Need some help deciding what to get

[mikracer]

Originally Posted by KTMRIDER

You could start with a Passenger/window van that has factory front and rear AC/heat. Do not underestimate how important this can be to comfort in hot and cold climates. If it has a 4x4 conversion like a Quadvan, UJOINT, Quigley or agile even better. If Quigley get the agile RIP kit.If you don’t truly need 4x4 get the Weldtech lift setup and potentially a locker in the rear.

I would look for the 2005 and newer V10 first for the great transmission, 5.4 second, 7.3 third and 6.0 last. I have owned the first three motors so I have experience and have friends with the 6.0. When the 6.0 is bulletproofed properly and everything is working it’s nice but just seems to have a lot of potential issues. Some friends have had almost no issues and others a ton. 5.4 vs 7.3 depends on use case they are both good.

Then use the van and do some testing on setup options based on how YOU would use it. You can build cardboard fake cabinets and things to see how much space.if you live in cold climates a hard top is hard to beat with room to always stand and it keeps the heat in. The pop-top is great for So Cal or warmer weather because you can get fantastic airflow and cool the van. I have had both and like both just depends on your needs.

Agree the Chevy vans are also nice especially with the Duramax motor.

If what KTMRIDER posted interests you at all, I'll be listing my 2005 E350, V10, Agile offroad 4x4 conversion pretty soon. Its a passenger van (no build out) with the Chateau package which has second row captains and a third row bench. Also has aluminess rack, tire carrier, and ladder. Message me if this is something you would be interested in. Its not listed yet as my new van is getting the 4x4 conversion in a couple weeks so I'll be driving this for another month or so.

[bisonthecruiser]

Where was this thread when I bought my van what feels like $100k & 1000 hours ago.

[Fitz]

There hasn't been much Sprinter love here, so I guess I'd better chime in.....

Having had (not van's) multiple 4x4's in the past (International, Land Rover, Ford & Chevrolet), I went through a lot of this same soul searching when faced with the same decision when I purchased the Sprinter new back in 2016. Since then the van has had to be towed a total of one time (which I consider acceptable) in the 100k miles we have driven it. We just finished a 6k+ mile trip that saw temps swing from 10 to 77 degrees and the van ran flawlessly while comfortably delivering 15.7 mpg.

Is the Sprinter (or a Transit) for everyone? Absolutely not, and for many of the well-articulated reasons listed above. Would I like to put the DEF system behind me? Indeed yes, but emissions controls are just a fact of life and I have learned to deal with it. Can the Sprinter go the places a full size 4x4 converted van can go? Not a chance, but I have been very surprised at the places this van has taken us and how capable it is with its factory 4x4 system.

The bottom line? I love 'em all, no matter who they are made by. Figure out what works best for you at this point in your life and then great out there and use it!