After months and months of research, mining this site, and purchasing my van, I'm finally getting to kicking off the build thread in the hopes that I can contribute to the community and give back a bit. I've enjoyed digging through everyone's ideas and builds; It's helped me quite a bit thus far, and hoping that will continue with feed back on my build. I’ll jump right into it:
Intro:
The patient: 2015 Sprinter 170” Cargo High-roof ; 4 cyl, 7 Speed, 2WD
Location: Colorado
Notable Options:
I ordered the van in early 2015, and it arrived late May. I’d contemplated back and forth between the 2WD and the 4WD option, as I had an opportunity to grab one of the available 4x4 orders at my local dealer (dealers had limited orders for 4x4s initially). I struggled with the decision, as I travel off pavement quite a bit for camping and mountain bike adventures, with multiple trips into, and over the Colorado Rockies; Winter brings snow and trips to the mountain resorts with friends.
Naturally one would think a 4x4 is the ticket - but after multiple discussions with my dealer, friends who have sprinters here in CO, and the local resort transport company, Colorado Mountain Express. CME, passed up going with 4x4’s citing they get great mileage with their 2WD and good snow tires, and have little to no issues. Couple that with the fact that the 4x4 would cost me upwards of $8K more, I decided to stick with the 2WD 7sp model. We’ll see if I regret the decision or not...
Goals:
The basics:
Electrical:
Plumbing
Climate Control / Ventilation
Utility
Getting Started....
First order of business was to get some better kicks on the Sprinter Can... something more suitable for some all terrain goodness...Immediately pulled off the stock tires (who wants them?) and put on some BFG A/Ts.
Then I had VanWorks (Ft. Collins, CO) install a vented window on the driver's side, as well as a 3-person OEM bench seat in a special location for me.
Next up - Stereo System...gotta have some music!!!
Intro:
The patient: 2015 Sprinter 170” Cargo High-roof ; 4 cyl, 7 Speed, 2WD
Location: Colorado
Notable Options:
- Factory Swivel Seats
- Heated seats
- Multi-function Steering Wheel with Cruise Control
- Radio-Prep Package (speakers, antenna, basic harness/No CANBUS)
- Alloy Wheels
- PSM
- A/C
- Parktronic
- Factory Hitch
I ordered the van in early 2015, and it arrived late May. I’d contemplated back and forth between the 2WD and the 4WD option, as I had an opportunity to grab one of the available 4x4 orders at my local dealer (dealers had limited orders for 4x4s initially). I struggled with the decision, as I travel off pavement quite a bit for camping and mountain bike adventures, with multiple trips into, and over the Colorado Rockies; Winter brings snow and trips to the mountain resorts with friends.
Naturally one would think a 4x4 is the ticket - but after multiple discussions with my dealer, friends who have sprinters here in CO, and the local resort transport company, Colorado Mountain Express. CME, passed up going with 4x4’s citing they get great mileage with their 2WD and good snow tires, and have little to no issues. Couple that with the fact that the 4x4 would cost me upwards of $8K more, I decided to stick with the 2WD 7sp model. We’ll see if I regret the decision or not...
Goals:
- Adventure/Camper Van with modular configurations to accommodate all my toys and support working remotely ( IT-related )
- Full Camper kit - Solar, kitchen galley, toy storage in rear with multiple configurations possible, hot water, outdoor shower, etc.
- Occasional 2-3 day stints in camping destinations off the grid, sometimes in light off-road/snowy destinations.
- Transport, SAG, etc for my small bike biz
The basics:
Electrical:
- Goal #1: Accommodate auto-switching between House Battery power, Shore power, and Solar power ;
- Goal #2: Charging via Alternator while driving, Solar, and shore power when parked.
[*]Estimated Loads (12v):
- 12v/120v Fridge/Freezer
- (2) MaxxFan Delux 7800 Fans
- (8) LED lighting overhead
- (1) LED light strip for Fiamma Awning - outside
- (2) LED light cubes - rear exterior
- Laptop Computer
- Chargers for phone, tablet, etc
- Water pump
- air compressor
- Heater (Espar D5 w/radiator fan or Webasto Dual Top)
- Estimated Loads (120v): (2) 120v Duplex outlets:
- (1) Duplex for Kitchen Galley ; (1) rear of van for auxiliary use ;
- Induction Hotplate
- Hot Water Kettle
- Batteries: I’ve decided to go with L-ION ; GUESStimated initial need : 100 A/hr.
Plumbing
- 15-20 gal fresh water tank; no grey water, just drain outside for sink.
- Kitchen Galley sink
- External Shower (showers, and washing gear)
- Hot water via Espar or Webasto setup
Climate Control / Ventilation
- (2) MaxxFan Delux 7800
- Espar D5 (similar to Rixen setup) or Webasto Dual Top (if I can find one!)
Utility
- air compressor mounted under van for my toys and tools.
- Awning
- External LED lighting
- Bike/gear storage in rear
- Modular bed, benches, and tool cabinet;
Getting Started....
First order of business was to get some better kicks on the Sprinter Can... something more suitable for some all terrain goodness...Immediately pulled off the stock tires (who wants them?) and put on some BFG A/Ts.
Then I had VanWorks (Ft. Collins, CO) install a vented window on the driver's side, as well as a 3-person OEM bench seat in a special location for me.
Next up - Stereo System...gotta have some music!!!
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