Don’t have time for the details? Start with the highlights, everything else documented below.
Summary Highlights
– Smart Floor install (L track for removable cabinets and seats)
– Rixen’s Hydronic Heating and Hot Water System with Cold Start Loop
– Victron Components with 824aH of Lithium + warranty
– DC powered build, only AC is the microwave and receptacles
– Agile Offroad Suspension Upgrade (Stop the Sway Kit)
– 2nd Alternator (Nation’s) with Wakespeed Regulator
– 47 gallon fuel tank increases range to 800+ miles ( 4 cyl diesel)
– 30 gallons fresh/20 gallons gray with electronic ball joint release
– Owl Vans Storage + Spare Tire carrier and Ladder
– Queen size bed is easily removed
– Indoor and outdoor shower options
– Starlink Dish with upgraded router via DC power conversion included (requires Starlink subscription)
– Maintenance–van recently had Service B completed
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Hi folks, buying a van is a big investment so we’ve tried to include as much detail as possible below to answer most questions. The van just returned from a week in the Northeast and is serviced and ready to go.
Let’s start with the most common questions:
Why are you selling?
Because we have a Sprinter 144 on order since our kids are out of the house and we don’t need a bigger size. We will build the 144 with pretty much the same components as this one.
Why no solar panels?
We didn’t feel that it was worth the investment in rooftop space or in charge capability as we have a 2nd alternator that always is charging when the engine is running at a way higher rate than the best solar panels.
Wait, it’s 2WD?
The reality is that we spend 95% of our time driving tarmac and the other 5% is forest roads that are easily handled by our All Terrain tires. This van has been into Death Valley, Grand Canyon, Pisgah forest roads, etc. with no issue. To each their own, we get way better gas mileage than a 4WD Sprinter, which we prefer. Some folks want to overland and that’s cool too.
Who built it?
This van was built in partnership with professional upfitter Patrol Vans in South Carolina (https://patrolvans.com/) They did much of the bits that I couldn’t or didn’t have the time for.
We wanted a van build that, with minimal effort, could convert into a vehicle that could move bikes, motorcycles or other cargo securely. We love outdoor activities, especially mtn biking, backpacking, hiking etc. and the best part of having a van is the ability to transport your stuff easily, park at a trailhead and then be able to eat/drink/shower/clean up afterwards and then get on the road or boondock.This van checks all those boxes.
Sleeps 3 The queen-sized bed is lightweight and easily removed by one person. A 3rd person can sleep on a camp mattress in the garage area below the queen bed.
The build has been completely documented on Sprinter Source web site. If you want all the finer details and lots of pics go here: https://sprinter-source.com/forums/index.php?threads/103696/
Please reach out if you have questions!
Van Overview
Fully customized 2021 Sprinter 170 2WD (4 cylinder) designed as a modular build with off-grid capability. Victron components and 824aH of LiFePO4 battery with DC components (roof top AC, fridge, etc).
A 2nd alternator from Nation’s with a Wakespeed WS500 regulator charges the house batteries during highway driving. The 47 gallon fuel tank means 850+ miles of range.
A Rixen’s hydronic system provides hot water and hot air using diesel furnace as well as an additional loop to heat up engine block for cold morning starts.
The SmartFloor allows for modularity and ease of removing seats and securing cargo. An Agile Offroad Fox upgraded suspension with a Hellwig stabilizer bar allows for a more stable ride. A rooftop deck with umbrella stand is a great place to chill and check out the view.
One owner van with title in hand and a transferable extended Mercedes Benz warranty that is included.
Detailed List of Upgrades and Features
Interior
• this van has the factory C00, C01 and C02 Packages (detailed below)
• AMF Bruns SmartFloor with 6 rows of L-track (3 pairs) – trimmed with aluminum edging in slider and rear door area. Ultra-durable coinseal floor installed over exposed aluminum.
• 1 Smart Seat (w seatbelt) – DOT approved and easily removable with locking base
• 3M Thinsulate insulation throughout
• Nanoflex Ceramic tint on windshield (VLT 70) and front windows (VLT 40) significantly reduces heat from solar gain and glare
• Reinforcement beam installed in slider door (MB Part # 9107304800) provides additional safety from side impact
• Audio upgrade with JL Audio DSP, JBL amp, JBL speakers in front and rear and Alpine subwoofer in driver’s side panel. Dash center channel re-wired and plugged in. Amp and DSP are installed under passenger’s seat. This setup is a significant improvement over factory system!
• Sirius/XM satellite radio in OEM MBUX system (requires subscription)
• Auxiliary battery under passenger’s seat
• Lagun table mount on removable L-track base
• Storage shelf above driver’s cockpit for additional storage wrapped in Duramax fabric
• “Not So Showtime” Blackout curtains for driver’s cockpit allowing swivel seats to still be used
• Vanmade Gear insulated magnetic folding window shades
• Maxx Air Fan with remote
• Isotherm Freeline 115 Refrigerator (DC powered) in Galley
• Tec Vanlife Back Nanotechnology sink with fold down spout in Galley
• Toshiba Microwave in Galley
• Butcher Block countertop in Galley
• RecPro 22K BTU 12v DC Rooftop Air Conditioner
• Adventure Wagon L Track Interior
• 6 interior windows: 2x large sliders, 2x bunk sliders and 2 rear windows
• ROLEF custom rollup screens and magnetic door for rear and slider openings
• Removable bench seat with workstation and monitor mount
• Dimmable, remote controlled LED puck lights in ceiling
• Cabinetry features Blum soft-close hinges and drawer slides
• All cabinet framing is extruded aluminum (80/20) and is secured to van floor and walls
• Cabinet drawers constructed from birch and maple – stained and sealed
Upgrades and Features – Exterior
• Flatline Van Co Low Pro Roof Rack 170 with front wind fairing
• Fiamma 80s Manual Roll out Awning
• Sprinter LED headlight upgrade (OEM halogen light assemblies included with van as well)
• 47 gallon S&B fuel tank (800+ miles of range)
• 2 Rear View Cameras (Sprinter OEM and Wolfbox)
• 2 inch CURT hitch receiver (5K pound towing capacity)
• 5x Michelin LT 265/70 tires with Black Rhino wheels (front mud flaps adapted to accommodate larger tires with Terrawagen kit)
• Terrawagen hood spoiler and wheel accents
• Sumo springs front and rear
• Agile Offroad Fox v5 rear shock upgrade (Agile Stop The Sway Kit)
• Bilstein Front Strut upgrade (Agile Stop The Sway Kit)
• Hellwig Rear Stabilizer Bar (minimizes effect of crosswinds)
• Owl Vans Ladder and Tire carrier
• Owl Vans B2 Box with additional side storage mounts
• Rear Step Bumper
• CA Vans STOP-STAY Door Struts (Rear Doors)
• Front Hood Strut Upgrade + Oil Dipstick
• Upper Roof Deck Lounge and Umbrella mount
• 42” Roadshock Front light bar (10k lumens)
• 4x Roadshock scene lights: driver’s side, passenger’s side and rear all mounted to roof rack
• Trigger Six Shooter 6 channel remote control for light bars includes smartphone app control
Electrical
• 824ah of LiPO4 battery (4x SOK batteries with integrated BMS) These SOK batteries include a 7 year transferable warranty.
• Victron Multiplus2 3000 watt inverter
• Victron Cerbo GX
• Victron Lynx Distributor
• Victron Smart Shunt
• Victron GX Touch 50 Panel with tank sensor integration and bluetooth temp sensors as well Ruuvi tag temp sensor integration
• Nations’s 2nd Alternator in engine bay with Wakespeed regulator. This allows significant house battery charging while driving, typically over 200 amps, and the reason there are no solar panels on the roof
• Smart Plug 30a Shore Power inlet located under passenger side van rear. The best 30amp plug for RVs, securely attaches power cable.
• AC/DC Fuse Panel with easy access in van garage
• 5x Blue Seas Power plug inlet for modular USB adapters, etc
• 3x Ruuvi Bluetooth tags: fridge temp, inside temp, outside temp integrated with Cerbo GX (these tags can be easily moved)
• 3x AC outlets with integrated USB plugs (front, galley, rear)
• Power over Ethernet (PoE) cable run to van roof for powering cellular router, cell booster or Starlink
Plumbing
• NW Conversions 30 gallons of fresh water over driver’s side wheel wheel
• NW Conversions 20 gallons of gray water under van (driver’s side) with electronic ball valve release (could be manual also)
• Rixen’s Enterprises glycol system for continuous hot water and hot air with 3 sources of heat: van engine, diesel furnace, or electrical heating element. Additional switch on dash allows furnace to preheat engine block for cold morning starts
• Indoor shower with hot water
• Outdoor shower with hot water
• Gravity fill water inlet in van garage
• KUS tank sensors integrated into Cerbo GX
• SHURflo Water Pump and Accumulator
• PEX expansion for all water lines
And finally…..
I will post a better video soon but wanted to get something out there quick. The Wrappon Green toilet and the bikes seen in a few pics are not included.
But a Starlink system that is not in pics IS included (will require a subscription from Starlink)
If you’ve read this far–thanks, please feel free to reach out with any questions!
Mercedes Factory Options Included
COO Basic Comfort Package
• Lumbar support, armrests, overhead control panel
CO1 Driver Convenience Package
• Folding Exterior Mirrors
• 2 additional master keys
• Storage compartments
• 12v under driver seat
• Blind Spot Assist
• Attention Assist
C02 Premium Package
• Leather steering wheel
• 7in MBUX multimedia
• Active Distance Assist Distronic
• Wet Wiper System
• Lane Keeping Assist
• Color instrument cluster
• X09 Swivel Seats
• B25 Electric Parking Brake
• C88 Stabilization Level 2
• CT1 Rear Spring Vibration Absorbers
• D13 Roof Rails
• ED5 Parametric Special Module (PSM)
• E1E Navigation
• E1G Intelligent Navigation
• E1S Satellite Radio
• E2 Additional Battery
• E36 Cutoff relay for extra battery
• H15 Heated Driver Seat
• H16 Heated Passenger Seat
• JB6 Parking Package with 360 camera
• JF1 Rain sensor
• L13 Fog Lamp with Cornering Function
