Sprinter high-roof or penthouse

[canoe4me]

Between Reno and Carson City NV most afternoons in the summer vehicles over 9' get routed off the freeway due to Mark Twain's Washoe Zephyrs.

[llamadave]

Originally Posted by yogiyoda

David, do you recommend the dually for the 144" wheelbase too?

I don't have experience with the 144". Chumley should comment on this. You should have the dually if you have things that add weight such as the diesel generator or if you plan to tow large trailers. I would test drive all options you are considering.

David

[yogiyoda]

Thank you both!

[buggymancan]

I leaning toward the low roof with PThouse conversion. At 5'7", I think stand up and get around ok with the Pthouse down (and upper bed removed for daily driving). My only hesitation is with the mention of spring rattles, leaks. mis-alignment and less than quality workmanship of the PT top conversion by SMB.

Assuming the installation does go right (ill have my fingers crossed and plan to do a through inspection and before I drive away), what are the experiences by the forum in terms of wind noise, rattling etc. for those who have not experienced problems?

[ctb]

I own an Econoline SMB, but will eventually go to the Sprinter...I would have to say go with the penthouse!!! For what canoe said and how cool it is to sleep up in the 'upstairs.' The cool breezes, views, and ability to stand and talk to others without opening the doors (ok I was stretching there)...But you feel like a kid up top!

[hsjennings]

I have the high roof Sprinter and don't regret the choice over a penthouse model. When looking at the penthouse model at the factory I always bumped my head hard stepping into the van. Not so with the high roof. The only drawback to the high roof is that driving in high winds is a chore. High winds are a common occurrence in the Western US. I'm guessing the short roof with a penthouse is less affected by wind.

[k9sprinter]

Just so yo know
There are 3,OEM FACTORY roof height's for Sprinters
There is the low roof, high roof, and super high(mega) , the super high roof gives 9 more inches in height

[Onefin]

Originally Posted by buggymancan

. My only hesitation is with the mention of spring rattles, leaks. mis-alignment and less than quality workmanship of the PT top conversion by SMB.

Assuming the installation does go right (ill have my fingers crossed and plan to do a through inspection and before I drive away), what are the experiences by the forum in terms of wind noise, rattling etc. for those who have not experienced problems?

Get the high roof and avoid the potential quality issues caused by a SMB top install. We have a penthouse and I would give anything to go back in time and get a high roof instead.

If you do get a ph top, use the Texas or Indiana location vs. Fresno. They have a much better reputation for quality than Fresno.

[REF]

Don't have a sprinter, but I had a SMB pop top on our rig before swapping over to a CCV top, let's just say I wouldn't go back......