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Sprinter vs Ford (was: Re: Selling your 2350 with dinette? Want to buy used.)

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sajohnson

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    • Washington D.C. Metro From the Inside Out
  • OwnPC: No
  • NewUsed: Used
  • PurchDate: N/A
  • Model: 2350 Sprinter
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  • Slide: Yes
  • Location: Middletown, Maryland
Unless special ordered, the 2350 and 2400 models are built on E350 and Sprinter chassis. Consequently, the E450 chassis is irrelevant for this example.
The PC models built on the Ford E350 chassis are 9'10" high.
The PC models built on the Sprinter chassis are 10'1" high.
Simply judging from photos on the PC site, the rear extreme wheel width of the Sprinter is 10 to 12" narrower than the Ford.
A taller object on a narrower base results in a higher center of gravity and reduced resistance to sway and/or rollover (draw the triangles).
Granted, these are extremes and electronic stability control can help. But it cannot change the physics involved.

As I said, I agree.  We're on the same page here.

ESC, etc, can only make the best use of the available traction.  The laws of physics still apply.

Assuming the coaches are identical (placement of water tanks, appliances, cabinets, etc) then the Sprinter would be slightly more top-heavy since it's 3" taller.

The track of the Ford is clearly wider and that increases stability.

I am still curious about the center of gravity of each cab chassis and each complete RV -- but from their appearance, without having any additional info, I'd feel safer traversing a slope or driving through heavy cross winds in the Ford.
I'm on an epic quest for a class B+/C RV that is as close to perfect as possible!

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sajohnson

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    • Washington D.C. Metro From the Inside Out
  • OwnPC: No
  • NewUsed: Used
  • PurchDate: N/A
  • Model: 2350 Sprinter
  • ModelYear: N/A
  • Slide: Yes
  • Location: Middletown, Maryland
I know nothing about this company, but this is a nice review of the latest generation Sprinter that I came across while searching for center of gravity info:

http://www.rvmotoring.com/07_dodge_sprinter.html

Of course, they could be paid off by M-B.  ;-)
I'm on an epic quest for a class B+/C RV that is as close to perfect as possible!

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sajohnson

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  • 92
    • View Profile
    • Washington D.C. Metro From the Inside Out
  • OwnPC: No
  • NewUsed: Used
  • PurchDate: N/A
  • Model: 2350 Sprinter
  • ModelYear: N/A
  • Slide: Yes
  • Location: Middletown, Maryland
A very impressive list of companies that Mercedes-Benz partners with:

http://www.mbsprinterusa.com/owners/equip

They must be doing something right.
I'm on an epic quest for a class B+/C RV that is as close to perfect as possible!