Sprinter Van Conversion Pros And Cons
Heres a list of positives:
Theres a lot to think about when deciding if you should go with a Mercedes Sprinter van for your camper van conversion.
- Great M.P.G. The diesel engine on a Mercedes Sprinter camper van means it gets better MPG than similar-sized vans. Some report MPG in the high 20s, which is amazing for a large van.
- Reliability. The Mercedes Sprinter is known to be a reliable, hardy van
- Loads of interior space. A good amount of interior space is critical to a comfortable camper van conversion, and the Mercedes van fits the bill perfectly.
- Theyre an asset. The value of Sprinter camper vans doesnt go down all that much, so if you need to sell, it wont be as big of a hit to your wallet.
- Easy to maneuver. A Sprinter van conversion is surprisingly easy to maneuver given its size, and can easily navigate city streets.
- 4×4 capabilities. If youre looking to do off-roading or overlapping in your Mercedes Sprinter camper van, you have the option of a 4×4 Sprinter van camper
Here are the main negatives:
Coach House Arriva Class B
If you are looking for a high-tech motorhome and want to feel like you are living in the lap of luxury, you will want to explore the Arriva a little closer.
This sumptuous camper van has a Sprinter 3500 extended chassis. Surrounding you is a beautiful maple, cherry, or teak interior providing a feeling of luxury. The bathroom has a toilet and shower and it is not even a wet bath.
You will be guaranteed to get a good nights sleep on twin beds that convert to a big comfortable king and watch two 22 inch HD flat-panel televisions. The galley has a stove, sink, and a large 6 cubic foot refrigerator so you wont have a bit of trouble whipping up a delicious meal after a long day on the lake fishing.
Swivel front seats cradle you in comfort as you travel down the interstate. It also has WiFi 4G LTE with a booster, 110-volt electric receptacles with USB ports conveniently located for charging your electronics.
At the end of your active day, you can clean up at the outdoor shower, relax under the power awning, and watch one of the TVs that is viewable from outside. They have even concealed the 55-pound propane tank!
For more information about the Arriva Class B, .
Dynamax Isata 3 Class C
The Dynamax Isata 3 is a luxury RV with five models, four of which include slideouts. You can expand the bedroom, dining room, or almost any other portion of the vehicle, depending on which model you choose. Sofas, pantries, dinettes, and comfortable bedrooms are all part of every model.
You will find central heating and air conditioning, as well as optional solar panels, a touchscreen control center, and two batteries to double-up on the power source. You can hook it up when you arrive at a campground or dry camp wherever you go.
For more information about the Isata 3, .
Recommended Reading: Dispersed Camping Near Ogden Utah
Weight You Can Carry In A Mercedes Sprinter
Sprinter camper vans have different payload and hauling capacities depending on the version. Mercedes vans are available in a number of sizes and engines, which affect the vehicles dry weight, including its power and capacities. The kind of vehicle , roof height, wheelbase, gas or diesel motors, 4 or 6 cylinder engines, and whether or not you desire 4×4 are all factors to consider. Diesel engines with much more cylinders are generally more powerful, but they also weigh more than that, to begin with. Youll also discover that choosing the 4×4 reduces your payload capacity because the extra 4×4 parts absorb a few of the additional weight.
Are Sprinter Camper Vans Worth The Money
If you want a small luxury RV with everything you need to live on the road, a Sprinter camper van is absolutely worth it. Sprinter vans hold their value well, last forever, and have a great quality of workmanship.
When you buy a Sprinter van, youre paying for much more than just the van itself. Youre paying for the high-tech features, the skilled labor, and a camper thats in incredibly high demand.
Winter is coming, but that doesnt mean your adventures have to end. Turn your camper van into a four-season rig with one of the5 Best Diesel Heaters for Van Campers.
Read Also: How To Find Free Camping Spots
The Sprinter Van Popularity
Due to the growing popularity of van living, Sprinters have become increasingly popular. Camper vans are popular because of their mobility, right to drive on any road and park in any location, and excellent gas consumption. A camper van is as practical as a regular car and comes equipped with all of the conveniences youll need to live comfortably on the road.
For all the mentioned reasons previously, Sprinter camper vehicles are frequently regarded as the top-of-the-line camper van. Aside from the fundamentals, these vans may be customized and modified to go on some great adventures. Sprinter vans are in high demand because of their dependability, quality, and iconic van life style.
Gallery: Mercedes Sprinter Expedition Van Build
The exterior also features a new bumper with a big brush bar. A ladder provides access to a full-length roof rack for carrying loads of gear. At the back, there’s a hefty toolbox and spare wheel.
For getting into hard-to-reach places, the van now has a 4×4 drivetrain with a Dana 60 front axle, Dana 70 rear, and hub lockers for even more traction when necessary. It runs on 37-inch tires, and the ride height is 8.5 inches taller, too.
The owners intend to take Bruce Banner far enough off-road that help might not be able to get to them easily. To rescue themselves, there’s a 12,000-pound winch, recovery boards, and jack. They also carry specialized first aid kits for both the humans and the dogs onboard.
More Cool Campers:
Also Check: Darien Lake State Park Camping
Sprinter Van Base Price
A new, unfilled Sprinter van starts at roughly $44,000 for the smallest and shortest variants and goes up to $65,000 for a bigger wheelbase and more powerful engine.
The cost of manufacturing a Sprinter van is the greatest of all van types, comparable to the Ram Promaster at $41,000 to $45,000 as well as the other famous camper van model, the Ford Transit at $45,000 to $49,000.
American Coach Patriot Class B
The American Coach Patriot is the embodiment of efficiency and multipurpose functionality. The bedroom consists of two large sofas that fold down the center to create a queen-sized bed. On top of that, theres also additional storage space below the bed. Behind the drivers side of the motorhome sits a toilet and shower, reducing the space necessary to get ready in the morning.
With multiple floorplans, three color schemes, and two types of wood to choose, youll have the final say in how everything looks and feels. Although this motorhome is simple in terms of technological updates, it comes with a 36,000-mile/3-year warranty from bumper to bumper.
For more information about the Patriot, .
Also Check: Best Camping Spots In New York
Mercedes Sprinter Van Payload Capacities
Brand new Sprinter Cargo van payload capacities generally have the highest capacities, which makes sense because they are designed for hauling cargo. They have a low end of 3,920lbs in the Cargo Van 1500 and 3,726lbs in the Cargo 2500 6 cylinder diesel 4×4 version. Their max and up to 6,823lbs in the Cargo Van 4500 4 cylinder diesel model without 4×4.
Mercedes Sprinter Crew van payload capacities range from 2,976lbs in the Crew 2500 6-cylinder 4×4 diesel up to 6,382lbs in the standard roof, 144 wheelbase Crew 4500 6-cylinder diesel.
The Sprinter Passenger vans handle payloads of 2,877lbs in their 144 high-roof Passenger 2500 models with 6-cylinder diesel engines with 4×4 at the low end. The most youll get in this line is 3,494lbs in their short wheelbase 1500 and 2500 models that have the 4-cylinder gas engines. However, you get a lot more weight capacity if you remove all the seating .
What Makes Sprinter Camper Vans So Popular
Sprinters are becoming more and more popular these days thanks to the van life boom. People seek camper vans for their versatility, ability to drive on any road and park in any spot, and great gas mileage. A camper van is as convenient as a daily driver and has all the amenities you need to live comfortably on the road.
Sprinter camper vans are often thought of as the top-of-the-line camper van for all the good reasons listed above. Beyond these basics, these vans can also be built out and modified to do some incredible adventuring. Reliability, quality, and that quintessential van life look keep Sprinter vans in high demand.
Recommended Reading: How To Take Directv With You Camping
Diy Sprinter Van Conversion Tips From A Van Lifer
Sydney Ferbrache of Divine on the Road built out her 2011 Sprinter camper van for just $6,000, and it looks absolutely gorgeous inside. The single biggest component of her build was the electrical system, which cost just over $1,300.DIY
We prioritized electrical first because its what makes you the most comfortable in the camper van, says Sydney. We have a 1500 watt inverter , two 96 amp hour batteries and 400 watts of solar.
Here are a couple of Sydneys budget tips for a DIY Sprinter camper van.
- Use shiplap for a cheap interior finishing product that looks like wood
- Try finding recycled goods Sydneys kitchen counter and dining room table are both made from recycled doors that cost only $30
Sydney used recycled doors to build out her countertop and table in this Sprinter camper van.
There are always things you can work around and make less expensive if you get creative with it, says Sydney. You can always find alternatives to the expensive stuff for your Sprinter van conversion.
What Rvs Are Built On A Mercedes
RV companies start with a chassis made by popular vehicle manufacturers to build their creations. In fact, they start with a chassis from companies such as Ford, Chevrolet, Dodge, and Mercedes-Benz. The Sprinter chassis tends to be one of the most highly sought-after parts of motorhomes these days.
The RVs built on a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter chassis include the Thor Delano & Tiburon, Winnebago Revel, Coachmen Galleria, Coach House Arriva, and plenty of others. Having a Sprinter chassis provides top-notch durability, stabilization, and longevity.
Throughout this post, well discuss the following information about Sprinter chassis:
- Popular RVs that have a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter chassis
- Details about each motorhome, as well as a link to the manufacturers site with more info
- Numerous reasons that so many people want a Sprinter chassis on their RV
The following RVs offer all kinds of bells and whistles, but you still need outdoor gear to go with them. Camping chairs to sit around relaxing with the family are at the top of the list.
This moon saucer chair from KingCamp is comfortable whoo-wee, it just cradles you in comfort. At a little over 33 inches wide, it will be a hit with the whole family. It is stable, and the heavy-duty fabric will give you lots of years of use. Folds up quickly and comes with a handy bag for easy carrying.
This chair takes enjoying the campfire to the next level!
Both of these items are excellent additions to have while you are on the road.
Don’t Miss: Camping World Rv Sales Tampa
Leisure Travel Unity Fx
The Leisure Travel Unity is also a good choice having Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500 Dual Rear Wheel Chassis. It is powered by using a Mercedes Benz 3.0 L V6 Turbo Diesel engine having a 7-speed transmission by Mercedes, which makes it a particularly a very useful and reliable RV motorhome.
There are extras that separate it from other RV options because Leisure Travel has incorporated a lot of other useful and additional features for the customers.
The Leisure Travel Vans has gone ahead to design it with a jumbo murphy bed to give you a superior encounter out and about.
At the point when you additionally consider that the floorplan is designed to just rest two individuals, it makes the Leisure Travel Van Unity one of the most mind-blowing Class B Mercedes RVs for a couple who likes to tow their toys alongside them.
You may see the value in the roomy dry room with a huge shower region and the water tanks that let you travel with ease of mind and comfort for quite a long time, regardless of whether you cant discover an RV park with an accessible campground.
This is what makes your journey easy and better.
Coachmen Galleria Class B
Those in search of a high-end Class B RV on a Mercedes-Benz chassis will love the Coachmen Galleria. It comes in four different floorplans, allowing you to choose which one best suits your needs. One of them removes the rear bed in favor of an overhead bed to open up more kitchen space, while another sits on an extended chassis.
Regardless of the Galleria floor plan you choose, youll enjoy the full-size fridge, swiveling chairs, crystal-clear HD TVs, and the storage space under the rear bed .
For more information about the Galleria, .
Other Posts of Interest
Recommended Reading: The Dyrt Tent & Rv Camping
The Ultimate Small Motorhome For The Real Rver
Built on the renowned Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Chassis and designed with the avid RVer or camper in mind, the CS Adventurous turns every trip into an adventure. Camping in style has never been easier or more enjoyable as this coach provides all the comforts and conveniences youll need after a long day of exploring the outdoors.
Differences Of The Ram Promaster And The Mercedes
Even though they have some similarities, there are a few differences between both vans. Here are six differences between Ram ProMaster and the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter van.
When comparison shopping, the first noticeable thing is the manufacturers suggested retail price. The ProMasters is lower than the Sprinter. Also, the overall yearly costs for the Sprinter are higher as well as the parts & labor.
The ProMaster employs front-wheel drive while the Sprinter is rear-wheel drive, and its also available with a 4-wheel-drive option, which adds to the overall cost. They have a front-wheel-drive version however, it is only available in certain countries at this time.
The ProMaster has the edge when it comes to interior maximum floor width with 75.6 inches vs. 70.4 inches for the Sprinter. The width of a van is very important if you want to do a DIY van conversion and intend to camp out of it. Youll have more space to set the bed sideways, add additional amenities, and so on.
The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter high-top van has a longer wheelbase length, as well as a little more inside height compared to the Ram ProMaster. The specs for the Sprinter are 79.1 inches inside height, whereas the ProMaster is 76.8 inches inside. When it comes to length, the wheelbase options for the ProMaster van are 136 and 159 inches. The Sprinter is available in a 144-inch and 170-inch wheelbase options. Both vans have extended options on their longest wheelbase.
Recommended Reading: Camping In Yellowstone In November
Benefits Of Camping In A Van
- The space. Seriously, have you ever been insidea Mercedes-Benz Sprinter? Not only can the 2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Passenger Van seat upto 12 people, but it also has a roomy 75.5 inches of standing height, and acargo space of 78.6 cubic feet. That gives you plenty of room to stretch outinside,
- This is a luxury model, which means youllprobably see more creature-comforts than in your typical van, and definitelymore than if you pitched a tent! Plus, theres the added benefit of not needingto strategically hide your food from things that might want to eat it andyou.
- Say goodbye to campground fees, uncomfortablydamp and frosty mornings, and bugs. Inside the Sprinter, youll find sweet,sweet climate control, comfortable seats, a radio that actually works, and aroof and walls that wont flap around in the wind.
- A van is perfect for the get-up-and-golifestyle. No need to pack the bulky tent or accidentally forget the stakes,the Sprinter is ready to be taken on your next road trip at a moments notice.
Read more: Howdo I use the Navigation feature in my Mercedes-Benz?
Jayco Terrain Class B Camper Van
If you have not camped before, youve still certainly heard of Jayco. The RV company from Indiana is known for its large RVs and travel trailers, but the van depicted here is a little distinct. This camper, a Class B motorhome, foregoes campgrounds and RV parks in favor of off-road excursions. Welcome to the Jayco Terrain in 2022.
A tried-and-true Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 4×4 with a 144-inch wheelbase serves as the cornerstone for Jaycos venture into the Overlanding domain. Jayco then adds everything youll need for long trips off the usual road, along with a bathroom with a shower and cassette toilet. The kitchen does have a tiny sink, a small refrigerator, and an induction burner, as well as a pullout table that stretches across the side door for additional counter space. An additional flip-up table can be found in the following row of seats, which, when combined with the front seat swiveled backwards, offers a comfortable lounge/dining space.
Its quite a thing to experience off the grid its but another to get somewhere. The Terrains obligatory Customer Value Package includes Koni shocks and a heavy-duty rear stabilizer bar. It also comes with a sturdy roof rack, a patio awning, outside LED lights, a 48V air conditioner, and black aluminum wheels with all-terrain tires. A standard feature is an inbuilt air compressor.
Recommended Reading: Camping World Rv Sales Vacaville
The Executive Suite Conversion
With this luxury Sprinter conversion from Klassen Luxury, you can bring the whole office out for a mobile conference. Theres cruise and climate control, built-in satellite system, 42 TV and thick plush carpets as standard. It really is the definition of swank.
Theres storage for headphones and iPads for every passenger, and more than enough crystalware to celebrate your newest promotion in style. And when youre done in the office, you can head to the built-in massage chairs for a nice relax. Working a 9-5 job never felt so good!
This souped-up, blacked-out Sprinter might not be ideal for full time van life, but it sure is a cool little number if youre looking for a business vehicle or a party bus .
Overall, this conversion is more about show than being a functional tiny home. But if youre in the market for a mini-bus to keep the kids happy, or a sweet ride for you and your friends to enjoy the high life, then look no further!
Check out more details on this luxury conversion over on the Klasson Luxury website.