![]() ![]() This system is not as hearty as a traditional four-wheel drive, but it’s a big step up from the regular 2wd Transit, which is rear-wheel drive. Because the computer on these Sprinters is so complicated, most regular mechanics won’t touch them, leaving the dealer as your only option when you have an issue.įor the first time in 2020, the Ford Transit came out in an all-wheel-drive version. ![]() It’s expensive, but so is the maintenance. Sprinter van warrantyįor anyone purchasing a Sprinter, I highly recommend the extended warranty. If you plan to do a lot of city driving, are only 1-2 people, and are doing van life part-time, then the 144” might be the way to go. Driving my 170″ Sprinter on Colorado’s backroads We also choose to avoid busy cities with crowded streets as the stress simply isn’t worth it. With that said, we have rallied our 170” Sprinter all over the mountains of Colorado, and good driving skills go a long way. You just have to be a bit more careful with the 170” wheelbase on tight turns and steep terrain. The two wheelbases are very similar in the way they drive and both are highly maneuverable. The extra storage and living space have more than made up for the minor inconvenience of having a larger vehicle. This was my first 144″ Sprinter Vanįor full-time living, I have been very happy with the 170” wheelbase. ![]() Here is a detailed blog post I wrote comparing and contrasting my experience with the two lengths. There is also a 170” extended version, but that length is not very common. My first Sprinter was the 144” wheelbase and my second Sprinter was the 170” wheelbase which provides about 3 1/2 extra feet of living space. If you’re settled on the Sprinter van as the best van for van life, you next have to decide whether you want the 144″ or the 170″ wheelbase Sprinter. ![]() For other opinions, I’ll share some links in the resources section at the end of this post for you to explore. With all that said, I have been very impressed with the performance of my 4 wheel drive Sprinter and would choose to get the 4×4 upgrade if I were to get another one. If you don’t plan on off-roading or spending a lot of time in the snow, then the 2 wheel drive Sprinter should be adequate for you. In the past, there has been a limited supply of 4×4 Sprinters, so you may have to wait 6-9 months to get one once you place your order.The stock Sprinter suspension isn’t really made for off-roading, so if that’s something you want to do in your 4×4 Sprinter, you’ll likely want to consider the additional cost of a suspension upgrade.I get about 13-16 mpg in my current Sprinter, while many 2wd V4 Sprinters are reported to get 20 miles per gallon or more They are significantly less gas efficient than the 2wd version.4×4 Sprinters hold their value when it comes to resale.The 4×4 Sprinter has a 4″ higher clearance than the standard 2 wheel drive Sprinter (and there’s even more clearance with the 2019 model).The Sprinter is currently one of the only van options that has a factory 4×4 option available.Sprinters are expensive to begin with, but the 4×4 upgrade comes with an even heftier price tag and a couple of its own pros and cons to consider. Many mechanics won’t work on them (partially because of the complex computer system), so you are stuck paying dealer prices.They operate on a complex computer system.They are expensive off the bat and are expensive to maintain.While I love my Sprinter and still think they are one of the best vans for van life, they do have a few cons: Unless you’re very tall, most people can stand up inside.Compared to the other panel vans, Sprinters have a higher payload than the Transit or the Promaster, which means it can handle more weight in the interior of the van.Pre-2008 Sprinters don’t require diesel exhaust fluid (DEF).They are available in diesel, which means a 400k+ mile lifetime.They are available in both a 144″ and 170″ wheelbase for different size options.They get good gas mileage for a vehicle of their size (20+ mpg for the 2 wheel drive option, 13-16 mpg in the 4×4 option).Here are some of the pros of Sprinter vans: The Sprinter is one of the best vans for van life if it’s within your budget. Pros and cons of Sprinter vans Sprinter Van Pros ![]()
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