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TOWING WITH OUR SPRINTER 2350

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Dale and Cindy

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TOWING WITH OUR SPRINTER 2350
« on: May 19, 2015, 07:58:01 pm »
Hello - We love our 2015 PC 2350 Sprinter, and we will eventually be towing our 3,197 pound, manual transmission 2011 Hyundai Tucson.  But so far we have never towed any vehicle behind our Sprinter. 

I would like to hear from other Sprinter 2350 owners about their experiences with towing.  How does the Sprinter handle towing?  Basically, anything you can tell us about how the Sprinter performs while towing would be helpful.

Thank you,

Cindy & Dale
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bobojay

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Re: TOWING WITH OUR SPRINTER 2350
« Reply #1 on: May 20, 2015, 11:09:25 am »
Not many Sprinter PC owners on here, but I can tell you after owning 2 Sprinters, an '08 and a '13, not PC's, that you are pushing the limits there on the weight. Be sure you have supplemental braking not just because of some state laws, but because the Sprinter's brakes are just good enough as it is. Not much leeway there.
Plan on no longer than 40k miles transmission fluid/filter changes, and it wouldn't be a bad idea to investigate a supplemental transmission fluid cooler. Remember you've only got a 3yr/36k warranty on that transmission, and you're talking over $4k to repair/replace that unit. (unless you've bought an extended warranty)
The NAG-1 transmission you have is not known for being very "heavy duty" if you will. I would shift up & down manually if I towed something that heavy with my Sprinter.
If you tow a lot, expect frequent, 50k, maybe sooner, brake replacements, probably the rears believe it or not.

Expect about a 1-2 mpg reduction in fuel mileage towing on the flatlands.

Hope this helps....
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Bob & Sharon
Current: 2013 Winnebago ERA Class B Sprinter Van
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Dale and Cindy

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Re: TOWING WITH OUR SPRINTER 2350
« Reply #2 on: May 20, 2015, 02:31:07 pm »
Thank you Bobojay - Yes, your response helps. . . . . but now I'm concerned.  We were told that the Sprinter could tow up to 5,000 lbs, so I'm not sure why you said that our Tucson was pushing the limit.  Anyway, I am thankful for all you insight.

Cindy and Dale
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TomHanlon

Re: TOWING WITH OUR SPRINTER 2350
« Reply #3 on: May 20, 2015, 05:50:19 pm »
The hitch on the back will state it's max weight. That is not to say the motorhome can tow that much. Take the weight of a fully loaded motorhome and subtract that from the gross vehicle weight to see what you can tow. The owners manual should help also.
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bobojay

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Re: TOWING WITH OUR SPRINTER 2350
« Reply #4 on: May 20, 2015, 08:57:55 pm »
Yes it will tow 5k, I wouldn't though, but like I said, the transmission and brakes are the weak spots in the chassis. Supplemental braking will take care of the brake issue to a point. The trans should be good with extra cooling and the prompt fluid changes, including the torque converter draining.
No issues with that diesel engine or the differential.....
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Bob & Sharon
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ragoodsp

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Re: TOWING WITH OUR SPRINTER 2350
« Reply #5 on: May 21, 2015, 09:30:51 am »
Having had a non-PC Sprinter based coach (Monaco) I would have to say I would be extremely hesitant about towing a 3,000 plus pound vehicle behind a Sprinter. I towed my 4300 lb Jeep Liberty once and that was enough for me, at times I think the Jeep was towing the Sprinter!  The hitch may be rated to tow 5,000 lbs but that does not really mean the rest of the chassis can handle that kind of weight.  Like other posters have stated the weak link is in fact the transmission, the 3.0L is one tough bird!  Sorry to be negative but just my opinion.   Thanks, Ron
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Ron Goodspeed
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bobojay

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Re: TOWING WITH OUR SPRINTER 2350
« Reply #6 on: May 21, 2015, 11:50:08 am »
Most of the 20 or so Sprinter RV owners I know, both class C & B, if they tow, which is very few of them, have Chevy Sonics, or Honds Fits as toads.
We've had this discussion at many rallies, and most question a reason to tow at all when you own a Sprinter RV. They can virtually go and park anywhere in regular parking spaces, (2 lengthwise), except in crowded metropolitan areas of course.
And most at campgrounds don't hook up except to electric, so if needed to leave, all you do is unplug, stow the cord and go. After all, that's what the tanks and water pump are for....

But that's my feelings because we tour. Don't stay at any one place for more than a couple days or so.
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Bob & Sharon
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Dale and Cindy

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Re: TOWING WITH OUR SPRINTER 2350
« Reply #7 on: May 21, 2015, 09:12:16 pm »
You have a very good point Bobojay.  Dale and I have done a lot of "touring" type travel, without a toad, since we bought our PC last October.  We currently have almost 8,000 miles on our PC 2350.  I think I would be perfectly happy never towing again.  We used to tow a 35' fifth wheel and I hated towing. . . . . . . But, Dale and I are retired now and we want to escape the St. Louis winters.  We plan on going to warm climates and staying put for three our four months at a time, so Dale wanted a vehicle to run around in while the PC stays hooked up.  I don't think we will tow for every situation, but for our "Winter Escapes" we'd like an extra vehicle.

Thanks again for you responses.

Cindy
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Doneworking

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Re: TOWING WITH OUR SPRINTER 2350
« Reply #8 on: May 22, 2015, 08:46:10 am »
Cindy, we went through the same thought process when we got our Ford 2350.  We have had Class B Roadtreks for years and just used them like a car.  Now, with a little big larger rig we tried no toadie for a few trips and decided we would tow for the first time in our lives.  We tend to stay put for at least a week or so at a time and simply didn't want to break down the rig when we wanted to go somewhere.  We now tow and find our Jeep lots of fun when we get there.  When we had the Bs, we tended to tour more and now we camp longer.

Have you considered just getting a long term rental when you get where you are going?  Shop around and I have been told (no personal experience with this) that you can get some very attractive deals longer term with mileage limitations which are adequate.  Good, safe and adequate towing equipment is not cheap and would pay for lots of gas getting to and from in a vehicle.

Another thing we considered:  I would drive the PC and my wife would follow me in the vehicle.  That might be a viable option for some folks, particularly if they are planning to stay many weeks in one locale.   We finally decided to heck with it and just try towing. 

Paul
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randallandchris

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Re: TOWING WITH OUR SPRINTER 2350
« Reply #9 on: May 22, 2015, 09:05:23 am »
Paul, We used to tow but will go sans toad when we pick up our 2400 next month.  We may possibly stay at a NP campground for up to a week and rely on the PC for sightseeing.  Please elaborate which tasks leaving camp you found most irritating.
Randall
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bobojay

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Re: TOWING WITH OUR SPRINTER 2350
« Reply #10 on: May 22, 2015, 12:13:57 pm »
Quote from: Dale and Cindy on May 21, 2015, 09:12:16 pm
You have a very good point Bobojay.  Dale and I have done a lot of "touring" type travel, without a toad, since we bought our PC last October.  We currently have almost 8,000 miles on our PC 2350.  I think I would be perfectly happy never towing again.  We used to tow a 35' fifth wheel and I hated towing. . . . . . . But, Dale and I are retired now and we want to escape the St. Louis winters.  We plan on going to warm climates and staying put for three our four months at a time, so Dale wanted a vehicle to run around in while the PC stays hooked up.  I don't think we will tow for every situation, but for our "Winter Escapes" we'd like an extra vehicle.

Thanks again for you responses.

Cindy

Cindy, sounds like you guys are kinda changing your RVing style a bit, and there's nothing wrong with that at all. I understand about wanting a smaller vehicle around if you are stationary for awhile.
We did the small car rental this year when we were down in Florida for a couple weeks earlier this year. It was nice to have that small vehicle just because of the traffic for sure.

My only suggestion to help save the wear and tear on your Sprinter drivetrain & brakes, is to unhook and drive separate when you get into hilly &/or mountainous areas. That's what we would do if the situation arose, but in our case, we're not going to own another Sprinter RV so it's a moot point.
Enjoy!
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Bob & Sharon
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Janey

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Re: TOWING WITH OUR SPRINTER 2350
« Reply #11 on: May 22, 2015, 03:52:20 pm »
I don't mind undoing the water and power, but I HATE securing everything inside. I always miss something and am real sorry   
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Bob Mahon

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Re: TOWING WITH OUR SPRINTER 2350
« Reply #12 on: May 22, 2015, 10:53:49 pm »
For what it's worth, before we towed a car, we'd simply disconnect the electric, water and cable and leave them at the campsite coiled on the ground. In all the time we did that there was never a problem and everything was exactly where and how we'd left it.
BTW, never, ever leave you unit without shutting off the water at the source. I've seen a number of people come back to their unit to be met with a very wet surprise.
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bobojay

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Re: TOWING WITH OUR SPRINTER 2350
« Reply #13 on: May 22, 2015, 11:10:18 pm »
Yep, I've seen the water left on disaster issue also. I always leave the water line hooked to the pedestal, not the RV if we stay for a few days, but I never leave the power cord hooked when we leave for awhile. Too expensive to replace these days if "misplaced"
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Bob & Sharon
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LRS

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Re: TOWING WITH OUR SPRINTER 2350
« Reply #14 on: May 27, 2015, 01:30:06 pm »
I tow a 2001 Honda CRV with a brake assist system behind the PC Sprinter 2400 (2010).
It is useful when "sitting" for a few days or more, but there is a difference in fuel savings when not towing.  I, like some others, am not motivated to unhook and secure things for a trip when not towing.
😊
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