Getting a Sprinter 4x4...

[TexasSMB4x4]

Plan is to get a 144 High Roof. Does it matter which payload to choose. 3160 seems to be the standard. But they offer a 5496. I don't really plan to tow. But does it matter as far as the buildout inside? Thanks.

[TomH]

Originally Posted by TexasSMB4x4

Plan is to get a 144 High Roof. Does it matter which payload to choose. 3160 seems to be the standard. But they offer a 5496. I don't really plan to tow. But does it matter as far as the buildout inside? Thanks.

The payload/towing rating is dependent on whether you have the 2500 which is SRW (single rear wheels) or the 3500 which is DRW (dual rear wheels-aka dually). The DRW requires a larger wheel well and does eat up more of your interior volume and has a modest affect on construction of your interior layout.

DRW offers more surface area and more traction when towing, and supports more weight on the rear axle. It floats better on fluffy snow, yet may hydroplane more easily on water. On packed snow or ice, the SRW will have more weight per square inch and depending on your tread type and whether you have studs, may get a better bite on the surface. DRW can be a problem going offload in that baseball sized rocks can jam between the two tires and rub enough to cause a blowout, though careful and frequent inspection can mitigate that possibility.

[TomH]

A built out Sprinter is going to be near or above the GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) and you will experience poorer handling due to the extra weight. Van Compass and Agile Offload both offer Ride Improvement Packages (RIP) which lift and beef up the suspension, allowing the vehicle to carry the extra weight and making the vehicle drive and handle the way it should to begin with.

Sportsmobile does this to their Econoline vehicles themselves, but Mercedes doesn't allow them (as master upfitters) to do it to Sprinters. VC and AO are not in the business of upfitting vans into motorhomes and there is no issue in having them put a RIP on your vehicle after you receive it from SMB. VC is in western ID and AO in southern CA.

[TexasSMB4x4]

Thanks, I appreciate the feedback.

[TexasSMB4x4]

Ok great, I appreciate the referrals!

[LosAngeles]

Originally Posted by TomH

The payload/towing rating is dependent on whether you have the 2500 which is SRW (single rear wheels) or the 3500 which is DRW (dual rear wheels-aka dually). The DRW requires a larger wheel well and does eat up more of your interior volume and has a modest affect on construction of your interior layout.

DRW offers more surface area and more traction when towing, and supports more weight on the rear axle. It floats better on fluffy snow, yet may hydroplane more easily on water. On packed snow or ice, the SRW will have more weight per square inch and depending on your tread type and whether you have studs, may get a better bite on the surface. DRW can be a problem going offload in that baseball sized rocks can jam between the two tires and rub enough to cause a blowout, though careful and frequent inspection can mitigate that possibility.

great info.



John

[Fitz]

Originally Posted by TomH

A built out Sprinter is going to be near or above the GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) and you will experience poorer handling due to the extra weight. Van Compass and Agile Offload both offer Ride Improvement Packages (RIP) which lift and beef up the suspension, allowing the vehicle to carry the extra weight and making the vehicle drive and handle the way it should to begin with.

Well said. I have the extra weight and the Van Compass package and am very satisfied. You will be surprised at how quickly you will get up to GVWR as you start adding things, keep track of the weight and plan on improving the suspension!

Fitz