High or Low Roof

[DaveG]

Hi Everyone,

I'm looking to buy a new sprinter soon, but can't decide between the high and low roof. I'm going to buy a 144" cargo and DIY camper conversion. I've read hundreds of threads here and noticed that most people seem to have high roof sprinters, but unfortunately my dealer only has a couple low roof shorties. My timeframe will not allow for a custom order from MB.

Also, reading all the problems people have with these things at what I'd consider relatively low miles is a little concerning. I suppose people don't post to forums when there's no problems, though.

I've tried to create a poll, but not sure if it will work. Opinions would be appreciated.

Thanks...

[cedarsanctum]

For a camper conversion, the first reason i was drawn to the Sprinter was the high roof. Being able to stand up is one of the best things any camper can provide, all else is bells and whistles. Maybe it's my age, but doing the low roof hunch over no longer works for these old bones.
The secondary reasons for loving this vehicle, like the advanced technology, are prone to some minor failures. Given time, most of these issues can usually be dealt with by the factory. Having Mercedes take the Sprinter into it's stable will, i think, help this process immensely. What you read on this forum are mostly the problems. But if you look closely, most of these people, in spite of the troubles, still love their Sprinters.
Jef

[bc339]

We have an '04 High top 158" T1N crew bus. We use it for the family hauler - 7 of us. The high roof is great. My family and I like being able to walk upright. Just remember to mind the overall height - 8' 6". For a camper I'd still go with a high top. Remember the VW Westy pop tops? We still have one. Having the extra height with a minimal fuel penalty is worth it.
If I could, I'd also get a low roof model for myself, 4X4 even better.
Bruce

[Chandlerazman]

Dave, although my van is primarily used for my Electrical business, having the standup room is essential. My bones are getting old and doing the hunch crawl looking for material is no fun. These vans are quirky at times, but nonetheless, a good servicing MB dealer can take care of issues that may arise. Chrysler really dropped the ball in many cases and gave the Sprinter a bad rap. yes it is true that people will post about problems rather than non issues in any forum. I've had my share of quirks, but would not ever consider going back to an American vehicle. My Sprinter started as a Dodge with crappy service, but has migrated into the world of Mercedes badging and servicing. I feel extremely confident that my servicing dealer (Schumacher European) will handle anything my van throws at them!
Good luck on your quest!


Here's my van...

[mackconsult]

The only reason I got the low roof is because I some times will put my laser sailboat on top of the sprinter. With a high roof that would have been nearly impossible.

[Aqua Puttana]

DaveG,
First let me extend a hale and hearty welcome to the forum.

The NAFTA low roof comes with the cab and chassis model only so box truck sprinters and maybe some RV's have "low" roof cabs. The commonly called "low roof" NAFTA van body is actually the standard roof model. You will care if you ever need to order a windshield. The low roof windshield will not fit a standard roof van. Lecture over.

I own a standard roof 2004 cargo model with added windows. It was what I found locally and compared to my standard American iron van it seemed way tall. It is fine for what I do with it.

The consensus seems to be that you will take a mile or maybe two mpg hit with the higher roof models. Were I to be looking for a van to convert to camping service I would search until I found a high roof model. Maybe not the super high, but certainly not a standard roof type. I doubt you'll ever regret buying a high roof model for camping. I couldn't say that for a standard roof model.

I feel the Sprinter can be a bit expensive to repair. I also feel the costs can be kept down quite a bit by reading and searching this forum and Yahoo Sprintervan before just paying big bucks for repairs. I'm also betting heavily that some of the tips found here can help avoid many of the bigger problems 'cause I ain't rich. Good luck. vic

[mackconsult]

Amen

Originally Posted by Aqua Puttana

I feel the Sprinter can be a bit expensive to repair. I also feel the costs can be kept down quite a bit by reading and searching this forum and Yahoo Sprintervan before just paying big bucks for repairs. I'm also betting heavily that some of the tips found here can help avoid many of the bigger problems 'cause I ain't rich. Good luck. vic

[david_42]

I'm only 5'10", but I purchased my 2004 SHC to replace both my daily driver and my Class C RV. With boots and hat, I can walk around without ducking. 6 years ago, I looked at a Class C with a 5' 8" ceiling. Didn't even take it for a test drive.

[sikwan]

Welcome Dave. Being able to stand up in one made all the difference in my decision. I contemplated before the purchase and I'm glad I decided on it.

Originally Posted by DaveG

Also, reading all the problems people have with these things at what I'd consider relatively low miles is a little concerning. I suppose people don't post to forums when there's no problems, though.

My T1N only has ~36k and I haven't even gone into "limp home mode" yet (really). That said, my van will now fall into a thousand pieces.

[DaveG]

Thanks everyone for your advice. Even though it would be way more convenient for me to get the regular roof model my dealer has available now, I think I'll wait and order a high roof in a couple months after I move. I think it will be worth it.

I've been searching around on your excellent site here, wondering what I should pay for a new Sprinter. Seems like the consensus is right around dealer invoice, or maybe $1000 over. My only question is: how does one find out what the invoice price is? Just wondering...

Thanks again for the valuable input and for making this resource great!