New guy here with a family of 5. Really could use your expertise.
Will be in the market to purchase a 1-2 yr old used RT CS or RS Adventurous (or like vehicle) in 3 years. My kids will be 4, 8, 12 respectively in that time. Is this a set and done deal? No. This is what I desire and have been for several years now, so it has some staying power.
I don't want a B+ or C RV for many reasons. Most important is bc anything larger is not really an everyday vehicle, nor (just as importantly) will my HOA stand for it. They have approved the B (or anything smaller).
Here are my thoughts going in it.
1 - Kids are getting older - want them to experience this with us. 20 years from now, I want to say this with happiness and not regret.
2 - This will be for everyday use: commuting to practice (not everyday, but most), extending weekend trips (for ie, park at the beach, spend all day there in comfort and then go back to RV campground or home...go to soccer tournament, stay in vehicle until the next game later that day as opposed to going back to hotel...use it for week vacations from say Florida to Rocky Mtns and augmenting it with RV resorts/campgrounds or hotels).
3 - Sleeping all five in it will be for only rare occasions. I don't see it as a hotel replacement. 5 is too tight and do not need to experience it to know it. I would bring a pup tent with me if we stayed at a campground so at least 2-3 will be in tent and rest in Sprinter.
4 - Is it expensive? Yes it is. Would I be foregoing retirement and digging into emergency funds to buy it? No. I bring this up b/c i think this is important to not let it come in front of investments, savings, etc.
5 - Life is **** short. The wherewithal to make a quick plan on Friday night and leave on Saturday to go somewhere new with the family is extremely enticing. Sure we could do this with an SUV, yet at a very different convenience/stress level. After all, the Sprinter is for convenience (amongst many other perks), lower stress as compared to being cramped up in car on a long trip, and maximizing the day with those you love.
6 - We are not big campers. So getting this rig will not automatically turn us into campers - and I don't expect to turn into Webelo Papa Joe (I wish I had Webelo skills). The idea of camping is great. We may love it! Yet I only see us doing it for one night and then continuing on our sightseeing ways. The idea of staying at one place for a week is not enticing, so the versatility of getting up and leaving is a wonderful prospect. If we did stay at one place for a week, than it would have to be coupled with a cabin or some kind of RV style resort.
7 - Great expectations lead to great disappointment. After reading many forums, I have read many saying "good luck" buying this with a family of 5 in mind. I get it. That's why my feelings on this vehicle is not for living. To not treat is as a Class A RV. It's primary purpose is to extend the day and explore, using it as a place to lounge in nature, to augment it with cabin's, campgrounds, hotels (if using for a week).
8 - Picking Roadtrek due to their 6 year warranty and b/c they are less expensive than Airstream.
Questions:
What do you RV.Net faithful's think about this concept?
If you were to choose between a RS and CS Adventurous, which one would it be? I am siding towards the CS as I like the enclosed galley.
What else can you say to a newbie like me? Am I being realistic in its usage and intent?
Another advantage of having a popup is that you have space for the entire family to gather inside and have dinner or whatnot once parked and unpacked, which is harder in a van. Plus, you have plenty of sleeping space, and if the weather turns bad, everyone has access to heating and cooling.
ctilsie242 wrote:
It sounds like you want a class "B", but you should consider an "annex" for longer trips, such as a popup trailer. I saw a used 2017 Coachmen Clipper for around $5500 near where I live, so they are not too bad, price-wise.
Another advantage of having a popup is that you have space for the entire family to gather inside and have dinner or whatnot once parked and unpacked, which is harder in a van. Plus, you have plenty of sleeping space, and if the weather turns bad, everyone has access to heating and cooling.
It sounds like you want a class "B", but you should consider an "annex" for longer trips, such as a popup trailer. I saw a used 2017 Coachmen Clipper for around $5500 near where I live, so they are not too bad, price-wise.
Another advantage of having a popup is that you have space for the entire family to gather inside and have dinner or whatnot once parked and unpacked, which is harder in a van. Plus, you have plenty of sleeping space, and if the weather turns bad, everyone has access to heating and cooling.
This is a good idea and something that could be priceless as an addition to the Class B on long roadies.
What's funny is I haven't been to a campground since I was a kid. I wonder how they are nowadays and if there are plenty to choose from on the fly.
Thank you CT242!
![[emoticon]](http://www.coastresorts.com/sharedcontent/cfb/images/smile.gif "smile")
Would rather hear it from experienced Sprinter Class B RV users.
I have zero practical experience with Sprinter B RV's. Have studied them in forums, articles, Roadtrek websites, and videos. Have seen them at RV dealers. Have called Roadtrek a few times.
It doesn't mean anything until I hear experiences from real owners.
I have 3 kids and a class B (a PW Travato). Once you have had a class B for trips (even just for an afternoon) it would be hard to tolerate anything else. The extra room, the fridge, the potty, the furnace (if you need to wait somewhere cold) all combine to make travel and parking far more pleasant with kids. We use ours all the time and absolutely love it. Of course it is too small, so we have been looking at larger ones like the Roadtrek models you mentioned. Like you, we have our financial ducks in a row and can purchase one of these without irreparably harming our ability to retire, pay for college, etc.
My whole family (kids & all) went to the Hershey PA RV show the year before last and spent the better part of two days climbing in, out, and all over all of the class B models where were on display (which was pretty much all of them - Hershey is the biggest show in the country). It took very little time for us to cross the Roadtrek Sprinter models off of our shopping list. I wrote a post describing our impressions which you can see here (Thoughts from the RV show)
The issues we identified that bothered us may not bother you. One ongoing concern I have however is how well the more complicated class b vans will hold up under even moderate winter usage in the northeast. The road salt can be tough on exposed parts, and there are a lot of exposed parts under these vans.
Or tow a pop up for them.
Dave
jakegw2 wrote:
Well here are some of my brief thoughts:
I have 3 kids and a class B (a PW Travato). Once you have had a class B for trips (even just for an afternoon) it would be hard to tolerate anything else. The extra room, the fridge, the potty, the furnace (if you need to wait somewhere cold) all combine to make travel and parking far more pleasant with kids. We use ours all the time and absolutely love it. Of course it is too small, so we have been looking at larger ones like the Roadtrek models you mentioned. Like you, we have our financial ducks in a row and can purchase one of these without irreparably harming our ability to retire, pay for college, etc.
My whole family (kids & all) went to the Hershey PA RV show the year before last and spent the better part of two days climbing in, out, and all over all of the class B models where were on display (which was pretty much all of them - Hershey is the biggest show in the country). It took very little time for us to cross the Roadtrek Sprinter models off of our shopping list. I wrote a post describing our impressions which you can see here (Thoughts from the RV show)
The issues we identified that bothered us may not bother you. One ongoing concern I have however is how well the more complicated class b vans will hold up under even moderate winter usage in the northeast. The road salt can be tough on exposed parts, and there are a lot of exposed parts under these vans.
Well here are some of my brief thoughts:
I have 3 kids and a class B (a PW Travato). Once you have had a class B for trips (even just for an afternoon) it would be hard to tolerate anything else. The extra room, the fridge, the potty, the furnace (if you need to wait somewhere cold) all combine to make travel and parking far more pleasant with kids. We use ours all the time and absolutely love it. Of course it is too small, so we have been looking at larger ones like the Roadtrek models you mentioned. Like you, we have our financial ducks in a row and can purchase one of these without irreparably harming our ability to retire, pay for college, etc.
My whole family (kids & all) went to the Hershey PA RV show the year before last and spent the better part of two days climbing in, out, and all over all of the class B models where were on display (which was pretty much all of them - Hershey is the biggest show in the country). It took very little time for us to cross the Roadtrek Sprinter models off of our shopping list. I wrote a post describing our impressions which you can see here (Thoughts from the RV show)
The issues we identified that bothered us may not bother you. One ongoing concern I have however is how well the more complicated class b vans will hold up under even moderate winter usage in the northeast. The road salt can be tough on exposed parts, and there are a lot of exposed parts under these vans.
Hi Jake - thank you for the wealth. I'm all in on the MB Sprinter chassis. With 3 boys, it'll always be cramped inside. Purchasing it to live in it for extended periods of time with 5 inside is a bad idea.
The quality of the chassis first and foremost is important to me. The PW, RT, WB Sprinter models are all intriguing to me (forget Airstream - too expensive).
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.
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.
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.
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.
Nothing is bad as it seems, nothing is good as it seems. This is the approach taken when I buy something.
AdventurerW wrote:
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.
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.
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.
Seating more than 6 as some of the models do is what I am referring to. For the two of us we removed the third seat and added the closet instead. This leaves the couch in back for three crowded seats plus the two in front. My wife reports that riding in back is like riding in the back seat of a school bus. If seating 3 in front and two in back works, then there is the loss of storage that probably would need to be made up some other way for a family of 5. There are ways to do that such as a hitch mounted storage box or like others have suggested, a trailer.
You mention longer trips using other facilities which is what we do. Our stays in motels average about 1.3 stays per week. Otherwise we usually stay in campgrounds with an occasional stay in a Cracker Barrel or a truck stop. The CS allows us to do that.
I guess the upshot is when you mention mainly using it for a deluxe transportation and if I were in your shoes, 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.
The major plus for both models is the Sprinter. It is very easy to drive, comfortable, and easy on the fuel. I once drove for 19 hours in order to make it in time for a funeral. I would not have done that in many other vehicles.
I haven't spoken about the quality that Roadtrek puts into their vehicles. It is excellent, especially compared to the rest of the RVs out there.
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.
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.
* This post was edited 02/11/17 10:46am by AdventurerW *
AdventurerW wrote:
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. Adult 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.
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.
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. Adult 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.
Have you looked at Mike Wendland's newsletter at [email protected] , 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.
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.
Was living the dream in the Ozarks
Now just living
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.
2007 Roadtrek 170 Popular
1988 VW Westy
davepcpowernet wrote:
Have you looked at Mike Wendland's newsletter at [email protected] , 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.
Have you looked at Mike Wendland's newsletter at [email protected] , 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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
It is my hope that the upcoming post speaks out to families of 4 or 5 in search for a Sprinter like yours truly.
- 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.
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.
Steve & Bev
2005 Roadtrek 210
Tess, our Sheltie
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.
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.
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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.
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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?
The filter cost can vary, but you can buy a Mercedes fuel filter on line.
Believe a family of four or five travelled full-time and homeschooled the kids for a year or more in an Airstream Westfalia. They supplemented by towing a cargo trailer.
As main purpose of vehicle is not to live in, a cheaper alternative maybe a full-size passenger van (with the safety of original seats, etc.). Then supplement with a composting toilet/Porta-Potti in rear with curtains and a removable tied-down all-in-one kitchen unit (fridge, sink, etc.). You would miss out on the heavy weight, fresh water and waste tanks, complexity, etc. Think of the van as a huge tent, which carries limited camping amenities. No issues re RV restrictions.
As for the Sprinter - you may want to look around on the Sprinter Forum site and see what others have to say about it. My impression is that it is a very good van, but you pay a hefty premium for the diesel engine and like any MB product the repair costs (when needed) will be a bit pricy. Commercial owners seem to find the total cost of ownership to be on the high side. It has some unique benefits however, so knowing how it fits your personal needs is the best way to evaluate its cost effectiveness.
We have nearly 140K miles on our LTV Sprinter and would make the same choice again. Routine service can be done on Sprinters at local shops just like for any vehicle. We get ours serviced at a local Meineke shop. People bad mouthing Sprinters are generally not owners.
Ours has been to Alaska twice and all over the US and Canada. Happy owners we are.
David & Margaret - 2005 LTV 210B 3S
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For the record, I think the Sprinter is a great van. It just happens to excel at a slightly different set of criteria then the ProMaster, so knowing which is a better fit for your needs is the best approach. It is not a slam-dunk like comparing a Mercedes E-Class against a Dodge Dart where the extra money gets you a superior vehicle in every respect.
1999 Damon Challenger 310 Ford