10 Comparisons between the Sprinter, Transit, ProMaster & Nissan Vans

If you are shopping for a camping van, you may be asking the question: Which makes the best camping van – a Nissan NV, a Ford Transit, Ram ProMaster, or Mercedes Sprinter? 

Here is our summary, with a point by point explanation following this table:

1. Comparing the Base Cost of Different High-Roof Cargo Vans

Most people assume the Sprinter is more expensive, but this is no longer true. The 2019 Mercedes Sprinter now costs roughly the same as the Ford Transit, Ram ProMaster, and Nissan cargo van. They are each around $35,000 for a high roof, short base van. Each of these vans comes with a wide variety of safety and comfort options, which increase the price up to $10-12,000 more than the base cost. The take home cost after basic safety options and taxes is around $44,000-$50,000 with a full 3 year warranty.

2. Comparing Van Lengths

Each of the cargo vans come in a short and long version except for the Nissan NV. Only the Sprinter has a 170” wheelbase long body option, and there is also an extended Sprinter offering an additional 10” for 180” interior building space. The shorter versions of each van are suitable for 2 people with a tightly arranged kitchen, and wet bath.  Only the Sprinter 170 can both seat more than 2 in approved integrated seat belts, while also space for a kitchen and bed. The Sprinter offers the greatest length and space.

3. Comparing Van Widths and Turn Radius

The width of the Sprinter and Transit vans are the same, 69 inches. Thoug their turning radius is different with the Sprinter making tighter turns making driving easier. The ProMaster is 73” and the Nissan NV is the widest at 79.9”. The turning radius for ProMaster and Nissan are 41’ and 45’ respectively.  The main reason width matters in a camping van is the direction of the bed. It is possible for shorter people to sleep side to side in all of the vans. It is also possible to add window “Flarespace” in the Sprinter, Transit and ProMaster to add a few extra inches allowing side to side beds in these vans. But without the FlareSpace, taller people will want to sleep the length of the van in the Sprinter and Transit, or side to side only in a Nissan.  Sleeping side to side in any of the vans means more space for kitchens or other things in the van.

4. Comparing Payload

5. Comparing Safety Packages

Most companies converting cargo vans into camping vans add the manufacturer’s optional safety and comfort packages. In addition to the basic safety items like seat belts, front and side airbags, and anti-lock brakes, manufacturers are now offering a variety of standard and optional safety features, detailed below. Of these vans, the Sprinter offers the most robust safety options.

6. Comparing Gas Mileage

Most people don’t consider fuel economy in the cost of the van. But other than the cost of the vehicle, fuel is the second highest expenditure.

None of the companies advertises the fuel economy of cargo vans, so they remain unverified. But reports of fuel economy at multiple websites report that, on average, the Sprinter gets 19mpg. Sprinter web forums regularly report users getting between 24-30mpg. The Transit, ProMaster, and Nissan cargo vans seem to get at least 5mpg less than that, with users reporting best mpgs at 20-24.

A difference in 5mpg adds up to thousands of dollars over 100,000 miles. So if we compare the fuel costs for a Sprinter at 20mpg for 100,000 miles ($15,000) vs fuel costs for a Transit, ProMaster, or Nissan at 15mpg at $3 fuel per gallon ($20,000), the Sprinter costs $5000 less than the Transit, ProMaster, or Nissan per 100,000 miles. 

And the average traditional RV usually gets a paltry 7-11mpg. So any of these cargo vans saves between $10-15,000 for every 100,000 miles driven.

Fuel efficiency varies depending on weight of the vehicle and how people drive. Starting and stopping abruptly and driving over 65MPH also decreases fuel economy. Heavier vans will use more fuel. Camping van conversions should pay close attention to the payload, the amount the van can carry, and aim to be under the weight. 

7. Frequency and Cost of Vehicle Problems

What is the probability of a van breaking down?  An internet search will turn up horror stories of each type of van experiencing significant maintenance problems. Each manufacturer seems to turn out some lemons; vans that repeatedly break down. The links below seem to indicate that the RamPromaster has more problems than the Sprinter or Transit. While there are definitely reports of people frustrated with their Sprinters breaking down, there are far more reports of people who have had a relatively trouble-free experience owning their Sprinters.  RepairPal and Car and Driver offer vehicle ratings on each type of cargo van.  The Sprinter and Transit fare are rated roughly equal. The ProMaster and Nissan seem to have more vehicle problems.

8. Maintenance Availability

Local maintenance auto shops are more likely to be able to repair and access the parts for the Transit and ProMaster. There are local shops that repair Mercedes Sprinters, but often, Sprinter owners have to drive to a major city to find a Mercedes dealer to get the parts and do repairs.  This may change however, as the Mercedes Sprinter is becoming more popular with major companies like FedEx and Amazon using the Sprinter van. It is possible repairs will become easier to access given the growing number of Sprinters all over the country. But for now, the widespread availability for repairs of the Transit and ProMaster enable easier maintenance.

9. Life Expectancy

There is no verified life expectancy estimate on any of these vans, and they have different size engines, and some run on gas and others on diesel. So it is not possible to give any sort of real estimate on this. However, consumers report that the Ford Transit and Ram ProMaster regularly last until 150,000 – 200,000 miles without major engine problems. And the Mercedes Sprinter regularly lasts anywhere between 250,000 and up to 600,000 miles without significant engine problems.  According to very informal anecdotal data, the Sprinter engine seems to last longer.

10. Resale Value

Camping vans, in general, are selling well – both new and used ones. Based on resale value, the Mercedes Sprinter holds onto its value the longest. According to Kelley Blue Book values, used Sprinter cargo vans depreciate slower than Transits or ProMasters. For example, a 2018 low roof cargo van (the only van they offer to evaluate) is valued at the following amount:

Finding a used Sprinter camping van is difficult because they are in high demand. Used vans sell quickly and at surprisingly high prices. The higher resale value of Mercedes Sprinter vans, even those with well over 200,000 miles on them, seems to indicate that the Sprinter tends to have a longer life.

Summary

After significant comparison research, we settled on using only the Mercedes Sprinter as the base vehicle for our Via Verde Vans. Here’s why:

Sprinter owners save a significant amount of money on gas mileage, resale value and a longer lasting engine.  Over the life of the vehicle, the Sprinter saves money. The Mercedes Sprinter has a lower cost over the life of the vehicle than the other van options, even including the increase repair costs of the Sprinter.

The main argument for the Nissan NV and Ram ProMaster is the van’s width, allowing a bed side to side rather than long ways through the van. The main argument for Ford Transit and ProMaster is that they are easier to repair and may be easier to find repair shops. For some repairs, only Mercedes dealers can do the repair.  But.  paying $1000 to repair a Mercedes part instead of $500 to repair a Transit or ProMaster does not account for the significantly higher cost of lower gas mileage in these other vans, or their lower resale value.

Most of what we have written here is verified by other bloggers, even those who decided against using the Sprinter because of fears of higher maintenance costs. Check out other blogs on the van camper blogosphere comparing the base van used for converted camper vans.  Far Out Ride decides the Ford Transit is best for their needs.  Van Life Outfitters argues the Ram ProMaster is best. Divine on the Road compares pros and cons of the Sprinter and Transit. Mathers on the Map also details pros and cons, and why they chose the Sprinter. Camper Van HQ also offers a helpful comparison. Bike Rumor compares size and power of a variety of different types of vans. And Vacay Vans offers a “roadmap” for helping DIY choose which van is best for their lifestyle.