New Project

[Chris K5]

Hi all.

We currently have a coachbuilt motorhome (swift kontiki), but thinking of selling it and converting/selfbuilding my own.

Being a qualified carpenter/joiner the build and fit out isn't going to be a problem, along with the electrics etc.

However i am having difficulty in choosing a base vehicle to convert, think i have narrowed it down to a VW Crafter long wheel base/high roof in silver.

Also looked at Fiat Ducato's, but i've got one of those so fancy a change.

Chris

 

[littleT]

Hi Chris

We were the same when considering our van conversion. Knowing it was going to cost us best part of £10,000 we wanted to put it on a quality, reliable chassis and narrowed it down to either the LWB VW Crafter or LWB Mercedes Sprinter. Various people in the trade and friends that are mechanics suggested we went for the Merc Sprinter as it has a better engine and also the Merc has a cam chain as opposed to a cam belt on the VW meaning better reliability.

Don't know how much truth there is in that but heard it on many occasions, even by dealers that had both to sell!!

The chap that did our conversion has done several Renault Masters and did find that the Merc was slightly more challenging due to not being as slab sided as the Renaults meaning he was always working to a curve!

Ours turned out awesome.

Check out our photos if you think it might help with build ideas.

 

[n brown]

funny,i've done both and found the ducato harder,because of the lump wher the sld goes when lhd,and the height of the wheelarches.width is better for a cross bed,but easier to get a shower in the back in a sprinter

 

[Chris K5]

Hi Chris

We were the same when considering our van conversion. Knowing it was going to cost us best part of £10,000 we wanted to put it on a quality, reliable chassis and narrowed it down to either the LWB VW Crafter or LWB Mercedes Sprinter. Various people in the trade and friends that are mechanics suggested we went for the Merc Sprinter as it has a better engine and also the Merc has a cam chain as opposed to a cam belt on the VW meaning better reliability.

Don't know how much truth there is in that but heard it on many occasions, even by dealers that had both to sell!!

The chap that did our conversion has done several Renault Masters and did find that the Merc was slightly more challenging due to not being as slab sided as the Renaults meaning he was always working to a curve!

Ours turned out awesome.

Check out our photos if you think it might help with build ideas.

Love to have a look at photo's, where are they ?

 

[littleT]

Here's the link to the thread with lots of piccies.

http://www.wildcamping.co.uk/forums/show-us-your-van-motorhome/24724-magic-bus.html

 

[mark61]

I don't think theres really much to choose between Crafter / Sprinter. OK there is the belt v chain cam, but provided service manual / intervals are kept to, is this really much issue?

I believe the Crafter comes as standard with "ad blue" although I'm not sure from when, thats still an option on Sprinters as far as I know. Whether thats a plus or a minus is up to you.

The Sprinter does have the V6, 3 litre option, very powerful but don't expect economy, saying that the 2.5 litre fitted in the older Crafters isn't exactly economical and probably has the worst reputation of all engines in the Crafter / Sprinter range.

If your wanting an auto, then this is where the Sprinter has a huge advantage. The Crafter uses an automated manual box, it used to be fitted in older Sprinters and called Sprintshift, while ok on the open road, it's a complete pain when reversing in tight spots, especially if reversing up an incline and a nightmare with a trailer on. The new Sprinters use a conventional auto box, easy.

 

[n7ogp]

There is also rust problems with Sprinters and more than likley Crafters as well if they built in the same factory

 

[hextal]

All vans have their pros and cons id just focus on getting a good condition van. something i did was to look at well used versions of what i wanted to get an idea of how well they generally fared. From what i understand the latest model of sprinter is no longer galvanized so not sure how that will affect general chassis and body wear. As i say though, they all have their quirks

 

[paul h]

Various people in the trade and friends that are mechanics suggested we went for the Merc Sprinter as it has a better engine and also the Merc has a cam chain as opposed to a cam belt on the VW meaning better reliability.

.

think youll find thats only on the 2.9 not all engines . vw actually make mercs 136bhp engine i was informed by my dealers i have vw 109 lwb crafter

 

[mark61]

think youll find thats only on the 2.9 not all engines . vw actually make mercs 136bhp engine i was informed by my dealers i have vw 109 lwb crafter

2.9 engine hasn't been used since 99/00.
Of course you never really who makes the engines but I have a huge suspicion your dealer is telling you porkies. If so how come VW have never used that engine?

 

[paul h]

they do use the 136bhp engine What Van? Volkswagen - Crafter - 2.5TDI CR35 mwb h/r 136 bhp

 

[mark61]

Ok, right, I see what you mean now.

The dealer is having a laugh, Mercedes have never put that VW 2.5 litre engine in the Sprinter. (Certainly not in Europe, and I don't think anywhere else)

I thought you was referring to the Sprinter engine of similar hp, a completely different engine.

 

[ellisboy]

The base van is just a matter of personal choice really,all I'd add is get the newest,low mileage one that you can afford,you don't want to spend thousands fitting it out only for it to break down regularly . :drive: