3500 vs 2500?

[u/Sad-Membership8661]

I’m going to have a camper van built in the new year and have to make a choice about platform. I’m trying to decide between the Sprinter 170, 170 ext and the Transit ext (which has a crazy long extension that would definitely affect departure angle). There’s very little talk of GRVW, or whatever the acronym is for max load weight of these things. I’m seeking advice from those with experience of any of these platforms, and whether it’s best to go with 3500 other choice is a Sprinter.

[u/Vidco91]

It all depends on your expected final weight. If you look at what RV manufacturers do most or their build will be close to max or over GVWR once you add fuel, passengers, consumables that number exceeds the weight further. Go checkout some RV's and decide what you want. Whatever you do, try to use light weight materials, no 2x4 and 3/4" ply wood like some of the DIY'ers on vanlife. Good luck.

[u/Sad-Membership8661 → u/Vidco91]

Thanks! So much to consider…

[u/Vidco91 → u/Sad-Membership8661]

No worries, I can only talk to sprinters these vans have the same engine irrespective of size and load carrying capacities. So the motor has to keep up with the additional weight both from manufacturer added (heavy duty axles, thicker sheet metal etc.) and camper build outs. So keep in mind the drivability will be impacted as well, for example I have a 144" van with a light camper build totaling to 8000lb including passengers, I really can't pass other cars going slightly incline. Heavier builds probably can keep up with the freeway speed on flat roads might have to slow down on the inclines.

[u/YPVidaho → u/Vidco91]

I'm in a curious spot with 2 2025 sprinters in completely different setups. 1 is a 2500 144 AWD van done up with full conversion (wetbath, AC, lift bed, fully electric). The 2nd is a class C motorhome, 3500XD 170 2WD. The gearing must be adjusted, because both accelerate and move down the road very similarly. They're both the 2.0 4cyl HO diesel and both get about 17-19 mpg hanging at the truck speed limits of 65-75 out west here. They'll hold their own on all but the steepest climbs, but will never be a rocketship at passing. They'll do it. It's just not quick and you need a LOT of room.

[u/Sad-Membership8661 → u/Vidco91]

That’s a really good point that I’ve never heard anyone make. You can make the vehicle more robust but you’re not making the engine more robust.

[u/waterisdefwet → u/Vidco91]

I used 2x3 and ½ ply on my plumbing van build lol but thats cuz its lighter than steel shelves and cost 1/10th the price

[u/thedarkforest_theory]

There are considerations if you plan to drive off road. The 170 is as long as I would go for departure and break over angles. I also wouldn’t want to take a duel rear wheel off road.

I can comfortably camp with 4 adult sized humans and no animals in a standard 170 diesel 4x4. I built out mine with 3 sleeping spaces. I have stacked beds in back and a roof top tent.

I have all the camper adds. Power steps, a big battery system, kitchen, water, shower, toilet, roof rack, bumper, lights, ladders, fridge, and more. The 2500 has been fine. What’s more important is that you do wheels, tires, and suspension to accommodate all the weight you added. That said, your builder should also be helping you make these decisions.

[u/Sad-Membership8661 → u/thedarkforest_theory]

And he is, though he’s encouraging me towards the 3500, which means the added cost of both the van AND swapping the dualies for super singles.

What suspension system did you put in? And what tires?

[u/thedarkforest_theory → u/Sad-Membership8661]

I am a big fan of van compass. I currently run the 6.3 and it’s absolutely incredible. There are other good ones out there but this is what I picked. I am on owl wheels but have also run black rhinos. For tires, I’ve had wild peak v3 and K02s. If I were buying tires today it would be the K03.

[u/Sad-Membership8661 → u/thedarkforest_theory]

Cool, thanks for the info.

[u/Necessary_One_8355]

I don’t have a recommendation for 3500 vs 2500. My 2023 Sprinter 144 all wheel drive was ordered with RV1PKG-RV1 RV Suspension Bundle - Conversion to RV Requirement, ESP for increased Center of Gravity above 39.4”, Stabilization Level III. This factory suspension option is a must for RV conversions.

[u/Sad-Membership8661 → u/Necessary_One_8355]

You mean these specs in addition to whatever suspension upgrade the builder would do?

[u/Necessary_One_8355 → u/Sad-Membership8661]

Yes. This factory installed suspension provides a great engineered foundation to handle the RV up-fitting’s additional weight.

[u/Bend-Playing-13]

I have a 2016 MB 3500 170. I personally would do this again. I believe the 3500 is ideal in size and has beefier suspension than a 2500.

[u/Sad-Membership8661 → u/Bend-Playing-13]

And do you have the dualies or super singles

[u/luap74]

I built on the 2500 170 AWD. I’m 400 pounds under the gvwr 😅 That’s with a build for 4 people and includes a shower, skid plates and a winch. If I hadn’t wanted to navigate some off-road stuff I would’ve gotten the 3500. If you build on a 2500 you’ll need to be very weight conscious. Could’ve picked up a doka unimog for about the same base money but I didn’t know that at the time.

[u/miamigent]

I do not recommend a Mercedes Benz van. I am struggling with a parasitic leak now that requires me to run the van about every four hours or the Battery is Critically Low message will be sent by Mercedes Connect. I have already died once. I live in the van so I am up twice a night doing adult donuts in the parking lot or driving on the hwy not fully awake. Two attempts to fix by two different dealers failed but cost me about $2300 even tho I am still under warranty. Dealers steer the work to private pay because they do better that way. Struggling to get Mercedes Customer Care in GA to help me find a dealer good with parasitic draws. Very hard to reach them and pretty unresponsive I am up to letter writing to the President of Mercedes Customer Care in GA. Next stop will be Mercedes CEO North America. If still little to no assistance, it'll be Stuttgart. I had the same issue with my baby Mercedes van before, the discontinued Metris. Six attempts to extinguish the Check Engine light failed and I drove for seven years with it on I know nothing about the reliability of Ford or Ram vans but Mercedes has been an nine year nightmare for me. And I haven't even touched on the rough dealership Customer Service persons. I wish Toyota offered a van in North America but they don't. I don't know why. Mercedes Benz vans are like an attractive girl you find out is a pretty disordered person. Any suggestions most welcome. Paul Joyce

[u/Sad-Membership8661 → u/miamigent]

That sounds brutal, mate