Has anyone rented a Dodge/Freightliner Sprinter passenger van?

I'm planning a family trip to New York City early next year, and I've
decided to rent a passenger van that we'll take turns driving. The
Sprinter looks like the perfect vehicle to make the trip, namely
because of the MPG numbers and comfort. I can't seem to find a rental
place in Maryland that has a van in its fleet avalable to the general
public without an "attached" driver.

Has anyone successfully been able to rent the vehicle? For those
residing in Maryland, were you able to find a place that could rent to
you?

-d

Ad absurdum per aspera wrote:
> I've not seen a Sprinter of those proportions (8-10 passengers looks
> like the biggest configuration advertised, though there is a long
> wheelbase version with an extended rear) and AFAIK it has electronic
> stability control now.

Dodge.com shows that the van has three lengths: 197", 225", and 263".
The 2500 series comes standard with a ESP system.

> I still would be careful about disproportionate weight cantilevered
> past an axle and would drive conservatively when pushing its capacity
> and take it easy while learning the new vehicle -- good advice with any
> model!

I've driven 14'-capacity U-Hauls, so I know how dicey it is to drive a
heavy truck.

> That havigng been said, I don't know who would rent one. [Try a RV.]

An RV...I hope not. Given the same dimensions lengthwise, a RV has
1/3-1/2 the seating capacity of the same vehicle configured to carry
passengers only. It'll be tougher to maneuver in New York, too. I'll
look into that as a last resort.

> Finding a parking space in tourist areas of built-up Eastern cities is
> up to you!

Indeed.

Geez, I hope it isn't too hard to find a rental Sprinter. (I always
seem to have a need for products or services that are hard to find in
my area.)

-d