I have driven a few of these, recently putting 2000 miles on one in a few days. I thought this might be of interest to others here:
A 4x4 / RV / Toy Hauler with a GS 1200 in the back would be on my wish list.
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Nov. 12, 2009 9:41 a.m. pinchvalve UltraDork
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Nov. 12, 2009 9:44 a.m. Carson Dork
This one?
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Nov. 12, 2009 9:47 a.m. Carson Dork
I used to drive one at my last job. It was a 1500 panel. The engine was really impressive but that thing was terrifying on gusty days when empty!
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Nov. 12, 2009 11:38 a.m. nderwater Reader
the Becker JetVan conversions are super swank
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Nov. 12, 2009 12:30 p.m. aeronca65t HalfDork
I truly like the Sprinter and it would have been an ideal tow van to replace the 5 year old van we had (I HATE dealing with tow-vehicle issues).
Everything about the Sprinter is perfect for towing my vintage racer.....except the price.
Best deal I could get on a new, base model cargo Sprinter was about $37,000. I bought a new, Chevy Express three weeks ago for $21,600. Maybe next time around the price will come down on them (or I'll be richer!
)
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Nov. 12, 2009 1:10 p.m. Ian F HalfDork
aeronca65t wrote: Best deal I could get on a new, base model cargo Sprinter was about $37,000. I bought a new, Chevy Express three weeks ago for $21,600. Maybe next time around the price will come down on them (or I'll be richer!
)
Yeah... as much as I love the idea of a Sprinter for a toy hauler (and I really love the full-height interior - which to me is the best attribute). The mpg benefit vs. the purchase price is hard to swallow... that $15,400 can buy a lot of gas... especially in a van that is only driven occasionally...
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Nov. 12, 2009 2:30 p.m. JetMech Reader
Carson wrote:
I thought they looked a little unstable. You just confirmed that.I used to drive one at my last job. It was a 1500 panel. The engine was really impressive but that thing was terrifying on gusty days when empty!
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Nov. 12, 2009 10:57 p.m. HappyAndy Reader
Carson wrote:
I used to drive one at my last job. It was a 1500 panel. The engine was really impressive but that thing was terrifying on gusty days when empty!
I drive one every day of the work week and I don't know what you are talking about. My sprinter is far more stable than my previous work van (econoline E250). However mine is never empty. I frequently cross a bridge that has bad cross-winds, and although I can feel the wind pushing the truck, I can counter steer into it slightly and it holds its course with no drama at all, the Ford would be all over the road in the same conditions despite weighing less and having a smaller profile. If I needed to buy a van with my own money and could afford a sprinter I wouldn't hesitate for a second. And if my employer tried to put me back into an econoline I would seriously think of quiting.
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Nov. 13, 2009 4:51 a.m. ignorant PowerDork
sportsmobile does not offer a 4x4 sprinter. http://www.sportsmobile.com/
They are not available in the US.
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Nov. 13, 2009 10:27 a.m. Carson Dork
HappyAndy wrote:
Carson wrote:
I used to drive one at my last job. It was a 1500 panel. The engine was really impressive but that thing was terrifying on gusty days when empty!
I drive one every day of the work week and I don't know what you are talking about. My sprinter is far more stable than my previous work van (econoline E250). However mine is never empty. I frequently cross a bridge that has bad cross-winds, and although I can feel the wind pushing the truck, I can counter steer into it slightly and it holds its course with no drama at all, the Ford would be all over the road in the same conditions despite weighing less and having a smaller profile. If I needed to buy a van with my own money and could afford a sprinter I wouldn't hesitate for a second. And if my employer tried to put me back into an econoline I would seriously think of quiting.
When EMPTY is exactly what I'm talking about. It's a sail boat. Otherwise you're on the mark. The previous van was a Ram 1500 and sounds a lot like your Econoline experience.
