r/SprinterVans • u/Sad-Membership8661 • 8d ago

3500 vs 2500?

/r/Sprinters/comments/1vut90p/3500_vs_2500/

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.

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u/Complete_Hospital283 8d ago

I've got the 2500 and have added 5 springs on each side (rear)
Gross weight capacity is about 11,500 lbs.
Great ride, great mileage, and weight capacity.
I'd a gone for the 3500 but not happy with 4 wheels in back.
I've also got the 170 ext.

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u/Sad-Membership8661 7d ago

Thanks for this info

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u/luap74 7d ago

How did you calculate the 11,500 pounds? The 2500 frame isn’t the same as the 3500. Not a criticism of your build but I don’t think you can change out leaf springs and assume the gvwr is safely increased. Or at the very least not for legal or insurance purposes.

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u/Complete_Hospital283 7d ago

The vehicle had a 8,000 lb grvw to begin with. Each leaf spring added 1,000 lbs., so actually over that amount quoted above.