The Dodge Sprinter: For Those Who Want A Small, Well Appointed RV With
Good Gas Mileage
The Dodge Sprinter motor home is an interesting vehicle. It has European roots and an American name. Since Mercedes-Benz introduced this chassis in 1995, it has sold well over 100,000,000 units. 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 motor home market. It seems to have arrived at the right time.
Of The Future?
Logic dictates that this vehicle will lead the way to the introduction of more fuel efficient motor homes, just as our unpredictable gas prices seem to be approaching the European levels.
Conversely, if the customers want a big luxurious gas hog, the RV manufacturers will sell them one. I'm thinking that there will be a good selection for both the small efficient and large luxurious Class C Motor Homes, and this Sprinter chassis will play an important role in this coming market.
Producing This Motorcoach
There are a number of leading RV manufacturers that are producing various models based on this Sprinter chassis in 2009.
-
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.
- 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.
- In 2010 the Sprinter increased power output to 188 horses @ 325 lbs of torque. This is a big improvement over the 2009's 154 HP and 280 lbs of torque.
You will see some Freightliner chassis like the Coachman Prism shown above. Although it is called International, it also uses the Mercedes 188 Hp diesel.
These vans are sophisticated and get 16 - 18 mpg using a five-speed automatic transmission. They can pull up to 5,000 lbs.
- 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.)
- A turbocharged diesel performs well in high altitude. (Does not suffer from lack of oxygen.)
- Performs well under load conditions. (High torque pulls well)
- Has good throttle response.
- long lasting workhorse of an engine.
- 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.
- When maintenance is performed, it is usually expensive.
Here is a link to an iRV2 forum. It is a good discussion about weight in a motorhome along with where this weight is located. It is kind of an eye-opener.
Return To Top of Page
Leave The Dodge Sprinter... For Those Who Want A Small, Well Appointed RV Page And Go To Your Motorhome Chassis Is The Foundation To Your Home On Wheels Page...
Leave The Dodge Sprinter... For Those Who Want A Small, Well Appointed RV Page And Go To Class C Motorhome Info Made Simple Homepage
Your Stories
Onan AC Generator Wouldn't Start
1995 Tioga Montara Had a Leak - Ouch!
A Simple Way To Put An Elecrtrical Thermostat On A Small Space Heater In A Truck Camper!
A Great Destinaton, With An Unexpected Outcome!
2018 Thor 21F Four Winds Class C Motorhome
2018 Thor 21F Four Winds Class C Motorhome
2010 Fleetwood Pulse 24D
Class C Motorhome
2010 Fleetwood Pulse 24D
Class C Motorhome
Above Graphics Courtesy of:
http://www.DeMartini.com
| Gasoline Prices |