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Old 09-10-2014, 09:31 PM   #11
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Re: 4wd Sprinter effect on SMB/Econoline +VW Syncro markets.

I have a Sprinter and an E350 and they are two different animals. An AWD (they want to call 4X4) Sprinter will never be able to go where I take my 4X4 E350 regularly. It will never have the towing capacity or the clearances.

I don't see the factory offered Sprinter 4WD/4X4/AWD replacing the SMB/Econoline except through attrition.

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Old 09-10-2014, 11:05 PM   #12
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Re: 4wd Sprinter effect on SMB/Econoline +VW Syncro markets.

Hey I'm not sayin my 6.0 has been trouble free, far from it. But I've had several issues with the 7.3 I drove for years also. The 6.4 I'm running now has had its share of trouble... even just blew an intercooler hose last week. Our shop has now given up on Diesels in the smaller vehicles but the ones that need power, I don't know what they will do. They talked about Sprinters for the meter techs so we'll see. I will admit that the gas engine in my van would have been a better choice but there are things I like about the 6.0. We don't have any Sprinters in our fleet & I'm not a mechanic so I can't comment on them.

Off road wise I'd rather have the Ford gas or diesel.
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Old 09-11-2014, 05:23 AM   #13
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Re: 4wd Sprinter effect on SMB/Econoline +VW Syncro markets.

I would have to say it may have an opposite effect on the higher-end rigs...Sprinters are gaining popularity in the RV/van segment. While I don't see the AWD Sprinter replacing any full-size, body-on-frame van for what WE use them for, I can see them boosting sales of Sprinter-based campers supplied by Airstream, Outside Van, Roadtrek and the like. AWD is offered in more and more passenger cars than ever now and with a vehicle used for any type of "exploring", AWD is a boon to have.

While I don't know the sales numbers for Outside Van or other offerings, I certainly see a lot of them on the road...both here in MI and out west.

While production of the E-series van and wagon has ceased, the legacy continues with the cutaway. Goodness knows there is a TON of used E-series vans out there just waiting to be converted by SMB and U-Joint. I happen to live very close to a large state university (colored maize and blue) and have had the opportunity to browse their vehicle fleet and auctions from time to time. They literally have HUNDREDS of clean, low-mileage E-vans that are well cared for in their fleet. Consider how many other institutions, businesses, governments use them, I think the platform will be around for a long, long while yet and hold its niche for many years.

The AWD option for the Sprinter will just add to that markets attractiveness and no doubt put pressure on Ford and Chrysler (Ram) to offer some form of AWD to the Transit and ProMaster.
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Old 09-11-2014, 06:06 AM   #14
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Re: 4wd Sprinter effect on SMB/Econoline +VW Syncro markets.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Pntyrmvr
Quote:
Originally Posted by 86Scotty
The trusty Econoline platform has been tried and tested forever and is well known to be unbeatably durable
So durable that neither of the two Diesel engines offered is available.

So durable that we have pages of multi thousand dollar repair stories on this forum.

So durable that we have postings about class action lawsuits.

So durable that people are less than confident taking their diesel vans to the boonies for fear of needing a satellite phone to ensure a safe return.

I gotta get me some of that durability. Does it come in grape flavour?

Regards,

Gavin
Gavin, though I see your point, I think just about all of that applies to diesels, and I wasn't really talking about diesels as I have very little experience with them. The Ford gas vans, which there are millions of still on the road, are pretty much bulletproof, and people aren't sharing problems on forums if they aren't having them. Delivery fleets, which is where my experience is, use mostly gas vans and they go forever. Our old spare Ford vans are what our drivers use while their new Sprinters are in the shop for constant check engine lights, turbo problems, and DEF disasters. They just keep going while most mechanics will tell you that a diesel Sprinter, even the original 5 cyl (more reliable) first generation ones are only good for about 300k of fleet abuse before they're ready for an engine, and the interiors are far gone by then. Things like air conditioner vents, slider doors, and plastic door trim don't last 50k.
All that said, I still want a Sprinter. I think it would make a great home build camper and I feel it would be less of a nightmare for personal (more gentle) use, but I don't think they are hardcore 4x4 material as the Econolines are.
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Old 09-11-2014, 07:03 AM   #15
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Re: 4wd Sprinter effect on SMB/Econoline +VW Syncro markets.

I absolutely love the Sprinters...after seeing what Outside Van can do ($$$$) with the space inside a high-roof model, I'm sold. But, we want to be able to reach those far-out places where "normal" RV's dare to tread and I think those types of trails would leave a Sprinter stranded. Sure, we could duplicate a similar floor plan in an E-Series, but the tall, flat walls of the Sprinter make things like upper cabinets and a shower stall more usable. At any rate, we are going to stick with a Ford and learn to deal with the shortcomings. Can't beat the aftermarket for upgrades and engine, maintenance and service parts can be found EVERYWHERE for a V-10...
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Old 09-11-2014, 07:46 AM   #16
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Re: 4wd Sprinter effect on SMB/Econoline +VW Syncro markets.

I was in Fresno a couple months ago while SMB West was installing a penthouse top, and the SMB folks clued me in to a project they've been working on. They're purchasing the E-cutaway vans (which Ford is still producing and plans to continue doing so), and SMB is building a fiberglass "body" which is 1"wider than the cab on each side and matches the lines of the E-series. The rear and side doors are still available. The result is phenominal! That extra inch translates into much more room inside and because it's fiberglass, drastically limits the potential rust areas. The cutaway is available with full-time AWD (including a LOW range) and a 46 gallon fuel tank. Not certain about availabilty of a diesel engine. I wish I wouldv'e taken a photo. Not certain when they're planning on rolling it out to the masses.
Something to look forward to.
Just sayin'...

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Old 09-11-2014, 08:39 AM   #17
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Re: 4wd Sprinter effect on SMB/Econoline +VW Syncro markets.

Quote:
Originally Posted by SilverForkPhil
I was in Fresno a couple months ago while SMB West was installing a penthouse top, and the SMB folks clued me in to a project they've been working on. They're purchasing the E-cutaway vans (which Ford is still producing and plans to continue doing so), and SMB is building a fiberglass "body" which is 1"wider than the cab on each side and matches the lines of the E-series. The rear and side doors are still available. The result is phenominal! That extra inch translates into much more room inside and because it's fiberglass, drastically limits the potential rust areas. The cutaway is available with full-time AWD (including a LOW range) and a 46 gallon fuel tank. Not certain about availabilty of a diesel engine. I wish I wouldv'e taken a photo. Not certain when they're planning on rolling it out to the masses.
Something to look forward to.
Just sayin'...

Phil
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Old 09-11-2014, 09:16 AM   #18
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Re: 4wd Sprinter effect on SMB/Econoline +VW Syncro markets.

Quote:
Originally Posted by 86Scotty
Gavin, though I see your point, I think just about all of that applies to diesels, and I wasn't really talking about diesels as I have very little experience with them.
I'd go farther and say most if not all of it applies to the 6.0 diesel that they put in vans for 5 years or so? Out of a run of 22+ years in the current body style.
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Old 09-11-2014, 10:14 AM   #19
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Re: 4wd Sprinter effect on SMB/Econoline +VW Syncro markets.

THAT'S it Scotty!

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