hello everyboby , this question should start a good discussion . does anyone have a sprinter work van ? what do u think of them? how did u out fit it (shelves racks ect) /? its so damn tall i need to re think every thing . thanks in advance / joe
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What do I think of them? They are neat and cool and I really wanted one.... but when the money guys ran the numbers a sprinter was gonna cost me way more then other means of tranport over it's life.
I'm doomed to a chevy van.
I dont have one, but do a search here for tool trailers and you can get ideas, because thats just about what you have, is a driveable trailer (:
I have a 2006 tall 140" wb model... can fit 10' material behind the cargo partition and close the rear door.
Gets 20 mpg easily. Maneuvers like a small car into tight spaces.
Single shelf set up on the drivers side and a ladder rack on top... left leg of shelf cut out to slide 8' material onto the floor.
The 2007's do not deliver the fuel economy of the 02-06 models.
The vehicle isn't cheap, but way more utility than the standard Ford or Chevy van... same price range as the domestic diesels.
I regret not getting the 158" wb model.
Shelving adds up quick, weight and dollars, so watch the GVW. A 48" plywood sheet does not fit between the wheel wells on the 02-06 3500 series duallies. Weight classification could cause expensive license plates in your area.
You will like it if you can swing it financially.
You will not like it if you need to tow.
If it is cold where you live, the diesel fired aux heater is a must. Insulate the cargo area so the AC will work.
We had several. Some tricked out, some for mobile office, and some for labor. Very nice.
recommend that you wrap them with a great logo package.
It's a rolling billboard.
Your marketing dollars at work.
Used one for work for three years.
Down sides for me were-
The controls were very confusing. Every thing from the heater
to the cruise control require thought.
Has to be the worst vehicle for snow ever designed!
Loud.
Didn't like January.
or February.
Our trany ran dry at 30,000 miles.
But......you can stand up in it!
Company supplied one for me in the summer of 05. I love it. Like someone else said I don't believe it is the best in snow or ice, Seems like you can get stuck real quick.
I build my own racks in it. On the drivers side just behind the cage I left room for my stand up air compressor. Just in back of that I build shelves that go almost all the way to the back that extend out about 16". On right side I made a hanger for my Makita table saw with the outfeed extension right behind the saw. Then I made a platform on top of the wheel well for the table for saw and my stand for miter box and have just enough room to set a 4' step ladder. All of the times on the right side are secured to wall with bungie straps.
That leaves the floor wide open to walk in and get at tools or to haul needed material. For sheet good I made a clamp on one of the uprights on the left side of van and I carry them standing on edge and secure the top with a clamp.
For me that set-up really works good.
Like someone else stated the MPG is easily over 20, for me around 23
Nice vans but high price. How about a hybrid- The Mercedes engine in my Chevy Express? Back the vans into the garage and let the games begin! Maybe that's the bail out plan for GM........
I had an '03 hitop with the 158 wheelbase. It was a POS but in talking to others, mine was the exception. New trans @ 40K, rebuilt injector pump @ 60, EGR/dirty intake problems...
Thing was a little delicate for a work truck; sliding door got jammed easy; the automatic door locks were a major hassle (unlocks automatically if all the sensors aren't engaged -like in the winter). Maneuvered very well, much better than my current truck.
If you do, find an independent mechanic who can work on it; or make real nice with Dodge service writer or you will shell out a min of $500 everytime you walk in the door.
My mechanic has had the same 3 sprinters (mini fleet) in his shop 2 different times when i was there. Some piece of work sawzalled the exhaust off - the replacement part is $2K
I want one. Reading through this thread make me want one evern more. But I can't afford one. Thanks a lot, jockotoo.
;-)
See my work at TedsCarpentry.com
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Hey Jocko,
Yea, I got one. 158 W/B. Its a company truck. I really like it. I get mid 20s on fuel. It does 70 on the interstate no problem and I can put all sorts of material in it. I have gotten stuck on flat mud before but I know better now.. No biggy cept I was waaaaay out in the woods. But a two foot pull got me rollin again. I have a air compressor in behind the driver that I rarely if ever take out. I just pull in to the job and run electric to the truck and an air hose from the truck. I have old CD racks from a store that I put nails and such in on the pax side and I have a long shallow shelf along the driver side that I put my boxed tools in. (I.E. Cordless drill, Cordless skilsaw, lasers, sawzall etc) Above that I have a kinda double shelf the I keep casing, moulding, trim and base. Though I still have some problems with managing my space when I have a lot of trash they are mostly self inflicted and I don't lose any sleep over it. It has been to the shop a few times. Warranty covered some, cash covered others. But I don't think I ever paid over $300 for any of it. I follow the servicing schedule and it seems to be fine. You want one? Go ahead. You'll be glad. I sure like mine.
KD
Oh yea, one of my brethern did have a tranny go out on his at 30K though. But I think he is happy with his. (I don't see him much)
I don't see how they even compare to a Chevy/GMC/Ford box van.The price is crazy and the performance sucks/handling sucks. Vic
A Sprinter compares price wise to a domestic diesel van... options in either vehicle can quickly escalate the price.
My 2006 Sprinter is rated for a 400,000 mile service life with basic routine maintenance.
The Sprinter handles much better than a domestic van or truck... I can pull a U turn in mine on a 2 lane street with a turning lane in the center.
Performance? It has enough power to do the job it is intended to do, which is haul a bunch of stuff in the cargo area.
The Sprinter is not designed to pull tree stumps or small buildings, so if someone really needs 1000 lbs-ft of torque... best to get something else.
The average shadetree mechanic is not going to fix a modern common rail Power Stroke, Duramax, Cummins or Mercedes engine. Repairs on any will be costly... "just any dealer" for any of those vehicles may not be able to fix it properly.
The Chevy/GMC/Ford box van is still built on the Chevy/GMC/Ford chassis. If the domestic box van has a gasoline engine, it will not have the durability of a diesel, and I understand that is OK if the total miles driven is low.
A Sprinter cab/chassis is available.
The Sprinter isn't cheap, but it is competitive in the diesel van segment. The Duramax/Allison GMC extended cargo van I priced out was mid 35k. Factory incentives lower the value of your new vehicle, which is why domestic vans are worthless once they are driven off the lot.
My work requires @ a 60" high interior ht. and city driving(no Trailers). So I own a '06 140 passenger van (seats Removed)- While it only averages 23 MPG with @ 1 ton of tools and supplies. While not as quiet as i would like it goes plenty fast when needed and handles far better than any van I have ever driven. (ford ,chevy,old dodge) As for snow I have
been surprised by how stable it is with the computers switched on. The standard tires last
a bit too long ( passable tread but loud and hard) Any suggestions on replacement tires???
On Price please compare Diesel to Diesel and payload to payload.
I just felt the need to chime in and say that cargo vans....or more so the [US] companies that design and build 'em really get me angry. It is often as if these guys have never talked to anyone who needs to use these vehicles prior to them designing them. I have a van (99 ford e250) and I love it as much as I can love something that i cannot choose not to own (if that makes sense). I need it for work, but it is not well designed to fit me. It is uncomfortable, handles poorly, uses a lot of gas, is loud, and has a deficiency of modern convenience. i.e. it has only one cup holder.Yes, it gets the job done. But for the $30K base on these vans, they could be giving much more. I realize the newer vans are a bit different but I don't see them as being a huge amount better for their users.I like the design of the Sprinter vans although the design of the cab/console still leaves much to be desired. If only automakers made vehicles with the user in mind, maybe they wouldn't be in such a desperate situation.gk
If it's like mine you at least have a choice of big cup or little cup, just not both at the same time!Legal Disclaimer: The preceeding comments are for entertainment purposes only and are in no way to be construed as professional advice. The reader of these comments agrees to hold harmless the poster, EJCinc, from any and all claims that EJCinc offered professional advice, ideas, or comments to the reader that may or may not have resulted in the damage, injury, or death to the readers property or person.
Wow... what's with the disclaimer?
Why do you ask about the disclaimer? Were you thinking about sueing me? Well it says right there that you can't. So keep looking for your next target buddy. lol
It's just a joke, like my post about the cupholders.Legal Disclaimer: The preceeding comments are for entertainment purposes only and are in no way to be construed as professional advice. The reader of these comments agrees to hold harmless the poster, EJCinc, from any and all claims that EJCinc offered professional advice, ideas, or comments to the reader that may or may not have resulted in the damage, injury, or death to the readers property or person.
There goes my plans... :)
Your disclaimer "says" I can't sue you...But my Lawyer says different!!How deep are your pockets???I may be feeling injured.....
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"After the laws of Physics, everything else is opinion" -Neil deGrasse Tyson
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If Pasta and Antipasta meet is it the end of the Universe???
I'm broke. Not a penny to my name. I wouldn't even waste your time.Legal Disclaimer: The preceeding comments are for entertainment purposes only and are in no way to be construed as professional advice. The reader of these comments agrees to hold harmless the poster, EJCinc, from any and all claims that EJCinc offered professional advice, ideas, or comments to the reader that may or may not have resulted in the damage, injury, or death to the readers property or person.
then why the fancy-pants disclaimer???You GOT to be protecting sumthin!!!OOH OUCH OW!!I just got a cramp typing that.Yer TOAST!!My lawyer will be in touch..
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"After the laws of Physics, everything else is opinion" -Neil deGrasse Tyson
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If Pasta and Antipasta meet is it the end of the Universe???
"...you at least have a choice of big cup or little cup, just not both at the same time!"Unfortunately, i've found that most cups are a medium.And passengers aren't allowed to drink and ride.Then there's the genius trash dump area.And the brick covered in vinyl on the door.Oh, and good thing I don't smoke.Who designs this stuff?!!?
You have the wrong brand.
My '98 GMC van has twice the number of cup holders as yours