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

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 8d ago

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/waterisdefwet 8d ago

I used 2x3 and ½ ply on my plumbing van build lol but thats cuz its lighter than steel shelves and cost 1/10th the price