Newbie advice

[mxr38]

I'm thinking about converting a class B myself. My experience has been building out a school bus (which turned out really cool) and two connex boxes for hunting cabins. I've got a 35" Itasca class C but I don't take it any farther than three hours from home as it becomes an ass whipping and is terrible on gas. Is there a sticky on the do's and dont's when starting a build? Ram, Ford, MB? Any links to info that will help me would be greatly appreciated.

 

[GeorgeRad]

See this site, it has extensive writeups of small and full DIY conversions mostly on Sprinters. When I built mine, I used this site extensively.

Sprinter-Source.com

Mercedes Dodge Freightliner Sprinter Discussion Forum.

sprinter-source.com

 

[Hatteras Jim]

I, and numerous others, have had major problems with MB Blu-Tec diesel emission systems. I would avoid MB-Diesels. I also did my conversion and used a lot of ideas that are found on the forum mentioned by Georgerad.

 

[GeorgeRad]

I had issues with my 2013 Sprinter BlueTEC, DEF heater, NOx sensors but all were fixed to my satisfaction with extended warranty bonus. I spent a lot of time to recoup my money but MB forced the dealer to 100% refund.

Based on overall Sprinter experience today I would most likely purchase a new Sprinter, Stellantis has major issues and Ford has variable review. See the KBB customers satisfaction numbers.https://theweek.com/business/economy/stellantis-problems-price-carmaker-profits-sales

Ford Transit Reliability and Common Issues You Need To Know

autopom! examines the Ford Transit’s reliability, common issues, and pros and cons to help you make an informed decision.

autopom.com

 

[booster]

I had issues with my 2013 Sprinter BlueTEC, DEF heater, NOx sensors but all were fixed to my satisfaction with extended warranty bonus. I spent a lot of time to recoup my money but MB forced the dealer to 100% refund.

Based on overall Sprinter experience today I would most likely purchase a new Sprinter, Stellantis has major issues and Ford has variable review. See the KBB customers satisfaction numbers.https://theweek.com/business/economy/stellantis-problems-price-carmaker-profits-sales

Ford Transit Reliability and Common Issues You Need To Know

autopom! examines the Ford Transit’s reliability, common issues, and pros and cons to help you make an informed decision.

autopom.com

They start out saying less problems with Transit than Sprinter or Promaster, and then list a bunch of stuff for Transit.

"The" turbocharger is listed as largest problem, but the Ecoboost has two. I think there is also a diesel that does have one. No models stated.

They sell extended warranties so I would take any information as biased to scare people to buy their warranty.

What are the delivery, trades, and Rv forums saying?

I am seeing a lot of Transits around here. The trades seem to get the 3500 SRW version so better in rough and muddy construction sites. Older ones showing up on Craigslist and such at 300K now, but most are the non turbo engine. Lots in the 200K+ range. MB is nearly gone for the trades now, still a few Promasters.

I just noticed their pic is all Connects which I think is no longer sold.

 

[mxr38]

I have a friend who has eight Transits and other than a few transmission problems he's been very happy. A couple of them have 300k on them.