The Dodge Sprinter: For Those Who Want A Small, Well Appointed RV With
Good Gas Mileage
The Dodge Sprinter is an interesting vehicle. It has European roots and an American name. Since its introduction in 1995, this van has sold well over 100,000,000 units badged as a Mercedes-Benz. It is currently being sold in over 100 countries as delivery vehicles, shuttle vans, etc.
Although this vehicle has been in this country since 2003, it is new to the American RV market. It seems to have arrived at the right time.
Logic dictates that this vehicle will lead the way to the introduction of more fuel efficient motorhomes, just as our unpredictable gas prices seem to be approaching the European levels.
Only time will tell just how much impact the high fuel prices will have on the motorhome market. If customers want a gas efficient motorcoach, the RV manufacturers will provide it.
Conversely, if the customers want a big luxurious gas hog, the manufacturers will sell them one. I'm thinking that there will be a good selection for both the small efficient and large luxurious Class Cs, and this Sprinter chassis will play an important role in this coming market.
There are a number of leading manufacturers that are producing various models based on this Sprinter chassis in 2009.
Dodge Sprinter Cutoff Chassis
To name a few, you have the:
- Monaco Covina
- Fleetwood Icon
- Four Winds Siesta
- Coachman Prism
- Winnebago View
All of these vehicles share the same running gear underneath the glitter and packaging.
- 3.0-liter V-6 turbocharged Mercedes-Benz diesel. (154 hp, 280 lb.-ft. of torque.)
- 5-speed automatic transmission
- The 2008 chassis on this vehicle has a GVWR of 11,030 lbs and a GCWR of 14,530. You should be able to pull a TOAD weighing up to 3,500 lbs.
- For 2009 the Sprinter has upped its pulling capacity to 5,000 lbs.
- Gas mileage is going to be the "best in the industry" and estimated to be 16 mpg to 19 mpg with this Mercedes Diesel.
Let's talk about the pros and cons on a diesel RV.
- First the pros...
- long lasting workhorse of an engine.
- Less required maintenance.
- Usually credited with having better fuel mileage. (20 to 30 percent better than comparable vehicles with gasoline engines.)
- Performs well in high altitude. (Does not suffer from lack of oxygen.)
- Performs well under load conditions. (Pulls well)
- Has good throttle response.
- And now the cons:
- When maintenance is performed, it is usually expensive.
- Engine noise can be factor.
- Exhaust may be smelly.
- Not considered to be as environmentally friendly as the internal combustion engine.
- Diesel fuel costs more per gallon than regular gas.
One last point... this Dodge Sprinter chassis is a smaller version of the Class C Motorhomes and will more often than not have less
CCC (Cargo Carrying Capacity)
than the more traditional sized Class C's like the Ford's E-450 series. Therefore, they may be easily overloaded. These are great vehicles for a specific market segment... for those who travel light. Like a nimble machine, they can't be beat.
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