question about the Sprinter...

[ross]

Hello everyone,

I am looking into buying a Sprinter in January but would like to hear some opinion on which Sprinter should I go with, 2500 or 3500? If I go with 3500 which is a dually,(which means I'll build a sub-floor)does that mean I'll have a harder time getting loads. I need to know which Sprinter would give me more work. Thank you for your time.

 

[terryandrene]

>Hello everyone,
>
>I am looking into buying a Sprinter in January but would
>like to hear some opinion on which Sprinter should I go
>with, 2500 or 3500? If I go with 3500 which is a
>dually,(which means I'll build a sub-floor)does that mean
>I'll have a harder time getting loads. I need to know which
>Sprinter would give me more work. Thank you for your time.


I think that the most important concern with a Sprinter purchase is the GVWR. If you get a 3500, you'll have a greater cargo capacity but as you indicated, you'll need a substantial deck to accomodate the typical weight of a carrier's 2500 pound B load. Perhaps more substantail if you intend to load a 3500 to maximum capacity. Also if the GVWR is greater than 10,000 pounds, you may have a logging requirement. Additionally, you will have raised the van's center of gravity which might be a concern under some weather and/or driving conditions.

I have seen the sticker on the drivers door frame of three 2007 model 2500's high top extended vans and the maximum capacity indicated was 2875 which included cargo, occupants and any add-ons to the van. You would be well advised to check with your intended carrier to determine if the B loads you would be able to haul meets their requirements.

 

[RLENT]

Yeah - what Terry said ....

And another thing if you are considering building a raised deck to get around the narrow width between the wheelwells issue you might want to think twice - the track (the width from side to side between wheels/tires on the road) on my 2006 Sprinter 2500 is pretty narrow - this definitely affects vehicle handling and stability. I think they increased the track for the 2007's - but it still may be fairly narrow.

You are basically talking about raising Center of Gravity - and on a fully loaded vehicle with weight up that high it will increase your chance of a rollover significantly, when loaded and going around curves at speed. Probably less of an issue with the 3500 than with the 2500 - because of the 3500's dual rear wheels but potentially still an issue.

The owner at my previous carrier suggested doing a raised deck - I declined.

Randy
Bolt Express
Unit No. C148

 

[ross]

I forgot to mention that I am planning on purchasing a used Sprinter 2005 or 2006 model year and not the 07. I was thinking to get the 2500 because If I go with it, I would get more loads that are taller in height and I seen that as a positive because 3500 would be somewhat handicapped because of the floor build-up. But now it Sounds like you guys are telling me to go with the 3500, right? So does a standard size pallet fit between the wheel wells on the 2500 or not? I am simply looking for the Sprinter that would give me more work.

 

[terryandrene]

A standard pallet will fit between the wheel wells of a 2500, not the 3500. I wouldn't recommend the 3500 as a van that would satisfy all carriers' requirements. The 2500 will.

 

[RLENT]

Ditto.

 

[OTR07Career]

Hey am new in this too,:7 its a hard choice to make...but the 2500 SHC is the way to go if you just starting this....I picked this van too start out with then maybe later when money is right will purchase a 3500 SHC model and redo the inside so vehicle is even out.....with the dual you can haul more but they right the vehicles floor is high....so I found out to cut the wheel-hub out make it flat then add a heavy duty springs and 4-Heavy duty air-bag shocks to make the van even out ....this will help the rollover problem but remember to slow down on any curves and in bad weather take your time just because the spring and Air-shocks are there don't make you a SUPER van but help,all is on the driver............Wish you luck and be safe.....check with company you plan to work with first before you buy.....they have spec's to the vans of company rules......with this Merry Christmas and Happy New Years...

Frey's Hauling.
Chris