2022 Mercedes Sprinter 2500 Diesel 4×4

The idea behind this build-

A camping rig built to take 4 peeps out to the desert or skiing in Utah and not have to worry about sketchy forest roads and such. Reliability, simplicity, flexibility and capability were the driving factors behind this design.

I’m 6’3″ so the “shorty” chassis with a sideways setup was not an option. I love having a queen size bed. The rear seat converts to a twin size bed and there is a really cool cot let easily installs above the cab seats (best if camper is under 5’10” for the cot). Anything that could be mounted low or under the van was done, including a full stainless steal DC 12 volt native rear A/C unit that can be run from battery alone. The A/C setup rocks! The cab electronics are stock other than a high idle/remote start from Mid City. I was worried about the 170 WB van, but it is so easy to drive and park.

I started with an Adventure Wagon build that featured a fully optioned cab with factory swivel power heated seats. I like their bed system and airline track/L track flexibility. Then had the other systems installed. Rear bench seat was installed to L track and to chassis for good measure. The rear cabinets are built from 80/20 and covered with bamboo plywood. The fridge cabinet is from RigWell (again I like that you can get to the fridge from outside or rear passenger seat and its aluminum with bamboo facade. It holds 30 gallons of water and an additional 4 in the isotherm stainless steel water heater which is heated both from the engine and from the inverter if needed. Drinking water is filtered and UV treated. The shower head is located in the rear of the water closet and there is a well thought out curtain to keep peepers out. The rear doors have struts so they stay open even in the wind. The shower head has a valve on the handle to help conserve water. Cargo, bikes or whatever is easily loaded/accessed via the full length slide out. The bed is easily removed if say you want to park a motor cycle inside. So many options.

The power comes from 30 amp shore input, solar panel, and a separate alternator that charges the 600Ah lithium battery bank with room for expansion. Drive to your site and batteries are topped up, hot water is on tap. The JL audio amp and sound processor are also house battery driven. There is a 10″ JL audio sub and Morel speakers. A proper system for rockin down the freeway.

The incredible lighting setup is from Baja Designs featuring five of the LP9 Pros. So nice to help find a good spot at night. There are also field lights all around. Lighting is controlled via a touch screen display or via bluetooth.

The roof rack features a full deck (you can easily sleep a few people up there). A Starlink satellite internet setup is installed and works without the inverter. Get 200Mbps plus anywhere and driving down the highway. Need to check on your batteries/electrics, no problem just pull up the Victron app.

Finally the suspension is sooooo nice. I can’t believe what a change the suspension made in drive quality and ride quality. It has the Van Compass Striker 2″ lift with adjustable piggyback dual Falcon front struts and shocks and complimentary rear adjustable Falcon piggyback shocks. I have had the sway bar “quick link” removed the last 10,000 miles or so. The suspension is so controlled I don’t feel it’s needed. The roughest roads and highways are no problem. Wheels are from OWL vans and tires are BFG KO2s 34″.