I just found this site from a link from rv.net forum.
Really excited to find it. As you may deduce from my username, I don't have a Sprinter yet, but that is my wish-I need to move some real estate first! I hope I am welcomed as a wishful future owner. I am a fair shade tree mechanic and have contributed on another site called Odyclub, because I own a '00 Honda Odyssey (the best vehicle I have ever owned), so hopefully I can contribute here also. Right now, I'd like to get my future Sprinter converted to a Class B motorhome, probably by Sportsmobile. I am wondering about the seating since we have one child, and unlike the Ford E Series and the GM van, I don't believe you can add a real auto-style chair behind the driver's captain's chair. Is it safe to seat an 8 year old child on the gaucho or even a dinette chair in the back? Anyway, looking forward to discovering the changes coming on the '07, which I have found on Wikepedia will include a new 6 cylinder diesel and a gasoline V6. So, I'll sit down now and make myself at home...
Hello New Non-Sprinter owner
welcome to the site,.
Regulations for seating vary from different parts of the world, however a captains chair could be placed in behind the rear drivers seat, but you would have to have DOT approval for it as it must be fixed forward whilst in motion it's tricky one when safety belts are involved for children under 11 years old Canada is different to the USA with mounting points much more stringent and up to date with Euro regulations, afterall if you love the kid, the last thing you would want is to see the child become a human missle in the event of a head on collision
The new Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Dodge or Freightliner in the States is stalled for the orphan year of 2006 and part of 2007 due to emission standards and DCX still not working out what you should have in the states.
The new Sprinter has the old 5 inline motor upgraed for the fourth time mainly with the head EGR system to handle the ULSD fuels you will have the option of both Diesel in the old lineup and the new V6 Diesel don't be to sure you will be offered the Gas model I doubt it very much as it's not fuel efficent as the Diesel nor does it have the torque capabilty for a five ton camper.
I hope you are offered the largest of engines and not the old 414 CDI slightly underpowered if your at peak tonnage, there is a new 5 speed auto replaceing the old auto, dual whells wil go for the new extra wide rear rims etc, as these were designed for the vehicle back in 1995 proir to the 2002 ESP being incorporated into the van , of course you will have the latest of safety optons as well Adaptive Electronic Stability Program ESP with ABS, ASR, BAS, EBD, ROM, LAC, RMI, and USC up to thirty miles to the gallon no difeerence between auto and manual depending on how you drive of course.
Have a fantastic day Richard