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Travel Forum / Travel Types / RV Travel / August 2004Dodge Sprinter - DIY Conversion
Does anyone have some opinions about converting a dodge sprinter van into a RV? At the very least, I would think it would be simple to add some fold out couches and drop down bunkbeds so that it could sleep four. A 12V/110V converter, microwave, little electric fridge, coleman portable toilet and stove, jug of water and your all set. Oh, I forget to add the floor safe to put the $40,000 you'd save over a professionally done RV. :) >Oh, I forget to add the floor safe to put the $40,000 you'd save over >a professionally done RV. :) You could get a nice used RV for what a Sprinter and the parts would cost. If you're doing this to save money, forget it. If you think you can build something that looks as professional as a production RV and will last longer, go for it. Brian Elfert is anyone doing an rv (in the us0 based on a sprinter body should be also a question?? > Does anyone have some opinions about converting a dodge sprinter van > into a RV? At the very least, I would think it would be simple to add [quoted text clipped - 4 lines] > Oh, I forget to add the floor safe to put the $40,000 you'd save over > a professionally done RV. :) >is anyone doing an rv (in the us0 based on a sprinter body should be also a >question?? Yes, but they are not inexpensive... This is top 'o the line.... http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=2487582032 Claude > >is anyone doing an rv (in the us0 based on a sprinter body should be also a > >question?? [quoted text clipped - 6 lines] > > Claude This summer in EhLand, I saw a German couple's DIY Sprinter (w/factory 4WD) and it looked extremely professional. Nice thing about starting with a Sprinter, besides the drivetrain of course, is the standing headroom. Un-nice thing is the $28K for an empty van -- I wonder when and where the delivery companies (UPS, FedEx, ABF, etc.) will start to be getting rid of their used ones... William Least Heat Moon made out pretty good with his less-than-professional, not-even-in-the-line "conversion" of his van -- he didnt' even have an uptodate map... >> >is anyone doing an rv (in the us0 based on a sprinter body should be also a >> >question?? [quoted text clipped - 17 lines] >less-than-professional, not-even-in-the-line "conversion" of his van >-- he didnt' even have an uptodate map... When I'm dreaming, I usully start here.... http://www.dodge.com/bridge/full_vehicle_picker.html?app=priceequip&family=sprinter I rarely get away under 33K by the time I finish with the various addons. Given the cost of new vehicles these days I guess it's not that bad. I also have wondered about the used Fedex/UPS vans, but I bet they'll have multiple hundreds of thousands of miles by the time they get cut loose, and I also wonder about the maintenance procedures. I presume that the delivery companies use good maintenance practices, but one never knows what corners are cut without any direct experience. I also wonder if the 4WD ones will be sold in North America... Claude FedEx maybe; UPS no. If you buy a used UPS van, it will be in a bale or fragments the size of a quarter and smaller after being fed through the chopper. Rick > When I'm dreaming, I usully start here.... <snip> > http://www.dodge.com/bridge/full_vehicle_picker.html?app=priceequip&family=sprinter > [quoted text clipped - 10 lines] > > Claude >>> >is anyone doing an rv (in the us0 based on a sprinter body should be also a >>> >question?? [quoted text clipped - 32 lines] > >I also wonder if the 4WD ones will be sold in North America... Forget UPS. By the time they are ready to retire a van or truck it is junk. Actually they have a policy of not selling used vehicles. The part them out and scrap them when no longer usable.  SignatureFrank Tabor >>>> >is anyone doing an rv (in the us0 based on a sprinter body should be also a >>>> >question?? [quoted text clipped - 36 lines] >junk. Actually they have a policy of not selling used vehicles. The >part them out and scrap them when no longer usable. When I do it, it won't be a beat delivery van. I was merely speculating along with the OP. With a long enough finance contract, the Airstream isn't out of reach. Just a bit ritzy. Some of the other smaller manufacturers are doing nice work with the Sprinters as well. This one looks pretty nifty also... http://www.gulfstreamcoach.com/bvans/index.htm I would imagine that more of the "B" builders will take advantage of this platform as well, in time. Claude I see where bluespeed@hotmail.com (Jay) contributed: >Does anyone have some opinions about converting a dodge sprinter van >into a RV? At the very least, I would think it would be simple to add [quoted text clipped - 4 lines] >Oh, I forget to add the floor safe to put the $40,000 you'd save over >a professionally done RV. :) You think you can save $40 large? Dream on. We built our own class B (on a GMC 3500 extended van) and realistically saved $20,000 - a proven realistic figure. Will Sill > Does anyone have some opinions about converting a dodge sprinter van > into a RV? At the very least, I would think it would be simple to add [quoted text clipped - 4 lines] > Oh, I forget to add the floor safe to put the $40,000 you'd save over > a professionally done RV. :) The asking price for a basic Sprinter diesel hightop van with the weight and towing capacity offered seems like a fair price to me. To do what you want requires just some basic organizing skills, along with some easy carpentry. The space sure would be nicer than trying to camp out of a conventional van, and after a couple years or so, you could easily remove what you've installed, assuming you haven't butchered the Sprinter and sell it for a good return to a tradesman. If you intend to copy a fully integrated Class B with cabs, upholstery and all the built-in systems, you will spend far more in time and money than it will be worth. Better to buy what you want already assembled, if that's your goal. Very few folks can design and construct a homebuilt well, and the resale will be basically at stripped van price. BD With some experience in vehicle dynamic analysis, it seems to me that the Sprinter suffers from a basic deficiency. It's too narrow for its height. Certainly, the one my company tried out as a possible Dial-a-Ride trtansit vehicle had a serious roll stability problem when trying to load a 250 lb. patient on a battery-powered scooter. The off-center load almost lifted the left side wheels off the pavement. Our usual E450-based rigs (built by Thor) handle that kind of load relatively well. Unless Chrysler/Mercedes is willing to offer a wide-track rear end, allowing for the kind of wider bodied Class B and Class C rigs offered on US-made chassis, I think their appeal to the RV fraternity is limited. Also, despite the Mercedes build quality, I'm not sure a 2.5 liter 150 horsepower turbo-diesel has enough grunt for a Class C rig. Of course, a wide-track dually rear end is a bit pointless on a front-driver! Frank Damp Anacortes, WA > With some experience in vehicle dynamic analysis, it seems to me that > the Sprinter suffers from a basic deficiency. It's too narrow for its [quoted text clipped - 15 lines] > Frank Damp > Anacortes, WA I have been thinking the same thing, that the center of gravity is to high and stability could be compromised, OTOH depending on gearing, and considering that it is front wheel drive the 150 horse diesel should be more then adequate unless it was over 15,000 lbs. Wade This is more what I have in mind for a conversion. Dual rear wheels also. Too bad it's the short wheel base, but it would also get you to the campground quicker with the lights on :) http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=6472&item=2488 293012&rd=1&ssPageName=WDVW |
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