FWD and RWD versions of the same Van

[Truckosaurus]

Now then,

I'm in the process of researching (used) vans to purchase with the intention of converting into a campervan.

Other than the ubiquitous Ducato/Boxer/Relay which is FWD only, you can get Transits, Crafters and Sprinters in FWD, RWD and indeed AWD versions.

There seems to be little online info on how well any van drives, other than mention that the new Crafter in FWD form has a poor turning circle.

Has anyone any views on whether going for RWD is a worthwhile improvement over the more readily available FWD versions?

(I know you get a higher floor in the RWD/AWD vans, but I'm not especially tall so that's not much of a blocker)

The ideal spec is, of course, an RWD automatic Sprinter but they are rare and expensive, so can't be the default choice.

[RustyNissanPrairie]

I had a 350 RWD Transit and it spent most of its time lightly loaded - it was useless in snow/icy conditions, some of the engine maintenance tasks were easier due to the inline engine orientation (clutch change, timing case etc).

RWD has the disadvantage of a long propshaft and it's associated maintenance/repair (support bearings, UJ's etc) and also a rear differential to service.

[and31]

Don’t try and tow anything with a fwd version!

[Venisonpie]

and31 said:

Don t try and tow anything with a fwd version!

Pretty much this, FWD is absolutely fine unless you need to tow - then it becomes a problem. For a camper van I'd focus on getting the best van I can afford and not worry about FWD/RWD.

[Smint]

Noughties Peugeot/Citroen FWD Boxer size vans had really good turning circles, far better than one would expect.

Many professional built motorhomes came in FWD form for a reason, the came as cab/chassis/cowl and the conversion centre fitted their own rear chassis axles etc.
Was interesting delivering them on transporters, they came as two driveable cabs bolted together back to back via the short chassis section protruding from the back of each cab (sheets of polythene stuck to the otherwise open cabs, what made them really interesting was no park brake on the outfit so extra tie downs and sturdy chocking was the order of the day.

RWD should in theory mean easier maintenance and puts you into the larger engined Sprinters which can really shift.

Speaking of maintenance, some Transits came with front brake discs fitted from behind the wheel hub, whenever i've come across this foolish design it means pressing out the wheel bearings to fit new discs, which invariably results in ruined wheel bearings, turning a simple DIY £100 job into a several hour garage op pressing in new wheel bearings adding £hundreds to the cost.
Worth checking on such things whislt narrowing your choice down.

The other thing these days is wet belts, to me its a line in the sand i'm not crossing, others may have different views.

[Truckosaurus]

Smint said:

...The other thing these days is wet belts, to me its a line in the sand i'm not crossing, others may have different views.

Indeed. I think if you were going for a Transit you'd have to budget for a belt change ASAP unless there was proof it had recently been done.

Then you should be good to go as long as you are conscientious of servicing it properly.

[SwissJonese]

We have rented quite a few different FWD motorhomes and they always seem to struggle with grip, get on a wet grass field and it becomes a bit of a nightmare if fully loaded.

We decided to buy a RWD H2L2 sprinter with Auto gearbox. Incredible vehicle, the Auto is so good.
We spoke to a few Mercedes authorised coachbuilders and they said they are not allowed to convert FWD? Not sure why as I'm sure you can get FWD motorhomes? But we needed professionally fitted seats in the back with isofix and authorised by Mercedes so had to buy a RWD vehicle. Zero issues with grip especially adding the merc approved Michelin Agilis Crossclimate tyres on new 17" alloys.