Community Forums

SLVrver · 07-27-2019, 09:41 AM

I am looking to downsize and very interested in class C sprinter. There seems to be a wide range of prices for this type.
I've looked at Thor, Winnebago, Forest River and Entegra. These have the floor plan I like. I live in Colorado at 8000 ft. I am wondering which of these are better for colder climates
Any advice is most appreciated. Thank you!!

Also these have 4 seat belts. Is it possible to add more seat belts to the dinette? I have younger grand children that travel with me sometimes

luvlabs · 07-27-2019, 01:49 PM

Sprinter chassied motorhomes are all pretty similar in construction due to chassis weight limits. I think they would all be about the same although Winnebago offers tank heaters and thermal windows.

Seat belt positions are limited and adding ones are probably a poor idea. My Navion has side facing belted positions and my granddaughter will not be riding in my coach. Motorhomes in general are not all that good for kids.

Winterbagoal · 07-27-2019, 02:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by luvlabs

Sprinter chassied motorhomes are all pretty similar in construction due to chassis weight limits. I think they would all be about the same although Winnebago offers tank heaters and thermal windows.

Seat belt positions are limited and adding ones are probably a poor idea. My Navion has side facing belted positions and my granddaughter will not be riding in my coach. Motorhomes in general are not all that good for kids.

X2 on all counts.
I don't think many of the class C (Sprinter) upfitters added a lot of insulation underneath, like some of the class A/B coaches and the "polar packages" you can get on some towables. They're pretty much open to the road and the elements underneath.

nancybninja · 07-28-2019, 05:26 AM

Ours has tank heating pads, but what about the pipes? We avoid freezing temps.

FlaCats · 07-28-2019, 06:37 AM

Our J had the heated pads & we used once or twice. They operate on 12 Volt, so can drain your batteries down Quickly, something to keep in mind if boon docking. It had the u-shaped dinette with seat belts on each section. These are not shoulder belts, were anchored to the floor.
On any Sprinter Chassis, keep cargo weight capacity in mind. Each and every one can have a different capacity & just adding in occupants' weight can quickly cut into limits.

Winnebago lists the Mercedes SPRINTER Service Centers (on-line & in their manuals). I don't know if other mfgs. do this. Anyway, they are currently showing two - one in Littleton, the other in Westminster, CO. This is something to keep in mind should you need warranty repairs &/or regular scheduled services. You can also check out the list for service centers in States you frequently travel to, or plan on visiting. In some States there are none.

Winterbagoal · 07-28-2019, 09:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FlaCats

Our J had the heated pads & we used once or twice. They operate on 12 Volt, so can drain your batteries down Quickly, something to keep in mind if boon docking. It had the u-shaped dinette with seat belts on each section. These are not shoulder belts, were anchored to the floor.
On any Sprinter Chassis, keep cargo weight capacity in mind. Each and every one can have a different capacity & just adding in occupants' weight can quickly cut into limits.

Winnebago lists the Mercedes SPRINTER Service Centers (on-line & in their manuals). I don't know if other mfgs. do this. Anyway, they are currently showing two - one in Littleton, the other in Westminster, CO. This is something to keep in mind should you need warranty repairs &/or regular scheduled services. You can also check out the list for service centers in States you frequently travel to, or plan on visiting. In some States there are none.

There's also Linden Automotive and Engineering in Golden, if you're looking for service in the greater Denver area.

I was surprised at how many non-MB shops there are mentioned on some of these forums. Not all get great reviews, but there are plenty of them out there. There's a fairly comprehensive list over on Sprinter Source dot com, I believe?

Hooligan · 07-29-2019, 09:48 AM

Tank heaters- Normally used when the tank is not enclosed. (exposed to the elements). Enclosed tanks are heated by ducted air from the propane furnace. Keeping RV heated even when not occupied protects the tanks and internal plumbing and stored food. Usually 50 deg. setting on furnace protects into low 20's. below that a 100 watt light bulb in the tanks compartment works.

Downsizing this is probably not news...

I downsized from 36ft Dp to Sprinter based RV, 4 years and 45,000 miles it was a good move.

Mr.Goodbar · 07-30-2019, 07:15 PM

I believe that since Freightliner is owned by Mercedes Benz and markets Freightliner Sprinter vans. That they can do maintenance on any Sprinter chassis.
I had a local Freightliner dealer to the 20K mile oil change, etc. and I was able to make an appointment over the phone and they had a waiting room where ai could wait on it.

Winterbagoal · 07-30-2019, 08:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr.Goodbar

I believe that since Freightliner is owned by Mercedes Benz and markets Freightliner Sprinter vans. That they can do maintenance on any Sprinter chassis.
I had a local Freightliner dealer to the 20K mile oil change, etc. and I was able to make an appointment over the phone and they had a waiting room where ai could wait on it.

Understand all of that and agree that Freightliner should be able to service MB Sprinter chassis. Next time you're in Albuquerque stop at the Freightliner dealer located as follows

LONESTAR TRUCK GROUP ALBUQUERQUE

12901 I-40 WEST FRONTAGE ROAD, ALBUQUERQUE, NM 87121

and ask them to change your oil. I did and they told me they didn't have the diagnostic tools or some such. Just sayin'.

pequeajim · 08-03-2019, 07:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SLVrver

I am looking to downsize and very interested in class C sprinter. There seems to be a wide range of prices for this type.
I've looked at Thor, Winnebago, Forest River and Entegra. These have the floor plan I like. I live in Colorado at 8000 ft. I am wondering which of these are better for colder climates
Any advice is most appreciated. Thank you!!

Also these have 4 seat belts. Is it possible to add more seat belts to the dinette? I have younger grand children that travel with me sometimes

Keep in mind at higher altitude, you will want a compressor driven fridge and freezer as they will be more efficient.

Coffie Drink · 08-04-2019, 07:52 PM

The first thing to consider is OCCC. Some have 1200. Some have 660. Keep I’m mind you and your passengers weight, then water, food, stuff. Winnebago builds using light cabinets so they may be the best. Camping in winter you have a propane furnace that keeps the tanks above freezing. Waste tank heaters, the compressor refrigerator is better than the propane absorbing. Diesel generator is better for boondocks.

Hooligan · 08-24-2019, 09:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Winterbagoal

Understand all of that and agree that Freightliner should be able to service MB Sprinter chassis. ........

and ask them to change your oil. I did and they told me they didn't have the diagnostic tools or some such. Just sayin'.

Depends on the shop. Christopher Trucks, Freightliner shop in Greenville,SC has 2 locations, one is big trucks sales & service, and the other in Piedmont does OTR and Sprinter service and repair. I've had routine and warranty repair done there. Sprinter diagnostics are complicated and some parts have to be logged in to the on board computer to operate. Service completion also has to be entered to the computer.

HighDesert · 08-25-2019, 08:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr.Goodbar

I believe that since Freightliner is owned by Mercedes Benz and markets Freightliner Sprinter vans. That they can do maintenance on any Sprinter chassis.
I had a local Freightliner dealer to the 20K mile oil change, etc. and I was able to make an appointment over the phone and they had a waiting room where ai could wait on it.

Actually, this is not the case as only Mercedes approved Freightliner facilities can provide all maintenance on Sprinters. Here, in Redmond, Or, Freightiner will not work on Sprinters as I called last year when I had one. Yes ay apply more to warranty issues, but best to call ahead, and know for sure, based on your route.

chanson100 · 08-26-2019, 01:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by luvlabs

Sprinter chassied motorhomes are all pretty similar in construction due to chassis weight limits. I think they would all be about the same although Winnebago offers tank heaters and thermal windows.

Seat belt positions are limited and adding ones are probably a poor idea. My Navion has side facing belted positions and my granddaughter will not be riding in my coach. Motorhomes in general are not all that good for kids.

There is a big difference in quality between Sprinter chassis MH’s. My SO and I drove, rented and researched a number of manufactures. We purchased a Leisure Travel Unity Murphy Bed, the drive stability, fit & finish are far superiour than many of the larger better known manufacturers.

Before allowing kids or anyone to ride in the coach while underway, I suggest you really understand how/if the seatbelts are attached to chassis. And how protected those seats are. Even the best coaches are mostly wood in the house!