Sprinter / Transit / ProMaster I Which Is The Best Class B Chassis For Camper Vans?
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 16 มิ.ย. 2024
- Which is the Best Class B Chassis For Camper Vans? Mercedes Sprinter, Ford Transit or Ram ProMaster? Everything you need to know before buying your first Class B RV. Buyer's Guide review at Sunshine State RVs
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KEY MOMENTS VIDEO TIMELINE👇
0:00 Intro
1:54 Should You Buy a Class B RV
2:20 Class B RV Chassis Platforms
2:55 Which Is The Best Class B For You
3:12 Which is the Cheapest Chassis
3:35 Class B Size Comparison
4:34 Best Looking Class B RV
6:10 Class B Engine Drive Train Comparison
🔷Mercedes Sprinter
9:10 Best Class B RV for Off Road
11:04 Shortest & Most Popular Vans For Off Road
14:02 Interior Design Comparison
15:29 Dealership Service Center Comparison
🔷Dodge ProMaster
17:35 Most Readily Available Chassis
18:01 cheapest Class B RV
20:26 Safety Features
🔷Ford Transit
21:56 Newest Class B Chassis Option
25:14 Which Van is Easiest To Drive?
26:59 Floor Plan Comparison
29:15 Class RV Resale Comparison
31:37 Which Is The Best Class B For You
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KEY MOMENTS TIMELINE IN VIDEO DESCRIPTION. Thank You For Watching🙏🏾
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Nnp
The class B rv is on my wishlist so this video answered the many questions I had about the different models. Thank you it is awesome
Hank, thanks for you and Nick, from Sunshine State to talk about the three different chassis models.
Wonderful video.....well done! Answered all of my questions. We've got a 2021 Coachmen 22D Li3 and couldn't be happier.We just returned from a 3 week trip from Florida to the West Coast and back and it was fantastic. Our ProAir A/C stooped working on the trip, but we have an appointment with Sunshine State RV to repair it and I'm sure that they will take care of that quickly. We purchased our 22D from Sunshine State and they are by far the best dealer. The best on the planet! Thanks for the great video. George in St. Augustine.
Thank you, Hank, I've enjoyed watching your channel and learning about various RV options. And thank you also, Nick.
Excellent video. Appreciate the information on the different types of Van RVs.
Wow! This is my favorite video-comparison very informative. 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
I like the thoroughness i questions and answers , I feel well informed now ,thanks
This was a great topic....THANK YOU!
Great comparison. Answered many of my questions.
Excellent review! Got that Ram pro master on my mind!
Great interview!
Very sensible and good review. Thanks for clarifying so many different variables to be considered.
Good info here! I’m one who like the shorties, but it’s still good to hear all about the choices available. Hank, I hope you will do a review of the Winnebago Solis Pocket when it comes out. I know it’ll be more of a niche product but a few of us would really like to see it up close.
I like the Nissan nv 200
me too...NV200
Awesome video I’m new looking at B class RV. When I retire in 3-years thank you
Thanks, great vid!
Good to see all three next each other to get an idea of the differences. Just ordered my Beyond 22 C!
Cool Congratulations 👍🏾
Thank God I stumbled upon this great video!
I almost visited this dealer when I visited sunny ☀️ florida in March but didn’t and now I feel like I’ve been there!
Well in Faith I’m gonna take this knowledge and when I get a chance to visit Florida again I shall make my purchase!!!
Woohooo!
God’s soo good 😊👍❤️💃🎶🙏
Just under 400 Mercedes dealers in the USA, not all work on sprinters, and almost never in rural areas. 3000 Ford dealers, all work on transits, and they are everywhere from big metro cities to rural towns.
If it’s a Ford, you’ll need all the repair shops you can find.
@@Al-pj4dj I had a Ford Transit Connect and the only non-routine repair it ever needed was a taillight module that went out because the sliding door track wore the wire out. Other than that it was a good vehicle.
@@mikegaskin5542 how many miles did you put on it?
Thank you for the info...Amazing...Great Job!!!
Hank, you need to let Nick, the expert, be able to finish a sentence before you butt in…………if you’ve got somebody to explain the product you need to chill and let them talk…..but it was a great video, other than that!
Agree 💯
No kidding, glad you said it. The interruptions are annoying.
Agree.
RUDE!
Right let the guy that you are interviewing finish his answer.
Great video!!! We love our 2020 Ford transit beyond . His name is Winston. 😃
Hank I just subscribed man. I've watched a TON of videos and this is one of the best I've seen. You asked all the right questions. VERY informative. We have an older 25' class C now and I'm looking to get into one of these vans. Based on the video I'm leaning towards the Dodge, but hoping I can find it in 4x4. Do you know? We are going to explore the USA, and then go to Thailand and buy a small van there. Then plan to travel all over Asia. Thanks man.
Great job thank you for this wonderful video
Classy presentation. Thank you
I really enjoyed this video especially Sunshine Nick guy. Now I know the difference thanks for the video
Great Video, learned a lot. Thanks
Great questions !! Thanks !
I love the Amazon Van Class B look. Blue
You both did a Great job. 👍
Awesome video thanks
Great video thank you!
Another informative video, thanks, guys!. Lola Strange is Gorgeous she's a class act.
lola strange
Van-Do-It makes great ford transit based RV conversion. They make truly flexible model for true wilderness goers. I seriously looked into it until lately. Their models are based on modular design, and you can take sections in and out, and change design for occasion and use. Totally different revolutionary concept!
Super informative !!!!!
Love this! The information is great. It totally helps me make up my mind on which one to buy.
👍⭐️😍🏆🏅Wow! This is video is absolutely fantastic & packed with very helpful info. Nick seems like a terrific guy. I’m new to your channel, but I have to admit that I’m still surprised you didn’t get the Mercedes RV. 😂💝🤩
Hi Hank-----great video!
Thanks great video
Love the videos.
Thanks my friend
Just constructive criticism. It would be nice if you allowed Nick to finish his talk instead of interrupting him. You seem to regularly do that. Sorry again for my impressions
I agree. Why have an expert if you don't let him lead or even finish his thought.
He does that in two of the videos I have seen him in. Sorry bro but it's annoying.
So helpful!
Good video. Very informative.
Thank you so much!!!👠🚌👠
I have a 2016 jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon and I plan on towing it behind my 2020 tall top Mercedes sprinter 4 x 4. There’s so little room and jeep wranglers even this four-door. I had a 2012 Toyota FJ cruiser they got totaled in a rollover accident which is why I had to buy the sprinter and I could tow so much more stuff in it than the Wrangler plus it had a full length heavy duty aftermarket luggage rack for hauling things on top
I love the Ram look
Great Video & INFO ....AWD is a nice option...
Yeah thanks I’m hoping going forward the floor plans get more innovative
There’s a good number of shops doing custom conversions. They’ll usually build on whichever platform you bring them.
FORD TRANSIT BEYOND
Is the best with back fold down bed!!...it has the most storage.💗💗💗
Reliability is arguably the most important feature for me. I don’t ever hear anyone talking about this. I work for a municipality, and the Transit vans are used as fleet vans. I saw some guys loading one up to head out for the day and asked them about it, and they said the vans had some serious mechanical issues, consistent across all their vans. I didn’t ask what year van, but it was interesting to note.
An awesome floor plan is great, but if the rig is often at the mechanic or is broken down, not so great.
Don't get the sprinter if you want to be able to get repairs in the boondocks. BTW when you bring the sprinter in for anything, you have to sign an agreement that authorizes the dealer to do up to $1000 in service or repair!
It would have been MUCH better if you asked why or what are the break downs, without them saying it’s not realistic that they break down a lot..
@@rcpmacVery good to know. Thank you
Pleasure way builds 2 versions on transit ( on tour 2.2 dually/on tour 2.0 shorter non dually version)
In Europe the RAM comes as Fiat Ducato, Peugeot Boxer and Citroën Jumper they have fantastic diesel engines that are rated to 2.5milion miles without a problem and are very economic with 28 to 30 mpg (us). Those are the most popular versions in Europe as they are by far wider (than Sprinter and Transit) you can sleep widthwise. They are also 4x4 versions that they are using the dangel 4x4 system. I hope that now that Stellantis (PSA group and Fiat that owns the RAM) to bring diesel versions soon.
Fiats diesel wont pass US emissions & it's simply to expensive for such a small market to improve iti. Plus as Chryslers parent company they use Chryslers drivetrain in the states (that was agreed upon when Fiat took over). Pentastar 3.6L 280hp V6 & Chrysler 9spd automatic. Remember all the fiats are 1.8L diesel & manual transmissions only.
For a family of 4, the best value for money that we can enjoy now and not wait until we're at retirement age (in our 40s), we went with RAM Promaster. For the best layout, price, features we went with Thor 20AT with pop-top and lithium battery system. Only one of the few that can claim can sit 4 people and sleep 4 comfortably for a Class B RV. I've looked and this was the best class B for what we're looking for. Considered Roadtrek Slumber and Winnebago Solis PX was our close 2nd but didn't have lithium option and missing some features (no TV, awning etc).
What are the different fuel mileage between versions. Great video . Thanks 🙏
I have the Ford Transit too / I love how Smooth it Drives / the Sprinter is just an Endless Money Pit / & I've had Friends that complained about the ram Transmission....
I think the Ram looks like a Frog...
Nice job on these videos. I like that the Ford has an AWD option, a spare tire and extensive dealer support. The more I learn, the more I lean towards the Ford. Mercedes only if wanting 4x4 like the Storyteller.
Storyteller is BS
You can get AWD on the Transit or convert it to a 4x4. Unlike the Promaster which doesn't come with either or can't be converted.
@@GOLDVIOLINbowofdeath Why Mark? Please explain...
Great job thanks 👍🇨🇦
I've got the Ford with the all-wheel-drive 222rb and the vehicle is great.
A year has gone by since you posted this comment, do you still feel the same way. I live in Montana and would prefer a four-wheel drive but I'm not interested in the Mercedes the front wheel drive is attractive because it seems like it would be cheaper in gasoline than they all wheel. So how you liking your Transit I'm leaning in that direction strongly.
I drive a truck and I like how I sit in it so I'd probably go with the promaster or sprinter if I went just on seating position
good video, thank you!
You’re welcome, thanks for check it out
Great information. Thanks 谢谢
Very good 😊
Great info! In terms of interior height, the Ford Transit High Roof is definitely the the winner of that category..
The high roof Promaster isn't just as tall?
@@k.pacificnw02134 the extra high roof is taller, but not available in the USA
The Leisurevan Wonder out of Canada also builds on the Ford Chassis.
This was very informative. I now know...I want a Ford. Thank you!
you send it any where for free? I am so excited. thank you for your video.
I don’t like Ram or Transit because they don’t have engine hood bump out to protect in accident. Like the old VW van. Sprinter does have that added protection and MB good safety record. Plus its the most nimble driving. Great comparison👍
😮😮 knowledge! 🙌🙌👍👍❤❤
Hank, I missed the premier of this video, but better late than never! Great shootout (excuse the pun), but one topic not covered is ground clearance, so I'll cover what I've noticed between the three brands.
I could say I'm biased when it comes to Mopar, as I've been a Mopar man since 1970 (340 Dart) and still own a 73 Power Wagon I bought new, but I must say the Ram Promaster sucks when it comes to ground clearance. What the heck is that bar running from side to side back where the rear end ought to be? That thing looks like it was made just to shave down the hump that forms in the middle of dirt roads. You do know the best boondocker sites are at the end of such dirt roads. No thanks, but if there were no other choice I might have to go for it!
I've never owned a Ford, and I'm guilty of mentioning those found off road dead jokes a time or three, but I might be a little biased to make the Transit my second choice, as Ford stock has been very, very good to me. As soon as the chip shortage ends, and Ford starts paying a dividend again, I'll be a happy camper. But, when following a Transit I can't help but notice it has a hangy down thing on either side which may be a shock mount or something to do with the leaf springs. It sure looks like it would hit a not too big rock in the road! Maybe a hacksaw would take care of some of the loss of ground clearance, or an aftermarket company could come up with a solution, especially since they are now all wheel drive and expected to go off road.
So that means my top choice would be the Merc. I will admit to being biased here, as I bought a used 170" 22' 2011 3500 dually back in 2014 from a trucking company that turned them in every two years rather than worry about repairs. It had 180k on the odometer, and after using it as my daily driver ever since, it now had about 225k. It was just getting broken in when Mercedes recalled a bunch of years to replace smog parts like oxygen sensors and diesel particulate filters, so now I've got a 4 year extended warranty, but have to start all over on breaking her in! The 3500 has a lower rear end gear ratio, so my mpg suffers over the 2500 models, but all around 17mpg is easier to accept as I only paid $14k for the van. I knew the trucking company driver who turned me on to the sale, and he said they always took care of maintenance. Russ over at RVerTV says his long tall 2019 2500 24' gets 24mpg if anyone cares to look one over: th-cam.com/users/rvertvvideos
The Sprinter does have more ground clearance, although the 144" version would be better suited for lots of offroad boondocking. Mine is two wheel drive, but as a dually it sits up about as high as the new four wheel drives, or at least they look about even to me. I think the roof sits at about 9 1/2 feet tall, excluding the MaxxAir fan and solar panels I have yet to install.
Another topic not covered is towing capacity. I hear the Nissan Cargo van wins that shootout, but I'm just going off of hearsay!
Now, for the DIY crowd, or for those with $$$ to burn, you might like what George and his son Alex build at Humble Road. They build highly customized vans to order on whichever platform you want. I'd go so far as to call their vans the Rolls Royce of class B's (my words, not theirs). They use a lot of 80/20 aluminum and nice wood, and they recommend (and have toured the factory) the Lithionics battery system, but $10k for one battery seems like a lota mula. Here is a sample of an earlier Promaster build in progress, and search George's vast videos for just about any van build topic and he has probably covered it. th-cam.com/video/pcc0DUAGY00/w-d-xo.html
I’m a hard no on the Dodge Promaster because of it being front wheel drive (FWD). FWD makes since in a car because the main passengers/weight is up front along with the engine/drivetrain, so you get good traction. However, in a van, especially an RV with fresh water, gray and black tanks at 8 lbs per gallon, the majority of weight is in the back, taking weight off the front making less traction. This is why people in Promaster’s get stuck in wet grass and even have trouble using MaxTrax Recovery Boards. I currently have a Dodge Grand Caravan (minivan) with a wheelchair accessible lowered floor fold out ramp, which adds weight to the back, and my front drive wheels will spin driving 75 mph on wet pavement going up a slight hill. I’m looking at the AWD Transit. You can also get a true 4x4 Quigley conversion with a lift kit on the Transit for anyone wanting an off road van.
You are absolutely right. People think fwd is better, but in a van, weighted down in the back, fwd is awful. I was at a tiny fest and the parking lot got a little muddy, all the promasters had issues getting out.
For weighted down vans, rwd is better than fwd, awd/4wd even better.
I'm purchasing a ProMaster 17 and 1/2 foot it does not have a black tank the gray tank and clean water tank its position more in the center of the vehicle
Embassy RV also builds on the Ford Transit.
Thank you Hank and Nick thumbs UP and shared. :)
Thanks Rich much appreciated
@@strangerpalooza They were sold out of those Gina dolls but the other shopping I have for you and Walter will be here soon. :)
I believe Ford now offers the RV Transit Chassis with a diesel option.
I own a 5.3L V8 Chevy express conversion van and my highway mileage isn’t much different than the v6 vans I can get upwards of 25 mpg and it’s nearly 30 years old to boot. You just have to evaluate your needs
i am going cargo van, sleeping bag, air mattress, igloo cooler and gas stove. skipping all the build stuff class b. ford transit awd eco is the selection. i like ram ( sorry no awd), sprinter cool looking (just to scary getting towed xxx miles wild west to a dealer).
For the sales tax punch I take registering in Kansas, would I be better buying a buying a barebones van, going through the registration costs, and then after surviving that, then tricking it out to all the amenities and add-ons?
I live near Portland Oregon. They can't keep Promasters in stock. There's the microchip shortage problem, due to the covid supply chain eff-ups, and more people that want to do the #vanlife thing, and even preppers ready to live off grid.
Looking for class B with Max seating to Gaston additional to the driver and passenger and eating out back an a pop-up
I drive a fiat promaster at work. For my personal use, I wouldn’t touch one with a ten foot pole. I understand that Ford has fixed the issue with rainwater draining directly on some of the electronics under the hood and the new all wheel drive and eco boost are also great upgrades. I’ve heard no complaints about the Mercedes except the cost of maintenance.
@Dave Silver Chrysler has always made good looking and impressive vehicles, but the longevity and quality workmanship is just poor these days. The Daimler Chrysler partnership improved quality, but the Fiat ownership is just bad. Own one for 5 or 6 years, then dump it before it starts falling apart. General Motors is heading in the same direction. Nissan isn’t doing very well either.
@Dave Silver Most likely a Transit. I’d love the Mercedes, but a simple oil change or tranny service is $$$😬. Also, I tend to be a destination camper. I’ll go to my destination and stay for an extended period, then return. That may change after I retire.
Only select Mercedes dealers have technicians that can work on Sprinter vans. If you break down your repair choices are very limited. If I were do another Class B it would be a Ford just for that reason.
There needs to be more fuel-efficient options like they have in other countries diesel , hybrid etc. parts and labor on a Mercedes-Benz are very high.
Probably going promaster due to it's price. Given that it's the most square option though, I wish they'd offer roof reinforcement options that extend through the roof with some rails. That way an upper deck can be easily added for more space when out places. Or easier installation of solar, if the tubes are hollow with some access ports on top to run wiring. Like with 4 posts and 2 "X" arches welded to the frame. ***it's also going to allow for an easy top mounted water reservoir if one so choses. Could even just extended it through the floor and raise that up to run all the electrical down there as well.
Watch out for bad engine bolts on Promaster .
At my mechanic he told me bolts looked like
they were made of two different metals mixed
together .
I’m a dodge and Chevy guy but I’m a have to look at the transit
I was expecting you to address the Sprinter recalls and how hard it is to get service, not, do you like European styling?
Transit for the win.
Leisure Travel Van (LTV) has the Wonder that’s also built on the Ford chassis with a bunch of floor plans, however delivery is 18-24 months!
That's on a cutaway chassis, so it's a Class C (some call it a B+...but it's a C).
Can we get a discount code for the transit 😉
My question: does the height and high center of gravity of the Mercedes affect stability on turns and in high wind situations?
Like all high top vehicles cross winds can be dangerous if you’re not experienced at driving them. Even in class b Rv setup and they will still be too heavy in relation to their weight. Choose what suits your needs and become very familiar with your vehicle to avoid serious problems in driving them during inclement weather
What’s the difference between all wheel drive and four-wheel-drive?
Which one is quietest while driving?
In the San Francisco Bay area all I see are Sprinters. I’m doing my own conversion and surprisingly there was very little availability of Ford transit’s earlier this year when I was looking and if they had one they wanted a lot of money even for passenger vans, which nobody’s buying for hauling passengers. I could’ve bought a 1919, 170 inch wheelbase tall top sprinter in black that already had 2000 W inverter and a second battery and possibly a second alternator installed in it with 750 miles and complete factory warranty from the dealership in San Francisco. It had been ordered along with a bunch of others by a company that no longer needed them because they were renting them out for touring bands. They were selling the last two for $50,000 each even though they had a $63,000 sticker price and $7000 worth of additions. My financing fell through so I lost out on that but I end up getting a 2020 black tall top passenger van 2500 4x4 with 5500 miles. It’s very tall and someone had run it at low speed into an awning like at Burger King so it was totaled by the insurance company and didn’t come with a warranty but it had a sticker price of over $63,000 and there are no tall top 4x4s for sale in the whole US And it was exactly what I wanted I wanted a passenger van because I wanted the windows all around and I want it black and it had most of the accessories that you could want. I saved a ton of money and whenever I do any alteration to it I don’t have to worry is this going to affect my warranty. I can always buy an aftermarket warranty. Biggest downside to a branded title vehicle that was still under warranty when it was totaled is you have to pay cash.
DIY is the way to go, cheaper and better than all these poorly built, overpriced factory vans. If if you hire a local handyman, you will come ahead. However, if you are going to travel in a hot region, you may not want too many windows.
After having a Mercedes car and having all kinds of problems with it, I'm sticking with either the ford or ram ......maybe I'm wrong, but it seems that those engines would easier and cheaper to maintain. Now, If there was a Toyota or Lexus engine, I'd take that one.
Another great RV video. I like all the functionality of them. My worries is always parts availability if someone is road tripping. I do love all the amenities of the Mercedes but I worry about dependability. Last any plans for Tesla RVs 😜
Thanks Cujo, I would ideally like to go with the Sprinter myself however the cost of ownership is in the back of my mind on that (I would probably opt for extended plans if I did) on the subject of Tesla: Yes there are plans from what I hear for a Tesla Van (we probably wont see that for some years to come though)
I like the idea of an EV van, but I don't think there will be many charger stations outside of the main highways, as nobody wants to pay for them, and here in the US, we have two, if not three competing EV standards for chargers. Especially if one charger uses 250 kWh, which in four hours, is more than an average house uses in a month, and banks of those are needed. I'm hoping that car companies get behind the series hybrid idea, where the vehicle is 100% battery powered, but there is an on board range extender (i.e. generator) which burns gas, diesel, or whatever fuel one desires, to keep the battery bank topped off, and to allow for use in areas where there are no pumps.
@@dfloyd888 yes I 100% agree. Unfortunately while the push for EV is pushed it’s not efficient for most situations
ONLY reason I powered thru this video is becoz I will be purchasing a Class B in my future & am reviewing as many viewpoints as I can. However; had that not been my objective I would have stopped viewing (there goes your TH-cam commercial credits), due to your "constant" interruptions of your guest. You are the interviewer, not the interviewee. Plz allow us to listen to your guests answers. Everyone knows it's your channel, you don't need to insert your face shots & quips. You will be more successful with adding subscriptions to your channel with better interviewer skills.
I like the Dodge Ram it’s easy to park.
Hi, im in mexico and can get a 2010 front wheel drive 4 cyl diesel standard trans and want to know what to do to make it most ruggeded, reliable and repairable road vehicle for me. Please a quick review, thanks
BEST
I've been a Toyota owner for years & wish they offered a hi-roof cargo van. That said, of the three I like the Ram Promaster for the technology & overall economy. Does Sunshine RV sell any of the mini-van conversations?
Are Class B's the best for short drivers? Visibility, pedal accessibility and steering wheel? I'm thinking Winnebago? How about Class A's and C's?