2007 Sprinter Model

[Moot]

After reading about the 2007 Sprinter I became curious as to MB's choice of GVW ratings. Especially the gap between 8,500# and 10,140#. 10,140# what's with that. The weigh station issue aside, most states registration fees increase dramatically above the 10,000# threshold. An additional expense not only for expediters but for local delivery companies, tradespersons and anybody needing a heavy duty van.

Why not market a van at just under the 10,000# GVWR. For expediters and plumbers this set-up would allow us to put in everything plus the kitchen sink and even haul some freight.

Am I missing something? (other than a load today) Is this some perverse metric conversion? Facts or conjecture welcome. What do you think?

 

[LDB]

Doesn't make any sense to change it from the 9990# they had before although the big shot making 12x a reasonable salary probably thinks it does. If Ford brings their van over even one pound below 10,001 they'll likely become the expediter of choice. This makes the Aerocell's all the more logical and best choice.

Leo Bricker, owner trucks 3034, 4958
OOIDA 677319
73's K5LDB
Highway Watch Participant, Truckerbuddy
EO Forum Moderator
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[greg334]

Moot, you answered why, “most states registration fees increase dramatically above the 10,000# thresholdâ€. It is all about the Benjamins.

 

[bryan]

HI
Sure wish they would of asked us what we wanted in an expedite van.As for the weight I imagine it is the weight of the vehicle plus 3500lbs of cargo.They probably couldn't reduce the weight of the vehicle and they figure since a Ford and a Chevy can haul 3500lbs then they would to.They probably never gave the 10001lb rule a thought.

I bet next year they will get it right.After UPS and FedEx start getting pulled into the scales DC will hear about it.And as soon as the DOT finds out they will start scaling them just to make the easy money.Which could hurt FedEx's presidential safty award.Which will really hurt DC's stock.WOW this could be a really costly mistake.

 

[Moot]

Greg,

The Benjamins? Are you referring to the couple down the street with the little bonde haired kid with the perpetual stream of snot running down from his nose. They have a minivan. Or are we talk'in dead presidents here?

 

[FIS53]

Well when you buy it make the registration for 9999#. I know a couple ppl who have registered their buggys under the vehicle rated just to avoid the hassles with the higher rating. Although does your state allow for that?
Rob Fis

 

[Moot]

I just looked at my tags (Minnesota). 12,000# GVW. The manufacture's GVW rating is 9,600#. So I guess my declared GVW is 12,000# but I could not exceed 9,600# because that's the manufacturer's maximum. Technically then I am required to scale even in states that say "...over 10,000 must enter scale" I think I just opened a new can-o-worms. A uniform federal standard would simplify this. Maybe?

My tag also has something about 10,000 lakes. ?????????????????

 

[MSinger]

It is my understanding that they are only concerned with the manufacturer's GVWR which is posted inside the driver's door. If it is 10,001 and higher you better have a DOT # on the door, a log book and a DOT medical card. This comes from a very distinguished Kentucky Vehicle Enforcement Officer.

 

[MSinger]

I think someone at the DOT is in DC's back pocket. When the Sprinter 3500 cab/chassis first came out it had a 9990# GVWR just like the Sprinter 3500 cargo van. Then sometime in the 2004 model year the 3500 cab/chassis mysteriously became labeled as a 10,200 GVWR. Woo hoo 210# extra capacity. I'd much rather not have the hassle of logbooks, scales, blah, blah, blah.
GM seems to be the only manufacturer who has it right. They still make a G-3500 DRW van cutaway with a 10,000 GVWR. They are hard to find but they can be had. If you are in the used market check out a used Penske GM 15' cube van. These all have the 10K GVWR. The Supreme Corp website also lists some of these chassis if you are in the new market. Some even have the Duramax diesel option.

 

[LDB]

I just read the article on the 2007 model on the homepage. It states: The Sprinter is offered in three basic gross vehicle weight ratings - approx. 6,600, 7,700 and 11,000 pounds - but 8,500 and 10,140 pound GVW ratings can also be spec'd, according to the company.

I find it very curious that with standard capacities of 6600, 7700 and 11000 their options are 8500 and 10140. How in the world did they not make the "options" 8500 and 9990? Someone at DC has made a major blunder.

They've done some good things with the much nicer dashboard and height/length changes but the gvw decisions are a huge mistake.

Leo Bricker, owner trucks 4958, 5447
OOIDA 677319
73's K5LDB
Highway Watch Participant, Truckerbuddy
EO Forum Moderator
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Support the entire Constitution, not just the parts you like.