Built on the popular Dodge Sprinter chassis that uses the Mercedes-Benz, 3.0-l turbo-diesel, the ERA offers a full list of features in a very pleasing, compact form.

This Limited version is built on the single rear wheel (SRW), 170-inch wheelbase using  Winnebago ‘s well-conceived floor-plan and striking Charcoal Limited Package, leaving no doubt that this is much more than just a simple van conversion.

Under the Hood

The heart of the Sprinter is the Mercedes CDI turbo-diesel pumping out 154 smooth ponies through a paddle-shift-assisted five-speed transmission. The engine bay is open and neatly organized,
making fluid checks a breeze, and owners will appreciate the clever nonskid step integrated into the lower grille valance.

Under-hood features include the passenger-side fresh air intake for the cabin. Air enters the vehicle through the driver-side hood grille intake, crossing the full width of the hood’s core and under the matching passenger-side dummy hood grille, wringing out any moisture along the way and entering a large filter box that uses the hood as the lid. An easy-to-change 9 x 14-inch pleated filter is visible anytime the hood is opened and ensures only fresh, filtered air enters the cabin’s blower motor housing for dash-selected distribution. At first glance, the battery seems to be missing, but it’s actually secured in a well under the driver’s feet. Dodge has wisely provided additional space for an optional driver-side second battery and tray combo under the hood while the house battery resides in a vented battery box in the rear cabinetry.

The Tour

A short step up into the driver’s seat provides uncompromised forward visibility maintained by large 23-inch wipers and the sharply sloping hood. A pair of round, no-nonsense analog gauges clearly display speed and engine rpm. Numerous color-warning icons logically arranged above and between the gauges inform the driver of a laundry list of maladies – from low tire pressure to burned-out signal bulbs, plus a host of engine, brake and traction/stability system malfunctions. A small, centered digital information screen displays distance functions and fuel status along with
time functions.