Sprinter Camper Van: DIY Build Resources

Sprinter Van Overview

Build & Price

Exterior Dimensions

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:

All photos credit: https://www.adriansteel.com/item/cargo-vans/dimensions/

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…

source: repairpal.com

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:

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:

Choosing a Van: Transit VS Sprinter VS Promaster

Guides | Planning & Resources

faroutride.com/van-selection

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):

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.

Wiring Diagram

Electrical System Design Guide

Electrical System Guide for DIY Van Conversion

Guides | Electrical System

faroutride.com/electrical-system

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:

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.

Water Plumbing Diagram

Water System Design Guide

Water System Guide for DIY Camper Van Conversion

Guides | Water System

faroutride.com/water-system

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!

Propane System Design Guide

Propane System Design Guide for DIY Van Conversion

Guides | Propane System

faroutride.com/propane-system

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:

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):

Cross Nuts and Hex Nuts: Avoid Drilling Holes in your Van

Build Journal Van #1 | Interior & Structure

faroutride.com/crossnut

Sprinter Camper Van DIY Conversion Accessories