This page gathers useful information related to the Mercedes Sprinter Van aimed at the DIY campervan builders in mind. Although we personally converted a Ford Transit Van, there are a lot of similitudes between any platform (Transit, ProMaster, Sprinter, Nissan NV) and most of what you'll find on our website is applicable to any camper build, really. So below you'll find data specific to the conversion of Sprinter camper van, hope that helps!
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, which means that if you click a product link and buy anything from the merchant (Amazon, eBay, etc.) we will receive a commission fee. The price you pay remains the same, affiliate link or not.
1- Sprinter Van Overview
1.1- Build & Price
Style
- Cargo Van
- Passenger Van
Length
- Standard 19.5 ft (144" WB)
- Long 22.8 ft (170" WB)
- Extended 24.15 ft (170" WB)
Height
- Standard Roof (96.3")
- High Roof (110")
- Super-High Roof (120.1")
Engines
- 2.0L Turbo (Gas)
- 3.0L Turbo (Diesel)
Drivetrain
- RWD
- 4x4
1.2- Exterior Dimensions
1.3- Interior Cargo Dimensions
To build a DIY campervan is one thing; to maximize the livable space is the real challenge! Here is your starting point (interior cargo dimensions) if going for a Sprinter Van:
Standard Length (144WB),
Low Roof:
Long Length (170WB),
High Roof:
Extended Length (170WB), High Roof:
All photos credit: https://www.adriansteel.com/item/cargo-vans/dimensions/
1.4- Repair And Maintenance
Opinions toward the Mercedes Sprinter are very polarized. You get a high-end vehicle from a high-end brand, it's all good right? Well, it's a bit more complicated than that. The saying "more features = more potential for failure" seems to hold true for the Sprinter. And once you run into issues, you get high-end bills as well...
Sprinter Van Annual Repair Cost
$ 1,778 USD
Ford Transit Annual Repair Cost
$ 866 USD
ProMaster Annual Repair Cost
$ 859 USD
source: repairpal.com
1.5- Manuals
Online discussion forums and Facebook groups are great resources, but not that much... there is a lot of misinformation in those. Why not check your facts straight from the owner's manual or from the Body and Equipment Guideline (BEG)? You'll find answers to most of your questions, from a credible source! Indeed, no one knows the product better than the OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer). "How-To Tap for Auxiliary Power?", "Where are the no-drill zones?", etc: it's all in there. Download the PDF files and use the "SEARCH" function:
1.6- Sprinter VS Transit VS ProMaster VS Nissan
Sprinter, Transit, ProMaster, Nissan... not sure which van is the best for a campervan conversion? We gathered some data about each model to help you make up your mind: overview, build & price, exterior dimensions, interior dimensions, repair cost, etc. This way:
2- Tires for Sprinter Van
The 2500 Sprinter Van comes equipped with 245/75R16 tires, but most folks looking to go off the beaten track (like us) choose to upgrade the factory tires for BFGoodrich KO2 245/75R16 All-Terrain tires. We've been running them on our van since 2016 and we're not looking back (our first set last 45K miles, we are currently on our second set):
3- Electrical Wiring Diagram for Sprinter Camper van
We designed our electrical system with flexibility in mind. It can be downsized (e.g. no shore power, no alternator charging, no 120V, etc.) or up-sized (more solar, more battery bank, etc.). We also made sure it can fit in pretty much any vehicle (Transit, ProMaster, Sprinter, Skoolie, etc.). The only difference is most likely how to tap for auxiliary power (alternator charging): check out section 3.4 below for Sprinter's specific information.
3.1- Wiring Diagram
3.2- Items List
MAIN
| # | Item | Description | Quantity | View on Amazon |
| 1 | Class T Fuse, 400A | Blue Sea (Catastrophic Fail Safe) | 1 | View |
| 2 | Class T Fuse Block | Blue Sea (Holds the Class T Fuse) | 1 | View |
| 3 | System Switch | Blue Sea (Main System Switch) | 1 | View |
| 4 | Bus Bar (600A, 4 studs) | Blue Sea | 2 | View |
| 5 | Cover for Bus Bar (for 600A 4 studs) | Protect the Bus Bar | 2 | View |
| 6 | 40A Breaker/Switch, Surface Mount | Between Fuse Block and Bus Bar | 1 | View |
| 7 | Fuse Block (12 circuits) | Blue Sea (12V Distribution Panel) | 1 | View |
| 8 | Fuses Kit | Assorted Fuses (2A 3A 5A 7.5A 10A 15A 20A 25A 30A 35A) | 1 | View |
| 9 | Battery Monitor | Victron BMV-712 with BlueTooth | 1 | View |
| 10 | Cable, 4/0 AWG, 5 ft Red | Between battery and Bus Bar | 1 | View |
| 11 | Cable, 4/0 AWG, 15 ft Black | Between battery and Bus Bar + Ground | 1 | View |
| 13 | Lugs, 4/0 AWG Cable, 5/16″ Ring | Connect to Bus Bar, Terminal Fuse Block and Battery (Pack of 2) | 1 | View |
| 12 | Lugs, 4/0 AWG Cable, 3/8″ Ring | Connect to System Switch and Shunt (Pack of 10) | 1 | View |
| 14 | Cable, 8 AWG, 5 ft Black + 5 ft Red | Between Bus Bar and Fuse Block | 1 | View |
| 15 | Heat Shrink Terminal Ring, 8 AWG Cable, #10 Ring | Connect to Fuse Block (Pack of 3) | 1 | View |
| 16 | Heat Shrink Terminal Ring, 8 AWG Cable, 1/4″ Ring | Connect to Breaker (Pack of 3) | 1 | View |
| 17 | Heat Shrink Terminal Ring, 8 AWG Cable, 3/8″ Ring | Connect to Bus Bar (Pack of 3) | 1 | View |
Battery
Solar
| 1 | 350W Solar | NewPowa 175W Mono Panel | 2 | View |
| 2 | Extension Cables, 8 AWG, 15 ft Red + 15 ft Black | With MC4 Connectors | 1 | View |
| 3 | Double Cable Entry Gland | For 8 AWG or 10 AWG Cable | 1 | View |
| 4 | 40A Breaker/Switch, Surface Mount | Between Panels and MPPT Charger | 1 | View |
| 5 | MPPT Solar Charger | Victron 100|30 SmartSolar MPPT | 1 | View |
| 6 | 40A Breaker/Switch, Surface Mount | Between MPPT Charger & Battery | 1 | View |
| 8 | Heat Shrink Terminal Ring, 8 AWG Cable, 1/4″ Ring | Connect to Breakers (Pack of 3) | 2 | View |
| 7 | Heat Shrink Terminal Ring, 8 AWG Cable, 3/8″ Ring | Connect to Bus Bar (Pack of 3) | 1 | View |
Alternator
| 1 | 60A Battery-to-Battery Charger (B2B) | Sterling Power BB1260 | 1 | View |
| 2 | 100A Breaker/Switch, Surface Mount | Blue Sea 285-Series | 2 | View |
| 3 | Cable, 4 AWG, 15ft Red | WindyNation | 1 | View |
| 4 | Cable, 4 AWG, 5 ft Black | WindyNation | 1 | View |
| 6 | Lugs, 4 AWG Cable, 1/4″ Ring | Connect to Breakers (Pack of 10) | 1 | View |
| 5 | Lugs, 4 AWG Cable, 3/8″ Ring | Connect to Bus Bar (Pack of 2) | 1 | View |
Inverter/Charger
| 1 | 3000W Inverter/Charger | Victron Multiplus 12|3000|120 | 1 | View |
| 2 | Remote Control for Inverter | Victron Digital Multi Control 200/200A GX | 1 | View |
| 3 | Class T Fuse, 400A | Blue Sea (To protect inverter’s cable) | 1 | View |
| 4 | Class T Fuse Block | Blue Sea (Holds the Class T Fuse) | 1 | View |
| 5 | Cable, 4/0 AWG, 5 ft Black + 5 ft Red | Between Inverter/Charger & Bus Bars | View | |
| 6 | Lugs, 4/0 AWG Cable, 5/16″ Ring | Connect to Inverter/Charger (Pack of 5) | 1 | View |
| 7 | Lugs, 4/0 AWG Cable, 3/8″ Ring | Connect to Bus Bar (Pack of 5) | 1 | View |
| 8 | 30A Shore Inlet | Furrion 30A Marine Power Smart Inlet | 1 | View |
| 9 | 30A AC Main | Breaker Between Power Inlet and Inverter/Charger | 1 | View |
| 11 | 10/3 AWG Triplex AC Marine Wire | Between power inlet & inverter/charger | 1 | View |
| 12 | Lugs, 10 AWG Cable, #8 | Connect to AC Main (Pack of 3) | 1 | View |
| 13 | Lugs, 10 AWG Cable, #10 | Connect to AC Main (Pack of 3) | 2 | View |
| 14 | 120V AC Distribution Panel (4 Positions*) | Blue Sea Panel: AC Main + 4 Positions* | 1 | View |
| 15 | 6/3 AWG Triplex AC Marine Wire | Between inverter/charger & AC distribution panel | 1 | View |
| 16 | Lugs, 6 AWG Cable, #10 | Connect to distribution panel (Pack of 10) | 1 | View |
| 17 | 120V AC Wall Outlet | GFCI, 20A | 1 | View |
| 18 | 14/3 AWG Triplex AC Marine Wire | To wire load that requires 15A or 10A breaker | 1 | View |
| 19 | Lugs, 14 AWG Cable, #8 | Connect to distribution panel (Pack of 3) | 1 | View |
| 20 | Lugs, 14 AWG Cable, #10 | Connect to distribution panel (Pack of 3) | 1 | View |
Optional Items
| 1 | 50A Breaker (Double-Pole) | To upgrade 120V AC distribution panel to 50A instead of 30A | View | |
| 2 | 20A Breaker | For load that requires 20A breaker (e.g. A/C) | View | |
| 3 | 10A Breaker | For load that requires 10A breaker | View | |
| 4 | 120V AC Distribution Panel (6 Positions*) | *6 Positions panel is sometimes cheaper, check it! | View | |
| 5 | 12/3 AWG Triplex AC Marine Wire | To wire load that requires 20A breaker (e.g. A/C) | View | |
| 6 | Lugs, 12 AWG Cable, #8 | Connect to AC Main (Pack of 3) | 1 | View |
| 7 | Lugs, 12 AWG Cable, #10 | Connect to AC Main (Pack of 3) | 1 | View |
Hardware
| 1 | 8 AWG Black/Red Duplex Cable (8/2), Ancor Marine Grade | 100 feet | 1 | View |
| 2 | 10 AWG Black/Red Duplex Cable (10/2), Ancor Marine Grade | 100 feet | 1 | View |
| 3 | 12 AWG Black/Red Duplex Cable (12/2), Ancor Marine Grade | 100 feet | 1 | View |
| 4 | 14 AWG Black/Red Duplex Cable (14/2), Ancor Marine Grade | 100 feet | 1 | View |
| 5 | 16 AWG Black/Red Duplex Cable (16/2), Ancor Marine Grade | 100 feet | 1 | View |
| 6 | Heat Shrink Terminal Ring, 8 AWG Cable, #10 Ring | To connect to Fuse Block (25 Pack) | 1 | View |
| 7 | Heat Shrink Terminal Ring, 10-12 AWG Cable, #8 Ring | To connect to Fuse Block (25 Pack) | 1 | View |
| 8 | Heat Shrink Terminal Ring, 14-16 AWG Cable, #8 Ring | To connect to Fuse Block (25 Pack) | 1 | View |
| 9 | Heat Shrink Butt Connector, Ancor Marine | To connect to Loads (75 Pack Kit) | 1 | View |
| 10 | Heat Shrink Disconnect, 10-12 AWG Cable, 1/4″ Tab, Female | To connect to certain loads (i.e. 12V Sockets) , to make “removable” connections (i.e. Fridge, LEDs) and to connect cable of different gauge together (i.e. LED Dimmer) (25 Pack) | 1 | View |
| 11 | Heat Shrink Disconnect, 10-12 AWG Cable, 1/4″ Tab, Male | 1 | View | |
| 12 | Heat Shrink Disconnect, 14-16 AWG Cable, 1/4″ Tab, Female | 1 | View | |
| 13 | Heat Shrink Disconnect, 14-16 AWG Cable, 1/4″ Tab, Male | 1 | View | |
| 14 | Heat Shrink Disconnect, 18-22 AWG Cable, 1/4″ Tab, Male | 1 | View | |
| 15 | 3M Scotchlok Quick Splice with Gel (14 AWG stranded) | We used that to parallel our LED lights (25 Pack) | 1 | View |
| 16 | Heat Shrink Tubing Kit (with adhesive) | To protect lug after crimping | 1 | View |
| 17 | Split Loom Tubing, 3/8″ diameter 25 feet | To protect wire bundles | 1 | View |
| 18 | Split Loom Tubing, 1/2″ diameter 25 feet | To protect wire bundles | 1 | View |
| 19 | Split Loom Tubing, 3/4″ diameter 10 feet | To protect wire bundles | 1 | View |
| 20 | Nylon Cable Clamps Kit | To secure cable/split-loom to wood | 1 | View |
| 21 | Zip Tie Mount with Adhesive | To secure cable/split-loom to metal | 1 | View |
| 22 | Nylon Zip Ties Kit | To secure cable/split-loom | 1 | View |
| 23 | Rubber Grommet Kit | To protect wire from sharp edge (going through metal hole) | 1 | View |
12V Loads
| 1 | Maxxair 6200K Roof Fan | Fan Installation | 1 | Amazon |
| 2 | LED Ceiling Lights (Dimmable) | 3 | Amazon | |
| 3 | PWM Dimmer for LED Lights, 12V, Slider | 1 | Amazon | |
| 4 | Blue Sea 12V Socket | Electrical System Guide | 4 | Amazon |
| 5 | Shurflo Revolution Water Pump, 3 GPM | 1 | Amazon | |
| 6 | ON/OFF Switch for Water Pump | 1 | Amazon | |
| 7 | Webasto Air Top 2000 STC Gasoline Heater | Webasto Installation | 1 | Amazon |
| 8 | Propex HS2000 Propane Heater | Propex Installation | 1 | Dealers |
| 9 | Novakool R5810 Fridge, 12V only | Fridge Guide | 1 | Campervan-HQ |
| 10 | Sirocco ii Gimbal Fan, 12V | Sirocco ii Installation / Review | 1 | Amazon |
| 11 | Nature’s Head Composting Toilet | Toilet Installation | 1 | Amazon |
| 12 | Propane Solenoid Shutoff Valve | 1 | Amazon | |
| 13 | ON/OFF Switch for Propane Solenoid | 1 | Amazon |
3.3- Electrical System Design Guide
- Find Your Power Usage and Size Your Items (solar, battery, etc.) With Our Online Calculator
-
Select Your Items Automagically
(Or Manually) - Download Your Wiring Diagram
-
Review Your Items List and transfer it to your Amazon Cart
(Fully Defines Your Electrical System!)
3.4- Power Tapping
For current draw larger than 25A (B2B charger, fuse box, etc.), it is mandatory to use an auxiliary battery (option E2M or E21) and to connect as follows:
The pictures above are extracted from the Body and Equipment Guideline, page 246, 247 & 248. Make sure to read these pages for manufacturer recommendations and limitations:
4- Water Plumbing Diagram for Sprinter Camper van
Our water system is designed with simplicity in mind and it can be installed in a Sprinter Van: it's fairly easy to install and simple to winterize. It can also be used below freezing temperatures (e.g. for skiing) assuming all the plumbing is install on the hot side of the van (i.e. inside). Check out our Water System "Design Guide" for more.
4.2- Water System Design Guide
5- Propane Diagram for Sprinter Camper van
Once again, our propane system can be fitted in a Sprinter Campervan. The 20lbs (BBQ-style) is easy to fill anywhere and is located inside a vented locker (per marine regulations) for maximum safety. Neat!
5.2- Propane System Design Guide
6- Sprinter Camper van Build Guide
We obsessively documented our campervan conversion in our Build Journal: material, products, techniques, lessons learned, etc. IT'S ALL IN THERE! Our van is built from a Ford Transit, however most of our conversion process can be applied to a Mercedes Sprinter:
7- Crossnut Size for Sprinter Van
We don’t like drilling holes in our van, as it could attract rust on bare edges, spread metal chips all over (almost impossible to remove and they’re the perfect rust ignition point), interfere with the van’s electronics (see BEG)! To prevent drilling holes, we used Crossnut through our conversion. Most pre-drilled holes in the Sprinter Van cargo area accept 5/16″ diameter Crossnut (amzn.to/31vS654), but some holes also accept 1/4″ (amzn.to/2MuKjk3) and #10 (amzn.to/2P4Muwb) crossnut. Check out the following article for more info (benefits, installation, tips):
Love this and love the information!!!
Quick question, if just using my generator as “shore power that has an inverter in it (30 amp connecter), would I still need a 3000w invertor within to power my roof ac/heater and outlets?
Man, I just paid $35 on a book for what you gave me for free and you gave me more information.
Thank you for all the information.
Glad we could help, happy build! 🙂
Just to say “Thank You!”
How tall is the inside of the super high roof sprinter?
Would someone who is 6ft4in be able to stand up inside?
Thank you!! I have been learning all I can about building a van. I am looking at a sprinter van. I review your site and all the information you put together. I am definitely referring to this information as a build bible. Great job.
I have been searching around many sites and finally landed on yours. You have put together a wonderful site full of component lists, links, pictures and easy navigation in and around the data. I want to to thank you in advance as I am planning to build a van in the near future and will definitely be referencing and interacting with your site for guidance.
Best regards,
Mike
NH