The Best Van for Camper Van Conversions: Sprinter or Transit?

Not all vans are created equal, and choosing the wrong one can make your build way harder than it needs to be. At Blackthorn Campervans when asked about building camper vans, we’re asked one question more than any other: Which van chassis should I choose for my camper van build? With years of experience building custom camper vans and managing our own fleet, we’ve got the expertise from experience to guide you. Let’s explore the Ford Transit and Mercedes Sprinter, the top two chassis we recommend, and why they earned our recommendation.

The Ford Transit and Mercedes Sprinter are the go-to choices for campervan conversions, each offering unique strengths for different adventurers. I won't even mention the Promaster after this, its benefits don’t match the reliability, versatility, or quality of its competition so we don't ever recommend it. For comparison, it is very similar to the Ford Transit and is a good van but the Ford Transit is preferred across the board.

Below, we’ll compare the high-roof, cargo models in short and long wheelbase options (no extended) broken down by the specs and then our teams personal experience dealing with the 2 brands.

Feature	Sprinter 144"	Sprinter 170"	Transit 130"	Transit 148"
Wheelbase	144 in	170 in	130 in	148 in
Exterior Length	234 in	274 in	219.9 in	235.5 in
Exterior Height	100 in	109-110 in	101.3 in	101.3 in
Interior Cargo Length	133 in	173 in	126 in	143.7 in
Interior Height	71 in	79 in	57 in	81 in
Interior Width	70.1 in	Same	70.2 in	Same
Payload	4,211 lb	3,814 lb	3,818 lb	3,818 lb
Tow capacity	5,000-7,500 lb	5,000 lb	6,200-6,600 lb	Same
Fuel and Power	2.0 L Diesel (211 hp/332 lb-ft)	Same	3.5 L V6 Gas(275 hp/260 lb‑ft), optional 3.5 L EcoBoost (310 hp/400 lb‑ft)
Ground Clearance	8 - 9.5 in	Same	7 - 9 in	Same
Off-Roading	AWD	Same	Optional "Intelligent AWD"	Same

Additional Considerations for Campervan Conversions

Beyond the specs, several factors influence which chassis we would recommend for your camper van conversion that you should consider. These include wall shape, fuel and maintenance costs, resale value, driving experience, reliability, aftermarket support, customization potential, and community resources.

• Wall Shape and Build Friendliness: Sprinters have tapered walls, which can complicate anything up at the top on a right angle, requiring more skill or experience. Transits, with their boxy design, vertical walls, are more forgiving, making them a top choice for those new to van conversions.

• Fuel and Maintenance Costs: Sprinters have better fuel efficiency, especially when fully loaded, saving you money on long road trips. However, their maintenance costs are higher due to pricier parts and specialized service. Transits, on the other hand, have lower maintenance costs and widely available parts, ideal for budget-conscious van lifers.

• Resale Value: Sprinters hold their value better thanks to Mercedes’ premium brand and strong reputation, especially in the overlanding community. This makes them a better investment if you plan to sell or upgrade. Transits depreciate faster but still offer solid resale value.

• Driving Experience: Sprinters provide a smooth ride, with higher seating for better visibility, making them ideal for highway driving or off-roading. However, they have a slight acceleration lag. Transits, especially with the EcoBoost engine, are peppier, with a tighter steering radius, making them feel like a standard car. These advantages make Transits them more ideal for navigating cities and neighborhoods.

Why Choose a Mercedes Sprinter?

The Mercedes Sprinter is most often our go-to recommendation whenever asked. From our experience, the Sprinters are better because:

• Overall Durability: Sprinters are built to handle the added weight of high-end conversions, such as water tanks, diesel heaters, and dense interiors as well as the backroads of the mountain west. Their robust frame and extra ground clearance suits rugged terrains, making them ideal for overlanders, off-grid trips, and your average road debris obstacles. That being said, we do often recommend to upgrade the suspension.

• Higher Ground Clearance: Especially in AWD models, Sprinters offer superior clearance, simplifying working underneath the van, like installing water tanks, grey water systems, or running boards. Our builders find working under a Sprinter (often AWD in our case and even more clearance) is FAR easier than under a Transit, where low clearance can make tasks a massive struggle. I started working here doing a lot of work under the vans and as a 5'9" skinny guy, my nose would brush against the bottom of the transits if I didn't turn my head. I have never had any experience like that with the Sprinters.

• Superior Resale Value: Thanks to their brand prestige and overall reputation, Sprinters retain value exceptionally well, making them a smart choice for any owner. While camper vans depreciate like any motorized vehicle would, a Mercedes camper van conversion (especially with a high quality interior) depreciate less that the competition.

• Rental Fleet Durability: I manage the rentals here at Blackthorn. In our rental fleet, I've found Sprinters withstand heavy wear and tear from constant use better than Transits. They require few repairs, and renters love their intuitive systems, which feel safe and easy to learn. One thing to note for both of them is cracks on the windshield are very common. This can probably be accredited to them being on highways constantly.

• Off-Road Capability: With AWD options and larger tires, Sprinters excel in challenging terrains, from desert trails to mountain roads, appealing to adventurers seeking the ultimate van life experience. For our rental fleet, it is standard for us to upgrade the tires on the Mercedes rentals. With the larger tires, the 4x4 (we haven't added any of the newest Sprinters that are AWD now) and other accommodations the Sprinter include, the backroads of southern Utah have never felt easier to explore. Transits are zippier and have a better turn radius but renters and owners still prefer the Mercedes. Renters are using the vans more to camp and explore the backroads of Utah and less the cities of the Mountain west like Salt Lake City, so the Sprinters win out here.

• Reliability Record: Sprinters have a strong track record for long-term reliability, especially in diesel models, which are built to last hundreds of thousands of miles with proper care. This durability is key for anyone planning on driving their vans often, far and for the resale value of the van.

• Premium Brand Appeal: The Mercedes badge adds a touch of luxury and prestige, aligning with high-end campervan builds and attracting renters or buyers who value quality.

Why wouldn't you spend the little bit extra for a overall better, nicer brand? The prices for these vans are not far off and for how small the price is, why wouldn't you want to invest in the better brand?

Why Choose a Ford Transit?

The Ford Transit is a versatile and budget-friendly option, making it a favorite for DIY builders, saving money and urban settings. Here’s why it might be the best campervan chassis for you:

• Easier to Build: The Transit’s boxy, straight-walled design simplifies insulation, cabinetry, and interior layouts, saving time and effort for campervan conversions. This makes it easier for beginners or those prioritizing ease and speed of build.

• Zippy Handling: With the EcoBoost engine, Transits are very responsive, with a tight steering radius that shines in city driving and your typical neighborhood. They feel like a daily driver, perfect for daily driving or getting around town. After driving the Sprinters around (which have a lag), these Transits feel incredibly zippy.

• Lower Maintenance Costs: Transits are cheaper to repair, with widely available parts and service centers (Ford has over 7 times the amount of locations in the US), reducing downtime and costs for owners who prioritize affordability.

• Affordability Upfront: Building out any campervan is expensive, so finding places to cut costs is a must for those on a budget. Lower starting prices make Transits accessible for those on a budget or new to vans, allowing more funds for custom interiors or gear.

I am 5'9" and I am walking into the side door on a Mercedes Sprinter. This is a 2022 144" wheelbase with AWD and slightly larger tires.

Additional Factors to Consider

• Van Life Community Perception: Sprinters are often seen as the “gold standard” in the camper van community. Odds are a large majority of the camper vans you've seen out in the wild have been built in a Mercedes. The practicality of their ground clearance and 4x4 (until recently, models have now moved to AWD) has made them a more practical choice for what they are intended to be used for. Transits, however, have a growing fanbase for their practicality and affordability, making them a smarter choice for many.

• Difference in models for the same brand: Many people that build with us opt to build in the shorter wheelbases for Mercedes. The more maneuverable shorter vans make the gap of handling between Mercedes and Fords noticeably less. I've talked about how we get the 4x4 Sprinters (now AWD) but that is a feature that costs extra. That is the same case for Transits for their AWD.

• How you intend to use your space: The popular option in the shorter vans is to run the bed side-to-side. That option is great if you're shorter than 6' but at 6' it starts to feel tight. Any taller and you're gonna want to spend some money on flares. This is noteworthy for those trying to save a buck. While shorter vans often have a lower base price, design choices can cause overall costs to equal, or exceed, those of longer models.

• Cargo vans vs Passenger vans: We only talked about the cargo vans, and that’s because passenger vans are a lot more work to build a campervan in. You have to tear out the floor, the trim, all the seats, and even redo the windows. So for us as builders, it just doesn’t make sense to start with a passenger van. If you like the idea of having windows, you’re better off using the money you save from buying the cheaper cargo van and putting in the exact windows you want (after market windows are better anyways). That way, the cost ends up about the same, but you get better windows and a cleaner install.

Our Recommendation

As experienced campervan builders and rental fleet managers, we recommend the Mercedes Sprinter for its durability, higher resale value, off-road capability, and ability to handle premium campervan conversions. Its higher ground clearance, reliability, and luxury appeal make it ideal for full-time van lifers, weekend warriors, or those entering the rental market. However, our recommendation is centered around our situation so Sprinters fit our style and needs better. The Ford Transit is a fantastic choice for DIY builders, budget-conscious adventurers, and those who value ease of build, affordability, and agile handling.

Ultimately, the best campervan chassis depends on your priorities:

• Choose a Sprinter for luxury, durability, off-road adventures, and long-term investment.

• Choose a Transit for affordability, ease of conversion, and maneuverability.

Ready to start looking more into building your own dream camper van? Contact us at Blackthorn Campervans to discuss your dream campervan conversion and design the perfect van conversion for your adventures!

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