Dodge Sprinter

[Service Guy]

My small plumbing service business has survived the very risky first year :dance:and I am soon going to outgrow my little Chevy Astro cargo-van. I have been researching work vans and I really like the Dodge Sprinter!:icon_bike:
I don't like regular cargo vans because they are not quite big enough, and I know I'll quickly outgrow them just like I did the Astro. (Chevy express, etc.) I don't like box trucks because they are too bulk and hard to maneuver around these narrow, curvy, steep mountain roads here.
The Dodge sprinter is JUUUUST RIGHT!:idea2: Expensive, but they get a ton of miles out of them.

Anyone have a sprinter, and how do you like it?

[oldslowchevy]

do a serch here i belived these were talked about quite abit last year(multi page thread(s))

[mrs. westcoast]

slow chevy forgot the link

http://www.ridgidforum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=16650&highlight=van+drive


http://www.ridgidforum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=16989&highlight=van+drive

[NHMaster3015]

We have 2, so far so good. No problems. Lots of room and reasonable mileage.

[Service Guy]

Thanks, I already did a search and read all the old threads. But trucks are fun and I am sure we could use yet another truck discussion.:D

[mrs. westcoast]

The following users says Thank you to mrs. westcoast:p

[HVAC HAWK]

just remember the bigger the truck the more stuff the more weight and the less mpg :eek::eek:

im not keeping as much on my truck as i use to

[Service Guy]

just remember the bigger the truck the more stuff the more weight and the less mpg :eek::eek:

im not keeping as much on my truck as i use to

Thats wrong thinking in my business. The less stuff on the truck, the more trips back to my shop or the supply house and thats wasting TIME AND GAS.:turtle:

[HVAC HAWK]

Thats wrong thinking in my business. The less stuff on the truck, the more trips back to my shop or the supply house and thats wasting TIME AND GAS.:turtle:

your right in service work you need a small supply house on wheels

[Service Guy]

your right in service work you need a small supply house on wheels

You hit the nail on the head.:thumbup2: The gas prices have actually made me realize how a bigger truck would actually be MORE efficient and economic... as backwards as it sounds, its true.

[Service Guy]

http://www.dodge.com/shared/2008/sprinter/gallery/main/ext_sprinter_phtgal_01.jpg

It sure is nice. Now if only I can find a way to afford one.:scratchhead::shocked2:

[oldslowchevy]

finance my good man, finance.


all kidding a side go to the dealers the one up side to high fuel prices is that the dealers are willing to do allmost anything to keep there stock moving

[cpw]

My small plumbing service business has survived the very risky first year :dance:
Congratulations on making it your first year. It takes a lot of guts to go out on your own like that.

[Woussko]

For what this is worth in my area FedEx is using the 2500 series Sprinter trucks. This is due to narrow streets. They like them except that they are top heavy and in strong cross winds either will roll onto their side or they sure seem like they will. The 3500 with duals in the rear are bigger but also said to be more stable and especially if loaded correctly. Be sure to get a Turbo Charged Diesel Engine with inner cooler. Gasoline engine models drink too much gasoline.

[Service Guy]

finance my good man, finance.


all kidding a side go to the dealers the one up side to high fuel prices is that the dealers are willing to do allmost anything to keep there stock moving

I want one so bad, I have decided to stay in my astro for awhile until I can afford to get one. I'll wait until I can at least pay for half of it in cash. The economy is too unstable for me to finance the whole thing.

[Tyman]

I thing Aaron91 drove one for service. You might want to ask him. I think they are perfect for service work but I am concerned about the height.

I don't know how you do it in a Astro. Even a full size van would be a big improvement.

Good luck

[Service Guy]

I was looking at a used sprinter this week, but the height concerns me (not just rollover, but also low branches and stuff like that) and the fact that even used it costs big $$$. An alternative is a GMC Savana 3500 extended cargo van. It has as much floor space in the back as the sprinter (actually a smidgeon more) but just not the height. Which is almost a good thing. I can't stand up in it, but I can still load it with everything I need.
The best part is its actually newer and in better shape cosmetically than the used sprinter and costs $6000 less!:eek: I haven't decided, but I am leaning towards the 3500 now.

[plumberscrack]

I drive a Chevy 3500 and it's not quite big enough. I average 10-11 mpg (all city driving with the A/C on full). She can carry quite a load. The lease is up soon so maybe a Sprinter is next

The 3500 should be a huge improvement over the Rastro Ran :)

[Service Guy]

http://images.cars.com/supersized/DMI/109456/5612.jpg

http://images.cars.com/supersized/DMI/109456/5612.05.jpg


vs. the sprinter

http://images.cars.com/supersized/DMI/109456/5608.jpg

http://images.cars.com/supersized/DMI/109456/5608.05.jpg

[ToUtahNow]

I have always taken the position that I work hard for my money so I work even harder to keep it. Below is the service truck I am currently driving. I spent a little time finding it, drove 90-miles to buy it, bought it in 2005 even though it is a 2004 truck but I paid just under $25,000 for a new 1-ton truck with a utility box.

Mark

[Masterplumb]

I was looking at a used sprinter this week, but the height concerns me (not just rollover, but also low branches and stuff like that) and the fact that even used it costs big $$$. An alternative is a GMC Savana 3500 extended cargo van. It has as much floor space in the back as the sprinter (actually a smidgeon more) but just not the height. Which is almost a good thing. I can't stand up in it, but I can still load it with everything I need.
The best part is its actually newer and in better shape cosmetically than the used sprinter and costs $6000 less!:eek: I haven't decided, but I am leaning towards the 3500 now.

Why the 3500? If you're doing only service with maybe the occasional water heater you would be well serviced with the 2500.

[Service Guy]

I hear that. I am searching vans all over the region for the 'right deal.' The 3500 extended seems to be the better deal. Its a 2006 with 60K miles, (only one owner, driven for a year and half) priced at only $13,900.

[Service Guy]

Why the 3500? If you're doing only service with maybe the occasional water heater you would be well serviced with the 2500.

I can't find any 2500s that are extended.

[Masterplumb]

Try cars.com

[Service Guy]

Try cars.com

Already have. but thanks. The 2500 regular cargo van might actually be enough, I am just going for as much cargo space as I can.

[Service Guy]

Everyone has been extremely helpful. (I even got some PMs about it) I am really lucky to have your advice in this guys.:way-to-go::party-time:

[Aaron91]

Tyman, you got a good memory.

I have been in many different model Sprinters, and by far the 'stretched' dually handles, and rides the best.

I have since left this company, but here are some pictures of how it was set up inside.

Even after it was binned out, and stocked up, this truck got around 22 M.P.G. if I remember correctly.

http://img114.imageshack.us/img114/96/picture164lb3.jpg

Toilet, and Lav Supply Tubes, Flexie Gas Connectors, Ice Maker, Dish Washer, and Wash Machine Stainless Steel Flexies. Stainless Steel Toilet, and Lav Flexies are up at the top, notice how many there are cause I hate using them.

http://img211.imageshack.us/img211/102/picture168oc7.jpg

This is the pipe area. I was low on copper at the time, as you can see. If you notice, to the right of the picture is part of the sliding door that hides the pipe.

[Masterplumb]

Aaron, why did they stock such short gas flexi's?

[plumberscrack]

Holy Cr@p (Cr@p)! Aaron there's enough PVC there to rough in a couple 3 bath houses?

I didn't know you did that much rough in work

[Aaron91]

MasterPlumb- That's all I've really needed in terms of gas flexie's.

Bill- Thats not much compared to the dually I used to have. In that truck pictured, it was too tight to fit any 4" in there, so I could only stock 3", 2", and 1-1/2". Just because I stocked the pipe, doesn't mean there was houses for it to go into. ;)

[MrsSeatDown]

Aaron, why didn't you show the picture of the cab with the cute booster seat inside?:p

[HVAC HAWK]

Aaron, why didn't you show the picture of the cab with the cute booster seat inside?:p

:killingme::killingme::killingme::killingme:

[PLUMBER RICK]

service guy, i had a 1995, 3500 gmc that my uncle still drives.

buy the 3500 as the brakes and suspension are larger. remember this is a plumbing truck, not a flower delivery van.

rick.

[Service Guy]

Update: I decided to pass on the Sprinter, and bought the 2006 GMC Savana 3500 extended van. The cargo area is over 10' long! It has a 6.0 litre V8 thats guzzles gas but at least I can load it down with my shop tools and parts and even haul a trailer if needed.
I'll post pictures as soon as I get it stocked up and detailed with my logo.:icon_bike:

[gear junkie]

What was the deciding factor in not getting the sprinter?

[MrsSeatDown]

The Sprinter just seem too top heavy.

[ToUtahNow]

The sprinter just seem too top heavy.

Yes but that's why she wears cleats.

Mark :tongue:

[Service Guy]

Its top-heavy, has smaller wheels, smaller brakes, etc. The GMC 3500 is a real workhorse.:thumbup2:
But the deciding factor was price. The sprinter is overpriced imo. (they are all actually made by Mercedes Benz, so its no wonder.)

[Service Guy]

New GMC 3500: $23,000-$32,000

New Sprinter 3500: $40,000-$43,000

[Tyman]

Nice choice! You will be much happier. I am waiting for the pics.

[mdm]

I have a feeling that these (http://www.fordvehicles.com/transitconnect/) little guys are going to become very popular next year especially with the gas prices.

[Service Guy]

I have a feeling that these (http://www.fordvehicles.com/transitconnect/) little guys are going to become very popular next year especially with the gas prices.

Maybe, they look great for small loads, but the cargo space and loading capacity are pathetic for a service or delivery truck.

[TomSV650]

Update: I decided to pass on the Sprinter, and bought the 2006 GMC Savana 3500 extended van. The cargo area is over 10' long! It has a 6.0 litre V8 thats guzzles gas but at least I can load it down with my shop tools and parts and even haul a trailer if needed.
I'll post pictures as soon as I get it stocked up and detailed with my logo.:icon_bike:

NO! I don't think you realize how much gas that 6.0 uses(I have one)it's a gas hog big time. Our monthly gas bill is a killer, we are going to a small pick-up truck because of it. Just think of this, do you really need to carry all your tools and supplies ALL THE TIME? Would it be so bad that on some jobs you might have to go back to the shop and stock up? My competition isn't' with the big expensive national chains it's more with the small guy who quotes on the phone and my property managers.

The way I see it is to be competitive, you have to curb your costs and raise your prices moderately.

[Service Guy]

Just think of this, do you really need to carry all your tools and supplies ALL THE TIME?

YES. I cover a decent size territory and a wide variety of plumbing repairs, drain-cleaning and services. I need my entire workshop with me all the time in order to make money.

Would it be so bad that on some jobs you might have to go back to the shop and stock up?

Yes, that's what I was doing with Astro and it was huge killer of both gas and TIME. Very inconvenient to both me AND my customers.

[JCsPlumbing]

Gotta go with Carl on this one. My friend that drives a Sprinter daily said it was top heavy and the brakes were horrible. Remember where he lives. Many hills and all of his gear pushing him around.

All of the vehicles we need to get our job done efficiently get poor MPG. I am aware of what the Sprinter gets vs. the 3500 Van.

But for each individual person you have to put in what you need/want, the cost between the two vehicles vs. tax benefits and investments for difference. (did that make sense?) Plus the yearly fuel costs.

Often, higher priced, higher MPG diesel vehicles don't pay out.

Might be different for each person. Either way, enjoy the new ride.:D

(Betcha' in a year you're gonna want even MORE room ;))

J.C.

[Service Guy]

My competition isn't' with the big expensive national chains it's more with the small guy who quotes on the phone and my property managers.

The way I see it is to be competitive, you have to curb your costs and raise your prices moderately.

It sounds like I have a different niche than you. So for you, going with the more economic truck may be the wiser choice.

[TomSV650]

YES. I cover a decent size territory and a wide variety of plumbing repairs, drain-cleaning and services. I need my entire workshop with me all the time in order to make money.



Yes, that's what I was doing with Astro and it was huge killer of both gas and TIME. Very inconvenient to both me AND my customers.

Best of luck! :)

[gear junkie]

You might want to get a hockey puck lock. I saw a guy last night at HD park next to my truck, get halfway out his car when he saw the lock and sped off. He might of forgotten something but it seemed kinda weird to me. Lots of people won't mess with the lock due to it's size.

[Vinko]

Anyone have a sprinter, and how do you like it?

A relative has one and he loves it for deliveries. I'd like one myself. In a few years, I might get something like it for pick ups and deliveries. It can fit a pallet (or two) from forklift without a problem

I have Dodge van that's okay -- had it for ever, and a Ford short bed truck for hauling over 5000 lbs at a time. Killing us on diesel fuel, however.