In case you happen to’re inquisitive about a camper van conversion, you’ll need to begin with a high-quality automobile. Though fairly a couple of alternatives could also be found, many van lifersprefer the Mercedes Benz Sprinter van. Not solely is that this van terribly versatile and rugged, nonetheless it definitely furthermore works accurately for conversions. The truth is, many camper van companies make parts considerably for this automobile.
That acknowledged, you’ll ought to match totally completely completely different Sprinter fashions to look out in all probability the best one to fit your needs. The 2 principal alternatives are the Sprinter 2500 and Sprinter 3500. Whereas these vans are fairly related, they’ve some key variations to concentrate to prior to deciding.
So, with that in concepts, let’s think about the Sprinter 2500 vs 3500 vans.
Why a Mercedes Benz Sprinter Van?
In case you happen to’ve been taking a look at totally completely completely different camper van conversion alternatives, that you possibly can be convert the Ram Promaster, Nissan NV, and Ford Transit. Nonetheless, many individuals choose the Sprinter. Nonetheless why? Listed beneath are a few of the prime causes to spend money on one among these automobiles:
- Compatibility – On account of Sprinter fashions are so stylish, it’s straightforward to look out gear to your conversion. Some companies totally make Sprinter-compatible parts, together with kitchenettes, cupboards, and loads of others.
- Longevity – In case you happen to’re going to take a spot heaps money and time in a van conversion, you need one issue that will final a extremely very very long time. Sprinters are rugged and reliable, with used fashions costing as heaps as some brand-new vans.
- House – As we’ll get into, Sprinter vans usually have tons of inside residence, permitting you to outfit your RV with the complete companies you need. The truth is, some RV producers use the Sprinter chassis because of the framework for his or her automobiles.
- 4×4 Efficiency – In case you happen to’re planning on doing a complete lot of off-roading and overlapping in your Sprinter, the 4×4 threat is essential, which is what we bought with the 2500 mannequin
- Hold their Value: Mercedes Sprinter vans protect their worth bigger than completely completely different vans. You proceed to see 2007 Sprinter vans throughout the market that price tens of 1000’s of {{{dollars}}}!
Sprinter 2500 vs 3500: Similarities
Ahead of we dive into the variations between Sprinter 2500 vs 3500 fashions, it helps to know what they’ve in widespread. It doesn’t matter what sort of Sprinter you purchase, you presumably can anticipate it to incorporate:
- Adaptive Cruise Administration – In case you happen to’re driving for extended stretches, it’s good to have the auto take over for some time. Adaptive controls will sluggish and cease your automobile primarily based on friends situations. So, don’t fear about working into one completely different automobile that stops instantly.
- Width – Whereas each vans have totally completely completely different potentialities of roof heights and lengths, they’re each 79.5 inches enormous.
- Energetic Brake Help – Fashionable common security decisions assist forestall accidents. Brake help works by slowing and stopping the van if it notices an impediment in entrance of you (i.e., a stopped automobile).
- Load-Adaptive Stability Program – Each fashions have stabilization decisions, nonetheless the system’s high-quality relies on the model you select. This carry out ensures you don’t have to fret about rolling the van over. Even once you may need a excessive roof mannequin, this technique helps redirect vitality to forestall tipping.
- 4×4 Choice: Each vans have the choice to affiliate with a 4×4 6-cylinder diesel engine
All of the Variations Between the Sprinter 2500 vs 3500 Vans
To make it simpler to match the Sprinter 2500 vs 3500, we’re breaking down every carry out and explaining why it factors to your needs. That acknowledged, you’ll need to know what you propose to do alongside collectively together with your van everytime you end the conversion course of.
As an illustration, are you attempting to go off-roading, or will you persist with paved campsites? How extended will you reside in your van? Are you attempting to be a weekend warrior or a full-time van lifer? Understanding these particulars will let you make the turning into dedication.
Dimensions and Gross Automotive Weight Score (GVWR)
The usual measurement for a 144WB Sprinter van is 233 inches, which interprets to about 19 ft. Each fashions present a 170WB mannequin, which spans 290 inches (about 24 ft). That’s the longest you will get.
Furthermore, you should purchase an ordinary 3500 mannequin or a 3500 Dually. The latter threat has twin rear wheels to extend its payload performance. We’ll focus on that afterward. Nonetheless, as a rule, you shouldn’t want a twin rear wheel configuration until you’re planning on towing some heavy trailers or gear, or for many who need further heavy gear in your conversion.
So far as the auto excessive, the shortest mannequin is 96.3 inches (eight ft). The tallest van is the 2500, reaching 111.3 inches (9 ft, 4 inches). The tallest 3500 mannequin is 109.1 inches.
Nearly concerning the gross automobile weight, 2500 fashions go as rather a lot as 9,050 kilos, whereas 3500 fashions can weigh as heaps as 9,900.
Why it Factors
In case you happen to’ve ever traveled in a campervan prior to, that each inch counts. So, having a couple of further inches on the as soon as extra or the roof may make the complete distinction. Furthermore, relying in your excessive, it’s possible you’ll want a taller van.
One completely different stage to ponder with the dimensions is the van’s maneuverability. The longer it’s, the broader the turning radius, and the additional sturdy it’s to as soon as extra correct proper right into a spot. So, for many who happen to’re anxious about driving an enormous automobile, it is your resolution a shorter wheelbase mannequin.
Engine and Gas Variety
There are three engine varieties you will uncover on a Mercedes Benz Sprinter. First, there’s a four-cylinder turbocharged fuel engine that produces as rather a lot as 188 horsepower. Second, you presumably can select a V4 diesel engine with 161 horsepower. Lastly, Sprinter presents a 3-liter V6 turbo diesel engine with 188 horsepower and 325 foot-pounds of torque.
In case you happen to determine on gasoline, you’ll need to affiliate with the 2500 mannequin. All 3500 Sprinter fashions have diesel engines. That acknowledged, you will get bigger gasoline financial system with diesel, in order which can be a income.
Why it Factors
Not all fuel stations present diesel gasoline, and likewise you’ll usually wind up paying further on the pump. Nonetheless, since diesel has heaps increased gasoline financial system, you’ll save further in the long term. As a rule, for many who happen to’re merely touring a couple of conditions a yr, a gasoline engine should be okay. Nonetheless, for many who happen to’re attempting to be out for months at a time, we advise one issue that burns frequent diesel.
Payload Performance
This determine represents the quantity of weight the van can carry always. Realistically, you shouldn’t max out your van’s payload prohibit since which is able to put further stress on the tires and suspension.
With the 2500 fashions, you presumably can select between 3,318 and 4,442 kilos. With the 3500 van, you will get between 4,058 and 4,620. As you may suppose, the 3500 Dually can protect further weight than the identical outdated model.
Why it Factors
When doing a campervan conversion, you’ll need so as to add up all of the quite a few gear and inside parts. Nonetheless, do not forget that you just even ought to ponder the load of your self, any passengers, and your full gear.
In case you happen to’re anxious that you just simply might overload your van, it’s most fascinating to get a mannequin with the simplest weight performance. On this case, the 3500 Dually might be essentially the most applicable choice. Realistically, although, you shouldn’t have to fret an excessive amount of until you’re packing tons of companies inside your van.
Towing Performance
Normally, it’s best to have the ability to carry the entire thing you want to your journey contained throughout the van. Furthermore, you presumably can prepare roof racks to retailer much more gear up prime. Nonetheless, for many who ought to tow one issue, you could know the towing performance of your rig.
Sprinter 2500 fashions can tow as rather a lot as 5,000 kilos, whereas 3500 fashions can tow as rather a lot as 7,500. As with the payload, it’s most fascinating to keep away from maxing out the prohibit. There’s regularly the hazard of breaking your trailer jack and sending your load flying.
Why it Factors
Realistically, you gained’t be towing one issue huge like a journey trailer behind your camper van. Nonetheless, the following towing performance presents further flexibility to ship exterior gear (i.e., ATVs or mud bikes) and completely completely different offers. As quickly as additional, realizing the way in which during which it’s advisable use your van will let you make in all probability the best dedication.
Sprinter 2500 vs 3500: Off-Roading Capabilities
The Mercedes Benz Sprinter van isn’t going to be actually constructed for off-roading. Nonetheless, for many who happen to choose a 2500 or 3500XD mannequin, you will get a 4×4 engine. Whilst you gained’t be as agile as one issue like a Jeep or Differ Rover, you presumably can address mud roads and uneven terrain further merely. We chosen a 4×4 and have already observed it making a distinction in sand and on gravel roads.
Why it Factors
A part of the attraction of van life is the flexibleness to search out nature and go on the street rather a lot a lot much less traveled. Having a 4×4 automobile means that you could enterprise earlier the street or paved campsites. Nonetheless, given your van’s dimension and weight dimensions, you may wish to restrict your off-roading it doesn’t matter what.
Stabilization Selections
Sprinter presents two types of stabilization features. The 2500 sequence has Stage II stabilization decisions, whereas the 3500 sequence has Stage III stabilization. As you presumably can think about, stage III is barely bigger and helps protect the van from tipping over. That acknowledged, until you’re hauling some heavy gear, Stage II should be increased than able to retaining your rig on all 4 wheels.
Why it Factors
Realistically, until you’re heading off-road or making tight turns at 45 miles per hour, you shouldn’t have to fret as heaps about stability. So, you could be okay no matter which van mannequin you select.
Sprinter 2500 vs 3500 Comparability Information
Dimensions and Weight
- Sprinter 2500 – 233 to 290 inches extended, 96.3 to 111.3 inches excessive, max GVWR 9,050 lbs
- Sprinter 3500 – 233.5 to 290 inches extended, 96.4 to 109.4 inches tall, max GVWR 9,900 lbs
Engine and Gas Variety
- Sprinter 2500 – Gasoline or diesel engines in the marketplace
- Sprinter 3500 – Diesel solely
Payload Performance
- Sprinter 2500 – 3,318 to 4,442 lbs
- Sprinter 3500 – 4,058 to 4,620 lbs
Towing Performance
- Sprinter 2500 – Max 5,000 lb
- Sprinter 3500 – Max 7,500 lb
Off-Freeway Capabilities
- Sprinter 2500 – 4×4 fashions in the marketplace
- Sprinter 3500 – No 4×4 fashions in the marketplace
Stabilization Selections
- Sprinter 2500 – Stage II Stabilization
- Sprinter 3500 – Stage III Stabilization
Backside Line
Full, the Mercedes Benz Sprinter 3500 works most fascinating for many who need gasoline effectivity and a rather a lot bigger payload. Nonetheless, for many who need one issue a bit further nimble and simpler to drive, the 2500 works bigger.
DIY vs. Professional Sprinter Van Conversion
When you resolve your Sprinter mannequin, the next step is to start out your van conversion. Nonetheless, the primary query is: do-it-yourself or rent an organization to deal with the entire thing for you? Listed beneath are some parts to ponder prior to altering your Sprinter van.
- Prices – In case you happen to supply the entire thing your self, it would probably forestall fairly a couple of cash in the long term. Not solely are you able to save on labor prices, nonetheless you should purchase second-hand gear to save lots of plenty of loads of a couple of hundred bucks correct proper right here and there.
- Time – In addition to you’re educated at altering camper vans, you’ll potential take longer than an skilled company. Nonetheless, on account of demand is so excessive appropriate now, conversions are taking longer than standard. So, you may need to attend a couple of months it doesn’t matter what.
- Customization – Some companies have restricted alternatives throughout the case of express installations. Doing it your self means you presumably can put one factor you need contained throughout the van.
- High quality – As quickly as additional, until you’re professional at van conversions, your work gained’t be as high quality as an skilled installer. Furthermore, if one issue breaks or goes unsuitable, you’re on the hook to revive or alternate it.
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