owl v. Aluminess

[Slg]

i too am looking at the B2 with the xl box and bike racks on the top and the Alumines Rear Door Bike Rack Combo – Mercedes 2019-23 Sprinter; 2017-23 Revel; 2019-23 Storyteller. also their box and bike rack up top. they look almost identical. other than the Alumines requires no hole in the door to mount and can go up to 200 lbs and owl is 150 - even though they put a video of an airplane hanger coming down on it with 10,000 lbs of force and barely an issue. i prefer not to dirll into the door.

alos Aluniness sells a safari roof rack and owl doesn't, one piece, ship and drop in the rails on the roof and secure. So unless someone thinks Aluminess is not a good product, as much as i like Owl for their videos, the box is a tad bigger on Aluminess, no drilling and Owl doesn't have a the safari, tubular, type roof rack and ladder with squared off steps.

i am about to spend a bunch on this so really appreciate help with RECENT purchases from both on these specific products

 

[kcshoots]

I have a large custom Aluminess roof rack and Owl ladder/spare tire carrier. Both make great products.

 

[Slg]

did you get the safari with the drop down and the ladder- squared off ?

 

[Slg]

i am looking at Aluminess version of the B2 carrier on the back

 

[kcshoots]

did you get the safari with the drop down and the ladder- squared off ?

I don't remember what they called it, but yes, it has a front drop down light mount and lower profile sides. I like it for its balance of aero-efficiency and function, and also just about as tall as a max fan. I had mine custom made to also recess in a large solar panel and added some length so it extends over the roof in the rear yet vertical in line with the rear bumper in order to be a tree branch protection.

As for the ladder/spare tire carrier, don't know what you mean by squared off. it has their typical rounded corner on the top rung. Works great.

 

[mysocalledvanlife]

@SIG this is another option you may want to consider:

Vanspeed Mule Carriers and roof rack

VANSPEED

We are your one stop van shop that provides sprinter van parts, sprinter van accessories, aftermarket sprinter van parts, van conversion parts, van parts, sprinter parts & sprinter van upgrades to help you build the van of your dreams.

thevanmart.com

 

[kumatae]

Another vote for vanspeed tire and ladder combo.

 

[casacano]

I did Alumines, spare tire backpack. Really liked it. For the roof rack after lots of looking I got Prinsu.

 

[Olallabiker]

Hi, if your looking to purchase a couple 1 up usa, bike racks for the back of your van, I have 2 which I would sell for half price. My bikes are inside now and did only one trip with them on the back. Located in Seattle area if interested. Also have Aluminess swing away for the bike racks. Swing away only fits Aluminess rear bumper. Willing to sell at great price. PM me if interested.

 

[Rocksnsalt]

There’s also some nice stuff by Dutch Van USA :

Cargo Ladders, Tire Carriers & Storage

Carry your gear on the sizzling Cargo Ladder. Think of it as a backpack for your van that allows you to climb onto the roof.Our large Cargo Box is ready for all your outdoor adventure equipment. Keep your outdoor items accessible and your van's interior clean.Our robust, rock solid tire...

dutchvansusa.com

jboriol’s van in pic

 

[MilesD]

Just to add another option to consider. There is this safari style roof rack with the drop down for lights from Avatar Offroad. They also make a matching rear ladder with spare tire mount and rear door storage boxes. Not sure what their lead time is but if you can get to SLC they will install everything for free. Maybe there is a cost savings there?

 

[Rocksnsalt]

Just to add another option to consider. There is this safari style roof rack with the drop down for lights from Avatar Offroad. They also make a matching rear ladder with spare tire mount and rear door storage boxes. Not sure what their lead time is but if you can get to SLC they will install everything for free. Maybe there is a cost savings there?

Nice looking stuff, really like the steps. And I noticed the (HUGE) ski box which will definitely be of interest to some.
The ladder tire carrier looks a lot like the Owl item. For the 100 difference I’d go with the Owl or Van Speed version as there are hundreds out in the wild and I haven’t seen any fails posted on them. But that’s just me.

Mercedes Sprinter Van Accessories - Avatar Offroad

The Mercedes Sprinter platform is an amazing vehicle. Wether you have the Mercedes or Dodge, 144, 170, or 170 extended body, Avatar has the custom aftermarket off-road accessories you are looking for. Make your sprinter your own with a new roof rack, side steps, ladders, or a front bumper with...

avataroffroad.com

 

[fireball05]

That ski box is awesome!!! L track and ski holders all built in. Holds 6 pair. I wonder if that would mount to a B2?!

 

[blutow]

Some of that avatar stuff looks pretty nice. The front bumper is a bit of a monstrosity though (in my opinion). While I appreciate the fabrication that went into it, I think I would have stopped welding and stepped away if that was my project.

 

[fireball05]

That front bumper is ugly and not functional at all. No access to the winch spool? WTF?!

 

[Thoai]

That’s a Cadillac sprinter. But if that van was coming up behind me, I would move out the way. GOAL ACHIEVED!

 

[deftoner]

Some of that avatar stuff looks pretty nice. The front bumper is a bit of a monstrosity though (in my opinion). While I appreciate the fabrication that went into it, I think I would have stopped welding and stepped away if that was my project.

That bumper is a kick in the teeth

If anybody is interested its 4k https://avataroffroad.com/mercedes-sprinter-accessories/sprinter-front-bumper-with-winch/

 

[ColtonS]

That front bumper is ugly and not functional at all. No access to the winch spool? WTF?!

If you look closely, the driver side has a missing piece that would allow access to the clutch lever.

 

[Rocksnsalt]

I noticed the missing piece without looking closely.
Agree re looks like a Cadillac grille comment earlier.
It’s definitely not for everybody... regardless of price.

To each their own.

 

[ColtonS]

At this point I think I would rather be different and divisive, than look like everyone else. This certainly has a full size semi coming up on you vibe. Certainly not going to be everyone's cup of tea. Can't argue that the airflow is going to be spectacular, though.

Is it the grill that is just too much? Would a more solid grill be more acceptable? or it the idea of full frontal replacement the part that is just too much for some?