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rj flyer · 02-14-2017, 01:30 AM

Staring to narrow my searching, having rented a few with v10 gas and reading/talking some, it's a diesel for me. Hit a show this weekend, love the Sprinters, but seems 25 is as big as it gets. we found a few 25's that would be ok, but the 28 or even 30s may be better (3 grandkids and another on way, but much of the time 1-3 of us). Of the Class Cs we saw, a 28 seemed ideal, but alternatively the largest Sprinter may work. Do need a closable back bed, but can be just a double, and definitely want over cab beds/storage.

so the questions: for diesels in the larger range, how do the Duramax compare to Sprinters for mileage, service, resale, etc? are there other alternatives? Other considerations?

Thanks, still lots to sort out.

rj flyer · 02-14-2017, 01:44 AM

oops, may have found the answer.......will keep looking for info..

Quote:

Skip426
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Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Powell River, B.C.
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There is a bit of a problem with the Duramax engines in the Chevy chassis for a class C . Chevy's service manual for repairing the engine on the full size vans and conversion chassis , says to repair the engine , " lift the body off the frame" something that can't be done after the RV is added.
Here in BC , the government ambulance service had so many service problems with their Duramax equipped ambulances; and the time & $$$; that the poor engine access added to repairs; that after using them for a number years they switched back to the 6l gas engine chassis.
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luvlabs · 02-14-2017, 08:02 AM

MB Sprinter chassis dominate the short diesel market. Ford is starting to make some slight inroads their Transit van line as well with their inline 5 cylinder diesel but they don't seem to have the same load carrying/towing capacities as the MB units.

If you want bigger, then you are into the Ford V10s. Nice engine, lots of power, very poor fuel economy.

RobbieH · 02-14-2017, 08:08 AM

Or the Super C's from Thor's Four Winds or Chateau lines, which are on F550 chassis with the Ford 6.7 diesel. The Four Winds was my previous MH. That thing was a hot rod.

My mother has the Mercedes (Sprinter) chassis MH and loves it.

Coffie Drink · 02-15-2017, 06:51 PM

The issue with Sprinters is OCCC or weight you can carry. Mine has 960 lbs. Most small cars have 1100 and some Sprinters have that as well. They can we OK for two people. You need to keep the stuff down.
That is the bad news. The good news is the Sprinters are very drivable compared to a E450. Less fuel needed, mine looks better that the topical Class C. 15 mpg or more. You can take it anywhere. Park in most lots.

rj flyer · 02-15-2017, 10:34 PM

Thanks, quickly narrowing down to Winne 25M, more sitting space at sacrifice of separate bedroom. For us probably best of compromises. Will always need a separate car if grandkids, etc are joining us. Sitting capacity while parked probably biggest priority. As is bunk over cab = non-negotiable.