Mercedes Sprinter vs Ford Transit vs Ram Promaster - A Brief Comparison For Conversion Van Platfrom

[rangerider]

I have the 2020 Ford high roof AWD. I like mine. I thought about getting a Mercedes Sprinter van but getting repairs done on one was what changed my mind.

[richarddonegan]

Great job Sir. I got the 2021 Ram Pro Master in 2022. Runs excellent after l put fuel stabilizer, K&N air filter, Hurricane, Catch Can.... And Gear Box anti friction additive....😮....

[bjorntorsten]

I have the 2014 Sprinter 2.1 diesel with 310, 000 miles on it. I get 28 mpg in mixed driving mostly in city. I have one thing to say about the sprinter it has a very soft ride when built out, it rides like my old 1968 Buick and everyone I drive it it just brings back the days in my Buick. Not many people (in fact I never saw anyone say this about the ride) but it’s very comfortable for a van. Not sure about the ford or ram never drove them fully laden.

[lindasteller]

I'm going with the Ford Transit, with a lift kit and bigger tires. AWD for going out in the back country.

[CompassCustomCreations]

Well done sir! You nailed the pro's and cons of each of them. I've been driving a 2020 148" MR Transit as my personal work vehicle for 3 years now, I LOVE it! As I think about what I want in a Camper Van, I simply won't consider either the Sprinter or the Promaster. I've driven the Promaster and been involved in the management of fleets that included Sprinters. I was not impressed with the handling, ride, or acceleration the the Promaster; the Sprinters cost a fortune to repair and maintain. My Transit is fun to drive and will carry my tools and cargo easily. My intent is to go with the Transit Trail.

[javabean]

I believe the Promaster is significantly wider than the Sprinter or Transit, which gives you a bit more elbow room inside. The lower floor with the same ground clearance is a plus as well for the Promaster. The biggest downside to the Promaster is the FWD only, which can make it a no-go for a large customer base.

[emptyoften]

Nice comparison but one thing: just because a town has a dealership doesn't mean that the dealership will service your van. I've driver coast to coast with my 2023 Ford Transit and only found one Ford dealer in Indiana that was willing to give me the first oil change on my van let alone fix any of the warranty issues I've found. All the others told me no, the minute they heard it was a converted camper van--even by a Ford-certified camper converter. So, so much for picking a vehicle based on a wider dealer network, which is why I ended up with this bucket of loose bolts and plastic bits. And the fit and finish is abysmal. Light, wind and even water comes the doors. Inside, some of the vinyl and plastic bits have wide gaps between them. They should hire some Lego engineers for lessons in what can be accomplished in fit and finish with plastic. And the ride: better than a bucking bronco if you restrict your driving to very smooth roads and take curves very, very slowly. (Only truckers driving semis appreciate that speed--and even some of them don't.) The driver's seat is OK, but I don't have any back issues so even for long distance driving I could probably sit on a rock and be fine.

[adamloughran]

Ram is a bit wider and better for van RV conversions.

[rockybear]

I have a 2016 sprinter 4x4 diesel 20010 kilometers and still very happy

[jaytabac]

what is the width of the ford transit at the back where the bed would go? i am 5'9" and am wondering if i would still one able to sleep east to west after the insulation and walls are built out.

[gofy]

Just checked out the new 2024 Trail, and BOUGHT a new Mercedes High Roof AWD Diesel. The Mercedes is nicer fit and finish. the technology is outstanding on the MB, the cameras, gauges, fit and finish, the quality of the seats, the door panels, headliner, EVERYTHING on the Mercedes is nicer...and just about the same price. The ford is like an Amazon delivery van, with a eco boost engine in it. That's it. It is no way worth 70k+ for a ford cargo van. The MB ride and handling, superb. The high output diesel is peppy, and plenty of torque. Maybe you're not gonna pull with it, but that's not the purpose. I got 22mpg on my first tank, my friend with a Trail got 15. that is also ridiculous. Don't be fooled by the "what about repairs", come on...Mercedes diesel vs a Ford gas motor?? Longevity, reliability, ...."dealer network". Having owned Ford trucks in the past, you'd better have a good dealer network. Buy the MB.

[ondrejhavelka]

What is a width difference in RAM in the middle and as it gets closer to ceiling? I would like to build bed lift and sleep from side to side

[bgzwlz]

I don’t really know much about the differences, however when I looked (2024?) up the exterior height of the Ram Promaster 1500 high roof it was 103.6” and the Ford Transit Med Roof LWB was 101.3”, and the Ford high roof LWB was 109.6”. So You must be comparing the Ram Promaster to the Ford high roof but there should only be a 6” exterior height difference not a foot as you described, even though the Ram looked so much shorter than the Ford in the video?

[thomasjml]

The Mercedes has the best look in my opinion. I will never buy Mopar for personal reasons. And I just can’t deal with a weak power train so Ford is my choice. Plus I like in the USA and used Transit vans are easier to purchase and maintain.

[logophile]

Thank you for sharing your thoughts. If you lived near a Mercedes dealer, would you suggest a Sprinter?

[jamesboardman]

Ive looke into all three, man the conversion companys, seem to not care about the weight they are adding, and the position of the weight, go rent one before you buy

[adrianrussell]

Not a 4 cylinder Diesel get the 6 cylinder
The 4 is flat no power if you’re carrying goods

[jamesboardman]

Go rent one, rent a cargo model put a shit load of bagged sand ( or whatever) then see how you like it, plus you can drive it like you stole it, rentals baby

[johnrobertson]

Nice to see you sharing your views....but please dont wobble back and forth so much, I was getting dizzy watching you. Also, when you mentioned the load floor of the Ram, why did you immediately start talking about driving thru dense forests? What does loading height have to do with overhead clearance?

[ivankorth]

Whatever your viewers do, plz stay away from the unreliable Ram, horrible resale .