'06 Sprinter!! Nice find- and it hits the easy button square on!!

Rovertrader

Supporting Sponsor
As some of you know, I am a diehard Rover guy. But also enjoy travels all over the country- and beyond ( drove from Belize to Guatemala thru Mexico and to NC in a Defender this spring with the 7&9yo). So, how to transport the family, be self contained, get decent fuel economy, and not spend a fortune- money or time building?? I have tried a Kimberly, a Conquerer- both behind a diesel Rover. Done the tent thing for 50+ years. Tried an F-150 and F-250 with a pop up truck camper- minimal room, lousy milage, etc. Even tried a E-350 4x4 diesel. So why post here in the van section?

I found a 16k mile '06 Sprinter (5 cyl diesel ;-) based Itasca Navion!! Had supposed water damage and a salvage title, but near no sign of water ingress, much less any damage. Drove it home over 500 miles getting A SOLID 22MPG!! Already built, and quite nice I might add. Huge savings over new (like 75% off), and could not come near building anything close for the price- especially on a 16k mile unit. 3500 dual wheels, air bags in place, and likely doing the 235/85 tire swap, to give some shoulders. Pics to follow. I have wanted to try the Sprinter for some time, and this is the golden opportunity!! Thanks to all who have posted their builds and comments on the Sprinters, as it helped tremendously pulling the trigger!! Gotta love Expo!!!

Perhaps I am just getting a bit long in the tooth, but this is such a comfortable ride, and while not 4x4, it certainly will get lots of miles exploring many a fire road as well as tireless travels. Excited more than I ever imagined- didn't want to stop after 500 miles as it just eats up the miles...
 

Rovertrader

Supporting Sponsor
Thx- read your travel/build thread both here and Sprinter. A big part of the decision was your pic where your family and some friends were camping, and while they were setting up, you guys pulled in, parked, and were ready to play!! Hooked wifey completely...

Bottom line, how do you like your tune, and is it worth it?? I can use any extra oomph available, and plan to keep this rig forever, so longevity is equally or more important- which seems to be facilitated with bypassing the EGR.
 

Cole

Expedition Leader
I like the tune! Seemed to make a noticeable difference in fuel mileage and helps move the bigger tires.
 

Cole

Expedition Leader
Well, mine is gaining weight all the time as big build it. Even trying to keep it light. All the more reason for the tune.

Post pics!
 

Haf-E

Expedition Leader
Sprinters are amazing at eating up the miles when traveling the interstates - very comfortable and the 600+ mile range per tank really helps. The fast switch to camping makes late stops and early departures much easier - allowing more time for stops in the day along the way while still making good distances.

It will be cool to see a navion with the 235/85 tires. Upscale automotive sells a set of rear helper springs that also lift the rear about an inch - might be worth considering. Not any great front solutions though - I switched to one of their HD steel from springs and it didn't gain any lift... Timberns rubber springs might help to reduce squash in the front if you have any problems with clearances - also have seen trimming in front help.

Looking forward to seeing photos of the rig and new tires!
 

Haf-E

Expedition Leader
Cole - what tune did you do and did it include an EGR delete or does it just reduces its usage? Must have missed that....
 

Cole

Expedition Leader
I've got the Green Diesel Engineering Eco Tune. It just eliminates the use of the EGR
 

Rovertrader

Supporting Sponsor
This one came with Firestone rear bags, but have been checking out the Timbren as they have a 6800# version for the 3500 Sprinter. Once the tires are fitted, will do what we need...
 

Rovertrader

Supporting Sponsor
Couple of quick exterior shots:
 

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