considering downsizing to a Sprinter Chassis class C..what kind of results are you having as far as reliability and mph...how much can you or do tow with it...looking at 25 to 27 ft w/ 1 slde..
Still in high demand and the C is getting about 15 to 18 MPG's. New about $105,000 used about $65,000 (2005). Service no problem. You have to pay the 60 cent per gallon premium over gasoline so MPG's in gasoline dollars is MPG's are about 13 to 15.
We haven't had ours long enough to comment much - just the initial impressions about it being so drivable and very well put together.
You might want to check out the FAQ's on the Yahoo View/Navion Forum - and other very worthwhile info there.
It's for owners and people who are thinking about buying one.
I think most MH's on the Sprinter chassis are 23' and 24' long, but I think Coach House makes a very high-end 25 footer. (Featured in the current issue of Motorhome magazine).
Several other manufacturers are using the Sprinter chassis.
* This post was
edited 05/17/08 03:51pm by davemittan *
Dave
Camping crew includes me, DW, a Boston Terrier, and two Beagles
I've been hoping that people more knowledgeable than me would jump in here. In the meantime.......
I see several national businesses using the Sprinter chassis, even in our sparsely populated area. FedEx and Cintas come to mind. They must be reliable to enjoy that kind of popularity.
Fuel mileage: From what I gather, the older I-5 engines got better mileage than today's V-6 turbodiesel. Mileage has gone down a little with the V-6 and the mandatory ultra low sulphur diesel fuel.
Today's class C's are reporting 15-16 mpg on rigs with a GVWR of 11,030 pounds. CCC has gone up a little recently. GCWR is 14,530, so only a small toad can be pulled - but many Sprinter based RV owners don't feel the need for a toad, because their rigs are so maneuverable.
Several RV manufacturers are jumping on the Sprinter bandwagon, like Fleetwood and Four Winds (and others). I think Winnebago has been using it the longest with the View and Navion models.
Demand is high, so don't look for big discounts. I think it will be a while before supply catches up with demand - especially if gas prices keep going up.
I like the Sprinter chassis, but I think it's interesting that people are will to pay so much more to get one. Earlier it was mentioned that they are in the $100,000 range. A 24' E450 or Chevy/Workhorse powered C is $30-40K cheaper and both will tow and haul much more than the Sprinter. They burn twice as much fuel, but even at $4 a gallon it will take many thousands of miles to pencil out.
1998 Gulfstream Ultra B/H Ford E450 V10
2005 Chevy 2500HD 6.0 w/ Maxidump insert
6x12 Interstate enclosed trailer
7x16 Bulldog flatbed hauling a 2006 Kioti CK20 TLB
2003 Ford Explorer Eddie Bauer
1998 Saturn SL2 toad
davemittan wrote: I've been hoping that people more knowledgeable than me would jump in here. In the meantime.......
I see several national businesses using the Sprinter chassis, even in our sparsely populated area. FedEx and Cintas come to mind. They must be reliable to enjoy that kind of popularity.
Fuel mileage: From what I gather, the older I-5 engines got better mileage than today's V-6 turbodiesel. Mileage has gone down a little with the V-6 and the mandatory ultra low sulphur diesel fuel.
Today's class C's are reporting 15-16 mpg on rigs with a GVWR of 11,030 pounds. CCC has gone up a little recently. GCWR is 14,530, so only a small toad can be pulled - but many Sprinter based RV owners don't feel the need for a toad, because their rigs are so maneuverable.
Several RV manufacturers are jumping on the Sprinter bandwagon, like Fleetwood and Four Winds (and others). I think Winnebago has been using it the longest with the View and Navion models.
Demand is high, so don't look for big discounts. I think it will be a while before supply catches up with demand - especially if gas prices keep going up.
Dave
Unfortunately the cost of diesel has gone through the roof. Right now $5 a gallon where I last was paying attention where gasoline was $4 a gallon. That eats into the benefits of an oiler over gas too.
I did sit in a Navion and really liked the cockpit however. I'd love a Sprinter based RV.
Offline
