Sprinter
- Thread starter fccb
- Start date
Hey,
Good Luck on your new rig...
Is this a 2500 or 3500 unit (i.e. SRW or DRW )????
Dodge is promoting a cab/chassis unit in the 3500 series that can take a 12 to 14' box...
I'm curious as to what the duallies are getting...
Let us know how the truck performs after about 25K or 50k..which i when things will start to seat in ( internally )
Frank in Pa.
"The Beast in the East"
Good Luck on your new rig...
Is this a 2500 or 3500 unit (i.e. SRW or DRW )????
Dodge is promoting a cab/chassis unit in the 3500 series that can take a 12 to 14' box...
I'm curious as to what the duallies are getting...
Let us know how the truck performs after about 25K or 50k..which i when things will start to seat in ( internally )
Frank in Pa.
"The Beast in the East"
us_roadrunner
Expert Expediter
I also just got a Dodge Sprinter 2500 158"WB w/high roof. I'm just over 1,000 miles and my first couple of fuel mileage calculations came out to 21 mpg. Keep in mind I did not baby it. It was running pretty hard at highway speeds around 70 to 75mph. At slower speeds I suspect it will do even better. I will also keep everyone posted on how the Sprinter does for me.
Brian
aka us_roadrunner
Brian
aka us_roadrunner
I will add my 2 cents,
I have an '03 Sprinter
140" High Top 2500
138,000 miles and counting
I get 22.5 MPG and I run 70-75 MPH
Through Southern Ohio and Kentucky (hill country)
Loads from 1200# to 4500#
I was in the dealers today (oil change)
and I was also looking at the dually cab & chassis.
*Notes to new Sprinter Owners,
Tip from my mechanic, make sure you are in neutral
w/parking brake on when loading and unloading...
He said if the forklift bumps you w/tranny in park it is hard on the Transmission.
Also make certain when your Transmission is serviced that they use Mercedes
Transmission fluid, they did mine with a standard Transmission fluid, approved by Daimler & I started having a vibration at 48MPH/5th gear, Changed back to original Mercedes Transmission fluid, problem solved.
Wish I had keep the hood covered, mine is torn up with stone chips.
cheers
I have an '03 Sprinter
140" High Top 2500
138,000 miles and counting
I get 22.5 MPG and I run 70-75 MPH
Through Southern Ohio and Kentucky (hill country)
Loads from 1200# to 4500#
I was in the dealers today (oil change)
and I was also looking at the dually cab & chassis.
*Notes to new Sprinter Owners,
Tip from my mechanic, make sure you are in neutral
w/parking brake on when loading and unloading...
He said if the forklift bumps you w/tranny in park it is hard on the Transmission.
Also make certain when your Transmission is serviced that they use Mercedes
Transmission fluid, they did mine with a standard Transmission fluid, approved by Daimler & I started having a vibration at 48MPH/5th gear, Changed back to original Mercedes Transmission fluid, problem solved.
Wish I had keep the hood covered, mine is torn up with stone chips.
cheers
Twmaster
Expert Expediter
I saw a truck load of those new cab/chassis rigs the other day on I695 in Baltimore. Different looking to be sure.
Gojack, thanks for the info, it's about time somebody with lots of miles on a Sprinter popped in here.
What repairs have you had done to your Sprinter so far?
--
Mike N
Gojack, thanks for the info, it's about time somebody with lots of miles on a Sprinter popped in here.
What repairs have you had done to your Sprinter so far?
--
Mike N
Twmaster,
So far, knock on wood...
Repairs on Sprinter;
EGR Valve twice, once under warranty (silent recall?), once not.
Struts, Brakes, oil changes, tires, regular service stuff.
Hit a pheasant at 70 mph, that deactivated the auto door locks.
Lumbar support (pneumatic) Went out after only a couple weeks
took 6 months to replace seat, new on went out in 2 days
I gave up on that one.
about it I think.,
Dave
* Note replace brake pads before they grind the rotors
new pads rotors etc., $1000.00
So far, knock on wood...
Repairs on Sprinter;
EGR Valve twice, once under warranty (silent recall?), once not.
Struts, Brakes, oil changes, tires, regular service stuff.
Hit a pheasant at 70 mph, that deactivated the auto door locks.
Lumbar support (pneumatic) Went out after only a couple weeks
took 6 months to replace seat, new on went out in 2 days
I gave up on that one.
about it I think.,
Dave
* Note replace brake pads before they grind the rotors
new pads rotors etc., $1000.00
For 138K the repairs don't sound out of line, but those 1,000 dollar brake pads though!!! sheeesh! and what no water pump yet? *LOL*
So much for the dealer telling me 26 MPG! That must of been going downhill with a tail wind! ha!
So much for the dealer telling me 26 MPG! That must of been going downhill with a tail wind! ha!
Twmaster
Expert Expediter
>Yes, Sprinter costing more to maintain than I hoped.
>Been thinking about getting something else.
>Your GM? which one, MSRP?
>MPG? cargo box size and how much weight can you carry?
>what's your operating costs? (oil changes etc.,)
Right now I am likely not the best person to ask that question of as I am driving a near worn out Astro
On the Astro I run at about 24 cents per mile cost (that is the whole ball of wax including fuel, payment, insurance etc.)
I priced a new Chevrolet Express 3500 which had a 4000# cargo capacity, 249 CF of cargo space and was rated at 16 MPG combined. The truck I priced included a few creature comfort items like premium radio/CD player, chrome grille/bumpers and comfy seats and had an MSRP of $28500 but was quoted to me at $25000 after rebates, taxes tags, etc.
Now I know your Sprinter has lots more cargo space than the Express. That high top is a really neat feature. I also know from the other drivers at DX Baltimore that have Expresses they are indeed tough and other than maintenance like tires and such are basically trouble free until ~200K miles. A pair of new front rotors and pads should only cost ~$200 (or less if you shop around and to the work yourself) in parts on the Express. Fuel pumps seem to be the one thing that dies at between 135 and 200K miles. (I put one on Astro at 167K, same pump as the express uses).
Tony (teacel) has Chevys with ooodles of miles on them. He would likely be a better person to speak about the durability of the GM vans.
Sorry for the long reply. Hope this is some help. I am going to buy a new van this summer. Likely right after I sell my house and move.
--
Mike N
>Been thinking about getting something else.
>Your GM? which one, MSRP?
>MPG? cargo box size and how much weight can you carry?
>what's your operating costs? (oil changes etc.,)
Right now I am likely not the best person to ask that question of as I am driving a near worn out Astro
On the Astro I run at about 24 cents per mile cost (that is the whole ball of wax including fuel, payment, insurance etc.)
I priced a new Chevrolet Express 3500 which had a 4000# cargo capacity, 249 CF of cargo space and was rated at 16 MPG combined. The truck I priced included a few creature comfort items like premium radio/CD player, chrome grille/bumpers and comfy seats and had an MSRP of $28500 but was quoted to me at $25000 after rebates, taxes tags, etc.
Now I know your Sprinter has lots more cargo space than the Express. That high top is a really neat feature. I also know from the other drivers at DX Baltimore that have Expresses they are indeed tough and other than maintenance like tires and such are basically trouble free until ~200K miles. A pair of new front rotors and pads should only cost ~$200 (or less if you shop around and to the work yourself) in parts on the Express. Fuel pumps seem to be the one thing that dies at between 135 and 200K miles. (I put one on Astro at 167K, same pump as the express uses).
Tony (teacel) has Chevys with ooodles of miles on them. He would likely be a better person to speak about the durability of the GM vans.
Sorry for the long reply. Hope this is some help. I am going to buy a new van this summer. Likely right after I sell my house and move.
--
Mike N
Twmaster
Expert Expediter
183K as of this morning. Still runs strong, great oil pressure, no noise or smoke. The biggest problems I have are brake issues. This van is just not stout enough for the hard use we put on our rides. Otherwise besides being small it has been a good little truck.
--
Mike N
--
Mike N
gjack...*lol* I meant to say rotors...but if thats 4 all around that ain't so bad, cost me about 500 just for fronts pads and rotors.
Is the Sprinter Disc front and drums on rear?
Is the Sprinter Disc front and drums on rear?
>On the Astro I run at about 24 cents per mile cost (that is
>the whole ball of wax including fuel, payment, insurance
>etc.)
Mike, 24 cents per mile cost seems a little high for a minivan
I figure my Sprinter at .23 and expect it will wear out between 500-700,000 miles
(.083 payment, .068 fuel .055 maintaince .025 insurance=.23c/mile)
Thats based on my 2003 numbers, 72,000 miles, & $1.50/gal.
>Now I know your Sprinter has lots more cargo space than the
>Express. That high top is a really neat feature.
Mike I am not an expediter, but a local pick up and delivery guy, so I don't know how much this matters,
but I find that the high top and long bed of the Sprinter is my major money maker.,
We have an account that is delivering soft drink coolers to little mom and pop stores, The coolers are 52" tall, 24" square, I pick up 8-10 of them and deliver them at 75$ each + a dollar a mile, that equals a +/-$1,000 day with about 350 miles (22$ fuel cost) Another guy here is running a Chevy Express, he can only fit 2 coolers, so he is doing about $ 450 w/about $ 32 fuel cost., Adds up you know.
Don't discount size to much,
I can stack skids and squeeze in 6 skids in a pinch. I can also carry 12' steel, I get called a couple times a week to pick up something that an Express van cannot carry.
Does piss off some of the other drivers. smilie(':9')( we get paid an extra .05c/# over 500#)
I have several customers who request me by name, they like the easy loading and unloading of the Sprinter, a couple customers have told me the Sprinter is more professional looking and reflects better on their company.
I am looking to replace the Sprinter, maybe a Sprinter Cab Chassis w/14' box
or something bigger., jury is still out. Open for suggestions.
Also sorry for the long post but one long one deserves another
:9 :9
>the whole ball of wax including fuel, payment, insurance
>etc.)
Mike, 24 cents per mile cost seems a little high for a minivan
I figure my Sprinter at .23 and expect it will wear out between 500-700,000 miles
(.083 payment, .068 fuel .055 maintaince .025 insurance=.23c/mile)
Thats based on my 2003 numbers, 72,000 miles, & $1.50/gal.
>Now I know your Sprinter has lots more cargo space than the
>Express. That high top is a really neat feature.
Mike I am not an expediter, but a local pick up and delivery guy, so I don't know how much this matters,
but I find that the high top and long bed of the Sprinter is my major money maker.,
We have an account that is delivering soft drink coolers to little mom and pop stores, The coolers are 52" tall, 24" square, I pick up 8-10 of them and deliver them at 75$ each + a dollar a mile, that equals a +/-$1,000 day with about 350 miles (22$ fuel cost) Another guy here is running a Chevy Express, he can only fit 2 coolers, so he is doing about $ 450 w/about $ 32 fuel cost., Adds up you know.
Don't discount size to much,
I can stack skids and squeeze in 6 skids in a pinch. I can also carry 12' steel, I get called a couple times a week to pick up something that an Express van cannot carry.
Does piss off some of the other drivers. smilie(':9')( we get paid an extra .05c/# over 500#)
I have several customers who request me by name, they like the easy loading and unloading of the Sprinter, a couple customers have told me the Sprinter is more professional looking and reflects better on their company.
I am looking to replace the Sprinter, maybe a Sprinter Cab Chassis w/14' box
or something bigger., jury is still out. Open for suggestions.
Also sorry for the long post but one long one deserves another
:9 :9
Twmaster
Expert Expediter
>>On the Astro I run at about 24 cents per mile cost (that is
>>the whole ball of wax including fuel, payment, insurance
>>etc.)
>
>Mike, 24 cents per mile cost seems a little high for a
>minivan
>I figure my Sprinter at .23 and expect it will wear out
>between 500-700,000 miles
>(.083 payment, .068 fuel .055 maintaince .025
>insurance=.23c/mile)
>Thats based on my 2003 numbers, 72,000 miles, & $1.50/gal.
I am not running the large amount of miles per day as I was earlier this year so my per mile will be a tad high. (about 125 miles per day presently) I would be running more but for reasons I think are inappropriate to go into here.
>>Now I know your Sprinter has lots more cargo space than the
>>Express. That high top is a really neat feature.
>
>Mike I am not an expediter, but a local pick up and delivery
>guy, so I don't know how much this matters,
>but I find that the high top and long bed of the Sprinter is
>my major money maker.,
Right. Same here for me presently. I'll agree with you there. Space = $$$.
>I have several customers who request me by name, they like
>the easy loading and unloading of the Sprinter, a couple
>customers have told me the Sprinter is more professional
>looking and reflects better on their company.
The Sprinter is indeed slick looking.
>I am looking to replace the Sprinter, maybe a Sprinter Cab
>Chassis w/14' box or something bigger., jury is still out. Open for
>suggestions.
I am starting to have problems with my right knee and the close quarters of Astro and vans in general have me thinking of a 1 ton truck like a Silverado or F-350 with a 10-16 foot box.
My concerns would be about motor life on a cab/chassis Sprinter with a 14 foot box. Just seems like too much for a 2.7L motor to me.
--
Mike N
>>the whole ball of wax including fuel, payment, insurance
>>etc.)
>
>Mike, 24 cents per mile cost seems a little high for a
>minivan
>I figure my Sprinter at .23 and expect it will wear out
>between 500-700,000 miles
>(.083 payment, .068 fuel .055 maintaince .025
>insurance=.23c/mile)
>Thats based on my 2003 numbers, 72,000 miles, & $1.50/gal.
I am not running the large amount of miles per day as I was earlier this year so my per mile will be a tad high. (about 125 miles per day presently) I would be running more but for reasons I think are inappropriate to go into here.
>>Now I know your Sprinter has lots more cargo space than the
>>Express. That high top is a really neat feature.
>
>Mike I am not an expediter, but a local pick up and delivery
>guy, so I don't know how much this matters,
>but I find that the high top and long bed of the Sprinter is
>my major money maker.,
Right. Same here for me presently. I'll agree with you there. Space = $$$.
>I have several customers who request me by name, they like
>the easy loading and unloading of the Sprinter, a couple
>customers have told me the Sprinter is more professional
>looking and reflects better on their company.
The Sprinter is indeed slick looking.
>I am looking to replace the Sprinter, maybe a Sprinter Cab
>Chassis w/14' box or something bigger., jury is still out. Open for
>suggestions.
I am starting to have problems with my right knee and the close quarters of Astro and vans in general have me thinking of a 1 ton truck like a Silverado or F-350 with a 10-16 foot box.
My concerns would be about motor life on a cab/chassis Sprinter with a 14 foot box. Just seems like too much for a 2.7L motor to me.
--
Mike N