will mean a lot (tents, extra cooler, seats, luggage). Your post reinforces a new must. Thank you!1.1KViews0likes0CommentsRe: RoadTrek Sprinter RS or CS Adventurous for family of 5
sprintstream wrote: I have a 2005 Gulfstream Vista Cruiser Sprinter Class B. The Sprinter chassis is an excellent choice for what you want to do. I too recommend the popup. This gives you options not mentioned. If you use a popup you don't have to take it everywhere all the time. If you are in a campground it keeps your spot rather than packing it all up and unhooking everything. If just the adults go then you use just the van. We love our Sprinter but repair locations can be a problem to find. Not all MB , Dodge or Freightliner dealerships work on them. Few independent shops are equipped or trained either. They are out there but just be aware. Hi SprintStreem - good to hear the Sprinter has been a good one for you. Fortunately, there is a RT dealer 11 miles away from us in St Augustine. Great advice b/c it would blow if I had to travel hours to get to a RT dealer.1.1KViews0likes0CommentsRe: RoadTrek Sprinter RS or CS Adventurous for family of 5
davepcpowernet wrote: Have you looked at Mike Wendland's newsletter at mwendland@me.com , Your RV Lifestyle Newsletter? He has links to his blog, Roadtrekers on Facebook, etc. I understand your point. Utility against comfort. Kids are resilient, too and you certainly are not our age (80+ and still Rving)where comfort is paramount! If you do go with Roadtrek, be sure to weigh the propane generator against the engine mounted generator and the 4 battery option. We have the engine mounted and 4 batteries which allows us to overnight hookup free with power to spare. Driving the next day recharges. Hi Dave - all in on the engine mounted inline generator with volt start. That will be a must for me in order to be as less shore power dependent as possible. Yes, I do follow the Wendland family on podcast. Enjoy their stuff. Thank you Dave for your support and enjoy the roads out there.642Views0likes0CommentsRe: RoadTrek Sprinter RS or CS Adventurous for family of 5
davepcpowernet wrote: I would certainly lean toward the RS. It would certainly lend itself more to a family of five with its seating and the view out of its windows. Riding comfort for passengers in the RS also be a plus. Roadtrek seats are very comfortable, especially with the faux leather. Again, the downsides would be limited storage due to the much smaller cabinetry, smaller fridge and the placement of the microwave. The toilet space is also smaller. Thank you Dave! My line of thinking on choosing the CS over the RS: CS has a bigger fridge - good for family or with the fellas during tailgating (where beer storage comes at a premium). Yes, the RS has a 4th option for a sleeping arrangement. Thoughts here are I would be pitching a tent anyways on a campground. So the extra 4th is nice, but unnecessary. In the event of bad weather, where we all have to sleep in the CS. wife and 2 kids in the back (yes it could be sardine-ish, but can work), one on the front bed, and yours truly on a makeshift bed on the aisle.533Views0likes0CommentsRe: RoadTrek Sprinter RS or CS Adventurous for family of 5
Am perfectly fine if anyone thinks I'm looking through rose colored glasses. If so, please do tell me b/c I welcome a reality slap in the face. Nothing is bad as it seems, nothing is good as it seems. This is the approach taken when I buy something.533Views0likes0CommentsRe: RoadTrek Sprinter RS or CS Adventurous for family of 5
davepcpowernet wrote: We have a Adventurous CS. With the second passenger seat and the rear couch we can seat 6 and sleep 3 with the front bed option. Though we only travel with the two of us. Pulling any sort of trailer is somewhat inconvenient if you want to stop someplace in town or even in some crowded rest stops. Once in a while we have been places where tourist traffic was rather horrendous and with a trailer or even with a wider RV than the sprinter would be problematic. We do really like the Roadtrek and in two years have traveled over 30K miles. Seating more than that really cuts down on interior utility - storage especially and as well placement and size of the fridge and microwave. Hi Dave - when you mentioned "seating more than that", what # did you mean? More than 6? More than 2? If you had a family of 5 right now, would you go RS or CS? And why? This rig is desired as a weekend extender, a comfortable ride for my family with the amenities to "extend our stays" at places without having to leave for some food or a toilet. Any long trips we take will surely be used in conjunction with tents, motel/hotels, RV resorts. The ride itself will be a thing of beauty to explore places.532Views0likes0CommentsRe: RoadTrek Sprinter RS or CS Adventurous for family of 5
Biaggio wrote: Check out a Winnebago ERA X that will seat belt 7 and sleep 2. Pack a tent for the kids .......... Or tow a pop up for them. Hi Biaggio - just took a look at several online and it is sweetness. Better interior inside than the Roadtrek RS. Only thing that concerns me is the WB comes across as an RV moreso than than the RT with the ports on the side of the RV. I'm taking the family to an RV show here in Jacksonville this weekend so hopefully i get a chance to see one of these EraX beauties.533Views0likes0Comments
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