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Old 09-12-2017, 07:35 PM   #1
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Default Aktiv style layout on MB Sprinter Chassis?

I'm a fan of the overall Aktiv layout, but want to semi-regularly tow a boat with our Class-B, and the beefier MB Sprinter chassis seems a must.

Does anyone know of a layout like this on the Benz platform?
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Old 09-12-2017, 07:44 PM   #2
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Bed length on a Sprinter could be a limit sleeping crosswise, Sprinters are narrower than PMs.
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Old 09-12-2017, 08:32 PM   #3
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Default Bed Layout

Good point -- we're not fixed on sleeping cross-wise though. The interesting bit is the tradeoffs up front, including the wider seat behind the driver + table.
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Old 09-13-2017, 03:19 AM   #4
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The upcoming (1 week away) Winnebago Sprinter Adventure van will have the Aktiv style layout (if it is close to the design of the concept vehicle). For sideways sleeping they have the bump out sides in the rear of the Sprinter. To be released in about a week from what I understand.

Winnebago's Concept Adventure Vehicle is ready to rough it
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Old 09-13-2017, 01:58 PM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by IrishRogue View Post
I'm a fan of the overall Aktiv layout, but want to semi-regularly tow a boat with our Class-B, and the beefier MB Sprinter chassis seems a must.

Does anyone know of a layout like this on the Benz platform?
Safari Condo Sprinter XL Flex has that layout.
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Old 09-13-2017, 02:01 PM   #6
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There is also no question that a Transit would pull anything you want, too, so you may want to look at them also.
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Old 09-13-2017, 02:32 PM   #7
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Looked like an Activ type toilet cassette in the back of that new Winnebago...

I can see complaints about that in seconds...
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Old 09-14-2017, 03:01 AM   #8
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It will be interesting to see how the new concept van compares to the old one. They flirted with the idea of taking that one to production, but chickened out. Now supposedly they are moving ahead. So what they changed to validate that decision will be extremely interesting with what it reveals about their view of the marketplace.
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Old 09-15-2017, 12:12 AM   #9
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BOOSTER: Transit chassis isn't' as burly as the MB sprinters.... GCWR is ~2000 lbs higher on the Benz--and the unloaded weights are more like 500 lbs lighter on the Transit. That's 1500# of additional towing capacity on the Benz, and I'm on the upper end of 5000# towing... Can't make the numbers pencil on the Transit, LMK if you can!
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Old 09-15-2017, 12:23 AM   #10
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.

The Ford Transit diesel does not make sense.

The 3.5L ecoboost gas engine performs much better.
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Old 09-15-2017, 12:28 AM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by IrishRogue View Post
BOOSTER: Transit chassis isn't' as burly as the MB sprinters.... GCWR is ~2000 lbs higher on the Benz--and the unloaded weights are more like 500 lbs lighter on the Transit. That's 1500# of additional towing capacity on the Benz, and I'm on the upper end of 5000# towing... Can't make the numbers pencil on the Transit, LMK if you can!
I don't have all the numbers on them, but one thing we have seen on many of the different class b vans is that they just list the towing weight for them the same as if there was no heavy conversion done, and once converted would have trouble with that kind of weight.

I am with BBQ, though, the Ecoboost should out tow the Sprinter or the transit diesel big time. How heavy are you looking to tow?
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Old 09-15-2017, 01:28 AM   #12
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Yeah, even the ecoboost versions are held back by GCWR's around 13000# -- unless I'm reading things incorrectly?
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Old 09-15-2017, 02:02 AM   #13
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.

Can't wait for Ford Transit to get the gen2 3.5L ecoboost and the 10 sp transmission.

510 lb/ft of torque


MB has a whole series of new engines up its sleeve.
It is going to be interesting.
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Old 09-15-2017, 02:09 AM   #14
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The Transit must be limiting be chassis strength, as the Ecoboost pulls lots more than that in pickups, and Sprinters just don't have all that much power, from what I have seen in the mountains.
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Old 09-15-2017, 02:16 AM   #15
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I doubt the issue is chassis strength. Often the weak link is the transmission. Seems that some of the deisels now in trucks and vans/cutaways is only a mpg pay, and not for big towing. Chevy bucked that trend when they did the diesel in the Express - again, the transmission being the limiting factor, but it could still tow a substantial load.
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Old 09-15-2017, 11:32 AM   #16
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If you're focusing in on the GCWR of other Chassis vs the Sprinters, the Chevy Chassis is rated at 16,000 GCWR vs 15,250 on the Sprinters. Granted, I'm not aware of any current Chevy offerings that have the Layout you're looking for, but with Bs, it's always about "compromises". Which is most important to you? Good luck in your search 😉
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Old 09-16-2017, 01:09 AM   #17
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Default Yep Chevy is in the mix

Agree on the Chevy chassis, it's most certainly a candidate. We've not found any that have the open-feeling and headspace of the MB Sprinters -- but certainly we'd consider anything there. Other than Roadtrek 210/etc, were open to suggestions!
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Old 09-16-2017, 06:04 PM   #18
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Quote:
Originally Posted by wincrasher View Post
I doubt the issue is chassis strength. Often the weak link is the transmission. Seems that some of the deisels now in trucks and vans/cutaways is only a mpg pay, and not for big towing. Chevy bucked that trend when they did the diesel in the Express - again, the transmission being the limiting factor, but it could still tow a substantial load.

Transmissions and brakes are often the limiters on GCVWR.


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