Sprinter? Promaster? The comparison starts here! Get the actual measurements side by side
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 10 ก.พ. 2025
- As I begin two new custom van builds, some of the major differences between these two vans are worth discussing. We will go deeper into detail as the builds progress. Watch this video and subscribe to Humble Road!
BORG STAINLESS STEEL TIRE VALVES FOR SPRINTER:
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For those of you who’ve never watched this guy’s van builds, you should. The detail, the design and especially the quality are phenomenal.
Couldn't agree more!! Watching him use 80/20 has definitely pushed me to use that product more than just timber.
I'm subscribing. I just found this channel 15 minutes ago 🤗
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 video, you can see how the floor is much higher on the Sprinter wheel well vs the Promaster. Thanks for your great comparison
"Rust Never sleeps..." My favorite quote of the video and spoken as someone who is one with the van! :)
I’m so impressed with this review! No one talks about this. Now I want transit review/comparison. Great vlog.
For Europeans - the PRO master is based on the Fiat Ducato :) They are very popular for regular campervan builds that is why it is much easier to wire, and has straighter sides
We have a VW Crafter (a Sprinter in bodywork) and all those braces in the side are for structure
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!
I haven't had the pleasure of meeting the Ford Transit just yet.
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 sharing this info! May I ask why your favorite one is Ford Transit, if you said yourself that you'd want to build out a Promaster? I would love to know as I am looking to build a van myself and you seem to have experience. You point of view will be much appreciated. 🙏
Thank you for this video 👏🏼
You're so welcome!
This is the stage I am at. I have watched all your videos and am rewatching for notes and product recommendations. My build WILL be based off your insights, trials, and advice. Thank you so much!!
Good luck, Constance!
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!
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 video 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.
Glad it was helpful!
Humble road sensei thank you for your knowledge and insight! I was dead set on a sprinter, but you changed my mind.
This is an excellent video. Putting up the numbers helps me to remember.
I went with the ProMaster in my PleasureWay as my previous sprinter was a Mercedes nightmare. Never again and your engine, maintenance, and fuel comments are right on.
Your video editing style is just perfect at relaying massive amounts of information at easy to comprehend amounts! Thank you for sharing your expertise 👍👍
Thank you1
I'd be interested to see your Ford Transit build or even one with the Nissan NV Cargo Van.
The Nissan seems like the most interesting of the bunch since like 95% of camper conversions are either Sprinter, Transit or Promaster, but the hightop version Nissan van looks to be a worthy contender for an alternative to the norm.
Same here. Looking forward to Humble's take on the Transit. Particularly, how easy it is to wire and the build quality.
I’m doing a transit at the moment, would love to see George do one, it’s challenging that’s for sure.
Ditto to the Ford Transit.
Also interested in the Transit
Great video. Thank you for doing this. Fantastic comparison and loved the insights at the end. Thank you.
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.
Thank-you! What an excellent comparison and great advice. Every time I have owned anything that service was not readily available for I have lived to regret it. Maintenance is always going to happen, it’s best if help is easier to find.
You're very welcome! And I agree!
Thank you. I look forward to your analysis of the Transit.
Thank you for your honesty. It really helps my decision on which to buy. Love the channel!
Happy to help!
Excellent video! Looking forward to the Transit build.😊
You and me both!
@@HumbleRoad 👍😊
Thank you for all your information and help that you give to everyone. Take care.
This has to be one of the most detailed videos on Vans that Ive eve seen! Thanks my friend.
Amazing vid. Not often I don't get the urge to skip parts of a video-- I watched every second of this. Keep it up!
Thanks for the Excellent side by side comparison. The comparison videos 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 video 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.🥞🥓🥚
Thanks for watching! This is the beginning of a whole series of compare and contrast these two vans.
Best real talk I have seen in a while. Others have said the same, but you are trustworthy!!
Thank so much for your view on both vans, when I decide to get a van I now know which one to get!
You’re welcome! Good luck!👍
One reason, among many, that I chose gasoline engine is that fuel cost per mile is less than for diesel.
And I have 2 diesel cars, a diesel truck, and a diesel tractor.
Great comparison.
Thanks for sharing
That’s only true for naturally aspirated gasoline engines that can run off regular 87.
Even on NA direct injection engines you should really cycle in a top tier 91/93 pretty frequently to prevent gunk in the top end.
@@thomasbob3rt octane rating has nothing to do with deposits and fuel quality and detergent additive packages.
@@christopherhaak9824 Majority of fuel retailers have different detergent packages in higher octane fuels, at least in the US.
Dude, I enjoy your videos so much not only for the super good info but the subtle humor is tops and a bonus!!! laugh each time and love the helicopter cam - the best !!! lol
Nice job: short, sweet and to the point. It’s good to have you back!
Huge thanks for making this comparison video ! Waiting for the Promaster vs Transit video comparison !
Interesting video, and my van is a promaster, for many of the same reasons you listed. Thanks!
Glad you enjoyed it!
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!
All we need is just a little patience
Thanks George for this information...simple and clear!
One of the best informational van videos I've ever seen.
Wow, thanks!
Thanks George! Great video! It was nice to see the differences.
Glad you liked it!
Enjoyable and informative. I built my first van / conversion in high school with a Ford Econoline. Currently have Sprinter.
Very cool!
Looking forward to your Ford Transit build and your comparisons afterward! Keep up the great work!
You and me both!
You brought up some great points I hadn't really thought about.
For what I need I think the Promaster would make life easier and
at this point easier is for me.
If you have the time, I will begin a beautiful Ford Transit build in September, Stay tuned!
I’ve been grappling for months between Sprinter and Promaster, was leaning Dodge and I think you just tipped me over the edge!
I’ve been struggling too, I’ve heard that the maintenance on the Sprinter is WAY HIGH! Losing the length to be able to sleep east west makes a big difference too! You don’t need as much length if you have width.
I purchased a 2014 high roof Promaster due to the width and hopefully lower maintenance costs when they arise. I don’t have YT subs paying my bills; I work for my money. We moved across the country in my van, and I love it! It’s not built out yet, but I’m still working on it.
Please stay with gasoline engines.
Sprinter exhaust maintenance is $6,000 every single time.
I do have one with 430,000 miles on it
If you are travelling through Mexico on the toll roads it will cost you double for the Sprinter with the dual tires. The tolls are quite expensive too. We have a promaster and it cost us $500 for tolls for our trip.
Thank you George, I was hoping someone would do the interior measurements on a Pro Master. I haven't purchased my van yet but these measurement will help me figure out some different layouts I'm considering.
Best of luck!
extremely helpful information. thank you so much for taking the time to post.
This information is EXACTLY what I've been looking for. Thank you!!!
It's like half a dozen or six... Each w their own advantages. I hear the Mercedes sprinter can be as much as two feet longer, which in van life, is a HUGE consideration, however the ease of use with the PM may be worth the lack in length. Can't wait to see how the Ford Transit compares. Thank you!!
This sprinter is 2 feet longer than this (longest) promaster. Then theres the extended spinter which is another 14 inches longer. One thing thats interesting is that due to the shorter nose of the promaster, it has a bit more cargo length compared to the same size sprinter. So the 22'10" sprinter here has a cargo bed listed at 14'6" compared to 13' 4" of this 20'11" long promaster. And with the promasters significant width advantage ( considering width of top half of van), the 2 foot shorter promaster might actually have as roomy a feel. In this video he had the sprinter 1'5" longer instead of the specs 1' 2" differnce. Though he didnt take 1 measurement, but 3 to get the length,.. still he prob did it right. Anyway... alot of typing and I probablly didnt really say much of anything, but ill leave it up.
well i got a step van last week .. but i love the 80/20 builds... what you do and how you present the video's... just wish there was more step van content like you do with these ... keep it up love all
I like the Sprinter but I’ll go with the PM to keep it simple and user friendly to your point. I really wish Toyota would get into the NA cargo van game
Or at the very least Nissan would extend their NV series just a bit. The height on those vans are awesome. Just not the length.
Where are you guys located what state and what city
I like my 2019 sprinter 4x4 short wheelbase. Cost over the long haul will be cheaper since most is covered by Mercedes Benz for 100000 miles and the dealership is 30miles away or a phone call away!
New subscriber happy I found the channel 🥳🤗
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 TH-cam videos 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 video. 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 😎👍
We own a Pleasure-Way Sprinter, and later thought we should have went with the Promaster. However, now we’re excited about the Ford Transit. Our van is still pretty new so we’ll be keeping it for awhile. We like the Sprinter, but the grass is always greener....😊. Thank you for the video.
May I ask why you are going with Transit and not the Promaster? Also, have you considered the Fiat Ducato by any chance? Will appreciate if you can make an input. :)
@@millanferende6723 hi, yes, so we think the Ford Transit would make the better option for us because it comes in all-wheel drive. We have not considered the Fiat because there is no dealer around our area and they seem to be few and far between like Mercedes, (we live in Canada). We are not sure who can work on them. With that being said I think a bit more research on our part to find that out might give us another option.
Thanks George for the few insights, which are huge when choosing between the Sprinter & Promaster.
Nice work, George. Great comparo. Thanks for putting it together.
Glad you liked it!
Another Great Video. Love your description and honesty in all your videos. Thank you for the superior content.
I appreciate that!
Measurements are very helpful and saved me a trip to the dealers.
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 videos. I think for me, solo female, the promaster would make the most sense at this point, but I will keep watching your videos.
Terrible decision Diane. Above all things, you have to rely on a engine and transmission to consistently be there for you, time and again. Pro master engines are fiat- ducato junk ! Many internal vital parts are nylon- plastic. These parts are 3 rd rate n wear out quickly. Hence the low sticker price on these vehicles. Mercedes is French champagne but highly expensive . The smartest choice for quality investment and affordability is the ford transit. I’ve studied a hundred hours of utube van material and it’s nearly unanimous from pro mechanics in the USA.
I'm sold to RAM too. You just confirmed my toughts ! Thanks
Glad I could help
Exactly the video I needed to see. Thank you, George.
Very good video, and thank you for your honest opinion. Love for you to build my van next year.
Can't wait to see your FT build!!!!!
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 videos 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.
Informative and fun as always!! Thank you!!
Great comparison between the two and an endorsement for a Transit van, im 76 inches long and would be miserable in either one of those. The 3.5 EcoBoost engine will make you smile going up hill. Always a thumbs up 👍
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 channel 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.
Mindy Amos thank you and welcome to Humble Road. You didn’t stumble here, you were sent! 😃
Thank you George! Awesome info! Love it. 😍👍
Thank you for the video. 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 videos of finished vans or throughout the build, I stumbled upon design myself and was looking for granular internal dimensions for laying out.
Very interesting comparing these two thank you for sharing.
Thanks for watching!
Great information as usual George. Really looking forward the the Transit comparison.
You and me both!
Not sure to what generation of Mercedes diesel engines you're referring, but the OM654 engine (from 2019 on) is fully certified for HVO.
Hey, awesome video!! I love the unbiased and straightforward opinion!!
Awesome, thank you!
Love the music. Thanks for the tip about fuel use.
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!
Thanks for sharing your knowledge. Also great idea to compare the two
Glad it was helpful!
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!
Good luck with your build Susan! 👍
Great video. Just what I needed as I’m about to purchase one of these. Thank you!!
You're welcome! Good luck!
I would have bet $100 you'd pick the Sprinter. Good to see logic prevailing over dogma. There are a ton of the "which is better" van videos but you always bring something thoughtful/useful💪
You aren't alone. LOL
What a great guy - tells it like it is.
Great to see business is going well for you. Keep on building those beautiful vans you do. Nice haircut BTW. :) .
Thank you! Will do!
Nice guy, honest, great presentation, no bullshit, I enjoyed, very helpful! Thank You.
Your work is stupendous and I can't wait to see these two vans completed! I look forward to hearing your thoughts on the Ford Transit once you build one out.
this man is straight to the point ... Promaster is easy and gas and mechanic can be done at any mechanic .... Sprinter is Diesel complicated mechanic sulfure diesel nowhere to be found but more sturdy and lasts forever better mileage ...
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 video.
I'm with you. I'm just about 6'3 and I think the Transit will suit my best.
Would add: Ground clearance on Sprinter, especially 4x4, is much better than Pr. Torque on the Sp is also unmatched. Great video!!
Absolutely! Oh so many details to discuss! And we will!
George, thank you for going over the pros and cons on both the Sprinter and Promaster. I've seen several TH-cam posts on this and yours is by far the best descriptions and reasoning.
Great comparison! We are definitely lovers of our Promaster, but we may be a little biased!
Yes, very interested in your opinion of the Transit, the sprinter is stupid expensive in Australia....
@Humble Road
Can you make a video discussing what options we should be ordering on our vans before taking them to an uplifter. Maybe one for each of the 3 manufacturers.. or roll it into the compare series.
Could not agree any more. Don't forget about the DEF additive for diesel. My 2017gas PM. (used ) has been trouble-free these last 2 years. Highly recommend a manual temp.gauge. The standard one rarely moves and some have experienced engine failure (Fit RV).
excellent video. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for this video we are looking for a van, but we’re a bit hesitant with Promaster. We’ve been told they break down lots, now finding an affordable ford high roof very hard when you’re trying stick to your budget. Would love more feedback from you Promaster or Ford transit 🤔
Thanks for the information
Thanks Sr.!!
yay .... :) getting a coffee now ... so your paused for five mins, then Sunday can start :)
Hope you enjoy!
Thanks for the numbers! If you do something like this again, could you include the some of the widths as it curves in? Maybe like the actual ceiling width and the width at shoulder height so we can get a feel for the curve?
One of my earlier videos covers all the measurements of the Sprinter 170 EXT. the video is called Tale Of The Tape.
@@HumbleRoad Whoa, that video was exactly the kind of thing I was looking for, thanks! So it looks like each side on the sprinter curves in about 7.5" towards the center (15" total) I know the Promaster is (or at least looks) a fair bit more rectangular; would you happen to know how much it loses in width by chance? Thanks again either way for the video reference (and all the other videos I've been watching too).
Van life is on my bucket list! I love your videos! Keep up the good work!
Thank you! Will do!
Totally agree with all that you had to say there, George. Love your work mate.
Thanks for listening
THANK YOU for this effort!; much appreciated....EXACTLY the info I wanted.....the "guts" of the skeleton. You're a wealth of info, all your videos.
You're very welcome!
I'd be very interested to see the comps of side entry heights. My son is in a wheelchair, and we'd be doing a "family style" conversion with tie-downs immediately behind the main cabin. We'd probably just carry a portable ramp to get him in. Knowing the height would be all kinds of helpful. Thanks!
The video is up now Heather.
@@HumbleRoad Thanks so much, George!
Thank you for the great video. I appreciate the honest assessment!
Glad it was helpful!
If I may add: the Promaster being a front wheel drive with no drive shaft below the floor allows for a lower floor than the Sprinter, for the quite the same inside height. In Europe, the Fiat Ducato must be the base of 80% of all RVs manufactured over there.
and it also makes the external height lower than the sprinter
I still don't understand the advantages of front or rear drive.
Is Fiat Ducato like the European Promaster? Or is Promaster based off of Ducato? Would you recommend riding a Ducato? Thank you if you can answer it.
@@catmonkey4351 Normally, rear drive means faster take off. But in a van that is less needed. Front wheel drive is easier for steering. You basically "drag" a car into any direction that you want. Rear-wheel drive means that you can load all your heavy weights, like water and batteries, at the back. You want more of the weight to be on the wheels that are doing the work. More weight on the wheel-well = more grip and friction on the wheels. If you have a rear-wheel drive and you load all your heavy weights at the front and non at the back, then the back wheel will slip as they trip to propel all the weight at the front, without anything heavy pressing the wheels against the ground.
.
This is vice-versa on the front-drive. Where if all your weight is at the back (water, batteries, storage) then your front wheels will skid, as they are trying to pull all the weight from the back without anything heavy pushing them against the ground. So some design consideration are necessary when planning.
Promaster Is based on the fiat ducato as far as body, in Europe there is no market for gasoline engine other than cars, so all vans are diesel here, so the engine is definitely different.