Ford Transit Trail Van vs Mercedes Sprinter Van | Camper Comparison

In this video we compare the Ford Transit AWD Trail Ready Camper Van vs the 2023 Mercedes Sprinter AWD.

[@jackbjack]

Love the unbiased comparison…was favoring MB for future purchase, but the FT is growing on me because of reviews like this.

[@AirborneSapper82]

Yes. I was thinking the same originally going for the Mercedes but I have a diesel truck right now and I think the van would do much better with the 3.5 Ecoboost Ford. I'm also 6'3" and I like how I would fit better in the Ford.

[@CompassCustomCreations]

Nice job! I've been driving a Transit for nearly 3 years, it is fully upfitted with house electric and basic water to support my carpentry business. When I decided to build an Adventure Van the choice was a no brainer. Interesting that my local dealer had never ordered a Transit Trail and really didn't have a clue why I wanted one!

[@thewolfchild]

Also, in the US alone, Mercedes has 384 dealerships, while Ford has almost 2900. That means way more locations for repairs, especially warranty work, and also a far larger parts network. (fyi)

[@SoloHiker1]

I've been meeting a lot of mercedes owners that have that issue. One guy told me he voided the warranty. When he had to get it worked on by someone that was not a dealer. And that was even after mercedes told him to go to that guy. He's battling that issue now.

[@XPRoller]

buy you don't want to spend all the time in the shop. Sprinter is a solid matured off-road capable van( I have one), that being said, I am searching a Ford for South America trip.

[@scottmalan1223]

Not every MB dealer will service a Sprinter. And if you need a part, you might be camping out with the dealer for a while.

[@4Whopper]

Each of those 2900 are crooks.

[@thewolfchild]

There's always the Promaster... Stellantis has 2600+ dealers in the US. That's if you can get past the butt-ugly looks, and FWD only/no AWD available chassis. Too bad GM didn't make this style of van (they seem like only ones that don't), they have over 7000 dealers in the US (oof!), and that's after shuttering about 1200 during their bankruptcy....

[@Croweologist]

Thanks for the comparisons, very thorough 👍 Among a few factors, the deal-breaker for me for the Transit was the lower entry/exit at the side door. Yes the Transit has more headroom, but look at the top edge of the side door -- (1) When standing inside, I have to stoop down to see outside, and (2) I have to be extra careful with my noggin when entering/exiting the side door. In your video, the top edge of the Sprinter's door is at about eye level, on the Transit it's at about shoulder level -- huge difference to me (I'm 6'-2"). I went with a 2023 Sprinter and am very happy with it, no issues with power or headroom. The other thing on the Transit is that the cab windows dip down pretty low, which is great for visibility, but that works both ways -- easier for the unscrupulous to gaze inside your cab when you're not around. Just two factors that I don't see mentioned anywhere, and were the tipping point for me. Love the power in the Transit, rented both first and loved the HP of the Ford, but the Sprinter was the overall pick for me (as a Grit Overland Baja).

[@mtbwithtfb]

Good comparison Between the two main platforms, Brendan. Thanks for this. I'm not sure the additional $12K for the Transit Trail is worth it because the ground clearance really didn't increase, according to other videos I've watched. But I'm not going off-roading like some people like to do so I don't need a larger ground clearance. That said, the high roof, long platform Transit is enough for me.

[@SoloHiker1]

I was just in Grand Teton. I met three sprinter owners that could not get any work done for 4 hours away. Literally, they have to drive half a day to get to a dealer or the warranty is void.

[@salth2osr]

Great video as usual! Your vans are sweet! This setup is basically my brother and I. I have a 21 Transit AWD, he has a like Sprinter 4wd. Both built out. He has about 20k more miles than me. Definitely the sprinter is cooler looking, better clearance, but his engine/ front end issues, ride quality and lack of manufacturer support along with diesel and diesel issues were definitely steering me away. I love that my Transit did well (and better than his Sprinter) in the deep Baja sand even with the non-eco boost (my reputable overland/baja builder mechanic said stay away from the eco boost!) and smaller tires. Also I can reasonably work on my van after warranty, and not get totally stuck mechanically somewhere south of the border/ or remote as Fords and Ford parts are everywhere. I do think Ford blew it big time on the trail. Why not redesign that passenger CV issue😏 duh! But it's great that's there a choice now for everybody, and aftermarket Ford is growing big

[@bigdifferencemusicgroup]

Why avoid the eco boost?

[@salth2osr]

@@bigdifferencemusicgroup my mech just said "many reasons". He knows me and that my concerns are reliability and longevity, so he was stoked for me that I didn't go EB.

[@RamSlow]

Appearance is subjective: but for me Transit looks odd. As if someone used the design language from a sedans front end and tried to scale it into a boxy van body. Where as Sprinters looks more clean and complete.

[@patientzeroTV]

The Sprinter , especially if you have an aesthetic eye crushes the Ford appearance wise. The design language is cleaner.

[@dominey]

Nice drone footage (and pilot!)

[@gonemobilevans]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@matt.docondor6099]

If I would live in the USA or Canada, I would choose the Ford Transit. But the gas powered Transit is only made for North America. Outside of the USA & Canada, most Transit Vans are Diesel Versions with front wheel drive and now 8 speed automatic transmission, all wheel drive ( only manual trans. so fare) and rear wheel drive with 10 speed auto. The great gas powered 310 hp ford transit vans are not official available outside the USA, in Europe ect.. The Mercedes Sprinter diesel runs on a world wide chassis, all tech spec sare the same. Service around the hole world has the same standart. If you are thinking, to travel with your camper van aross europe and above, the sprinter is a bit more stressless as the ford transit. Dont get me wrong, Ford has a great service around the world too, and around my house in the greater frankfurt, germany area, I know more Ford dealers than Mercedes Service Points. To get parts for the gas powered american ford transit just takes a couple days longer. I drove the 310hp Ford Transit in the USA and I realy like it. The smooth, quite, powerful engine is great. In the Arizona Mountains I´ enjoyed the good engine brake power on downhills of the Transit, the Sprinter is very poor in this. I personally drive a newer 907 Sprinter-Tourer Diesel in Germany. The gas milage is great. But I have on just 10600 miles on the speedo and got 8 recalls so fare and some out of plan service stops. I still have one more year warranty, well, time will tell . . .

[@JD-xo3xz]

I wish Toyota and Honda built similar sized vans, but my experience with the electrical/mechanical gremlins you will encounter on any German vehicle is enough to steer me away.

[@bigdifferencemusicgroup]

dude if Toyota made cargo vans destined for the USA it'd be game over.

[@danpaulus9462]

Super helpful review. Pros/cons with all choices. Your review put me over to the FT. Thanks

[@gonemobilevans]

Glad it was helpful!

[@avatar19822]

mercedes is way more expensive and the parts are harder and more expensive to get. You can get Ford parts anywhere! And if a shop doesn't have the part, it's easy and quick to get a Ford part.

[@MikeGabler]

I do price comparisons all the time. The T250 Transit is $2200 less base price ($47,700vs$49,900) but Ford charges over double for some options (cargo divider $925 vs $385). Then Ford charges $2700 to upgrade to the Ecoboost 6 cylinder. 100k/5year powertrain warranty for the diesel Sprinter. When I drive a Sprinter around empty I am getting mid 20's and have even seen 30 MPG. So empty is capable of double what the inefficient Transit. The Sprinter is also capable of going up to 20,000 miles between service. It also breaks down way less than the Ford, which is only designed to go about 200,000 miles. The Sprinter is designed for 300-500 thousand miles. My Sprinter can double the life of your Transit and get double the fuel mileage.

[@paulwilliams2024]

The transit is better is almost every way .its has more power ,more torque ,better towing, service is way more accessible. And maintenance is cheaper . Only issue is the markup with ford dealership 🤬.

[@lipstreetmedia]

TRANSIT !

[@brucelee3129]

Great review! Thank you

[@draconicbleu]

Amazing video, thank you so much. This helps a ton. Great review and love your videos.

[@gonemobilevans]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks!

[@pierrerichard3509]

Nothing drive like a sprinter , yes you can have some issue, but sustainability is insane, and resale value is amazing, it s not a toyota but ifyou pay attention to maintenance, you ll love it

[@paulwilliams2024]

Sprinter is too slow and the roof is too low

[@pierrerichard3509]

@@paulwilliams2024 for me its fast enough and also diesel have a lot of torque, and the side door is higher than the transit, only one life to live , the sprinter is a must to drive, and you can make more miles without fatigue because the driver positions is so perfect 😀

[@CheapSushi]

I just wish there was a further extended option for the Transit that was the same max length as the Sprinter 3500XD maxed out length (190), a few more inches would be amazing. But other than that, I love the Orca looking Transit.

[@ThunderWarrior77]

I really don't understand when talking about engine specs. why you don't mention the miles per gallon? seeing how this is also one of the most important features of any traveling vehicle

[@MikeGabler]

I do price comparisons all the time. The T250 Transit is $2200 less base price ($47,700vs$49,900) but Ford charges over double for some options (cargo divider $925 vs $385). Then Ford charges $2700 to upgrade to the Ecoboost 6 cylinder. 100k/5year powertrain warranty for the diesel Sprinter. When I drive a Sprinter around empty I am getting mid 20's and have even seen 30 MPG. So empty is capable of double what the inefficient Transit. The Sprinter is also capable of going up to 20,000 miles between service. It also breaks down way less than the Ford, which is only designed to go about 200,000 miles. The Sprinter is designed for 300-500 thousand miles. My Sprinter can double the life of your Transit and get double the fuel mileage. Sprinter for the win!

[@macairtuber]

you got some actual evidence of claimed mpg, 'transit designed to go 200k, sprinter designed for 3-500k, double the life and double mpg'. You get your van info from CNN or something?

[@BowieLam-ru1xb]

Thank you so much!

[@kadogshowtv7222]

Thank you ❤❤❤... on a market for a van!

[@logophile]

Thank you for this video, it is very informative.

[@paulsonntag4076]

Can you tell us more about the swirly ceiling you have installed on of the vans? I'm intrigued. Others probably are too.

[@gonemobilevans]

That is our stock ceiling design and material for our builds. Different colors and designs are possible.

[@macairtuber]

@@gonemobilevans What is it made out of?

[@richardwright5741]

Nice fair comparison……thx. I am all about a transit

[@Harp4Hand]

Curious about CCC for each… are they comparable? I think of the baseline as 1,500 lbs for people / gear / water… are these in that ballpark with a standard build?

[@Chetterhummin88990]

Nice video! I heard Ford’s new engines could have serious injection woes. That true?

[@gonemobilevans]

Not that I know of, but could be true.

[@thevagabondonwheels4918]

Two things that are a non-starter for me. One, a van shorter than 21'. Two, a dually. Do you think the 148-extended SRW Transit has enough payload and gumption to handle the additional weight of a full build-out as well as a 170 Sprinter? The other thing that bothers me about the Transit is how few build-outs seem to include a "pizza oven". This is also a non-starter for me as that storage space is just too damn useful to pass up. Thanks for this video!

[@zonacrs]

I hope that was an attempt at sarcasm. If not it's time for your meds.

[@R-cg4on]

I wonder if the insurance is cheaper on FT .... You don't have the MB name.....

[@chilledwalrus]

How do the prices compare?

[@chrislee1615]

Pretty sure the mpg advantage of the sprinter is much bigger than you are making it sound Sprinter turning radius is much better I’m currently in a 2020 awd eco transit and will be upgrading to the newer sprinter. In the end i don’t think one is a clear winner over the other.

[@danieldick3884]

Not really much better milage. Most places diesel is also quite a bit pricier. Also I've talked to many contractors that drive sprinters for work and they all lament the lack of get up and go power whereas my high roof extended awd transit can accelerate up a steep hill with power left over. I'll take that any day over a bit better milage which the higher price of diesel mostly offsets as well. Also maintenance on those Mercedes diesels.... nothing else needs to be said. While any shop can and will work on the transit motor

[@marksperry6375]

Thanks man!

[@scottmalan1223]

Not every MB Dealer will service a Sprinter. And if you need a part…you might be camping out for a while.

[@XPRoller]

But you don't want to spend all the time in the shop. Sprinter is a solid matured off-road capable van( I have one), that being said, I am searching for a Ford for South America trip.

[@paulwilliams2024]

The Ford transit is more dependable then the Sprinter not to mention easier to get service done

[@XPRoller]

@@paulwilliams2024 I know my local Ford dealership is not responsive, not dependable. But the Mercedes was in my area.

[@RA-gk5zg]

Are they both AWD tor true 4WD. AWD is engaged permanently. 4WD is selectable and usually lower gearing. With the new BS laws in some parks. an AWD will get you a huge ticket.

[@gonemobilevans]

Both the Sprinter and Transit are AWD. The Transit has selectable drive modes, where one has the equivalent of low range gearing

[@amarshah3712]

What trail was the video taken on?

[@gonemobilevans]

North side of Big Bear Lake. Near Holcomb Valley. CA

[@phil.cowling]

How much money!!!

[@uTubeismyTivo]

you don't want a "beast" engine for longevity and fuel mileage, also find it hard to believe diesel is less available than gas in Mexico

[@gonemobilevans]

Ok

[@herbmanning8348]

Mercedes>Ford. Do this comparison again 300K miles.

[@danieldick3884]

That may have been true before but not anymore. The 3.5 ecoboost is a proven truck engine. Also the fact that a sprinter also costs a decent chunk more is a non starter. Ugly interiors as well though the exterior I admit does look better on the sprinters

[@salth2osr]

What do you think? Mercedes used to be solid, but not so much lately.. I'm told the Transit non-eco can be a 500k motor. I wonder how many miles Mexican Amazon vans get 🤔😆

[@paulsonntag4076]

Considering it's the same engine used in other trucks, reaching the same mileage is not uncommon. Factor in the cost of ownership, I would guess it's a wash if even a slight edge for Ford. I'd save my money and time, buy the Ford, invest the money saved, and in 10 years replace the engine with that same amount of cash...if I even needed it.

[@bigdifferencemusicgroup]

@@salth2osr do you think the non eco boost is better?

[@salth2osr]

@@bigdifferencemusicgroup for sure better in reliability and longevity. My brother-in-law has the EcoBoost and the power is outstanding! But turbo's are known to cause problems. For me I spend allot of time in remote parts of the West Coast and Baja, I prefer simpler and a vast supply network

[@BeeBustersInc]

Come on man the 4 cylinder is a bad joke