Important Chassis Considerations for Your Custom Van Conversion

Should I travel in a 144" or a 170" wheelbase? How does the Transit compare to the Sprinter? Does purchasing a chassis through ARV affect build price + schedule?
The team answers these questions and more in our latest video.
About Advanced RV:
Advanced RV builds custom, personalized motor homes to fit your unique travel needs. Starting from the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter platform, we optimize each coach with features and finishes that enable you to go wherever your road takes you reliably, in elegance and comfort. ARVs well engineered system allow you to travel off the grid effortlessly.
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[@wokthetalk3079]

I’m become more and more impressed with your company and the employees after each video I have watch. The four words that come to mind after is: passion, integrity, commitment and professionalism. You set the bar high in this end of the marketplace! I look forward to learning more from you expertise.

[@toyota420xp]

Honestly this could be a tv show

[@AdvancedRV]

Thanks for the kind words, Gregory.

[@rvboondocker2559]

Nice that you’re upfront and don’t evade the important questions.

[@garygarym8318]

I want to state up front that I am already an owner of an ARV for about 18 months. In my opinion this is a great straight forward informative video and only a starting point of how ARV takes a new owner step by step in the design process to decide a finished product. One does not need to have prior ownership of an RV to end up with the dream machine that allows one to ride off into the sunset. I have said before that my RV is everything I wanted and nothing that I did not need. If I were asked what would I do differently I would be hard pressed to make a list that was of any significance. Thanking all of the ARV team for sharing their experience in the design process.

[@edbyron3483]

Gary GaryM Agree 100%.

[@AdvancedRV]

All the best to you, Baltas Vilkas 🙏

[@AdvancedRV]

@@edbyron3483 Hi Ed!

[@crv20051]

When George at Humble Rod pays homage to Advanced RV, you know they are doing fine work :-). Really appreciate the way you have posted your videos for several years so that we could all enjoy your evolution. All best wises, safe travels, stay healthy!

[@AdvancedRV]

Thanks for the support, Northstar. Take care.

[@metaljag1]

Just cant wait to be ready to order one.

[@dmwi1549]

Terrific video. Lots of helpful info to questions I’ve had. Every post from ARV shows the amazing facility that itself speaks to organization, quality and all around great employee environment. All keystones in getting a quality product out the door. Compared to what I’ve noticed in other RV manufacturers and up-fitter tours both in person and on video -no contest. Add that to no hype approach, ample time taken to make sure they understand your needs, and the guy running it is involved, uses and enjoys the product. Impressive. No I don’t own one. Wish I did.

[@mitzihoward6344]

Good to know that you are now building on different chasses now. My ARV dream van is still aspirational, but I love following you.

[@ruthdaley2458]

Thank you for the information. The staff and Mike are so helpful and educate very well. Always a delight to see your videos! Your vans are beautiful!

[@monicawilson896]

Wow. That was so helpful and informative. Thank you for doing this video.

[@johnbarclay88]

Professional and informative video, as always.

[@mrgropius66]

We have missed your videos. Welcome back.

[@AdvancedRV]

Happy to be back Kevin! We appreciate you tuning in.

[@vipinsekhar23]

Very informative video. Thanks for this extensive and valuable information.

[@kathleenroman9379]

Very cool! I love precision & expert manipulation!

[@mikhailfong6234]

Very professional. Taking campervans design and ownership to a whole new level. Love the detail explanations. Just wish I can own one. Really awesome company.

[@kryptorean]

Invaluable information esp for a newbie. Subscribed 👍

[@nothere7198]

Great helpful video, thanks.

[@kchan7032]

Great video!...it answered most of my questions and thoughts!

[@gwenerikson7356]

♥️...thank you for all the information 😊

[@samkeino6810]

Excellent video. You guys are absolutely amazing!

[@lindasuedauphin6732]

Great video. Answered many of my questions.

[@mitchcollins5840]

Well done, thank you.

[@javiersalas8758]

Great info, helps me understand better

[@iandalton9147]

Another great video !

[@nomadcarpenter8549]

Very informative and useful insight.

[@janjanssen6794]

Hi, i have been a taxi company owner in Europe for over 25 years and had a constant amount of 18 to 20 vans. And it to my experience, the transit is Trash compared to the Sprinter overall. No the sprinter is not perfect. Stay away from 150 and 160 HP engines. If you have light work, go for the 130-140 HP engines and for all the rest go for the AWESOME V6. It has enigh power to do the job and is very reliable and durable. In my country, nearly all ambulances are sprinters with the V6 and with these harsh conditions (the drive much faster here then in the US or Canada, they are replaced with 5 years old and around 450.000 which is around 280.000 miles. The Transit is cheaper, it has cheaper parts but the sprinter has far less troubles. After having several Transits, i all changed them to Sprinters. Some 213 and 213. Most of them, around 11 318-319 and a few 418-419 for airport transport and wheelchair transport. The 5 speed auto was not the best but the newer 7 speed is awesome. ONE THING I WANT TO WARN YOU FOR. Spinters Do rust. Spend some money on rust protection. and one other thing. NEVER buy a sprinter in White. It is just a base paint to be expected to get a new company paint. The Transit is good for delivery truck when it is running 18 hours or more a day and replaced after 5 years after the end of the lease contract. For a camper? a bigg no no to me! Good luck with your choices. Dodge? that is Peugeot. Which is French build. MASSIVE TRASH DON'T EVEN TRY IT. It is keeping you wallet empty all the time.

[@shockingguy]

Great info, are all of your vehicles diesel or gas

[@janjanssen6794]

@@shockingguy Only Diesel. There are basicly no gas vans in Europe because the diesel is more fuel efficient damaging to the envirement when its getting old then a gas engine. Don't trust on political lies,

[@AJourneyOfYourSoul]

The ford transit drivetrain in the USA is completely different than the transit offered in Europe. Also, the smog system requirements for diesel engines in the USA is a lot different than in Europe, making diesel in Europe much more reliable compared to in the USA.

[@277kne]

I didn't finish watching and I commented because I didn't want to forget. Thank you for going over the details.

[@GregJoshuaW]

This was a great video to accelerate my awareness of the options out there. We're a family of 5 looking for cross country travel options with good ground clearance, a toilet so we can limit stops with the 3 kids, captains chairs, storage, and a bench seat that can convert to a bed, etc - BUT my wife still needs a day driver she can navigate a parking lot with. I'll have to reach out for suggestions on this. Thanks for the great introduction.

[@cr8blitz22]

Great info.

[@pennyzhou8918]

Very informative vedio, good job!

[@jayfoster5756]

Great video as always. I would love to see a video and/or some more information about that Kenworth truck build at 12:30. It looks like a GXV build. How did that come about. Thanks again.

[@jeancoughlin5490]

I really like the added safety features to the 2019 BM chassis. I've seen videos of your builds before but never with a dry bath. Is that something you don't do?

[@chbr5623]

Great attention to detail and excellent craftsmanship. How would the Sprinters perform with Portal Axles?

[@JamesTechJackin]

Great video. Earned a sub.

[@AdvancedRV]

Thanks for the comment James. We're happy to have you!

[@averagealice8877]

Good info. I just wish the fellow in the very beginning had focused not so much on what you want to fit inside the van but where do you want to camp with it, which you do discuss at a later point. We'd all love the huge van of course, until it came time to turn it around at a remote off-road campsite with rocks all around. Or get it over some rutted roads without hitting bottom in the center.

[@mos6146]

Great video , probably the best converter out there ? Sadly really expensive and way beyond my budget or pocket. Roll on a lottery win !

[@svongsa]

Way beyond the budget of your average citizen.

[@gacattack1234]

The more space you have the more you waste. I have a plan for everything you need in a 800 x 1000 cubical. Kitchen, toilet, shower, bed, storage.

[@simonrutherford5738]

I look on with envy at the awesome builds you do. Being in the U.K. I can’t get anything like the quality or individuality or customer service that you offer. I so wish I had enough money just to say build me one and ship it to me! Sadly I don’t I’d need to finance it. Is their anything you could do to make it possible I could buy one of your fantastic builds?

[@davidmcconnell8690]

Excellent. :-)))) :-))))

[@277kne]

Can you make a video about the Sprinter gas engine? I think it's the same as the Metris. And a video on the Ford Transit AWD and difference in interior size to the Sprinter.

[@AdvancedRV]

Great suggestions. The gas engines continue to improve.

[@rickjones8735]

I’d love to see your build on the 650 Ford.

[@woxie4990]

Me too!

[@samkeino6810]

Can you do some videos on other chassis? For example, you had a shot of a food truck style and another that looked like worthier a dumpster or an armored car. Thx!

[@myroadtours6147]

Good stuff, you should do a "Gas vs Diesel" video next. 8:00 The problem for me is that Ford stopped offering the 3.2L Power Stroke for the Transit. So the next powerful engine option would be the 3.5L ecoboost. The 3.5L is a great motor but its gas. Diesels run at a lower RPM range while gasoline motors run at higher RPM ranges. Basically a diesel will wear about half the wear you will see on a gasoline engine. Once a gasoline engine reaches say 100k, its considered just about worn out where as a diesel by many people is consider just breaking in at 100k. FYI: you also have to factor in run time. We had diesel trucks in our yard back when I worked in the oilfield that had 70k on them and was worn out...we would run our trucks around the clock most of the time. So even though the mileage was low, they was racking wear and tear idling. Diesels are usually more efficient than gasoline as well.

[@bigpapaporsche1]

You just "Parroted" the popular misconceptions that to many people believe! I've spent over 50 years in the Diesel Engine Industry and can tell you that both engines will fail when not maintained or operated correctly. It isn't necessary true of today's Diesel Engines! Sadly the Emission Controls Systems have robbed the Diesels of their dependability in some applications. The Gas Engines on the other hand have gotten more powerful and fuel efficient as the result of these components. There is however, still a place for the Diesel, but it not for everyone. When you compare the Ownership Costs, of the Gas vs Diesel, on MB WebSite you will be amazed at what you will learn.

[@DennisWintjes2]

Thanks. Like #190

[@fazer600full]

Good videos, activate the subtitles for all languages thanks !!!

[@raytube918]

Are you able to put a 2 full twin size bed in. Are they trim down.

[@Larnsdoon]

Wow, I'd like to see videos ARV builds on the F650 and bread-trucks! Anyone bring in a school bus yet? 😂😂😂

[@AdvancedRV]

No school buses yet, but we like the way you think 😁(Check out our "Legend Headwear" video for a bread-truck conversion)

[@lifeisa.smalllesson4607]

@@AdvancedRV is it possible to do a 144 designed for full time living? I'm a differently abled veteran in the US. I have spent the last 14 years going thru surgeries and therapies to get healthy ish again. I would need shower, kitchen, bathroom, etc... I am planning to take off on the road for full time w my medium sized dog. Can you make any recommendations? I am def going to some sort of build.

[@dixonmiller1243]

Aaron Small check out ARVs video on KZbin for a build called “Last Resort”. It’s a 144 for full time living.

[@vanderlustforever7134]

I have a factory built van but I saw all the advantages of a custom van as well. Here is my question, and I think I already know the answer. Can you access 20 year RV financing to get one of your vans like I was able to by buying factory made ? If not that prices most people out of custom made vans unless they have saved a ton of money in advance to pay cash, or can afford much higher loan payments.

[@StormLaker]

Is the Ford Transit offered in a 4x4 package in the shorter wheelbase? Do you guys install Onan Generators in these?

[@PSVitaFan]

Are you able to finance the chassis and build into one payment? The down payment, is it a certain percentage or a certain amount of money? In the video you state that you can get either a ford or Mercedes chassis through you used or new It takes 13 and 15 months to Finish a build, during that time would I be making a payment on the chassis or Wood the chassis and build be deferred till the end?

[@shekharmoona544]

I did not expect a beefy transfer case on this van. Puts my Jeep Wrangler JkU to shame.

[@sandrajewitt6050]

Can you buy a Canadian version of a vehicle so it is easier to import into Canada?

[@traciuniquestylefeliciano7696]

What about the ProMaster and Ford Transit? There's is designed differently.. and have different Langth

[@KrisSajewicz]

chassis and gearbox weight please....

[@WubiWatkins]

I want a red tail overland on the top pop. I want a fold up bed on one wal somewhat like the Travado GL and the nice bathroom, 32 x 36 shower, flip up sink, over on the side, I do want the rear doors to open. Also a 36 inch x 60 underside like table. Instead of seating for others, I want a sewing station, full fridge, my wind turbine mounted on ladder or redtail overland. Induction top in a drawer. Convection micro, deep sink. Oh and small portable wd combo. Fold up step. 5000 towing. On an MB....170. .. Can it be done? Cassette toilet.

[@chipbrown433]

Has ARV looked into whether the Transit can handle the VB air suspension and E&P levelers, or perhaps ever done one? I would hope that if can be done on Sprinter and Promaster then Transit is also possible.

[@AdvancedRV]

Hi Chip thanks for the question. Yes, we've installed those systems on a Transit before.

[@robertphillips9017]

Are there any gas sprinters available. The reliability problems with the DEF system mean I can’t see sprinter.

[@bigpapaporsche1]

Yes, there is a 4 cyl Gas.

[@slimanus8m]

Are you able to convert a closed sprinter into a box sprinter? Open chassis sprinters are hard to come by, but I want the extra space a box will provide

[@AdvancedRV]

Yes we can if a client requested. Though most of the time we are ordering a cutaway chassis.

[@rvboondocker2559]

Can you make a 4x4 2500/144 into a dually? How much will that increase the GVWR?

[@bigpapaporsche1]

Zero. You need to increase the capacity of the Axle/Springs/Brakes etc.

[@XMario333x]

Where are you guys located?

[@shockingguy]

They are on the east side of Cleveland Ohio about 20 minutes from downtown

[@user-ls9nc2ml7t]

How about Fiat Ducato？？

[@VicAusTaxiTruckie]

100 lbs for AC? What is wrong with the ac in the dash?

[@jaminthomas]

Not powerful enough to cool the whole van and only operative when the engine is running.

[@VicAusTaxiTruckie]

I would not touch a sprinter chassis with a ten foot pole. Always transit, IF toyota commuter bus if not available

[@judahchristianchurchinc]

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[@fielroht51]

😎

[@ondro727]

The only problem is me living in Europe :)

[@evopwrmods]

Nice but very very $$$$$$$$......$1ooK plus

[@gabakusa]

Quinton P. Young III buy an used one or make it yourself

[@83wasagoodyear]

200k plus

[@WizzRacing]

As a service tech that works on Mercedes Benz... I can tell you that 4x4 is a piece of crap.. As they seem to go out once the warranty expires...Why you see so many up for sale after the warranty is up. I would add. Mercedes tells up fitters where they can drill a hole. So even if it's a better option for the up fitter to drill one. Where it is needed. You can't. As Mercedes will void the warranty. As these things are rust buckets after 5 years. And I would not buy one. Unless it has been under coated by a professional. That uses CRC Marine Coat.