RV & Trailer Discussion

Forum Sponsor
Priller said:
That's AI. I couldn't find anything from a real news source that said anything similar. Coastal Oregon, like Washington and BC, does have a serious issue with homelessness, that much is true. Temperate climates and port access to cheap drugs means addicts tend to congregate there, and there's long-running accusations of other states bussing addicts in.

But like Vancouver, Portland, Victoria, Seattle, etc., the cities are still beautiful, very livable, and a far cry from the hellscape described by fear-mongering videos. To stay somewhat on topic, that's reflected in the sky-high property values.
Click to expand...
One can read the situation several ways. One is "a bunch of lazy druggies are taking over the city" but if you listened to the script, 87% of the squatters were employed or had income. They just can't afford to live in their own country.

Somewhat related, that city spends more on enforcement than assistance. Canada and the Liberal Party is the same, spending billions on gun legislation when most gun deaths are suicides. Fund mental health. To the sky-is-falling crowd, your kid is five times more likely to die from suicide than getting shot by someone else.
 
Bobo said:
Leisure Travel Vans ( built in Manitoba) makes some really nice units. My wife and I picked up a new Unity Rear Lounge on a Mercedes chassis about two years ago and have been very happy with it. Definitely better quality and reputation than most. Also have a pretty good resale value especially in the US where they have a cult like following.
View attachment 76638
Click to expand...
We are torn between getting the Ford Transit or the Sprinter. I know the pros and cons of each. Difference in cost on a Pleasureway is less than 10%. How's your Mercedes holding up? I've read of so many diesel related issues.
 
nobbie48 said:
One can read the situation several ways. One is "a bunch of lazy druggies are taking over the city" but if you listened to the script,
Click to expand...
AllistonGT said:
We are torn between getting the Ford Transit or the Sprinter. I know the pros and cons of each. Difference in cost on a Pleasureway is less than 10%. How's your Mercedes holding up? I've read of so many diesel related issues.
Click to expand...
AllistonGT said:
We are torn between getting the Ford Transit or the Sprinter. I know the pros and cons of each. Difference in cost on a Pleasureway is less than 10%. How's your Mercedes holding up? I've read of so many diesel related issues.
Click to expand...
I had a Sprinter 2500 V6 diesel van I drove for work for 12 years that I replaced with the equivalent Ford Transit V6 gas which I’ve been driving for the last 2 years so some of what I’m about to tell you is based on that.Right off the bat fuel cost was consistently 27-30% less in the Mercedes diesel than the gas Ford Transit. Mercedes now only offers a 4 cylinder turbo diesel in the Sprinter chassis so I expect the fuel savings to be even greater. Everyone I’ve spoken to with the new engine is very happy with it.The Mercedes is much nicer to drive, it just feels more solid and the fit and finish is also noticeably much better. It’s just an absolute pleasure to drive on long trips. The Transit just does not have that refined feel. Our Liesure Travel Van is still uder warranty at 70,000 km. On it and we’ve had no problems with it. I had about 300,000 km. on my work Sprinter and I tell everyone the same thing ,it was great for about 6-7 years and under warranty. After that be prepared to get your cheque book out, repairs can get quit expensive on them. My 2018 Transit has 140,000 km. on it and has not cost me a nickel in maintenance other than oil changes, again just not as nice to drive. So to sum it up if I had to replace our motor home or my work van I would definitely lean towards the Mercedes, it’s just that much nicer and resale is going to be better. Also with the diesel, mileage stays fairly consistent whether your loaded up,towing or going up a mountain, the gas powered Ford fuel consumption will go up significantly under those conditions. Hope that helps with your decision.
 
Last edited:
Bobo said:
I had a Sprinter 2500 V6 diesel van I drove for work for 12 years that I replaced with the equivalent Ford Transit V6 gas which I’ve been driving for the last 2 years so some of what I’m about to tell you is based on that.Right off the bat fuel cost was consistently 27-30% less in the Mercedes diesel than the gas Ford Transit. Mercedes now only offers a 4 cylinder turbo diesel in the Sprinter chassis so I expect the fuel savings to be even greater. Everyone I’ve spoken to with the new engine is very happy with it.The Mercedes is much nicer to drive, it just feels more solid and the fit and finish is also noticeably much better on it. It’s just an absolute pleasure to drive on long trips. The Transit just does not have that refined feel. Our Liesure Travel Van is still uder warranty at 70,000 km. On it and we’ve had no problems with it. I had about 300,000 km. on my work Sprinter and I tell everyone the same thing ,it was great for about 6-7 years and under warranty. After that be prepared to get your cheque book out, repairs can get quit expensive on them. My 2018 Transit has 140,000 km. on it and has not cost me a nickel in maintenance other than oil changes, again just not as nice to drive. So to sum it up if I had to replace our motor home or my work van I would definitely lean towards the Mercedes, it’s just that much nicer and resale is going to be better. Also with the diesel, mileage stays fairly consistent whether your loaded up,towing or going up a mountain, the gas powered Ford fuel consumption will go up significantly under those conditions. Hope that helps with your decision.
Click to expand...
I'm not crazy about diesels any more. I've had a few, these days it's hard to find the economic benefit unless you're really working a truck.
 
Bobo said:
I had a Sprinter 2500 V6 diesel van I drove for work for 12 years that I replaced with the equivalent Ford Transit V6 gas which I’ve been driving for the last 2 years so some of what I’m about to tell you is based on that.Right off the bat fuel cost was consistently 27-30% less in the Mercedes diesel than the gas Ford Transit. Mercedes now only offers a 4 cylinder turbo diesel in the Sprinter chassis so I expect the fuel savings to be even greater. Everyone I’ve spoken to with the new engine is very happy with it.The Mercedes is much nicer to drive, it just feels more solid and the fit and finish is also noticeably much better. It’s just an absolute pleasure to drive on long trips. The Transit just does not have that refined feel. Our Liesure Travel Van is still uder warranty at 70,000 km. On it and we’ve had no problems with it. I had about 300,000 km. on my work Sprinter and I tell everyone the same thing ,it was great for about 6-7 years and under warranty. After that be prepared to get your cheque book out, repairs can get quit expensive on them. My 2018 Transit has 140,000 km. on it and has not cost me a nickel in maintenance other than oil changes, again just not as nice to drive. So to sum it up if I had to replace our motor home or my work van I would definitely lean towards the Mercedes, it’s just that much nicer and resale is going to be better. Also with the diesel, mileage stays fairly consistent whether your loaded up,towing or going up a mountain, the gas powered Ford fuel consumption will go up significantly under those conditions. Hope that helps with your decision.
Click to expand...
Thank you. Good info. We are leaning towards the Sprinter.
 
I looked at Class-B MH when i was in the market, my fear owning a Merc is not many dealers as apposed to Ford dealers.

Also some Merc dealers won't touch a motorhome as they say they will not fit on the hoist?
 
ToSlow said:
I looked at Class-B MH when i was in the market, my fear owning a Merc is not many dealers as apposed to Ford dealers.

Also some Merc dealers won't touch a motorhome as they say they will not fit on the hoist?
Click to expand...
Durham Mercedes does all our maintenance on the chassis, never had a problem with that.
 
We were close to getting a sprinter based class b. The maintenance and diesel issues made us go promaster. Promaster is also significantly wider and allows easy west beds. At 50000k now no issues so far we did get the newer engine and 9 speed transmission as the older 6 speeds had some issues.

Sent from my Pixel 5 using Tapatalk
 
ToSlow said:
Scuba Steve said:
We were close to getting a sprinter based class b. The maintenance and diesel issues made us go promaster. Promaster is also significantly wider and allows easy west beds. At 50000k now no issues so far we did get the newer engine and 9 speed transmission as the older 6 speeds had some issues.

Sent from my Pixel 5 using
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
Good to hear. Contractors seem to shy away from Promasters.I’m sure they’ve resolved whatever problems that they’ve had.
 
Last edited:
We had a 2015 at work the wiring in the rear doors etc isn't great when opened and closed constantly. In a class b the rear doors don't see that kind of use and abuse.

Sent from my Pixel 5 using Tapatalk
 
Not every MB dealer can service the Sprinter deisel , not every dealer has a deisel van certified mechanic. But worst case its a long tow to somewhere that can. From what i have read on forums the engine usually gives you some indication before it quits. Service is not inexpensive. We owned one for 9yrs . It was very good , with regular service.
 
Bobo said:
I had a Sprinter 2500 V6 diesel van I drove for work for 12 years that I replaced with the equivalent Ford Transit V6 gas which I’ve been driving for the last 2 years so some of what I’m about to tell you is based on that.Right off the bat fuel cost was consistently 27-30% less in the Mercedes diesel than the gas Ford Transit. Mercedes now only offers a 4 cylinder turbo diesel in the Sprinter chassis so I expect the fuel savings to be even greater. Everyone I’ve spoken to with the new engine is very happy with it.The Mercedes is much nicer to drive, it just feels more solid and the fit and finish is also noticeably much better. It’s just an absolute pleasure to drive on long trips. The Transit just does not have that refined feel. Our Liesure Travel Van is still uder warranty at 70,000 km. On it and we’ve had no problems with it. I had about 300,000 km. on my work Sprinter and I tell everyone the same thing ,it was great for about 6-7 years and under warranty. After that be prepared to get your cheque book out, repairs can get quit expensive on them. My 2018 Transit has 140,000 km. on it and has not cost me a nickel in maintenance other than oil changes, again just not as nice to drive. So to sum it up if I had to replace our motor home or my work van I would definitely lean towards the Mercedes, it’s just that much nicer and resale is going to be better. Also with the diesel, mileage stays fairly consistent whether your loaded up,towing or going up a mountain, the gas powered Ford fuel consumption will go up significantly under those conditions. Hope that helps with your decision.
Click to expand...
A friend's Sprinter work van lease is coming due after five years. He's going for another Sprinter as he does a lot of out-of-town work. He is looking forward to the better mileage as he continues to enjoy the feel of the van.
 
If you can find an older decent RoadTrek on the Dodge 3500 platform snag it. I've had mine about 6 years and I'm super happy with the product.
What's simpler than a dodge with a 318?
 
We have friends who purchased a Prolite trailer and pulled it with their van for about 4 years. They now have a midsize pickup. They've had it for about 8 years, no issues so far. High cost, good quality and an unloaded starting weight of less than 2,000 lbs. They figured the high initial cost would be offset by being able to use their 3,500 towing capacity van, and this worked well for them. They've lived in BC for the last 7 years.

www.proliterv.com

New Ultra light Trailers Manufactured in Canada | Prolite RV

For the pleasure of travel and enjoy outdoor activities, Prolite offer models of ultra light recreational vehicles manufactured in Quebec, Canada
www.proliterv.com www.proliterv.com

One thing to look out for with the Indiana manufactured crowd is that the sales contract often stipulates that all lawsuits or arbitrations are bound by applicable laws in Indiana. This may be a U.S. buyer only issue. Reports are that Indiana state courts are owned by the RV industry and the likelihood of a successful suite or arbitration is just about nil.
 
nobbie48 said:
A friend's Sprinter work van lease is coming due after five years. He's going for another Sprinter as he does a lot of out-of-town work. He is looking forward to the better mileage as he continues to enjoy the feel of the van.
Click to expand...
I remember when I bought my Sprinter from Durham Mercedes in 2010, I had a young, eager salesman. We were in his office doing the paperwork and he looked at me and said “ I know it’s just a work truck but underneath it’s still a Benz”. I chuckled and thought to myself , okay you can save the sales routine I’ve already signed and bought the truck. Now, fifteen years later I know exactly what he meant. Yes I’ve had some very painful repair bills but that wasn’t until it hit 200,000 km. and over 7 years old. Overall it was a very positive experience.Had I bought a Savanna cargo van instead would I be saying the same thing? Probably not.
Forum Sponsor
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom