I was just going over some specifications on the Navion IQ with the Sprinter chassis and some things don't make sense to me. The Mercedes 3.0L diesel engine on the Sprinter apparently is rated at 154 hp with 280 ft lbs of torque. Is this engine really large enough to handle the Navion IQ and still have a towing capacity of 5000 lbs? I know it would make it's way down the road but how does it perform on mountainous roads?
JFG wrote: According to the spec sheet, towing capacity is 3,500 lbs."
"Trailer Hitch 3,500-lb. drawbar/350 lbs. maximum vertical tongue weight "
With a Navion, I don't think you would need to tow a toad.
The maximum towing capacity was apparently increased to 5000 lbs./500 lbs. tongue weight in 2009. The only reason we're considering a motorhome is to tow a Jeep for those occasions where we go off road.
There are three kinds of people. Those who go for fuel economy, those who go for the capabilities, and those like you who try to make sense of it all.
I hear Ford and GM will soon be coming out with their own versions of the Dodge Sprinter chassis. Maybe you want to wait a year and see what comes out. Maybe Ford or GM will introduce a chassis that addresses everything people are concerned about on the Sprinter. Maybe Dodge too will improve upon the Sprinter.
If you just got to have that new RV now, then enjoy your research, and find that great deal on whatever you decide. Great deals are to be found these days for both new and used motorhomes, though generally speaking, not as much on Sprinter based ones.
I feel selecting what "Type" of RV is right for you, depends on how you plan to use it.
Do you plan on staying in one place for weeks or months at a time? Then interior room is more important, so the standard Ford & GM type brochures should be on your kitchen table. If the annual miles driven are low, then fuel economy should be less of an issue.
Do you plan to drive lots of miles with many stops, for 2 or 3 weeks at a time? Then a smaller, more fuel efficient unit with greater mobility is attractive. That is where the Sprinter comes into the picture, along with scaled down B+s built on E350s.
One extreme situation would be if your plan is to tow something heavy like a horse trailer (with horses of coarse) or a big boat or heavy SUV around the country, then think of special ordering an RV that has plenty of extra CCC. Select a small C that is normally built on an E350, but special order it to be built on an E450. You would then be able to tow so much more safely than any typical motorhome could. Towing your Jeep might benefit from this setup. I personally wouldn't feel comfortable towing a Jeep with a Sprinter.
You seem to lean toward fuel efficiency/mobility. Are your plans to tour the country, or park for extended periods?
Bought new in June 2007, Phoenix Cruiser-2350
Fits inside our garage.
Dingy towing a red Toyota MR2 Spyder
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Unless you've driven a diesel vehicle, the horsepower ratings always seem low. But the combination of a flat torque curve, the turbocharger and an excellent transmission make the Sprinter diesel much more drivable than the gasser version.
The turbocharger means you always have all of your power available. At 7000 feet, a non-turbo loses half of its power.
The maximum towing capacity was apparently increased to 5000 lbs./500 lbs. tongue weight in 2009. The only reason we're considering a motorhome is to tow a Jeep for those occasions where we go off road.
Be sure to notice that the difference between GVWR and GCWR is 4,220 lbs., so if you want to tow more than 4,220 you've got to load the motorhome under its GVWR. I run my rig right at its GVWR. My opinion of the performance is that there is plenty of power at low speeds, but at highway speeds it's pretty gutless. It will make it up medium upgrades at highway speeds, but it's working pretty hard and acceleration capability in that situation is pretty anemic.
I hear Ford and GM will soon be coming out with their own versions of the Dodge Sprinter chassis. Maybe you want to wait a year and see what comes out. Maybe Ford or GM will introduce a chassis that addresses everything people are concerned about on the Sprinter.
Bumpyroad wrote: "The turbocharger means you always have all of your power available. At 7000 feet, a non-turbo loses half of its power. "
I'll remember that the next time I climb Pike's Peak.
bumpy
The parking lot on Mt. Evans is at 14,130 ft elevation (Pike's Peak is only 14,110 ft). So I guess shortly before you get to the parking lot on Mt. Evans that non-turbo engine will have zero power.
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