The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter range offers a variety of van sizes, with the interior dimensions of each model being compared. The Sprinter Van has a total length of 19’3″ (594 cm), overall width of 6’8″ (203 cm), and height of 7’9″ (236 cm). The interior width of the Sprinter Van is 1787mm, while the exterior width is 2345mm. The Sprinter Van also has a wheelbase of 1719mm (H1), 1976mm (H2), and 2243mm (H3).
The 2022 Sprinter is a full-size van with refined powertrains and numerous configurations. Its interior dimensions include 92.3-inch width, 102.8-inch height (standard roof) or 114.2-inch height (high roof). The standard version has a standing height of 67.7 inches, a maximum width at the floor of 70.4 inches, and a 144-inch high bed. The interior cargo measurements include door opening widths at the side (51.5″) and rear (61″), as well as a queen-sized mattress in the back on a platform.
The Sprinter Cargo Van interior also includes a queen-sized mattress in the back on a platform, and additional space in the rear cargo compartment. The Sprinter Cargo Van has a 140-inch wheelbase, standard roof, and a standing height of 79.1 inches. The interior dimensions of the Sprinter Van are a testament to its luxury and versatility.
📹 Sprinter? Promaster? The comparison starts here! Get the actual measurements side by side
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Which van has the widest interior width?
Ram ProMaster is the widest van available, allowing beds to be placed side by side for those under 6 feet. It has the lowest floor height due to front wheel drive. However, it cannot be converted to 4×4, has low stock ground clearance, has only one engine option, and can feel underpowered near GVW. Front wheel drive can also cause issues in slippery conditions. The ProMaster has a 144″ wheelbase, 234″ long, 170″ wheelbase, 274″ long, and 170″ wheelbase extended, 290″ long.
How wide is the back door of a Sprinter van?
The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter van is a full-size van that can handle heavy cargo loads and pack valuables easily. It comes with a sliding side door and a rear door that opens 180-degrees or 270-degrees parallel to the side of the van. Both doors open with enough space for pallets to be loaded into the van. The Sprinter luxury van comes with specific measurements for the rear and sliding doors for the Sprinter Cargo, Crew, or Passenger van, and can be viewed at the Riverside dealership.
What is the difference between Sprinter 144 and 170?
The Approach van model, built on a 170 Sprinter wheelbase, offers 3ft more interior space than the 144 wheelbase, making it manageable to drive and park in most places. However, it is slightly too long for standard parking spaces, so it might need to park in a space meant for larger vehicles or over two parking spaces. The Approach is perfect for two to four people, ideally a family, or just two people wanting a spacious and functional wheelbase. The buildable space length is 14 feet, and the interior height is 6’4″. The 170 is easy to drive, similar to the 144, and the shower box is easy to use, even with the shower deployed.
How wide is the inside of a van?
Popular minivans have a cargo area between 56. 5 and 59 inches in height and 84 inches from the rear door to the driver’s seat. They measure between 61. 5 and 66 inches in width and have 142 to 149 cubic feet of average cargo space. Introduced by automakers like Chrysler in 1983, minivans are family-friendly cars with a lower ground-to-ground ratio, easy access through sliding open rear doors, and flexible seating configuration.
However, assessing their size accurately can be challenging due to their utilitarian nature. Standard minivan dimensions and specific measurements behind some popular models can help provide a better understanding of these vehicles.
What are the interior dimensions of the 144 Sprinter?
The Sprinter 170 was a difficult decision to make, as the Sprinter 144 wheelbase is 19. 5 feet long and has 10. 5 feet of interior length. The interior height for the low roof is 5’5″ and the high roof is 6’4″. The Sprinter 170 wheelbase is 22 feet 10 inches bumper to bumper, with 14 feet of interior length and a 6’4″ high inside.
The choice was hard, as the Sprinter 144 is easier to drive and park, and the low roof option would save on fuel economy. The 170 was chosen because most of the traveling is done with the boyfriend Ian and their dog Cajun, who takes up more space in bed than both of them. While driving the 170 is not an issue, it may be more challenging in city areas and rough road situations.
The main reasons for choosing the 170 were to accommodate Ian’s height and to have a queen size bed for a small corner to sleep in once Cajun is comfortable. Storage space was also a significant factor, as the family travels with climbing gear, BASE rigs, wingsuits, skydiving rigs, helmets, warm and cold weather clothes, a training tripod + hangboard, shoes/boots, extra food for Cajun, dog jackets, and 15 tennis balls.
The decision to go big or go home was made based on personal preferences and the needs of the family. If the van was just for the individual, Cajun, or someone shorter than Ian, the 144 with the high roof would likely have been chosen.
Can you fit a mattress in a Sprinter Van?
HEST Dually Custom S camping mattresses have been designed to fit the cargo bed of Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vans and Ford Transit vans. The cargo width of the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter van is 70 inches. The dimensions of the aforementioned item are 4 inches in width and 60 inches in length. The distance in question is 8 inches. The S60 and S75 mattresses are available in order to facilitate a superior fit. Furthermore, the HEST Dually Custom S camping mattress is compatible with Ford Transit Vans.
What are the dimensions of the inside of a Sprinter van?
The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Vans are designed to provide flexible space for various purposes. The Passenger Van has interior dimensions of 92. 3 inches wide, 102. 8 inches in height (standard roof) or 114. 2 inches in height (high roof), and 233. 5 inches in length (12-passenger capacity) or 274. 3 inches (15-passenger capacity). The Cargo Van is 95. 5 inches wide and has three available lengths: 233. 5, 274. 3, and 290 inches (available on 144, 170, and 170-inch extended wheelbases).
The Crew Van is available in 2500, 3500, 3500XD, and 4500 models, with a removable three-seat bench. The Crew Van is an ideal blend of the Sprinter Cargo and Passenger vans, with the same height and width dimensions but limited lengths to 144-inch and 170-inch wheelbase options.
What are the dimensions of the inside of a Sprinter Van?
The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Vans are designed to provide flexible space for various purposes. The Passenger Van has interior dimensions of 92. 3 inches wide, 102. 8 inches in height (standard roof) or 114. 2 inches in height (high roof), and 233. 5 inches in length (12-passenger capacity) or 274. 3 inches (15-passenger capacity). The Cargo Van is 95. 5 inches wide and has three available lengths: 233. 5, 274. 3, and 290 inches (available on 144, 170, and 170-inch extended wheelbases).
The Crew Van is available in 2500, 3500, 3500XD, and 4500 models, with a removable three-seat bench. The Crew Van is an ideal blend of the Sprinter Cargo and Passenger vans, with the same height and width dimensions but limited lengths to 144-inch and 170-inch wheelbase options.
How wide is the interior of a Sprinter?
The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Vans are designed to provide flexible space for various purposes. The Vans are 92. 3 inches wide and have three available lengths: 233. 5, 274. 3, and 290 inches. The standard roof height is 97. 9 inches, while the high roof is 109. 1 inches. The Sprinter Cargo Van is 95. 5 inches wide and comes in three models: 2500, 3500, 3500XD, and 4500. The Crew Van, with a removable three-seat bench, is an ideal blend of the Sprinter Cargo and Passenger vans, with the same height and width dimensions but limited lengths to 144-inch and 170-inch wheelbase options.
What is the load width of a Mercedes Sprinter?
The Sprinter van has a width of 2175mm when mirrors are folded and a maximum interior loadspace width of 1787mm, similar to the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter. Its long wheelbase offers a 6, 967mm overall length and a load area of 4, 307mm. Extra-long vans are preferred by couriers and light haulage companies for their spacious cargo space, which is 4. 5 to 5 meters long. They are also used by carpet installers for storing carpet rolls. The main advantage of these vans is their extra space for home relocation, which can fit a modest apartment with a lot of furniture and heavy furnishings.
What is the width of the bed in a Sprinter van?
The cargo bed has a length of 132 units. 9-173. The length is 6 inches, while the width is 27 inches. The height of the cargo bed is 9 inches, with a width of 70 inches. The cargo bed measures 132. 9 to 173. 6 inches in length, 27. 9 inches in height, and 4 inches in width.
📹 Mercedes Sprinter Van Measurements Interior Dimensions Van Build Campervan
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One point you didn’t mention that people should also consider is that because the Promaster is front-drive, there is a much lower floor height which in turn reduces the overall height and lowers the center of gravity of the van, and makes it easier to get into. The Sprinter van’s exterior is 8.1 inches taller than the ProMaster with nearly the same interior headroom. That’s significant. Even in your article, you can see how the floor is much higher on the Sprinter wheel well vs the Promaster. Thanks for your great comparison
I have driven all three platforms built out as Class B RVs. My favorite one to drive is the Ford Transit by far, for cross-country long-distance travel. If I was to buy one to build out the Promaster is the winner in so many ways. Cost, ease of build-out, extra width, lower overall height, front-wheel drive, lower entry height in the back, and more if I thought about it a little more.
Thank you so much for this side to side comparison. We were strongly leaning towards the Promaster for our next van and I was excited to see this article from you to see if there was something I was leaving out, something major I had overlooked to sway me to Sprinter. Looks like the Promaster will best suit our needs.
Great info about the comp measurements George! My son, who is a Ferrari and Euro car mechanic told me the same thing so I went with a 2019 159 Promaster. Now I’m at the mercy of my son’s busy schedule to help me get the components installed. I sure wish there were more like you to go around! Keep up the good work!
Love your content. As an added point. The Promaster’s undercarriage is completely open, short of exhaust. Also, the Promaster (last time I checked) used the Pentastar motor. This is an MPFI motor and not a direct injection motor. Your intake valves will be forever clean (cleaned by the gas). Plus, it’s a square box. It will be a Promaster for me.
I agree, Promasters are more reliable and feiendly as you say. Another thing to mention is that the Promaster is usually cheaper than the Sprinter. A personal opinion is that I absolutely love the size of the 159WB. It’s a great middle geound between a 144WB (too small imo) and the 170WB (harder to manœuvre) sprinters. And if you need bigger you can get the 159WB Ext without loosing the manouvrability. Go RAM!
I am going to be 60 in a few weeks… I have been following the van life craze and really want to jump in. I would like to be a client in the near future. Thank you for all of your informative articles. I think for me, solo female, the promaster would make the most sense at this point, but I will keep perusal your articles.
Great article George. I love seeing the differences. One thing you mentioned was the sprinter was a dualy. It also looked like the rear wheel wells were much wider which would cut into your build area. Is this correct? Or is the rear wheel wells the same whether it’s a dualy or single? I was surprised you chose pro master for your own build. It makes me rethink.
As an automotive engineer and am so happy to hear someone doing such a thorough comparison of real issues. I owned a Sprinter (’04) and loved it until it started having engine problems and the lack of a qualified shop in my area forced me to sell it. I agree totally about the need to watch center-of-mass with a front wheel drive. I have the NV200 right now and I have to be very careful with my cargo. I expect this is why the cargo space behind the rear wheels is limited in the Promaster. In the next 6 months I will be upgrading my van to either a Promaster or a Transit. Would love to hear your assessment. I travel long distances in remote areas so reliability is the biggest issue!… subscribed!
Thanks for the Excellent side by side comparison. The comparison articles I’ve watch usually are biased one way or another and don’t seem to give much solid info on why the presenter recommends one over the other. Your article showed and told what were the advantages and dis advantages of each. Very helpful. Hopefully you’ll be able to add other vans makes and models after these two conversions are complete. P.S. So glad we’re back to having Sunday brunch with George.🥞🥓🥚
Great comparison, George, thank you. Would love to see the differences underneath the vans, too (in terms of quality and what you need for the builds in terms of space and layout). As you know from my earlier comments and emails, I’ve already decided “not Spinter” and “not diesel”, but as an engineer having all of the pertinent data is critical…not to mention fun!!! I would still prefer 4-wheel drive and duallies….but right now, those have to be trade-offs. Maybe by the time I’m ready the available mix of options will have changed. I’m with you: having detailed experience of a Ford Transit in the mix would be helpful (and AWD available would help – not 4-wheel drive, but much better than 2-wheel only). (FYI: The side gig is still working, but somewhat slowed by the impact of Covid-19. Working on other ideas to get the earning rate back where I want it to be.)
Great comparison George. In a previous comment I suggested that I thought the Transit was a good choice for a build. You raised concern over mechanical issues. I have watched a number of articles showing numerous serious quality issues of the driveline components. Many other owners of similar vehicles have their own horror stories to share. Personally the Transit was a much better fit for me in the drivers seat than the Promaster. If the Promaster had more leg room ( seat travel ) and tilt and telescope steering along with some safety nannies it would be a no brainer to pick the Promaster over all the other choices.
Omg thank you for this article and being so professional and to the point, I’ve had so much anxiety perusal articles where people just yammer on about things on a nerd level making it so technical without even having images like I have any clue what they are talking about as they sip coffee and yammer about specs 🤦♀️ You straight up tape measured easy peasy in the van and listed pros and cons that make sense for consideration.. BREATH OF FREAKING FRESH AIR! SUBSCRIBING!!
The biggest advantage of the Promaster is that it’s not a Mercedes! While I owned my Sprinter (with 95k to 115k miles) the emissions issues and cost to repair was unreasonably high. Not to mention the cost of general maintenance. If you can’t afford a brand new Sprinter with a full factory warranty I’d look elsewhere.
From practical experience of diesel engines here in the U.K. the biggest issue of bio-diesel comes when changing from traditional crude oil based diesel, as the latter allows sludge to accumulate in the corners of the fuel tank over time. When introducing significant quantities of bio-diesel into a fuel system that has previously contained mostly crude oil based fuel, the sludge build up is rapidly washed into the fuel and causes blockages in the fuel filter, and depending on the quantity of material displaced can even block fuel lines. Here in Europe, it is typical for most commercially sold diesel to contain a percentage of bio-diesel (7% in the U.K.) at the pump, and our Sprinters and other diesel engined vehicles run just fine on this fuel. There is a big difference between older sprinters (e.g. T1N) and more modern variants, and a similar difference between commercial grade bio-diesel and poorly made home-brew bio-diesel (and NEVER try to run any modern Sprinter on any % of straight vegetable oil (SVO). I fully agree with your stance, if introducing bio-diesel to a fuel system that has been run almost exclusively on traditional crude-based diesel for some time, but a new sprinter (OM651 engine) will happily run on up to 20% bio-diesel without any issues, just remember to change the fuel filter every 20,000 miles, or sooner if introducing significant bio-diesel for the first time.
You state you have stated that the sprinter was a 170 wb not extended, but what is the promaster your comparing it to? Diesel runs around, on average 20% more than regular gas so new sprinter vans get about 18 mpg which is gas (cost) equivalent of 14.4 mpg. So with load they are about equivalent. Promaster is good for easy 200-300k, sprinter is good for 300-500k miles. Many of us will not go over 100k if bought new and used as a camper. Yes my son has been looking for two years for a 5 cylinder ( 25-30 mpg) van in New England, all run good but are rust buckets. So north of mason dixon don’t go sprinter unless your going to drive over 300k miles. Now if your going to use it duel purpose to do short haul delivery, I might stick with sprinter. Just saying
Thank you for the article. I have been looking on the internet for internal dimensions of Sprinter van. I wish you also measured the width across the van at the top level of the window glass like you did at the bottom level as inside workable width. Also at the width of the roofline. Having watched a lot of articles of finished vans or throughout the build, I stumbled upon design myself and was looking for granular internal dimensions for laying out.
Did you say 500,000 miles? DEF, Particulate filters, scheduled maintenance, sensors, having to drive an extra thirty miles at highway speed and many other failure points. The dealership owners and MB are laughing all the way to the bank. That said, they are the best when everything is ship shape. Your finances better be also. $1000 to $5000 are just entry fees. Pro Master is real world. I want one in the Broom Yellow. Is that really a color? Absolutely.
It would be good to compare the New mercedes sprinter With the New vw crafter They are virtually the same van but there are some differences The sprinter and the crafter are the best vans But vw has a massive fan base with people just liking the vw brand I dont mind the sprinter but my fave van is the New shape vw crafter long wheel base Which is funny as i lived in a car for nearly 2 years lol having driven every type of van as an agency driver for years etc
I agree ram promaster better choice… wider for full size bed sleep sideways more stable when you make a quick turn and more room for kitchen and shower…gas engine more gas station …front wheel drive so you have room for water containers and gray water containers in the bottom…cheaper maintenance…
Thank you. I will be interested in your Transit build. I am a little surprised, because both the Sprinter and Promaster are listed with an interior height of 75 inches. I am 76 inches tall, which is why I rejected both the Sprinter and Promaster in favor of a Transit high roof…well…or I will choose that when the time comes for me to get one. When we do a Transit, I will be interested to see if you can build one and maintain an interior height of at least 77 inches, so I will have a tiny bit of clearance. Great article.
I always say if your short go with the pro master. If your tall go with the ford transit. If you have lots of money you want to spend buy a sprinter, and don’t forget about the cost of maintenance. I’m tall so I went with a ford transit. I’m jealous of the pro master wiring open areas because the ford transit is hard to wire too. I like that the ford transit is wider at the roof than the sprinter.
Hey George! I love this vlog of comparisons. Standard maintenance cost threw me off sprinters. Just one of the filters is $4,000. Some of the oil changes are over $1000. Very costly to maintain so I did decide on the Promaster 3500. They need to build a 4X4 with a longer extension. Hopefully I’ll start my build, with your tutelage this year. Cheers from Canader eh!
Hi George, same for me, ProMaster ! In Europe this is Fiat Ducato. What I can’t understand is why your version in USA is the one we had 8 years ago ! The 2020 ProMaster is the 2012 Ducato… incredible. But, you can have it in diesel also, high roof (like you showed, in eu this is called H2) or even extra high roof (H3 for height 3, but it’s ugly). And Fiat (Ram belongs to Chrysler and Chrysler belongs to Fiat, right ?) also plan to have a 4×4 and an electric engine also… so we have a good choice, but not sure Ram imports the complete family…
A…. a big difference in sprinter, promaster and even transit is, that the sprinter is build wordwide with the same specs. Promaster and transit are only 🇺🇸 north america versions. If you like to travel international around the world with your van, think about this. My 2020 sprinter tourer van runs a 48 gallon fuel tank in germany, and you can get larger diesel fuel tanks for the earlyer 906 models. I drove a roadtrek promaster in the usa and loved it, now I would go with a new high top transit with the ecoboost gas engine 😁
One of the advantages the Sp has over the Pm is that it is not UGLY… Best point U made is the Sp is built to last. Nuf said. Going off the beaten path is certainly about traction but the further you go ground clearance is more important – which the Pm ain’t got. Deisel is too miserable to search for – unless U like to wast UR time looking. Searching for Merc dealer is equally as aggravating.( Merc dealerships 240 Ford 3000 – hello)
Excellent information. I’m assuming you measured a 3500 extended Promaster? That’s what I’m looking at. I’ve been looking for “good” measuring for a long time so that I can make a plan to the inch on grid paper. You measured to metal walls. How much would you subtract from the inches when normal insulation and a wall is on. 1 or 2 inches? Also, what is the B pillar? How close is it to the step up behind the driver and passenger seat. Thank you!!! I’m so glad I subscribed to your website.
The new diesel engines are high maintenance. The bio diesel isn’t the problem. Its the lack of sulfur and additives that lube the HP pump and injectors. Use fuel additives from the start to mitigate problems. The DEF systems are a maintenance disaster as well, always breaking and it shuts you down. With the Sprinter, diesel is the only option so you have to deal with it. The Promasters with a lot of weight in them are a very bad in the snow, if you are up north. With the Transit you have a choice, diesel or gas and they seem to be the most reliable.
I don’t have much faith in FCA’s quality, so the Promaster is out for me. The Sprinter is a great van, but the diesel power-train and complex emissions system are just too complicated and troublesome. I’m very interested in seeing a Transit build to see how they are to work on and live with. The one thing I do know is that the 3.5 Ecoboost engine in the Transit is a very powerful, reliable engine…and is gas powered, so no diesel woes. Can’t wait for that build!
Living in the U.K. and in Europe diesel is, it seems, the preferred choice and currently still makes sense – especially with Euro 6 compliant engines – due to longevity of engine life and fuel mileage. We also have the advantage of larger range of dealerships for service needs (potential lower costs). The Sprinter is however, notorious for rusty sides, where the plastic panels are fitted, but there are plenty of YouTube articles where the holes for the plastic clips are sealed to prevent water ingress which seems to cure the issue very well. Comparing the available vans in your particular market really comes down to the client design needs of the interior which suits their use and that is a point you have made eloquently in the article. Given your superior installation build quality, it would simply come down to design if only you were in the U.K. 🤔 Very much looking forward to seeing the build out of the vans and another great job. Thanks for sharing George 😎👍
I’ve had my pro master for 2 years now. Had to replace oil cooler filter housing, 500 miles later #1 intake valve spring broke. Luckily it broke when I just turned off the van. I hear that the motors lose #1 cylinder so I’m guessing that’s why. 3000 miles later transmission loses 5 and 6th gear . Very expensive when the brake
Most people won’t touch a German vehicle, was camping next to a couple from CO down in Rockport, TX. They got a recall notice on their Spinter conversion, took it to the Mercedes dealer in Corpus Cristi, nope can’t work on it. Had to make an appointment with dealer in Houston 113 miles away, drove up there the night before paid for a night in a local campground and went to their appointment. Tech opened up the fuse box checked the suspect fuse, said it was ok and they were on their way back to Rockport in a half hour. I’m sure the tech in Corpus Cristi could’ve check that fuse but no they weren’t authorized to work on Sprinters, that’s stupid German engineering.
I find it ridiculous that fca is selling the fiat ducato in the US as the promaster, when they have the iveco daily line of vans witch is ten times the quality gasoline or diesel options, fwd rwd or 4×4, 7 different lengths on 5 different wheel bases, Three different roof heights and best of all, all the configuration possible come as, minibus, chassy or cargo van. Also posisbility of dually and up to 7500kg payload. All of these options are so much better for the US market
A Battery Disconnect Switch will help prevent rust. Regarding the Diesel / Gasoline comparison… A diesel engine will start, not being driven for fifty years, and the fuel will not degrade in the tank. Gasoline will turn solid over time and can’t be used. Diesel fuel will gel in cold weather, you have to add diesel fuel additive before filling your tank in winter. The only way to thaw cold / gelled diesel fuel is to tow your vehicle inside somewhere and let it sit until it thaws. The car designer guy that has built the McLaren says the future of travel is with five to seven passenger vehicles using dozens of drone propeller motors and we will fly from docking station to docking station autonomously. I wonder if we can get a van to fly?
Hi don’t want to be negative but try not to run your wiring harnesses through the structure of the vehicle, plus if you must do always use conduit due to thermal issues on the cable’s you are running! Also weight distribution needs to be considered due to axle weight capabilities (for instance the sprinter can be ordered with a 3.8 ton rear axle (this is what we build our vans on) try not to just consider traction with weight distribution. Ford Transit is a lot more affordable to service than the sprinters but we have had sprinters with a million miles on them that have been hired out for years running every day of the year with tourist taking tham all over New Zealand. Good luck with future builds!
Is this the promaster 159″ extended or not extended? Sorry if I missed it, you clarified that the sprinter was the 170″ not extended but didn’t mention it for the promaster (that I noticed at least). This is an insanely helpful article and I really appreciate you taking your time out to do it. Great article and love the website!
Very good to hear your thoughts on the Sprinter vs the pro master. I think that you are swaying me personally to be more pro ProMaster. I hope that you get some time to do some camper van trips. …… Maybe you should include a week of “shakedown” camping for your customers after the build is complete. What do think?
I’m a full time wheelchair user and currently have a Dodge Grand Caravan (minivan), front wheel drive with the wheelchair ramp modification. Due to the weight in the back my van will lose traction and spin the tires going up a hill on wet pavement at highway speeds. I agree with your thoughts on the diesel. Plus, I watched the trouble Trent & Allie had going up hills in Mexico in their front wheel drive Promaster while the Nomadic Movement didn’t have any traction problems with their converted minibus (they did have engine power issues). Due to my experience with the front wheel drive van and the problems with diesel I’m looking at doing a wheelchair accessible camper van using a Ford Transit.
Hello Himble Road, First I want to tell you thanks you for take the time to explain everything about Van conversion and all the small datails are very important. My question is … I know you said that you prefer the Promaster over the sprinter because the diesel engine but what do you think about the new 4 cylinder gasoline engine for the new Sprinter ? Do you think will be expensive too to maintain? 🤔
Hi, I wanted to ask about power. I have health issues and cannot get too hot. Also my puppy has narrow airways. He is a shih-tzu and must also stay cool at least until he grows out of it if he does. I love your builds. You give me lots of ideas. Can you make a van that can run an air conditioner all the time if need be? I know you could stay in campgrounds and run it off of their power but I am adventurous and want a 4 season 4×4 so I can boondock and let my dogs run free some after I check the area so they are not tied all the time. SO I can play hard but also be able to get cool quickly. My lungs were scarred by radiation when I had breast cancer so I have to stay cool. Weird huh? I can’t wait until you check out the ford transit. Thanks Robin
This review was great. No vagueness. No BS. Actual things a new or repeat van builder wants to know (how big is it (H,W,L), how do they drive, how expensive are they to build in (i.e. wiring takes longer in the Sprinter), how expensive is gas/diesel, how convenient are they to own (where can they be serviced), how expensive are they to maintain. AND a final personal recommendation. Perfection. I just subscribed. I wish more people were this practical, honest and straightforward! GREAT JOB!
Hello, I watched this article with closed captions on. You will need to send this article back to YouTube and have them redo it in English. It was captioned in Dutch. I tried auto generated english but it make no sense what you were trying to tell me (or us deaf). I am just letting you know what happening with your article’s captions. Thank you.
Thank you so much for this review and for breaking the stereotype that one must go for a Sprinter. It’s so nice to know that ProMasters are easier to build and maintain overall. I am looking forward to seeing you do a Ford build in the same way. Especially the maintenance. Like the big, expensive maintenance like the gears or the driveshaft. May I ask a few questions please about this build? Are both of these vans L3 H3 size? 5:38 – what is a “dully” ? 6:14 – You say Sprinter has 6 tyres? Am I hearing this wrong? Have you ever experienced any breaking in the ProMaster ? Thank you so much for this comparison article and for doing what you do.
how can we call anything “heavy duty” when they come with tiny weak motors? The gas motor in a sprinter is a 2.0L 4cyl LOL The Promaster aint any better with a 6cyl gas. Where are the heavy duty motors like a V8, V10 or 6.7L diesel?? I would MUCH prefer a heavy duty engine and transmission over saving a little fuel costs with those tonka toy engines
Enjoyed the article George. Straight forward comparison of these vans. Good to see the stripped down inside of each and the measurements. I’ve had my ProMaster 3500 for a year now and I’m glad I went with it due to cost. There is a recall though on a transmission cable that I need to get resolved. Keep up the great work, look forward to perusal the next builds you do. Stay healthy!
Thank you for the comparison! We plan on buying an RV van so I have been educating myself for months now. I am so happy I stumbled on your website because I finally got all of the important information about RV vans!!! Looking forward to seeing your take on the Ford RV van!! I am interested in your cost to build an RV van.
HR, thanks for this article. Chalked full of info and great insight. My biggest concern is the build out. Definitely more room in SR vs. PR. However, building wise PR more square lines and usable headspase for cupboards. Now, as you said, headaches on the road vs. Ease of reliability due to comfort. Thats your million dollar question. For me I think the option still will be based on simple economics. Can you afford the maintenance vs. One or the other.
wjhy can’t someone just make a rectangle that’s 7′ tall and 7′ wide with 4×4. whoever does htat wins the game and everyone will buy it. instead you have barely 6′ wide promaster which is better than the narrow sprinter … but the stupid low axle on the promaster prevents any kind of off road stuff. someone please just make a 7′ wide 4×4 van!!!
I respect your opinion George, and you make some good observations. In my case however, factory 4×4, ground clearance, sturdiness, interior room, weight capacity and resale of the Mercedes, outweighs all other concerns. And meaning no disrespect, as a non-DIY’er, I don’t care if my builder has less fun doing the wiring. As far as maintenance goes, following the recommended schedules from both manufacturers, both vans will last a long time. The Mercedes will last longer, and it reflects in the resale. As an expert in procrastination and not being mechanically inclined, I kind of like that I am forced, more or less, to take care of something that cost me, well.. you know what these things cost. I look at the comparison of the Mercedes to Ram or Ford along the same lines as comparing lead acid batteries to lithium. The upfront cost is more but well worth it in the long run.