Slideout or not and Mercedes vs E-450

Would enjoy hearing thoughts on these topics.  Considering 2351-2551.  We are leaning toward the Ford based upon fuel and service availability.  Also we thinking definitely want fixed bed, dinette and pantry.  Many thanks. 

Sailor35,
We have had all of the above. Our first PC in 2010 was a 2350 on the Sprinter with no slide. Loved the Sprinter because of the fuel economy and the roomy cab. Hated the rear corner bed. We also would NEVER purchase a PC without a slide. One of our biggest mistakes. A slide adds so much more room to the living space.

We then went to the 2551 with no slide--DUMB!!! Loved the twin beds and the wardrobe. We found that the cab was not as roomy as the Sprinter. We have the E450 now in our 2910 (as well as the 2551) and I am used to the lack of room in the cab. We have had no problems with the E450. Not every Ford dealer can handle a motorhome. though.

Now we have a custom 2910, one slide and twin beds in the rear. We love it!!! With the slide out, there is so much living space.

Initially, our thought process for the no slide option was that we lived on a sailboat so we really would not miss the extra room that the slide provided. Not true. It took us 3 times, but the 3rd is the charm.

Judi

I have the 2351 w/slide and dinette.  I was seeking a non slide but this one came available in October and I jumped on it. The 2351 with slide has plenty of room for the dinette if you don't have the pantry on drivers side.  Mine is on the ford 350 and have not had it weighed, but the slide will add weight.  I believe I would been just as happy without slide, but the slide does provide more floorspace than I had realized when looking at non slide models.  I am in Florida as well if you want to PM me

Larry

Sailor35
We also started with the Sprinter and there are many benefits to it mileage being the first. As Judi said the comfort , roominess, of the cab  is a big plus, getting out of the seats is a lot easier especially the older we get.  Handling, maneuverability and the paddle shifter are likewise advantages.
One of the downsides of course is the cost of maintenance, oil changes if done by a dealer run in the $400 range, although I think it's around 10000 miles between.  We had several check engine light issues' we fortunately were covered by warranty, we bought an extended warranty which was for peace of mind. I thought the check engine light should have been represented by a dollar sign.
Finding "good diesel" can on occasion be a problem. Biodiesel, soy blend, is becoming more common. MB recommends nothing above 5 percent, B5, but up to B20 is common. It's all about the emissions system which is very fussy. Search the web lots about this.
Lastly the CCC of Sprinter is much less than the E450.
While we found many things we liked about our 2350 Sprinter (corner bed not being one of those) we find our 2552 much more functional for us. The Interior storage and roominess of the 2552 over the 2350 made all the difference to our comfort both mental and physical in the four plus months a year we spend in it.
Good luck in your search. bob

Hi sailers35,

There is one thing the Sprinter cannot do.  It cannot be used on any PC models other than the 2350 and 2400.  This is because, unlike the Ford E350 and E450, the Sprinter frame cannot be adjusted in any manner.  So it is locked into only those two models, 2350 & 2400.

About a slide out.  Most everyone likes them period.  There are a few like myself that intentionally avoided a slide out.  I have my list of reasons, but I think the greatest consideration is how people use their PC.

Some people spend a lot of time in their PC, like being snow birds for example, traveling south in winter.  Their PC becomes home for a good long while and the people enjoy life at home in their PC just like they would at their brick & mortar house.  So for them the room inside is greatly valued.  The roomy interior offers great comfort and elbow room.  Many RVers travel with pets so the roomy interior becomes even more valuable.  The extended weekend warrior type love to get away from regular life, kick back, grill some good food, watch a fire dance, and enjoy the company of family and friends.  A slide out helps make that experience that much better.

Then there is another way people use their PC, like my wife and me where a slide out just doesn't contribute so much.  The only time we'd hang around our PC for the day would be because of really bad weather.  Otherwise we are out all day every day in our tow vehicle to trail heads and sightseeing.  We come home to our PC after dark, eat, do a little relaxation, maybe watch a movie, then it's off to bed.  About 1/3 to 1/2 of our vacationing nights are spent on the road in places like Walmart parking lots and rest areas where having a slide out hanging out for another vehicle to hit it is a really bad idea.  It is also a strong signal that we are there for the night, something I prefer not to advertise so well in some places.  So for our travel style along with my list of piddly reasons, a slide out isn't for us.  Mind you, it would not be a disaster for me to have a slide out.  I just strongly prefer not to.

Now if we did the snow-bird thing every winter, I could feel quite different about having a slide out.

The 2552 is the only RV we've ever owned but we love it. If you are considering the 2551, I suggest seriously considering the 2552, especially if you go with the dinette. The euro chair is John's favorite spot to sit ANYWHERE. If either of you has a favorite chair at home, you'll want that "favorite" chair in your motor home. I lounge on the couch facing whatever direction to read, watch TV, stare out the window and so on. Sometimes it is fully upright, sometimes partially reclined, sometimes the footrest is pulled out then rolled back flush with the couch so it holds my feet but takes less floor space. John moves the recliner to wherever he wants for reading, eating, watching TV. It has a flip up footrest so he is all set wherever he goes. The length between the 2551 and 2552 is nominal, both still under 30' but the extra space in the main living area and the euro chair is awesome.

I suspect that extra length will make a difference in your dinette also.

I have had 3 RV's.
23' with corner bed
2551 with slide
2552 with slide.

Likes & Dislikes
Corner bed allows RV to be shorter and easy to drive but I dislike the bed. We used it for 10 years and over 100,000 miles. Harder to sell with corner bed.
2551 was good but we hated the couch & wanted a dinette. Used it for only 6 years and when we saw that the new 2552 could have a dinette we upgraded.
2552 needs a 36" wide seating to make the bed useable(PC will do this), but if not in a slide the floor space is small.
When we are staying for one night we seldom put out the slide, but for many day stay we love the extra space that the slide offers.
We have had NO problems with the Ford 350 or 450 chassis. Much more reliable than the Sprinter.

Keelhauler,

What problems did you have with the Sprinter?

My friends had a Sprinter, not me.