Date:         Wed, 15 Jan 2020 11:15:46 -0500
Reply-To:     Eric Caron <ericcaron96@COMCAST.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Eric Caron <ericcaron96@COMCAST.NET>
Subject:      Re: Just explored a sprinter camper, sticking to Vanagon!
Comments: To: Karl Mullendore <tdiguru@WESTYVENTURES.COM>
In-Reply-To:  <vanagon%2020011500383003@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8

Hi Carl,

        I’d love to see a Westfalia version.

My visit to my neighbor’s Sprinter that started the thread was mostly reporting his comments.  Plus, my own feelings that my personal needs are still better met with a vanagon.

No bashing intended, just observations.

I do think your experience is good to hear as my neighbor has owned his Sprinter for 3 years,   It is all wheel drive diesel.  He commented it drives well up to 60 MPH but after that is drivable but not a pleasant experience.  He claimed he found it was blown by the wind as well.  He his main concern was the poor quality of the conversion. Rattle sounds and some low quality materials.  

        Over all it looked like a fun useful vehicle.  

        I just know my drivers will do much better with a a smaller vehicle, and my needs and fun spirit are met with the Westfalia. 

Now, I’d love the reliability of a new vehicle so when the ID Buzz comes out I’ll be looking it over carefully!

No bashing intended just information and comparisons.

Best,

Eric Caron 



> On Jan 15, 2020, at 12:38 AM, Karl Mullendore <tdiguru@WESTYVENTURES.COM> wrote:
> 
> Blah...Sprinter bashers abound. I have two:
> 
> One: A real 2004 Westfalia Sprinter (aka James Cook in EU). Fabulous driving, no complaints, 17 mpg, huge amount more space with a real kitchen, hot water, shower and cassette toilet, 13K btu Eberspacher diesel furnace. I'm 3 weeks in on a west to east and back roadtrip with three dogs in tow, and it's had zero issues. 6000 miles, one quart of oil. Cruises nicely at 70-75 mph and it's almost 11' tall. Super comfortable, super stable in insane winds that would blow a Vanagon Westy in the ditch.
> 
> Two: 2003 Sprinter 'dualie' in process of becoming a 'factory copy' of the full-time 4WD available in EU only, plus 5-speed, full custom camper. Great driving and reliability, will cruise all day long at 80 and tow a trailer with a Westy while still getting 18 mpg.
> 
> Don't think I can complain much - this trip couldn't be nearly as fun in a Vanagon in winter (I've done it). To each their own, but this silly bashing...wow.
> 
> Karl