Choosing the right van is the crucial first step for anyone diving into the world of van conversions. For a long time, the decision seemed straightforward, but the recent entry of the 2023 Ford Transit Trail has thrown a compelling alternative into the ring, directly challenging the established dominance of the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter. Both vans are now heavily considered by DIYers and professional upfitters alike.
Initially, my own van search began with the allure of the Transit Trail. Ford’s announcement of a more rugged, adventure-ready Transit variant piqued my interest. However, after a thorough comparison and real-world availability checks, I ultimately found myself driving off the lot with a Sprinter. This wasn’t a snap decision, but a carefully considered choice based on specific needs and a detailed comparison between the Mercedes Sprinter and the Ford Transit Trail.
This article breaks down the key differences between these two titans of the van conversion world, exploring their strengths and weaknesses to help you determine which van – the Sprinter or the Transit Trail – is the ideal foundation for your dream mobile home.
Ford Transit Trail: The Rugged New Contender
The buzz around the Ford Transit Trail is undeniable, and for good reason. Ford designed this trim specifically with the adventure and outdoor recreation communities in mind, directly targeting the growing van conversion market.
The Transit Trail boasts several factory upgrades right off the bat. It comes standard with all-wheel drive (AWD), providing enhanced traction for varied terrains. A notable 3.5-inch (8.89 cm) lift over standard Transits increases ground clearance, complemented by all-terrain tires for better grip on less-than-perfect roads. Ford even offers an optional factory-installed roof vent fan, a popular feature for van conversions, streamlining the build process.
However, the initial excitement hit a snag. Shortly after announcing the Transit Trail, Ford closed their order banks for the year. This created a challenging situation for prospective buyers. Securing a Transit Trail became a hunt for dealerships with existing Transit orders that could be modified to include the Trail package – and only if the order was still early enough in the production pipeline.
My experience mirrored this frustration. Calling every Ford dealership across California proved fruitless. Many dealerships were unfamiliar with the Transit Trail at the end of 2022, highlighting its newness and the communication gap at the time.
Despite the initial appeal and effort invested in researching the Transit Trail, the difficulty in obtaining one led me to broaden my search and consider the long-reigning champion: the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter.
Mercedes-Benz Sprinter: The Gold Standard in Van Conversions
The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter has long held a reputation as the premium choice for van conversions. Its robust build, refined driving experience, and vast aftermarket support have made it a favorite among both DIY converters and professional van builders. I, too, had always considered the Sprinter to be the “gold standard”.
Initially, I leaned towards the Transit, assuming it would be the more budget-friendly option. However, as the Transit Trail proved elusive, I decided to seriously explore the 2023 Sprinter.
Configuring a new 2023 Sprinter to my desired specifications quickly revealed its premium price tag, landing around $75,000. While the base Sprinter cargo van starts at a more accessible price point, essential features for a conversion like a high roof and all-wheel drive significantly increase the cost. Adding these two “must-haves” alone tacked on nearly $16,000 before even considering other options.
My search for a Sprinter took me through dealerships in California, Arizona, Oregon, and Nevada. I soon discovered that Sprinter availability in late 2022 mirrored the Transit Trail situation. Mercedes-Benz had also closed order banks for the 2023 AWD Sprinter, meaning available inventory was limited to what had already been produced.
While I did locate a few Sprinters that met my requirements at various dealerships, the pricing was consistently above MSRP, sometimes by a staggering $25,000 or more. The high demand and limited availability were driving prices up considerably.
The Transit Trail Returns to the Picture
Just as I was deeply immersed in the Sprinter search and had almost given up on the Transit Trail, a Ford salesperson contacted me with surprising news: they claimed they could actually order a 2023 Transit Trail.
This was the same salesperson who had previously seemed unaware of the Transit Trail’s existence. However, they had clearly done their homework. After a detailed conversation and review of the build documentation, it became evident that ordering a 2023 Transit Trail was indeed a possibility.
I proceeded to add a few desired options to the build – a 360-degree camera, an upgraded infotainment system, and the extended-range fuel tank. The resulting build sheet confirmed the order was possible and, surprisingly, the price was nearly identical to the Sprinters I was considering – just over $73,000.
This price parity was unexpected. The initial assumption that the Transit Trail would be the more budget-friendly option was no longer valid. With the cost essentially equal, a more in-depth comparison of the AWD Sprinter vs. Transit Trail became essential to make the right decision.
Ford Transit Trail 2023 Custom Order Build Sheet Example
AWD Sprinter vs. Transit Trail: Head-to-Head Comparison for Van Conversions
With both the Mercedes Sprinter AWD and the Ford Transit Trail priced similarly, the decision came down to a detailed comparison of their features and benefits, specifically for van conversion purposes. Here’s a breakdown of the key advantages of each van:
2023 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Advantages:
- Diesel Engine Longevity: Sprinters are equipped with diesel engines known for their durability and longevity. While diesel maintenance can be more expensive and fuel costs can fluctuate, diesel engines are generally expected to outlast gasoline engines significantly. This long-term reliability was a major factor for me, outweighing potential maintenance costs over the lifespan of the van. Investing in longevity felt more valuable than initial cost savings that might be offset by future vehicle replacements.
- Extensive Aftermarket Support: The Sprinter’s long-standing presence in the van conversion market has resulted in a vast ecosystem of aftermarket accessories and parts specifically designed for Sprinter conversions. While Transit accessories are growing in number, the Sprinter still enjoys a broader range of readily available components, simplifying the build process and offering more customization options. This established support network provides confidence and ease for converters.
- Powered and Heated Swivel Seats: Swivel seats were a non-negotiable feature for my van conversion, enhancing the living space and functionality. The Sprinter offers the option of powered and heated swivel seats. In contrast, the Ford Transit requires a choice between swivel seats and powered/heated seats – you cannot have both factory-installed. The Sprinter’s ability to combine these features was a significant advantage for comfort and convenience.
- Superior Ground Clearance: Despite the Ford Transit Trail’s increased ride height compared to standard Transits, the Sprinter still boasts greater ground clearance. The Sprinter offers an additional 1.3 inches (3.3 cm) of clearance over the Transit Trail. This extra clearance can be crucial for off-road adventures and navigating uneven terrain, providing added confidence and capability.
- USB-C Ports: A minor but appreciated detail is the Sprinter’s inclusion of three USB-C ports. As USB-C becomes the standard for modern devices, having these ports built-in is a forward-thinking feature, reducing the need for adapters and ensuring compatibility with newer technology.
2023 Ford Transit Trail Advantages:
- Extended Range Fuel Tank: The Transit Trail offers an optional extended-range 31-gallon fuel tank directly from the factory. This is a significant advantage for long-distance travelers and those wanting to minimize fuel stops. The Sprinter’s fuel tank capacity is smaller at 25 gallons. The larger tank on the Transit Trail provides greater range and flexibility for extended trips off the grid.
- Wider Service Network: Ford’s extensive network of dealerships and mechanics is a practical advantage. Gasoline-powered Transits are widely serviced, making maintenance and repairs more accessible and potentially more affordable compared to diesel Sprinters, which require specialized Mercedes-Benz service centers. This accessibility can be a major consideration for long-term ownership and peace of mind, especially when traveling in remote areas.
- Larger Infotainment Touchscreen: The Ford Transit Trail boasts a 12-inch touchscreen infotainment system, compared to the 10-inch screen available in the Sprinter. Many find the Ford system to be more visually appealing and modern. While both systems offer Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility, the larger and sleeker screen in the Transit Trail is a notable advantage for tech-savvy users and those prioritizing a modern dashboard aesthetic.
- Increased Headroom: The high-roof Ford Transit offers slightly more headroom than the high-roof Sprinter. While both vans provide ample standing room for someone of my height (5’10” / 179 cm), individuals taller than average might find the Transit’s extra headroom more comfortable, especially for extended periods inside the van.
Conclusion: My Choice and Yours
Ultimately, both the 2023 Ford Transit Trail and the 2023 AWD Mercedes-Benz Sprinter are outstanding vehicles and excellent starting points for van conversions. The near-identical pricing forced a deeper dive into the specifics, and for my priorities, the Sprinter emerged as the winner.
The Sprinter’s diesel engine, superior ground clearance, and availability of powered/heated swivel seats tipped the scales in its favor. While the Transit Trail’s extended fuel tank and wider service network were appealing, the Sprinter’s strengths aligned more closely with my long-term van conversion goals.
My van journey is just beginning, and the exciting part – the build-out – is now underway. Choosing the van was a significant hurdle, and with that decision made, the real fun can begin.
What are your thoughts? Are you Team Sprinter or Team Transit Trail? Share your questions, comments, and build suggestions below!
