MB camper van

[TimC in KY]

Looking at retirement in the next couple years. Would like to travel without feeling like I’m driving a bus or oversized RV. Anyone here have experience with the MB sprinter camper vans? Thinking I want 4wd , ability for wife to cook her non-gmo meals , take a nap if wanted, and a place to go should nature call. Anyone here have one to give an opinion? Thanks

 

[Rthur]

@Mike Casselton


R

 

[Maggot]

Looking at retirement in the next couple years. Would like to travel without feeling like I’m driving a bus or oversized RV. Anyone here have experience with the MB sprinter camper vans? Thinking I want 4wd , ability for wife to cook her non-gmo meals , take a nap if wanted, and a place to go should nature call. Anyone here have one to give an opinion? Thanks

A critical for me is a hot shower.

 

[Gemsbok]

https://earthroamer.com/

Probably a little bigger than you're looking for.

 

[Mr.BR]

Looking at retirement in the next couple years. Would like to travel without feeling like I’m driving a bus or oversized RV. Anyone here have experience with the MB sprinter camper vans? Thinking I want 4wd , ability for wife to cook her non-gmo meals , take a nap if wanted, and a place to go should nature call. Anyone here have one to give an opinion? Thanks

My neighbour builds RVs on Sprinter's , and yes 4x4 is the preferred choice .If you want to carry motorbikes or a quad go for the long one

This one was configured to carry a dirtbike and surfboards in the back and was configured for extended off grid use with considerable battery capacity and solar roof covering the whole lenght. As typical equiped with blisters to enable crosswise bed orientation.

Here in Europe these are great as RV's are much more limiting than in US , for example you can't park or camp at will with them, most EU countries have restrictions like parking and camping only on RV designated parking and camp sites .

Note up to very recently Euro Van 4x4 drive trains were not factory own products but all ,from specialist 4x4 companies like Obereigner making for expenisve option , but it seems now with mass adoption in campers things are changing and prices for 4x4 bases are less of a price jump from rear wheel drives. but that is also due to more electronic handling of 4x4 than mechanical locking differentials and reduction gears that are offered in aftermarket conversions.

 

[Mike Casselton]

You can build your own or buy it.
If you think you need 4wd, get it.
Go with the longest body available. You can thank me later.

Also, go with the high roof if you get a Ford. Mine is my daily driver, so I opted for the mid length and mid roof.

Henry's Lake, ID

At 10,947' altitude.

View of the rear area during the build. Lots of storage under the bunk/ bench and on the center line. Note the water heater/shower. 22 gallon tank under the right side with pump for showers, dishes, etc.

Electrical stuff under the driver's side. Solar and AC on top.

Lots of LED, dimmable lighting. Toe kick lights were added later.
Bench and table convert to a queen bed. Fridge, microwave and 3 ways to make coffee.

Sink and cabinet finally installed.

Kicking back with some Buffalo Trace after a long day. It's hard to share a queen bed with an 85# mutt. Rebecca is going over the next day's drive.

Got back home exactly 30 days ago from SD Badlands, Yellowstone, Big Horns, Beartooth highway, Idaho, Tetons, Wind River range and a little bit of Utah.

7 miles shy of 7,000 mile round trip.
We averaged 17.6 MPG with all the weight in the van and dealing with some heavy WY crosswinds.

To say I'm pleased would be an understatement. There was never a lack of power with the non-turbo 3.7L engine.

I'm super glad I added the extra weight of proper sound deadening and dual layer insulation.
It's stupid quiet inside.


When I bought the van, I did an owner's cost comparison and the Ford came out on top at less than half the cost per mile of the Merc.

I bought the van used with 147k on the odometer for $18,500. It was in much better condition than the average work van.
The build cost for all materials, including water, AC and solar, was just under $11k.
That doesn't include the audio system. Gotta have my music.


You can of course, buy a pre-built van. Most will be on the Mercedes or Ram platform.
The Ram has the largest interior, the Mercedes is the skinniest of the 3.
The Ford, I found after making a few measurements and cuts, is egg shaped... At least I took the measurements on the widest part of the body. It's easy to take material off.

 

[Mike Casselton]

Forgot to mention that a few companies offer RVs built on the van chassis.
They are much larger than the straight up van, but offer a lot more room without being an oversized RV type vehicle

 

[Ronws]

I have read the memoirs of Zakk Wylde (Ozzy Osbourne, Black Label Society.)

Tour bus rules:
#1 - No #2 on the bus. Those are non-vented tanks.

 

[Seed tick]

That is one slick rig!