Mercedes Sprinter Chassis

[Gladinwj]

Originally Posted by Yaktop

Ok. Striking out the Ford comments looks like the Sprinter chassis is not modified. Most likely not the hitch. I like that since although the top house is where most of the problems are there’s nothing better than a strong foundation. �� thanks for the input.

The Compass 24TX (a MB Sprinter) is modified. The frame is extended I'm guessing about 3 or 4 feet in the rear.

[Gladinwj]

Whoever did the job of adding the extension didn't do a great job. One of the bolts for the frame extension was not tightened. Unrelated, but more troubling was the propane hose hanging low below the coach, and it was loosely held up with a long piece of HDMI cable.

[Chance]

This was not the original question asked, but many have expressed curiosity about Sprinter offerings. While I’m certainly no expert on subject, I’ll share some general facts I’ve noticed that prospective buyers may want to research in more detail.

Mercedes upgraded/redesigned the Sprinter van for 2019, and differences may be worth waiting for. Or not — it’s very subjective. A lot of information is available directly from Mercedes.

Wheelbase are 144 and 170 as before. The vast majority of US motorhomes are built on 170” wheelbase. Note on pictures that the rear frame overhang is short from factory. They are designed to have extensions bolted on depending on required length.

[Chance]

A major change for 2019 I’d look into if considering a Sprinter (and I’m not) is that they now offer a 4500 model with 5,500 kg GVWR, whereas before it was limited to the 3500 model with 5,000 kg GVWR. That difference is about 1,100 pounds of added payload, which may come in handy if motorhome is on heavy side due to size, number or size of slides, holding tanks, diesel generator, etc.

Maximum GVWR goes up from 11,030 to 12,125 pounds in American.

Also note that for 2019 the diesel’s transmission is a 7-speed. All combined these changes are a lot to consider.

[Bob Denman]

I agree: the changes for 2019 look to have very practical benefits to RVers.

[Hooligan2]

The Thor/Sprinter chassis is extended beyond the end of the normal frame by Morryde. It is not stretched to increase the wheelbase. Looking underneath, the original frame (white) ends just behind the spare tire carrier the extension overlaps the OEM frame and extends about 40+ inches and includes the hitch assembly.
edit: class C units