Sprinters

Desert Rat- my wife and I got a BASE model, like absolutely no options whatsoever. I had to install a back up camera and cruise control aftermarket. I cant believe it was so bare bones that it had no windows AND no back up camera ergo I couldn't see behind me or any blind spots until the camera was installed. that said, it was still I believe a hair over 50K out of the door with CO taxes and registration paid at the dealership in DC ( we flew to VA to buy this van, they're near impossible to find ). Mike Brady, I like the idea, I do not have access to these things but I may still be able to fabricate something with this concept. Thanks for that.

Eric- mileage on the 4x4 is about 22-24 average with a tuner. I could and have done better if I drive conservatively. Oil changes are every 20K and should be done by a sprinter tech or the MB dealership.

Jon Sullivan wrote:Eric- mileage on the 4x4 is about 22-24 average with a tuner. I could and have done better if I drive conservatively. Oil changes are every 20K and should be done by a sprinter tech or the MB dealership.

That's awesome milelage, much better than my ford diesel.It probably doesn't look and sound like a civil war reenactment when you start the engine either. 20k between oil changes is pretty rad as well. Thanks for the info!

erik wellborn wrote: That's awesome milelage, much better than my ford diesel.

Try here for more realistic (stock) #s:
4x4 mpg

Summary is 16mpg, +- a few.

Jeremy Kasmann wrote: Try here for more realistic (stock) #s: 4x4 mpg Summary is 16mpg, +- a few.

Ah, interesting. My Ford E350 4x4 gets around 15-16 mpg. Doesn't seem to matter driving conditions-terrain or load weight. That's with over size BFG AT tires as well.

The 4cyl Sprinters get better mpg but the 4x4 is only available with the v6. I get 23mpg in my 4cyl on a round trip from Denver to Rifle, driving 70-80. If I keep the speed around 65 (never happens), I can get a few extra mpg.

New Ford Transit Diesel gets mid 20's mpg, has a mid sized Powerstroke Diesel engine, many models proven worldwide and same company making all Ford's diesels, and was the van I saw climbers use the most in Europe next to the Sprinter. The Sprinter is a Mercedes and operational and repair costs will be three times as expensive as the Ford, which is domestic and a damn good van.

For less cash, you can get a used cheap Ford E-150/250 work van, get a salvaged Ford F-150 pickup, and swap in the front axle, suspension, manual transmission and transfer case, making yourself a SERIOUSLY capable real 4x4 van.

Ford maybe an American company but calling them domestic is a bit of a stretch especially in regards to the Transit. The engine is only branded as PowerStroke and is a Duratorq.

I do like the idea of takin' an E series and Frankensteining it. There is another thread that a guy posted some pictures of his e350 diesel 4x. He bought it in that configuration but it is still sweet.

Are any of you riding in a built out 2500? Is the 3500 the only way to go? I dont see myelf building it out so gnar that i need the 3500...bad call?

Alex Bury wrote:Are any of you riding in a built out 2500? Is the 3500 the only way to go? I dont see myelf building it out so gnar that i need the 3500...bad call?

Van Diesel
You're fine with E250. I use ford vans for work and play and they're pretty durable if you maintain them. We bought a E350 4x4 quigly diesel because it had been set up for camping with solar power inverter for fridge, microwave, propane heat, etc. The van is pretty capable off road, but with a one ton suspension and solid front axle, the ride tends to be harsh.

^^ Looks like a sweet rig! I was referring to Sprinters, however. Cheers~

Alex Bury wrote:^^ Looks like a sweet rig! I was referring to Sprinters, however. Cheers~

Whoops!Trying to work for the man and spend time on MP at the same time can be such a distraction

I think if I was single I would have opted for the 2500. The 3500 is sweet but it can feel a bit land yacht-ish. With that said, the 3500 will have you making much fewer living space compromises(if that what you are into).

Better!

Chinook Destiny

Benjamin Chapman wrote:Better!

If by better you mean not better, then yeah it's way better. :)

Mike...if more expensive is better, better means not better, but if you mean no shower, no bathroom, no big screen TV better means not better. So in your contradictory way of thinking Sprinter means not better while Chinook Destiny means WAY MoRe BETTER!

wow that made my head hurt :)
Can someone tell me if the wide wheel base has the walls farther apart? Or are the wheels just farther apart? Thx!

EDIT: just had my question answered elsewhere. The wheelbase measures length, not width. Right?

2500 vs 3500 is about weight rating, not width/length. The 2500 is fine unless you are going to go over the GVWR.

The wheelbase is about length - no change in width. The 170" is around 3ft longer than the 144". 170 has more interior space but the 144 can fit in regular parking spaces. Pros/cons either way.

The 3500 is a dually and has terrible traction in the snow. I think the 3500 is more for the fully packed RVs like RoadTreks, Winnebago's Sprinter RV, etc. When you add air conditioning, generator, hot tub, stuff like that, it adds up.

Thanks for your responses!