Sprinter 144" vs 170": Does Size Matter?

[@HalfLapJoint]

Very informative and to the point, thank you. Still feel like if I got a 170" I'd wish I had a 144" and if I got a 144" I'd wish I had a 170" 😆

[@bostonconstruct]

Lol, true. I'm getting the 144 I feel like the 170 is just too friggin big.

[@braxenaeurasiers]

@@bostonconstruct hahah try the 170 extended! I dont know how people live full time in anything smaller, esp 2 people and pets!

[@beckydennis6591]

The bigger they are, the more problems they have. At least that's what I've heard.

[@tontonn9995]

John - The reason to get the 3500 dually is the increased payload capacity- Higher GVRW 2500 (all wheelbases) - GVRW 8550 lbs 3500 GVRW range from 9900 to 11000 lbs

[@Trunkmonk-lp5pk]

actually that helps, thanks.

[@ArlineVinson]

Thanks. Also been wanting that info

[@pedromenardo]

3500 without dually should allow the same GVRW. The 3500 has reinforced unibody beams.

[@jamilchavez4592]

Great notes here. I have 2.5 people (5 year old) in our 2021 4x4 and it’s good, but it does get crammed because of that rear seat needed for our son. I’m thinking about going for a freedman seat to open it up but yeah.. long story short, it’s doable to do 2 adults and a kid comfortably in a 144 but if more space is a priority, go 170

[@borandell9915]

And one more very important reason to go with the 144. It just looks so much more cooll!!

[@jr.6199]

Let me offer another perspective, "Smelly van lifer" is what people think when they see a small rig. If occupants dont have rested looks from no room for a toilet, shower, good food or a tall enough bed its hard to pull off the cool vibe. I'll bet its in the eye of the beholder, tiny can be cute too.

[@bnr32jason]

@@jr.6199 but quite a few 144's do have showers and bathrooms. Mine does. I'm 6'3" and with my flares I spread out in the bed just fine, even with my wife sleeping next to me. We're very well rested and have a much better looking van. :)

[@jr.6199]

@@bnr32jason The look of the van is less important than function. My favorite vehicles are bike and moto haulers and nothing cooler to me than seeing them hold all my gear and getting us to more places to explore. My motorhome has 60 gals fresh and long hot showers after a day of riding, while toting motorcycles and bicycles. Other's opinions are at the bottom of my needs. If you're sleeping in cities, then i'd like others to think it's a work or passenger van with nobody, nor valuables inside.

[@garyjones6994]

For those of you that have, or will be getting a dually, the Oregon Department of Forestry had a video on KZbin showing how to remove a wedged rock using a tow strap. Pretty slick if you're careful. There's another video showing a hotshot crew using the same technique using a chain, but they're hotshots. ;) Having driven a search & rescue dually van in northern New Mexico, we just check for rocks before re-entering a paved road. My new 170 dually hauls me, my wife, our dog and children and grandchildren. It can also pull our off-road trailer or another vehicle if we see the need. If I wanted a true off-road van, I'd get a Ford Econoline E-350 cutaway from Sportsmobile or Field Vans.

[@robhunter4639]

Bingo!! I have an airstream 24gt, 170 base and dually. Took it on the dempster highway in Yukon- not quite off roading, but really bad road. Caught a rock between one set of duallies and voila, two flats. Very informative John. Thanks for sharing.

[@Justin-bp1hq]

For 3.5 kids, the Airstream 24x is a solid option on the dually chassis. 15k+ GCWR. Not going where the 144 is going but it’s bringing more stuff and can tow toys. 🤙🏼

[@cjoneillj]

I have a 144 4x4, when spending time inside I wish it was a 170 but I bought it to spend more time outside not inside. When driving it around San Francisco or really any city I really appreciate the ease of parking and the turning radius. It turns around way sharper than my F-150. 😅

[@802HotDog]

I went with a 144 4x4, mostly because it is also my daily driver beside camper. The space is enough for our 2.75 people

[@mtnride4930]

Same here. Plenty of space for the wife and pooch. The dog and I travelled in a VW Westfalia for 14 years, the 144 was like moving to a penthouse.

[@ArlineVinson]

Thanks for your input and all who commented. Enjoyed taking many worthy notes

[@WalkerNFaith]

To each his own. There is so much customization you can do to the interior! I agree with John‘s comments, purchasing a 2023 170 AWD van after watching his and many other videos in July 2023 and driving each; it worked great for my family with two teens and wife INITIALLY, but slowly realized how cumbersome it is to navigate (turn radius/parking) if NOT living in it full-time. Saw my mpg go down over the course of my build. Decided to sell it and go down to a 2024 140 AWD chassis. Smaller footprint, Parking, turning, get up and go, now a breeze. Nowadays, 144 vans can be customized to be able to get a bunkbed set up and still allow for six smartseats upfront with the smartfloor. Fuel economy better with the 300+ lbs less weight and equipment in that space. As a daily driver and for occasional camping/fishing/biking trips, in my opinion, this fit MY lifestyle. Easier to cool down also with a 12 Volt Dometic AC. You live and learn! Thanks John and Owl for always making great content for us explorers!

[@harrytraction1380]

When I first bought my Dually, 3500 I was traveling on the 10th through Riverside getting blown all over the road. I purchased the falcon suspension kit which made a huge difference, with upgraded off-road tires and wheels, especially the stability when we’re towing our boat or box trailer or anything else. My 2023, 170 Dually all-wheel-drive Also does great off-road. Of course I don’t go crazy climbing over things are getting myself in areas that I shouldn’t be using common sense. Just got back from Baja and it was great off-road. I personally couldn’t imagine getting a 144 with just my wife and I, it just seems too compact and cramped. It would never work for us. No regrets.🤙🏼

[@mattkrea]

I've done some completely irresponsible off-roading in my 170 and, provided you've got the VC lift and maybe some skid plates, you'll do just fine. If you're a potential buyer that is concerned about the space in a 144 just get the 170 because I promise you'll be happy with it. You're already going to run into problems with the height of these vehicles alone that the differences between the 170 and 144 otherwise are trivial in my opinion.

[@PhilChern]

I am currently deciding between the 144 and 170, slightly leaning towards 170. Never owned a "longer" vehicle. Any other issues that the 170 may have that the 140 doesn't?

[@mattkrea]

@@PhilChern The only other noteworthy thing is that it is about 300 pounds heavier meaning 300 pounds less cargo capacity but I would choose a 170 again without even thinking about it.

[@Ezrabastian]

Taking something so narrow, tall and top heavy off-road sounds ridiculous to me.

[@mattkrea]

@@Ezrabastian Well it works out just fine if you know what you're doing. No it doesn't feel like my Gladiator and no I don't want to be 30 degrees off camber but you can still get to many places that others can't which is the whole reason I chose the lifted Sprinter.

[@ArlineVinson]

Suggestion. Do test drives with a 30’ rv, then the 170 and 144. That way you’ll know what it feels like to drive them I’ve driven 30’ and 40’ motorhomes The 170 is my choice, or possibly the ext 170. Just heard a bit ago- 170ext inside living floor space is 15-1/2’ -mentioned by FreedomVans. Solo senior female with a cat. Space for full time use is important to me.

[@clarencejoseph2917]

Dualy is far superior for towing and also in high winds on the road.

[@jr.6199]

The Owl guys apparently don't carry much gear, to have to learn about tire capacity in dual applications. He did ask for feedback so i hope they take this well. He made a good point on breakover high center changes but tires need a fuller video by true tire experts, as that can be more important on RVs as the weight rises.

[@DeanoKelley]

Good review. I had a 2006 158", then bought a 2018 170" and wow, so much more room inside. We weren't using them for overlanding, but that extra space is amazing. Always enjoy watching your videos John.

[@Affordableframe]

I’ve seen a lot of sprinters, outfitted, looked way too heavy not to have duel wheels

[@peternelson9865]

Would love to know the turning radius difference between a 144 vs 170

[@davismatson10]

Awesome context and thoughts, thanks so much for making this!

[@stephenlocker9883]

Carrying capacity vs off road capability = liveability vs adventure capability. You said it, whithout the dual wheels you lose payload capacity, around 1,000 lbs less. In a conversion van of course payload = outfitting & gear. so if you want an offroader for weekends or very light gear hauling the 144" is the one. If you want an "RV", then 170/170 EXT.

[@MichaelWilliams-ro9bm]

We added a leaf spring to our 170 for $600. Works fine.

[@headinghome1644]

You definitely do not have dually's wrong, especially on a van. And the HOA consideration is real when dealing with the B Vans. I barely squeaked mine in a pretty tight HOA golf course community. If it looks like a motorhome, many HOA's say "no go".

[@stuffforsale7446]

A 144 van. Such as a Revel is barely enough room for a single person, much less 2.

[@stever8675]

I have 5.5-foot bed on Tundra with cap is plenty of room for 1 + pet, so going to 144" 11.5feet cargo with high roof (you mean I can stand up now) OFF ROAD break over and departure angle for Beach sand, snow & ice for ski resorts and beach how is 11.5-5.5 extra 6 feet for a bed plus have a Honda pioneer UTV is 48" wide fits inside with camping and skis...Remove everything if you still need a cargo van like a Truck, If you have kids get a 170 but parking is horrible otherwise 144 better package less money keep other toys like my boat, SUV, E-bikes etc...

[@willberg8599]

You must be of average American build 🎅

[@TBone830]

I would respectfully disagree. I have the 170 extended on the 3500 dually chassis and I have taken it in places where I’ve had one wheel off the ground in four wheel drive. I have the AOR RIP kit installed I have never dragged the back end. The added space with 24 feet is a game changer.

[@BaKimura03]

Thank you for this. i was considering the 170 ext. I want to shower and have a toilet lol

[@Chasingthesun2019]

Thank you so much. I was getting worried since the 170 3500 ext dually is exactly what I want.

[@tranquilitybase6417]

Love my 144. Can park it anywhere

[@luzbel4469]

But you can´t travel the world living a normal live as if you had have a bigger Sprinter. A) If you want a house and be comfortable with your family and pets ---> 170" b) If you want to go to fishing and return to your home with some fishes--->144"

[@cowboy6591]

One thing I know from experience. You can't beat duallys for driving in the mud. They stand above the rest for that. However, wedging rocks and airing up the tires are a no-go for me. Just don't go to "Burning Man" in the rain with singles.

[@owloffroad]

Good to know. We don't get a lot of mud out here so we don't have a lot of experience with it.

[@xx_Mr_IQ_xx]

I have the 3500 dual rear for payload. 10000 lbs. I love it.

[@ChargedPulsar]

Thank you for the video, it was very helpful!

[@PezRacer]

Just a FYI, the Sprinter 3500 is available in SRW or Dually.

[@renel1455]

I use both 144 and 170 usually get both city and off road routes at Amazon, cant wait to get started with my own van… honestly i cant feel much of a difference between both vans

[@charles.aweida]

What this video fails to disclose is the most important aspect of the dulley which is the significantly increased payload of 5,000 vs 3,500 lbs + beefed up frame which makes a huge difference with an overloaded camper van

[@owloffroad]

The 3500 has larger leaf springs not a "beefed up frame" These are unibodies and both the 2500 and the 3500 are the same. Once built into to a campler both need additional spring rate.

[@charles.aweida]

@@owloffroad by "frame" im referring to the longitudinal frame member as its described in the Mercedes Body and Equipment Guideline. You will notice the 3500 frame member is twice as thick and hardly tapers compared to the smaller 2500 frame members (page 102/103). In addition to the larger frame members, the 3500's have a full floating rear axle, the differential is beefier and they have larger vented rear disk brakes all to handle the additional GVWR.

[@jr.6199]

​@@charles.aweidathanks Charles and Owl for raising the topic and facts around this subject. This video is a good start and now with knowledgable thoughtful comments it becomes a greater resource for all! I have tremendous experience w dual wheel, frame, suspension and tire enhancements on a Class C but the audience here helped me know i am making the right decision to go w a 170'' dual for a new van. Btw i offroad plenty deep in a 25' class C E450. Then my motorcycles off the back take me further and faster than even a rock crawler could imagine. Glad we are all out there together too. Every rig there gets respect and help from the community when in need. Thanks again, happy trails.

[@cjg7346]

Guys sprinter owner here. Get 170 you won’t regret! It handles really well, that extra space makes a huge difference in comfort.

[@lan.o]

Clear and informative video, thanks a lot!

[@VanlilfewithDaleandBailey]

Thanks, that was really useful.

[@MichaelShatravka]

so much golden insight thank you! 🙏

[@voyageforever03]

Hi John. A question from France. Sorry for this question not directly linked to your vidéo. We heard, at least in Europe, Mercedes stops the production of the Sprinter due to many orders. Have you heard something equivalent in the US ? Do you have more information ?

[@owloffroad]

Im sorry, I have not heard of this.

[@ericdanielson4177]

There is a stop on sales of the vans that need the "park" issue fixed (apparently some vans roll when put in park and no parking brake is engaged). Just got mine done by the dealer yesterday. The fix just came out and there will be a huge back log of vans and MB-based chassis RVs needing to be fixed before they can be sold, according to my service advisor.

[@voyageforever03]

@@ericdanielson4177 Thanks Eric

[@mtnride4930]

@@ericdanielson4177 Hey my van does this; it does not move a lot, but it does roll. Goin to MB to get it checked out. THANKS

[@ShaneGoddard1]

Great information!

[@12vLife]

Will the 2025 e-Sprinter come in 144wb with the 113kwh battery? When can we expect to see these in the US and will we be able to run the A/C overnight while parked? Wonder what kwh the A/C will consume? will this void the warranty? and if they will ever disable the ability to do that since many customers are going to try. I wont pull the trigger on there is some assurance it works and won't be disabled.

[@daytonasayswhat9333]

How about driving and handling?

[@Princep555]

man that 144 looks good

[@pedromenardo]

Great info, really like your videos! I have a 170, while off roading, it does feel like it puts more torsion strain on the chassis. Would you agree? Have you ever got into cracked 2500 Sprinter chassis ? The 3500 is more robust, the uni body having thicker metallic beams.

[@bnr32jason]

This is all my opinion, but I think the 170 and 170 Extended look kinda goofy. My kids are 14 and 12 and we do fine in a 144. We don't live in it and if all four of us go, we go on day trips. The 144 is perfect size for driving anywhere with up to 4 people. If we want to stay anywhere overnight, we either bring the 144 and do combo tent/van camping or we take our 26ft motorhome.

[@ianpatrick23]

Thank you for this great explanation

[@thechappie]

That bumper 🤤!!! I see that it has different provision for the light hoop… will this be an Owl exclusive? Should I wait?

[@lyfandeth]

THE DEADLINE: DO YOU WANT TO PARK IN A CITY? Municipal parking spots are 18, sometimes 19, feet long. If you buy the 170 or any extended Sprinter, you are not going to park in lots or metered spots. End of story.

[@jr.6199]

Be creative, i find overhang options with my 25' rig. Lots can be private property too so no laws are broken but be kind and look for posted rules to follow there.

[@octane_ape]

Where did you purchase the revel window flare?

[@Rattlesomecages]

Both of them look awesome especially the colors (what's the names of those colors please). The 170 regular is my choice, 144 too small to be useful and the extended is a city bus 😅

[@owloffroad]

The 170” is stone gray (which is actually a light tan color) and the 144” is Mercedes Blue-Gray

[@Rattlesomecages]

@@owloffroad thanks. Love both colors

[@waltgallagher]

dual tires are bad for off road but dual tires make your vehicle more stable especially if you are top heavy

[@tristandelahoya]

Very informative, would have been great to touch base on the height difference though

[@keitha.9788]

What is the difference in gas mileage / on the road performance???

[@knightmareking1342]

Yes it matters I got the 1st gen 140 and it's too small to add a shower 😢also the roof almost touches my head 😢 and fiberine doesn't make high tops for high ceilings 😢 so yes it does matter alot!

[@paulkajtna7799]

Please make a similar video comparing to the 170 non-extended.

[@johnwillenborg]

That is the non-extended

[@davidrosen4951]

Thanks for the great information. Question: With a suspension upgrade including increased ground clearance, would the 170 extended be able to get off the pavement to some extent? I'm thinking of dirt roads that are at least somewhat maintained...might include some ruts and other issues but nothing too extreme. What do you think?

[@jr.6199]

Since no one answered I'll off my limited advice. I say yes go 170, but my experience is in the E450 chassis. i have a 158"wb class C with a 11' overhang in the rear. It is lifted by 2" in the rear and I have pulled into some of the knarliest staging areas, steep entrances that always seem to have a ledge/step up obstacle, and it does great. Also the dual wheel traction gets me through/up/over terraign that surprised me over the 20 years with it. The only nemisis can be deepish sand so check the depth first in those desert washes and keep it rolling if you get surpised. Btw, I'm shopping for a 170" van myself now so I'm banking on that too.

[@drewpaterson502]

Great info, thank you very much!

[@toughtimes721]

I have a 2003 170 that I'm currently extending a meter.

[@fvingerhoed]

you left out the 170 EXT ... ;-(

[@braxenaeurasiers]

Thanks for the things you point out, but I must say your review is based on the van not being your full time home, rather it being a fun off road toy. I just bought a 3500 ext dually and I am by myself, but I plan to live in it full time, travel the usa, and go off road. Not off road like your video examples, but dirt road I guess, lol. Was bummed to hear you say dually and extended says you never want to leave the pavement, I hope you are wrong as I want to go down dirt roads.

[@jr.6199]

You can go down plenty of dirt roads in the longer rigs...i do. And plan to carry self- recovery gear on any size rig you get.

[@braxenaeurasiers]

@@jr.6199 Would that be a winch?

[@jr.6199]

@@braxenaeurasiers depends on terrain and if there's anything to winch to. First I'd recommend traction boards, short handled shovel, 20'+ tow strap w shoft shackles (for helpful strangers to pull you out). If around trees then carry a small light hand saw. Your brain is the best tool so sharpen it by watching experts like Ronny Dahl, etc. Measure the clearance of your intended vehicle as that is the first limiter, 4x4 AWD is not necessary but better if you have the budget. Buy a bike to get you further out from where you set up base camp.

[@AliPhillips-v8s]

Hi do you think 170 Extended will be go for cargo work ?

[@JustAnotherSchmuck]

Super Singles are available now.

[@camptaji901]

Well done!!

[@Lifeat90]

I own a 170 extended daully on a offroad tyre and raised up they dont do to bad.

[@MissDemeanorOG]

Your video helped me MOT make a mistake -170 ain’t for me. Thank you

[@TheDeepsilver]

144 with Pop Up = Best of both worlds

[@owloffroad]

Yes, Pop-tops are great. Only downside is it is a lot of weight up high which isn't ideal for offroading and it can be harder to add solar.

[@travisnelson8921]

Damn. Im torn. I found a great deal on new duely winnebago adventerour for only $106000.

[@k9projectworks]

Great explanation! What is your take on 4x4 short roof 144 vs. 4x4 high roof 144 for off-roading?

[@owloffroad]

If you're talking purly off road perfomrnace the low roof will be superior. It is lighter and more importantly has a lower center of gravity.

[@k9projectworks]

@@owloffroad Yes! Thanks for following up! I really enjoy your content. Keep up the good work!

[@bobbalke611]

Wheel Spacer on 170? What is your opinion of the use of wheel spacer to replace the inside wheel? Thank you. Bob

[@owloffroad]

Do you mean going with a super single in the rear? Reika makes a super single, and we have one in development. Should be out in a couple of months.

[@bobbalke611]

@@owloffroad Yes. Thank you.

[@gruberra]

I got a 144" here in Europe with a rooftop so there is enough Space for 4 people 😉

[@gruberra]

@@MrJedi5150 yes, II have a rooftop tent integrated in my Sprinter.. cdn.nettikaravaani.com/live/2019/10/24/6df258ba686a4d9a-large.jpg

[@Gallardo6669]

Does the smaller sprinter have solar panels on the hood???cool.

[@residenttouristprod]

I have a modest self built Ford E350 Ext Body 22" van with 10-11" of clearance. Can't speak to Jeep trails; but have done plenty of service roads, rutted, washboards, and questionable off-pavement in dry conditions. I want a taller roof line and a table while still easily storing my longboard surfboards. Looking at the Revel concerns me fast despite it being one and done with likely having to hang storage off the back. Anyone advise a builder and model of a 170?

[@sevenohnine]

I would assumed that the longer wheelbase 170 is more stable and ride better on the hwy than the shorter wheelbase 144? However, the additional 330lbs of metal eating into the vehicle's payload, and ease of parking are deal breakers for me .... 😢

[@christiankamal7549]

Never had any issue whatsoever with the sprinter 144, low roof driving at full speed with strong winds that flipped big rigs.

[@jr.6199]

I hear jeep guys say this about 144 vans too. I see this as a spread on spectrum of "comfort". The van will work well for me when its built out but still carrying mountain bikes/ hike trip but i have to lock them inside so it's a 170" for that reason alone. Some days I also might carry a motorcycle on the hitch so its a non extended...

[@BaKimura03]

Question, would this be worse for the 170 EXT?

[@owloffroad]

I am not sure which aspect you are referring to. 170 EXT will have the most room but will not be a good vehicle for offroading. If you want to be offroad I would go 170 or 144. If you plan on mostly KOA style campgrounds then it will work well.

[@Reedith]

I need a 3500 because the extra towing capability but I don't want the dually and I know that I can swap out with aftermarket parts just as strong if not stronger So I'm wondering if you even need a 3500 or if the extra towing capacity literally just comes from those dually tires and no other frame infrastructure that they put in there if a 2500 is the same frame then you should be able to put on aftermarket wheels aftermarket tires and get the same towing capability as the 3500 ?

[@jr.6199]

Read Charles' comment on the "frame" subject where he qoutes the factory specs sheet, much different between the two. Plan on crawling under the two chassis at the dealer lot or show lot and you will learn first hand what he is talking about. Talk to the factory reps not sales people. Look for leaf springs, axle sizes, rear diff size, frame extension or supports if any that leads to the hitch. Good luck, you will need to know this first hand.

[@kimmelsadventures]

Does anyone know if ur able to lower the stock lifted suspension on the AWDs because all the dealerships say they come lifted from factory?

[@hireanattorneyattorneyatla9345]

Been contemplating purchasing one of these sprinters here as recently my buddy brought it to my attention that these can be written off taxwise if that's possible how so?? is there some special tax code out there that allows RVs / Luxury RVs to be allowed as a business write off.??

[@ConquerCollin]

You should get an accountant to help you out with that since many people are committing tax fraud when they do and will regret it when they get the IRS asking questions

[@mowensmd]

Dualies can change to a Supersingle...

[@MrStroller4u]

Almost bought a 3500 144. 4x4s are stupid expensive.

[@colnando]

For the 170 all you gotta do to fix the "break over angle" is just "Dukes of Hazzard" it ;) Problem solved

[@Reedith]

Can you convert a dually to a regular wheel setup?

[@owloffroad]

Not easily. You can go super single if you wanted a simple solution

[@jr.6199]

Super single is the factory option but i would not convert it based on John's comment in the video. Read more dually owners comments here too.

[@toughtimes721]

I have a lwb high roof dually extended.i agree with you and not agree with you.i think it comes down to think about where your going

[@DonnaCombs-f9b]

It will not sway as much in hi winds. Far superior in hi wind driving.

[@boru1326]

4 dogs = 170

[@Tyepianoguy]

What about one dog?

[@MyKharli]

Dualies drift better when unloaded .

[@owloffroad]

Great point, I should have kept that in mind. Duallies for the win! :)

[@batmanaerm7649]

review car please

[@chasx7062]

Du-lies? are Great, it means you have two extra wheels on the ground instead of carrying one around , which is doing nothing but be extra weight and taking up space.

[@ashketchum1953]

Ayooo, does Size matter

[@olgadegefe3997]

Спокойной

[@missmothertrucker]

Honey, I’m a woman and I’m here to tell you size does matter lol

[@cristianm-uv9up]

170 is 330lbs heavier than the 144, therefore less payload.

[@MichaelWilliams-ro9bm]

We added a leaf spring to our 170. ( 1000 lb capacity)

[@jr.6199]

Read the GVWR to be sure and get all steel belted and steel sidewalls for more tire load capacity.