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Car Forum / Driving, Maintenance, Tuning / RVs / June 2005Dodge Sprinter chassis?
I have been researching the Class B motorhomes built on the Sprinter Chassis. I see where the horsepower is listed at 154 hp with 243 FT./LB @ 1600-2400 rpm. The towing capacity is rated at 5000 LBS. Will this low rated HP & Torque actually tow a Honda CRV that weigh about 3600 LBS.? There is one built on a Ford Chassis with the 5.4 L Triton SEFI V8 Engine. It is listed to have 255 HP with 350 FT./LB @ 2500 RPM. Obviously, this one will surely out pull the previous one I asked about. By the way, the tow capacity is rated the same. Or am I missing something here? What is the advantage with the Sprinter over the Ford other that the fact that it should get better mileage, but costs about 15,000 to 20,000 more $.? Thanks, John > What is the advantage with the Sprinter over the Ford other that the fact > that it should get better mileage, but costs about 15,000 to 20,000 more $.? The Sprinter-based RVs are supposed to handle better and be better-built, although the mpg and longevity of the diesel are the big factors. You can head on over to http://www.openroadsforum.com/forum/ and check out the "Camper Van Conversions" forum. There have been many threads on this very topic. I'm sure the Sprinter-based B's are very nice, tho' I have the impression that some of the early conversions were rushed thru design and build to catch the early market. Folks considering them should be aware that the US offerings are limited so far to a propane genset. The more limited run-time and fuel availability may or may not matter to you. Jim, "If you drink, don't park. Accidents cause people." Yes you are missing something when you read "tow capacity" claims and apparently believe they actually mean anything in the real world. As far as brute HP and torque, your garden tractor will tow the largest trailer available - just not very capably and certainly not very fast up hill. Like all vehicles, ignore tow capacity ratings (aka advertising fantasies) and look at GVWR, GCWR, GAWRs and tongue load ratings for the vehicle. Then get a real weight on the van fully equipped, fully loaded and ready for the road. I suspect you'll find the finished RV version will have a tow capacity substantially less that 5000#. As far as the truck itself, IMO they look extremely crude overall. The rear door hinges look like something found at Menard's for farm gates and welded on the surface. Looks like someone remembered too late that the doors actually needed to open. As someone mentioned, the early versions were obviously rushed out to make the late winter and early spring RV shows. All the ones I saw had very basic, very crude OEM cab with rubber floor mats and rigid very delivery truck-like front seats plus cheapo seat cover material, ceiling and door panels. The commercial versions I've seen on the Interstates do not inspire confidence in their handling. Again, all that I've seen wander, weave and rock dramatically even in 10 mph cross winds. Lane changes are frightening to watch and when a semi passes one I stay way back and ready to take evasive action. I'd look at RVs based on the more conventional chassis' and wait until there's more history on these vehicles as bases for RVs. They will either get better or go away. CruzMastr > I have been researching the Class B motorhomes built on the Sprinter > Chassis. I see where the horsepower is listed at 154 hp with 243 FT./LB @ [quoted text clipped - 9 lines] > Thanks, > John I have owned one of these Sprinter based Pleasure Ways for over two months, and have experienced nothing like this post says. On the contrary, coming from a non-Sprinter based unit, this unit has the best handling of any RV that I have owned and driven (includes class C's, A's and smaller B's). This past weekend we had the highest winds (gusts of 70 mph) and we drove for several hours and marveled at the handling. Watch out for those posts that make claims without actually driving one of these incredibly good units. They have the best cruise control I have experienced before also, by the way. As far as the inside look, I agree that these units don't look luxurious inside; their luxury is in the practicality of their design. The priveous one we had had carpeting and other luxurious touches in the cab area that we were constantly fighting to keep clean and to keep from hitting with our heads. Our seats are great, leather covering and with incredible range of adjustment, albeit manual controls. Coming in with feet full of sand after dumping is now not as dreadful a thing as it was in the past... Al > Yes you are missing something when you read "tow capacity" claims and > apparently believe they actually mean anything in the real world. As far [quoted text clipped - 42 lines] >> Thanks, >> John > road. I suspect you'll find the finished RV version will have a tow capacity > substantially less that 5000#. Which is true of any conversion on any chassis. > The rear door hinges look like something found at > Menard's for farm gates and welded on the surface. Looks like someone > remembered too late that the doors actually needed to open. Actually they did. The hinges are that way so that the doors can open 270 degrees, that is, fold flat against the sides of the van. |
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