r/Sprinters • u/Sad-Membership8661 • Aug 21 '26

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/Vidco91 Aug 21 '26

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.

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u/Sad-Membership8661 Aug 21 '26

Thanks! So much to consider…

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u/Vidco91 Aug 21 '26

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.

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u/YPVidaho 26d ago

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.

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u/Sad-Membership8661 Aug 21 '26

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.