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RE: 2020 Mercedes Sprinter based RV's
Mercedes has a directive with respect to B20 diesel. It was issued in response to a Minnesota regulation requiring B20 in spring and summer month.
Mercedes has authorized B20 diesel fuel. Mercedes also has some operating recommendations. see Mercedes PSMKG-0614-BIOMIN (07/14)
We have had no trouble locating the "correct" diesel. We have never had to use B20.
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Oldtymeflyr
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01/27/20 02:12pm |
Class C Motorhomes
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RE: THOR Motor Coach
We have a Thor 24L which is on the Sprinter Chassis. We are at 24,500 miles in almost 3 years. No troubles. Everything is working well. We are satisfied. Its been nice driving it about the country.
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Oldtymeflyr
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01/22/20 10:58am |
Class C Motorhomes
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RE: What is a good camp stove to buy now days?
We have used a Coleman Grill Stove for many years. We are on a second one, I got tired of cleaning the first one that worked for 9 years.
We have both a propane grill and a normal stove burner. The propane is nice for a quick grill.
We also have a Blackstone griddle that is a good unit. We carry it sometimes.
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Oldtymeflyr
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01/18/20 02:12pm |
Beginning RVing
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RE: diesel class c
From a financial perspective....
I feel diesels pay back when driven. If you don't drive your motor home that much, then the investment payback won't happen, most predominantly with a Mercedes Sprinter.
There are a few other factors some people tend to overlook with a Sprinter or Transit diesel.
1) They are usually equipped with a propane generator because it is cheaper and lighter than the diesel version....propane is a hot commodity in remote areas of the country, especially in spring and fall when running your furnace.
2) The Sprinter (not sure about the Transit) you cannot idle the engine for extended periods, a limitation of it's emission systems.
For me, I find comfort knowing I can idle our gas engine as much as I desire for back-up heat, cooling, battery charging, and during generator restrictions.
3) Sprinter-specific, maintenance and service is costly and limited.
But as others are sharing, the Sprinter and Transit are simply attractive and comfortable. You prioritize what is right for you, and be happy.
Diesels are more expensive. We like the performance and range of our Sprinter. Its more of a preference issue.
I am not sure where you get the opinion that Sprinters are usually equipped with a propane generator. I have not seen one, I am sure they exist. Pay your money and take your choice.
I am not sure where you get the opinion that a Sprinter has a limited idle time. Maybe you could give a resource for this statement. I personally do not like to idle any engine for extended periods of time.
Maintenance on a Sprinter is in line with other diesel equipment. Most Mercedes dealers and all Freightliner dealers are able to service with OEM parts. There are also many independent foreign shops that are qualified to maintain Sprinter's. Are there enough, probably for most Sprinter owners. Are there as many as the big 3 no way.
We have owned German cars (BMW's and Mercedes) for more than 25 years and we have not had any trouble with obtaining service, even when out of town. In fact we have only needed service once out of town, that was in Topeka.
Mercedes diesels are used around the world, in many inhospitable areas. They have a good reputation and we have found them to be reliable in the past. Out present Sprinter is serving us well.
Would I consider a gas unit. Absolutely! The GM based units have a good engine and drive train. They are probably the best of the gas units. The Ford (we have owned and liked many Fords) V10 has not been a great engine, its okay, their is a reason why Ford is going to a new gas 7.3 V8, the V8 is a superior platform for an engine compared to the V10. That gas 7.3 looks like a good design. Also the Ecoboost Ford V6 has proven to be a very good unit. That V6 in a Transit would be a killer combination. The V6 might just move me from the Sprinter, depending on the Transit's suspension.
Good luck.
Rick
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Oldtymeflyr
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10/23/19 09:43am |
Class C Motorhomes
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RE: Carlsbad Caverns NM
We took a tour and it was good. We usually do that in caves, the TG points out interesting features.
We stayed at Brantley Lake north of Carlsbad. It was a bit of a drive, but that was okay for us.
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Oldtymeflyr
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10/22/19 10:14am |
RV Parks, Campgrounds and Attractions
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RE: Move to Motorhome
Look at as many floor plans as you can, in person. Move the slides in and out. Move from the cockpit to the living area and get a true feel for the vehicle. Take it for a good long test drive.
Do a lot of reading on the Ford and Chevy platforms. The Chevy is preferred by many but obviously the Ford outsells the Chevy, I believe primarily because of price. There are many Ford owners on this forum who like their rig. Read reviews and do a lot of study.
We have a 24 foot Sprinter by Thor. We like it, plenty of living space with the slides out. No slides and it would not work for us. We travel long distances in a short amount of time. Its been a very good rig for us.
Good Luck!
Rick
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Oldtymeflyr
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10/13/19 10:12am |
Class C Motorhomes
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RE: MB/ Sprinter platform towing a boat
We pull a Starcraft Islander 191. I have had it on a scale and it weighs 3200-3400# depending on fuel and equipment in the boat.
We live in Colorado and have no trouble with Eisenhower Tunnel, a little over 11,000 feet and Vail Pass, about 10,600 feet. Yes, I am doing 45 mph geared down. But the Ford v10 will have less HP then the Sprinter has at those altitude. Do the math.
We also pull a Ford Ranger that is about 4,100# and the Sprinter does okay on that as well.
The only thing in an MH that will do substantially better is a Super C and that is a different rig altogether.
We like the Sprinter Floorplan that we have and that is what drove our decision. We also like the Sprinter chassis.
I would suggest that you consider the Chevy based MH they have a little more power. Try driving all three and see what you like.
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Oldtymeflyr
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09/01/19 09:17am |
Class C Motorhomes
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RE: split mattress question
Our Sprinter/Thor HL24 has a split mattres. Just make the bed and flip it over, just that simple. It works well.
Rick
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Oldtymeflyr
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04/29/19 11:14am |
Class C Motorhomes
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RE: 2009 Thor Four Winds Citation 24SA - Batteries
We have a Sprinter Thor 24HL, 2017.
Our original coach battery was switched out for a couple of Deka 31 flooded batteries. The original battery was in bad shape due to low charge and lack of use just sitting on the RV dealers lot.
Our coach batteries work as a two battery banks. We added the second battery, for us it was a matter of a battery strap and a two cables to join the batteries together. They have worked well.
We can charge our batteries 4 ways. Via the Sprinter engine, the generator feeding the inverter/charger that is build into the coach, the 120v cord plugged into the grid and finally via solar that we have added. Its all automatic.
If you coach is like our coach, your coach batteries are under the entrance steps. If so you will be limited to 12v batteries. There is nothing wrong with 12v batteries they will work quite well.
I would have your battery tested, most of the national auto stores will do it for free. Replacement, we went with flooded, if I had it to do over again I would probably go with AGM, they are about twice as expensive, but I do have to shift my flooded batteries around to check the water level and refill. Not necessary with AGM.
FWIW, if your coach battery gives out, you may be able to start the generator using the Sprinter engine starting battery, start the Sprinter engine, operate it about 2000 rpm's and that should give you enough power to start the generator, then you can shut down the Sprinter engine and use the generator for charging the battery if necessary. We have to start the engine because of the battery cut off switch between the coach batteries and the Sprinter starting battery.
Good Luck
Rick
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Oldtymeflyr
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04/14/19 10:27pm |
Class C Motorhomes
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RE: Towing travel trailer with a Sprinter C?
We tow a Ford Ranger which weights 4100#. Its all I care to tow. Lets say this it will go down the level road at 60-65 mph. I am going to be in 4th gear on gradual hills.
On Raton Pass and on the Beeline (AZ 87 Mesa to/from Payson0, we are going to be down to 35 mph, turning 3500 rpm and going to second gear. All of the engine parameters are in the green (I use and recommend a Scan Gauge).
We knew this going into the purchase and we only tow the Ranger on one trip a year. Otherwise when we tow, we generally tow a 3200# Aluminum boat-its a dream.
5000# I won't go there and our plan is not too. You might look at an all aluminum trailer. Our 25' car hauler was steel and it weighed #4000 empty, a beast.
Good luck
Rick
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Oldtymeflyr
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04/03/19 07:33am |
Class C Motorhomes
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