so, I love my truck to death, but recently my dad put an idea in my head that I cant shake.

Most of my work involves driving long distances, carrying lots of video equipment, in every type of weather possible. basically, the vehicle has to be ready for travel no matter what the situation.

so my truck was perfect for that. no snow storm or rainstorm is gonna stop that thing. but a couple days ago I was trying to work INSIDE my truck and I was running out of room, it was a real pain. so my dad, a die hard VW van fan (haha, that ryhmes) mentioned that I should look into getting a van.

so anyone know if you can get the sprinters customized? like a table, one bench seat in the back, some shelves, all that stuff (I also need space to sleep in)? i dig that you can get it in a diesel, but I dont know what kinda mileage that nets it.

or can you think of a better vehicle for me?

give me your ideas.

 

They are making Sprinters into RV's at this point, everyone wants the CRD V-6. I would start at thier website: http://www.dodge.com/en/2008/sprinter/ Or you may be able to find a used one that you could modify - they aren't cheap but it's a business truck, right?

 

right.

I have been looking at some pics of modified sprinters. they really have a lot of room dont they?!

I would be interested to know what their mileage is though.

 

i will answer my own question. dodge is saying 20 overall (empty is 21, full to 15000lbs is 19....gotta love diesel!) thats pretty decent.

 

One thing Ian, you may want to consider if you live in Iowa, is crosswind stability. I'd be interested to know from actual owners how these things do with our wind conditions. Just a thought...

 

yes! that has always been my one big concern with vans like these. seems like they could get pushed over if you just breath on them.

 

I have driven my company Sprinter about 28K now, it has been a nice vehicle. I have driven it across OK and TX in a nasty nasty thunderstorm, it did push me around a bit, and I did have white knuckles--but--I think it would have been that way in ANY van. I have the '06 with the 5cylinder Benz diesel and have gotten as high as 25-26mph. They won't go over about 82MPH, and use more fuel above about 72mph. They are pretty peppy, but are not going to win any dragrace. Fit and finish seem very good. I have the short in height and length version. Beware of parking garages, the antenna can break ans is over 100 dollars, don't ask how I know!! I have also been in NY, OH, PA with snow on the ground, keep in mind it is NO 4X4, but I did get through.

 

see thats what I would LOVE to find, is a nice diesel 4x4 sprinter van, do those even exist?

 

The 4x4 conversions don't exist in this country. They were very limited in Europe too. There was word that Dodge would make an all wheel drive version, but I think that was thrown out. Have not heard any new news for quite a while.

Heres where I would look http://www.sportsmobile.com/

They do really nice work, but its not cheap. They also have a 4x4 conversion ready to go, but were holding off to see if Dodge was going to release the AWD version. So who knows whats up with that.

Well, good luck, I love the Sprinters and would have one if they were AWD or 4x4.

Have a good one.

 

I had used one for my business for 2 years. Sold the business, trucks and all.
The sprinter was great, better than any stepvan, in every area.
It was loaded to just into 10,000 lbs. It was technically over loaded, as the max GVW was 9990.
26 MPG empty, and 17-18 fully loaed combined mileage. It would out run the stepvans and was very stable in comparison.
I knew I was going to sell it, and didn't really get to know that truck. Never did find out how to change the trans fluid, or even how to check it!!
Empty, this truck would probably out run my 02 dodge when it was new and stock.
Very enjoyable to drive.

 

I have several customers with them and they all love them. Lots and lots of room inside and they all claim the same 24-26mpg that has already been said. You can always just buy a plain one and add all the stuff you want yourself. And get one of the tall ones where you can stand up inside without hitting your head......

 

man, if only they came in 4 wheel drive.

definately would get the tall one if I do end up with one. these things look pretty sweet though!

 

I've been on the interstate for around 1000 miles the past 3 days and I've seen more than my share of the Sprinter vans(Dodge, Freightliner and Mercedes Benz badged) so they must get the job done pretty well.

 

yeah, I have been seeing them a lot lately. I am gonna start keeping my eye out for a good deal on one.

 

they build them on Commerce Park road here in town.

it's neat to see a few hundred of them in all configurations out there.

some are window vans.