Ideal for Northbound Pan-Am Trip: Starting in Brazil (Rio de Janeiro) Heading to USA
Dropbox of Pics:
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/12mqcs8fyyouqn0/AADH6C_JOrbsiwuIiWHX5xM7a?dl=0
We started our trip in Canada in June 2018. 40,000 miles later, we are now in Argentina heading to the last 2 months of the trip, that will end in Rio, Brazil, where we live. Unfortunately, we cannot keep our adorable van and started looking for future owners ready to go on adventures! The Pan-Am is a fantastic trip - easier than expected - and we highly recommend anyone with some time and savings to do it!
We bought a new 2017 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 Cargo Van and did the camper conversion ourselves, because we enjoy the type of work and also because we had a good idea of what we wanted. We always tried to find a balance between functionality and looks/coziness inside, and were very happy with the results! We used simple and light materials for the cabinetry - to optimize space and total weight - and high-quality electrical products to power everything we needed without shore power from campgrounds. There’s a lot of storage space, seriously, a lot! In the main area, everything is organized inside drawers, cubbies, and cabinets. Plenty of pantry space, drawers for clothes, toiletries, electronics, cubbies for shoes and bed linen, and there’s still a lot of free space in the back, which we filled with plastic bins for tools, camping and cold weather gear, spares, souvenirs… On the exterior, our main goal was to keep the van looking like a regular service van, with low profile add-ons: a boat window on the roof and solar panels, both can’t be seen by someone walking by on the same level. These and a black out curtain as the partition has helped us sleeping (in the dark) anywhere without being noticed!
We have hot and cold water in the sink and the outdoor shower, a diesel heater that has kept us warm even in temperatures below freezing and is controlled from the bed, an alcohol stove which has saved us the time and hassle of figuring out fittings for propane tanks in different countries, a marine fridge that we use on 12V which always works with minimum power draw. We have been very comfortable during the entire trip, being able to cook inside, standing up, protected from the weather, and having a cozy bed always ready for whenever we are tired. The van has been very reliable, and there were no breakdowns during our trip, or even a flat tire. We’ve been taking good care of it and doing regular maintenance, like oil changes, tire rotations, and keeping a watchful eye out. It’s a strong car and very comfortable and safe to drive, with automatic transmission, driver and passenger airbags, cruise control, lane keep, blind spot, and crosswind assist.
We added all (most?) of the specs bellow and a FAQ at the end! Since we’re still on the road, sometimes, as everyone knows, internet can be difficult, so we tried to give most information possible. But, please, feel free to ask questions and ask for more pics! We’ll answer as soon as we can
Price: $59k USD
Location: Rio de Janeiro - Brasil
Available: June 2019
Email: myles.schnorbus@gmail.com
Whatsapp & SMS: +19282715745
VIN: WD3PE7CD1HP552501
Rear Wheel Drive
Titled in Arizona, USA
VAN SPECS (PURCHASED NEW FROM MB BATON ROUGE):
• 2017 MB Sprinter 2500 High Roof 144” WB
• NCV3 Diesel 3.0L V6 – 5 Speed Automatic Transmission
• Driver Comfort Package (Adjustable Seats, 3 Keys, extra 12v outlets)
• Active Safety Plus Package (Multifunction Steering Wheel, Light & Rain Sensor, Lane Keep & Blind Spot Assist, Collision Prevention, Heated and Electrically Controlled Side Mirrors…)
• Cruise control
• Aux Battery Package
• Factory Floor
• Factory Wall Paneling
• Rear Step
• Roof Rails
• Trailer Hitch Wiring
• BF Goodrich TA KO2 Tires (installed at 18,000miles)
CONVERSION SPECS:
GUTS:
• Nocio Noise insulation
• Foam board insulation
• Gebo Boat Hatch
• Wainscoting ceiling
• Blackout partition curtain
• Espar Diesel Air Heater AirTronic D2 (such a good call)
• Reflectix window panels
KITCHEN:
• Isotherm Cruise 65 12v/120v Refrigerator
• Dometic Origo 3000 Double Burner Alcohol Stove (portable)
• 24gal fresh water storage w/12v pump
• 3gal Bosch AC Water Heater
• Sink with hot/cold water
• 5-liter grey water jug or drain to the street
• PEX Plumbing (super robust and easy to modify, spares included)
• LED lighting throughout
ELECTRICAL:
• 12v House Battery System
• 180Ah LiFePO4 CALB battery bank with balancers (under passenger seat)
• 2x 120W Flexible Solar Panels mounted to roof
• 250A Fuse and Blue Sea System cutoff switches
• 2500W AIMS Pure Sine Wave Inverter/Charger (110v shore power plug installed)
• Sterling BB1260 charger to charge from the van alternator/battery while running (w/temp sensor)
• Victron BMV-712 battery meter (w/Bluetooth & temp sensor)
• Victron MPPT 100/20 solar charge controller (w/Bluetooth)
• Factory AUX battery as backup to power the house – Used as a booster to the LiFePO4 bank
• 110v outlets in galley and bedroom
• USB A outlets in galley and bedroom
• USB A & C (for the laptop) in the storage cubby
THE GARAGE:
• 61"x67" (diagonal of ~90") bed with a mattress that has 3 layers of different density foams
• Outdoor shower with hot/cold water, which provides ~10min (enough for the two of us to take a quick shower)
• 24-gal water tank, water heater, water pump
• 3x 7-gal AquaTainers for more independent water storage
• Compressor, gauge, hoses, MaxTrax style Ramps, shovel, and other extraction equipment
• 6 Brute bins holding camping gear, tools, spare parts, etc
EXTRAS:
• Foldable table with 2 stools
• Shower curtain
• 3 bath towels, 2 hand towels
• 2 dish towels
• 100% cotton bed linen
• Small frying pan, bowls, serving spoons, grater
• Portable marine toilet Thetford PottaPotti
• Carbon monoxide detector
• Snow chains for the tires
MAINTENANCE (WE WILL END OUR TRIP WITH ~45,000MILES):
• Recall update (16,000 miles): Completed at MB Lynwood, near Seattle
• Service A (20,000): Completed at MB Draper, near Salt Lake City
• Service B+ (40,000): Completed in Mendoza, Argentina (MB & local shops – All MB OEM Parts)
• Future Service B (80,000): Included Free at any MB Dealer in the US
We have a load of “just in case” spare parts, towing gear, kitchen accoutrement, bedding etc. which come with. We’ve tried to think of everything we could, and when the trip is done, the van gear is your gear. Our trip thus far has been, as mentioned before, very comfortable and an absolute blast.
FAQS:
1) Is it 4x4, 4WD, AWD?
No, I'm sorry, it is rear wheel drive. The 4x4 model is significantly more expensive and the wait list was too long when we wanted the van. We have rarely found ourselves in places where we wanted 4x4 and we have gone everywhere we've wanted to.
2) What's up with the bed?
The bed measures 61"x67" with a diagonal of ~90"
We welded angle iron to the pillars and put in aluminum slats between the angle iron. There are no supports going to the floor.
The mattress is 3 layers of different density foams.
I am 5'9" and my wife is a bit shorter and we sleep slightly diagonally and comfortably. We wanted to keep the bed small so the living area would remain large and we are happy with this choice.
3) How will the transfer of ownership occur?
This is very dependent on your situation, citizenship, and plans. Depending on a number of factors we can do a title transfer in the US if you can register without a VIN inspection (available in many states), we can do a PODER (power of attorney). If you are serious about driving back to the US from S. America, I encourage you do a bit of research, and then we can contact Overland Title & Vehicle service, or another service. It is absolutely possible, and many people do it.
4) What about insurance?
Obtaining comprehensive and collision insurance in Latin America is possible and somewhat expensive. Most Latin American countries require some liability coverage (SOAT) which we purchase at each border without hassle. If you are interested in researching it, you can start with mxici.com and ivssuk.com I've also heard MAPFRE offers this coverage. I would estimate the premium is $3000-$3500/year for full coverage for many of the countries.
5) Payment?
I want to develop a mutual trust with the next owner. I understand the van is far away and "sight unseen." I don't expect you to wire me a substantial amount before you see the van. I don't expect you to pay in full before you cross your first border. I am sure we can come to a mutual payment agreement which we are both comfortable with. I bank in the US and can receive ACH or wire transfers. I would only ask that if you are serious about the van, you transfer some small earnest money payment or show proof of a plane ticket for me to take down the ads and stop actively finding a buyer.
Dropbox of Pics:
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/12mqcs8fyyouqn0/AADH6C_JOrbsiwuIiWHX5xM7a?dl=0
We started our trip in Canada in June 2018. 40,000 miles later, we are now in Argentina heading to the last 2 months of the trip, that will end in Rio, Brazil, where we live. Unfortunately, we cannot keep our adorable van and started looking for future owners ready to go on adventures! The Pan-Am is a fantastic trip - easier than expected - and we highly recommend anyone with some time and savings to do it!
We bought a new 2017 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 Cargo Van and did the camper conversion ourselves, because we enjoy the type of work and also because we had a good idea of what we wanted. We always tried to find a balance between functionality and looks/coziness inside, and were very happy with the results! We used simple and light materials for the cabinetry - to optimize space and total weight - and high-quality electrical products to power everything we needed without shore power from campgrounds. There’s a lot of storage space, seriously, a lot! In the main area, everything is organized inside drawers, cubbies, and cabinets. Plenty of pantry space, drawers for clothes, toiletries, electronics, cubbies for shoes and bed linen, and there’s still a lot of free space in the back, which we filled with plastic bins for tools, camping and cold weather gear, spares, souvenirs… On the exterior, our main goal was to keep the van looking like a regular service van, with low profile add-ons: a boat window on the roof and solar panels, both can’t be seen by someone walking by on the same level. These and a black out curtain as the partition has helped us sleeping (in the dark) anywhere without being noticed!
We have hot and cold water in the sink and the outdoor shower, a diesel heater that has kept us warm even in temperatures below freezing and is controlled from the bed, an alcohol stove which has saved us the time and hassle of figuring out fittings for propane tanks in different countries, a marine fridge that we use on 12V which always works with minimum power draw. We have been very comfortable during the entire trip, being able to cook inside, standing up, protected from the weather, and having a cozy bed always ready for whenever we are tired. The van has been very reliable, and there were no breakdowns during our trip, or even a flat tire. We’ve been taking good care of it and doing regular maintenance, like oil changes, tire rotations, and keeping a watchful eye out. It’s a strong car and very comfortable and safe to drive, with automatic transmission, driver and passenger airbags, cruise control, lane keep, blind spot, and crosswind assist.
We added all (most?) of the specs bellow and a FAQ at the end! Since we’re still on the road, sometimes, as everyone knows, internet can be difficult, so we tried to give most information possible. But, please, feel free to ask questions and ask for more pics! We’ll answer as soon as we can
Price: $59k USD
Location: Rio de Janeiro - Brasil
Available: June 2019
Email: myles.schnorbus@gmail.com
Whatsapp & SMS: +19282715745
VIN: WD3PE7CD1HP552501
Rear Wheel Drive
Titled in Arizona, USA
VAN SPECS (PURCHASED NEW FROM MB BATON ROUGE):
• 2017 MB Sprinter 2500 High Roof 144” WB
• NCV3 Diesel 3.0L V6 – 5 Speed Automatic Transmission
• Driver Comfort Package (Adjustable Seats, 3 Keys, extra 12v outlets)
• Active Safety Plus Package (Multifunction Steering Wheel, Light & Rain Sensor, Lane Keep & Blind Spot Assist, Collision Prevention, Heated and Electrically Controlled Side Mirrors…)
• Cruise control
• Aux Battery Package
• Factory Floor
• Factory Wall Paneling
• Rear Step
• Roof Rails
• Trailer Hitch Wiring
• BF Goodrich TA KO2 Tires (installed at 18,000miles)
CONVERSION SPECS:
GUTS:
• Nocio Noise insulation
• Foam board insulation
• Gebo Boat Hatch
• Wainscoting ceiling
• Blackout partition curtain
• Espar Diesel Air Heater AirTronic D2 (such a good call)
• Reflectix window panels
KITCHEN:
• Isotherm Cruise 65 12v/120v Refrigerator
• Dometic Origo 3000 Double Burner Alcohol Stove (portable)
• 24gal fresh water storage w/12v pump
• 3gal Bosch AC Water Heater
• Sink with hot/cold water
• 5-liter grey water jug or drain to the street
• PEX Plumbing (super robust and easy to modify, spares included)
• LED lighting throughout
ELECTRICAL:
• 12v House Battery System
• 180Ah LiFePO4 CALB battery bank with balancers (under passenger seat)
• 2x 120W Flexible Solar Panels mounted to roof
• 250A Fuse and Blue Sea System cutoff switches
• 2500W AIMS Pure Sine Wave Inverter/Charger (110v shore power plug installed)
• Sterling BB1260 charger to charge from the van alternator/battery while running (w/temp sensor)
• Victron BMV-712 battery meter (w/Bluetooth & temp sensor)
• Victron MPPT 100/20 solar charge controller (w/Bluetooth)
• Factory AUX battery as backup to power the house – Used as a booster to the LiFePO4 bank
• 110v outlets in galley and bedroom
• USB A outlets in galley and bedroom
• USB A & C (for the laptop) in the storage cubby
THE GARAGE:
• 61"x67" (diagonal of ~90") bed with a mattress that has 3 layers of different density foams
• Outdoor shower with hot/cold water, which provides ~10min (enough for the two of us to take a quick shower)
• 24-gal water tank, water heater, water pump
• 3x 7-gal AquaTainers for more independent water storage
• Compressor, gauge, hoses, MaxTrax style Ramps, shovel, and other extraction equipment
• 6 Brute bins holding camping gear, tools, spare parts, etc
EXTRAS:
• Foldable table with 2 stools
• Shower curtain
• 3 bath towels, 2 hand towels
• 2 dish towels
• 100% cotton bed linen
• Small frying pan, bowls, serving spoons, grater
• Portable marine toilet Thetford PottaPotti
• Carbon monoxide detector
• Snow chains for the tires
MAINTENANCE (WE WILL END OUR TRIP WITH ~45,000MILES):
• Recall update (16,000 miles): Completed at MB Lynwood, near Seattle
• Service A (20,000): Completed at MB Draper, near Salt Lake City
• Service B+ (40,000): Completed in Mendoza, Argentina (MB & local shops – All MB OEM Parts)
• Oils Replaced: Engine, Automatic Transmission, Torque Converter
• Filters Replaced: Fuel, Engine Air, Cabin Air, Transmission
• Tires Rotated & Balanced
• Alignment
• Brakes inspected
• Future Service A (60,000): Your choice where to do the work• Filters Replaced: Fuel, Engine Air, Cabin Air, Transmission
• Tires Rotated & Balanced
• Alignment
• Brakes inspected
• Future Service B (80,000): Included Free at any MB Dealer in the US
We have a load of “just in case” spare parts, towing gear, kitchen accoutrement, bedding etc. which come with. We’ve tried to think of everything we could, and when the trip is done, the van gear is your gear. Our trip thus far has been, as mentioned before, very comfortable and an absolute blast.
FAQS:
1) Is it 4x4, 4WD, AWD?
No, I'm sorry, it is rear wheel drive. The 4x4 model is significantly more expensive and the wait list was too long when we wanted the van. We have rarely found ourselves in places where we wanted 4x4 and we have gone everywhere we've wanted to.
2) What's up with the bed?
The bed measures 61"x67" with a diagonal of ~90"
We welded angle iron to the pillars and put in aluminum slats between the angle iron. There are no supports going to the floor.
The mattress is 3 layers of different density foams.
I am 5'9" and my wife is a bit shorter and we sleep slightly diagonally and comfortably. We wanted to keep the bed small so the living area would remain large and we are happy with this choice.
3) How will the transfer of ownership occur?
This is very dependent on your situation, citizenship, and plans. Depending on a number of factors we can do a title transfer in the US if you can register without a VIN inspection (available in many states), we can do a PODER (power of attorney). If you are serious about driving back to the US from S. America, I encourage you do a bit of research, and then we can contact Overland Title & Vehicle service, or another service. It is absolutely possible, and many people do it.
4) What about insurance?
Obtaining comprehensive and collision insurance in Latin America is possible and somewhat expensive. Most Latin American countries require some liability coverage (SOAT) which we purchase at each border without hassle. If you are interested in researching it, you can start with mxici.com and ivssuk.com I've also heard MAPFRE offers this coverage. I would estimate the premium is $3000-$3500/year for full coverage for many of the countries.
5) Payment?
I want to develop a mutual trust with the next owner. I understand the van is far away and "sight unseen." I don't expect you to wire me a substantial amount before you see the van. I don't expect you to pay in full before you cross your first border. I am sure we can come to a mutual payment agreement which we are both comfortable with. I bank in the US and can receive ACH or wire transfers. I would only ask that if you are serious about the van, you transfer some small earnest money payment or show proof of a plane ticket for me to take down the ads and stop actively finding a buyer.
Attachments
-
98.2 KB Views: 245
-
178.7 KB Views: 226
-
78.2 KB Views: 220
-
151.2 KB Views: 207
-
71.1 KB Views: 203
Last edited: