Freightdawg
Expert Expediter
What are the Pros and Cons of a 3500? I know the distance between the wheel wells is narrow, and rear wheels are duals, but what else?
Sprinter 3500
- Thread starter Freightdawg
- Start date
The 3500 gives you as much as 2000 pounds additional cargo capacity, and another 1500 pounds of towing capacity. A few replacement parts are different, like suspension and brake parts for the 3500 are more expensive than the 2500.
But it's that narrow wheel well that's the problem when hauling expedite. You have to either modify the wheel wells, or raise the floor, which not only kills the advantage of having the higher roof, but also raises the center of gravity making it easier to roll the thing when loaded.
But it's that narrow wheel well that's the problem when hauling expedite. You have to either modify the wheel wells, or raise the floor, which not only kills the advantage of having the higher roof, but also raises the center of gravity making it easier to roll the thing when loaded.
Jack_Berry
Moderator Emeritus
which year 3500? the early gen 3500 had a gvrw of 9990# and just needed the wheel well housing lopped off and a flat piece installed. the later trucks were plated for over 10k and that eliminated them from van service.
greg334 recently posted the model i refer to as '0 10 can he had at 9990# gvrw like the early series. maybe you want one with a frito lay/sun chips box on the back and a curb door to your private space? then there is no floor problem.
greg334 recently posted the model i refer to as '0 10 can he had at 9990# gvrw like the early series. maybe you want one with a frito lay/sun chips box on the back and a curb door to your private space? then there is no floor problem.
IMHO, assuming you're looking at 10k# and under, today's 3500 doesn't net you enough additional cargo capacity over the 2500 to justify the lower fuel mileage.
Year 2005/06 2500's provide better ccc and mileage over current 2500's, at half the cost of new. Carriers may not accept a vehicle over five years old, however.
Year 2005/06 2500's provide better ccc and mileage over current 2500's, at half the cost of new. Carriers may not accept a vehicle over five years old, however.
Many carriers that say they will not accept over five years will. You have to show them it is in good shape and reliable but many can be convinced.
That's what I'm hoping, xiggi.
PS: If any of you sprinters near Dallas are willing to check out a 2006 for sale, I'll cover your dh miles...
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OK heres a question i Can answer because i have a 2005 sprinter 3500. You cant cut off the wheel wells because it only gives you 47 and 1/2 inches between the wheel wells. I had to put a sub floor in it and I can carry 3500 lbs of cargo capacity. But that does give you door to door coverage.
Freightdawg
Expert Expediter
What would be the problem with using a pallet dolly blocked up to get between the wheel wells? True, you would lose the height on the front pallet, but a second pallet should fit on the floor. I think a 48x48 pallet would fit on the floor behind the wheel wells in an extended 3500 Sprinter. On one of the airplanes I have flown, we use a pallet dolly, with blocks to lift the pallet over wheel wells where the gear retracts. It just looks like a 3500 would allow you to not worry so much about the weight of your sleeper and gear, and still be able to carry a descent load.
And yes, I did mean to compare a 2500 Sprinter with a 3500 Sprinter. Apparently I did not word it correctly.
And yes, I did mean to compare a 2500 Sprinter with a 3500 Sprinter. Apparently I did not word it correctly.
Freightdawg
Expert Expediter
The 2010 3500 Sprinter is available in a 9990# GVW version.
What's it weigh? You'll have to haul it with you.
Freightdawg
Expert Expediter
Each pallet dolly weighs about 40 pounds.
If I understand you, you'd also need a pallet jack to lift the pallet to the forward position. Seems like more trouble than a subfloor across the entire bed, but then you're talking to a newbie.
I do like the idea of laying dollies flat on the floor of the 2500 to roll the forward pallet into position, if the pallet could be readily secured.
I do like the idea of laying dollies flat on the floor of the 2500 to roll the forward pallet into position, if the pallet could be readily secured.
This is the third or forth time you have used the term ccc. At the risk of sounding ignorant, which has never stopped me from posting before, what does ccc stand for?
Freightdawg
Expert Expediter
Actually, we use pallet dollies that the pallet just sits on and into place, like the one this company makes,
Stromberg - 4000 lb. Capacity Aluminum Pallet Dollies | Material Flow & Conveyor Systems Inc.
We strap the load down while still on the dolly. They come in various sizes and the smaller width would go between the wheel wells in the Sprinter. You would have to use some blocks of wood or something to get the correct height to get above the wheel wells. Looks like this would be easier than building up the floor. I strap them fore and aft, then over the top. Never have had any movement problems in the airpane, but then again, I don't shy away from using straps.
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So you have the 48x42 dolly with a foot-high buildup of some sort onto which the pallet is placed. You strap it all together and roll it forward between the wheelhouses. Is that it? The cg seems high, but it's doable, I suppose...
The would be the alternative van, in my book, to the Sprinter brand. Do a test drive of the Sprinter before you decide.