Community Forums

triflex · 05-21-2022, 11:07 PM

I've looked at Sprinters now for a few years and have been taken aback at how much trouble they did have with DEF issues. Is this still the case or are the new vans rock solid now?

I keep running across the axe grinders in the internet that scare me off.

ctarmor · 05-22-2022, 06:56 AM

Def still a pain. It cost $8 a gallon. Sensor are $500+ when they brake.

I realized this high maintenance cost is probably part of the manufacturers business plan.

Mr.Mark · 05-22-2022, 07:47 AM

As an owner of a 2021.5 Pleasure Way on the Sprinter chassis 3500 dually, I have not had any issues. I'm at 8,400 miles and a little over one year of ownership as of May 11th.

On the Pleasure Way site that I frequent, I've not heard much of anything about DEF being a problem. I have a 5 gallon DEF tank and went 5,700 miles on my first 2.5 gallons (1/2 tank). I drove it very easy with no towing during that time.

Now that I tow my 2,800 lb. MINI, I'm using more DEF (also driving closer to the posted speed).

The cost of DEF is truly insignificant. It took me 8,400 miles to need 5 gallons for $35. To save pollution.... worth every penny!

Safe travels,
Mark

johninsd · 05-22-2022, 08:33 AM

I have a 2016 RV on a 2015 Sprinter 3500 chassis with the 3.0 liter V6 diesel. No particular problems to speak of with the DEF system although it does use more DEF than it used to since I had the AEM recall done. I watch the DEF level on a Scangauge and when it gets below 45 or so I put in a 2.5 gallon box. That brings the level up to 95-98 and I'm good for another few thousand miles. Before the recall I got about 1400 mpg of DEF and after the recall I get about 800 mpg of DEF. I now have a little over 70k miles on the Sprinter and would buy another one if this one were to go away (stolen, burned, whatever). The price of the DEF is trival compared to the other costs of RVing and as it does help to keep the air clean it is certainly worthwhile.

ArloShmarlo · 05-22-2022, 08:48 AM

My experience after 2 years (26,000 miles) with a 2019 Sprinter 3500XD 4x4 is similar to Mr.Mark - no problems with the diesel emissions system and topping off the DEF tank is trivial. I put in a 2.5 gallon jug from Walmart or Rural King when the DEF meter hits 50% (after about 3000 miles). It does seem that there are few complaints posted in the Sprinter Source forum about emission issues with the 2019-2022 diesel Sprinters.

Winterbagoal · 05-22-2022, 11:40 AM

I have a 2017 NCV3 cab chassis and have had no problems with DEF so far after 34,000 miles of use. I have no idea how much DEF I use per mile, but it's not enough to worry about. I top it off at the truck stops if it starts to get a little low. I have the dash gauge and the SGII to watch it, but rarely do. I have not seen any recalls for the Sprinter VS30 (2019+) engine/chassis with regard to DEF, but it has had it's share of issues. Check NHTSA for details.
Don't fear the Sprinter.

triflex · 05-22-2022, 10:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr.Mark

As an owner of a 2021.5 Pleasure Way on the Sprinter chassis 3500 dually, I have not had any issues. I'm at 8,400 miles and a little over one year of ownership as of May 11th.

On the Pleasure Way site that I frequent, I've not heard much of anything about DEF being a problem. I have a 5 gallon DEF tank and went 5,700 miles on my first 2.5 gallons (1/2 tank). I drove it very easy with no towing during that time.

Now that I tow my 2,800 lb. MINI, I'm using more DEF (also driving closer to the posted speed).

The cost of DEF is truly insignificant. It took me 8,400 miles to need 5 gallons for $35. To save pollution.... worth every penny!

Safe travels,
Mark

Thx. We looked at a Plateau yesterday. How is taking a shower in the unit?

triflex · 05-22-2022, 10:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr.Mark

As an owner of a 2021.5 Pleasure Way on the Sprinter chassis 3500 dually, I have not had any issues. I'm at 8,400 miles and a little over one year of ownership as of May 11th.

On the Pleasure Way site that I frequent, I've not heard much of anything about DEF being a problem. I have a 5 gallon DEF tank and went 5,700 miles on my first 2.5 gallons (1/2 tank). I drove it very easy with no towing during that time.

Now that I tow my 2,800 lb. MINI, I'm using more DEF (also driving closer to the posted speed).

The cost of DEF is truly insignificant. It took me 8,400 miles to need 5 gallons for $35. To save pollution.... worth every penny!

Safe travels,
Mark

Holy moly - You went from a Prevost to a Class B. Amazing!! Your fuel costs must have gone down significantly. Less water though to use though - LOL.

Mr.Mark · 05-23-2022, 06:32 AM

Triflex,

I was apprehensive at first about a 'wet-bath' but it has worked out just fine. I sit on the commode and use the wand to shower. Once you get in sync with the procedure, it's not a problem.

Keep in mind that the Plateau's come in two floor plans, the TS and the FL. I have the FL which means 'front lounge'. This plan has a computer station area and a second TV at the front. The driver and passenger seats turn around to make a living/office area.

The lagoon dining table can be set-up front to make a dining area but I keep mine set-up in the back as it works for me. Because of my floor plan, I leave my rear sofa in 'bed-mode' most all the time when traveling as I use the front area as my TV watching/computer surfing area.

The TS has a little larger bathroom, larger fridge and larger closet. It does not have the front TV or office area. Both are good plans, it all depends on what works best for you.

I had two large coaches over a 14 yr. period and certainly enjoyed them both. I wanted to try something different and go to places that the big coaches could not fit. I'm enjoying it thoroughly! The Prevost did have a 189 gal holding tank and a 189 gal fresh water tank. The fuel tank was 230 gal and I got about 6.5-6.8 mpg and weighed 55,500 lbs. Now, I'm at 9,300 lbs!
LOL!.

Safe travels,
Mark