Of course, not all upgrades will be relevant for all lifestyles.
My version of vanlife includes things like remote work, off-grid / off-road adventures, and the occasional stealth city camping. I’ve driven to places like Mexico and Alaska, in snow and in the desert. My van has nearly seen it all.
After many years of living on the road in my self-converted Sprinter Van, I’ve incorporated several modifications that have made my Vanlife journey easier and more enjoyable. These Mercedes Sprinter Modifications range from essential for off-roading to comfort enhancements that make full-time van living a breeze.
So without further ado, here are my Top 10 Mercedes Sprinter Modifications.
1) Suspension Upgrade (Van Compass)
When you take on a Sprinter Van conversion project, you need to be mindful of how much weight you are adding to the back of your van. One of the most crucial Mercedes Sprinter modifications, often overlooked, is addressing the suspension system.
A big issue I see with many DIY camper van builds is that little attention has been given to the overall weight of the vehicle. Often times, they end up being thousands of pounds over the manufacturer’s Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) recommendations. This overloading is particularly common when individuals add heavy features like water tanks, solar setups, and extensive living quarters.
The drastic increase in weight to the van makes it so that the factory suspension parts are always under increased strain. They are simply not designed to support that kind of weight, and this is a huge safety issue. Ignoring this aspect when planning Mercedes Sprinter modifications can lead to significant problems down the line.
The high roof versions of these vehicles are super tall and often top-heavy, so with the overloading suspension, it also increases the possibility of a rollover. For those prioritizing safety and stability in their Mercedes Sprinter modifications, suspension is paramount.
The awesome guys over at Van Compass, Mark and Rob, have designed some of the most amazing suspension upgrades for the Sprinter and Transit vans. I am one of their 100% satisfied customers. Their kits are specifically engineered to handle the added weight of van conversions and improve the vehicle’s handling both on and off-road.
I know it’s not the cheapest upgrade to the van, but when it comes to safety and overall ride quality, it’s a no-brainer. Investing in a quality suspension system is a wise decision within your broader Mercedes Sprinter modifications plan.
I highly recommend reaching out to the guys over at Van Compass to learn more about their Mercedes Sprinter modifications and find the best suspension solution for your build.
2) All-Terrain Tires
Depending on the type of traveling you intend on doing, stock tires may not cut it for your version of vanlife. For those venturing beyond paved roads, all-terrain tires are essential Mercedes Sprinter modifications.
The stock tires that the Sprinter comes with are perfectly fine for the highway, but if you plan on doing any sort of off-road and winter adventuring, you are going to need something different. If your Mercedes Sprinter modifications include exploring varied terrains, tire choice is critical.
I use BF Goodrich K02 245/75/16 A/T (All-Terrain) Tires and they have been amazing. These tires are a popular choice for Mercedes Sprinter modifications aimed at enhancing off-road capability.
They ride smooth and have lasted around 80,000km without issue, although I probably should have replaced them a bit sooner! Durability and longevity are key benefits when considering all-terrain tires as Mercedes Sprinter modifications.
The reason they are such good tires for these vans is that they have a well-designed tread pattern combined with a very thick sidewall that allows you to air down for better traction when on gravel roads, sand, or even snow-covered trails without risking the bead breaking on the tire. This feature is particularly beneficial for Mercedes Sprinter modifications focused on off-grid adventures.
3) PedalBox
Have you ever noticed when driving these big heavy vans that whenever you step on the gas you feel the lag in acceleration? It almost feels like the van is spooling up and getting ready for lift-off. This throttle lag is a common complaint, and addressing it is a worthwhile Mercedes Sprinter modification.
The way the Sprinters accelerator pedal works is a system called “Throttle By Wire”. So when you push on the pedal an electrical signal is sent through a wire to the van’s computer and then the computer decides how much fuel to send to the engine. During this process, you can get what is referred to as “throttle lag”. Understanding this system helps appreciate the value of certain Mercedes Sprinter modifications.
The PedalBox was developed to improve the response between the pedal and the computer. It increases throttle response by removing delays in the accelerator, which ultimately enhances the driveability. For those seeking a more responsive driving experience, PedalBox is a highly recommended Mercedes Sprinter modification.
All you need to do is plug in the device and it will give you pre-programmed modes that adjust the sensitivity or responsiveness of the throttle. Installation is simple, making it an accessible Mercedes Sprinter modification for most owners.
So instead of waiting for the van to catch up, the response is almost immediate. The improved throttle response makes driving more enjoyable and safer, especially when merging or overtaking.
Trust me, it’s worth it!! The PedalBox is one of those Mercedes Sprinter modifications that you’ll appreciate every time you drive.
4) Window Shades
Installing window shades in your van helps to:
- Block the sun
- Add privacy
- Regulate the temperature inside your van
Window shades are a practical and comfortable addition to your Mercedes Sprinter modifications.
Window Shades seem like a simple product to make yourself, but I can tell you from experience that they take a very long time to make and likely won’t come close to the quality of the professional ones that are available for sale. While DIY is possible, professionally made shades are often a better choice for Mercedes Sprinter modifications.
The biggest differences you will notice in professionally made shades are the:
- Overall fit to the window,
- Convenience of folding them up in place, and
- Material quality
These factors significantly enhance the user experience and justify the investment in quality Mercedes Sprinter modifications.
I have always struggled with making window shades myself. And truth be told, I really didn’t come across any brand that made quality window shades. There was always something missing, the fit, the cut, material quality.. no brand ticked all the boxes. Finding the right window shades can be challenging when considering Mercedes Sprinter modifications for comfort and privacy.
Therefore, I started my own online shop. Our window shades are machine-cut to perfectly fit your van’s windows. They’re lightweight and magnetic, allowing for hassle-free installation. These features make them an excellent option within Mercedes Sprinter modifications for window coverings.
5) 12v Fridge
A good quality 12v fridge is going to be a game-changer for you and your Vanlife experience. For those living on the road, a 12v fridge is among the most impactful Mercedes Sprinter modifications.
When you lay your eyes on the price tag of a 12v fridge, you will immediately try to see what alternatives exist. Heck, they are almost as expensive as a regular household fridge! The initial cost can be daunting, but the long-term benefits justify a 12v fridge as part of your Mercedes Sprinter modifications.
But trust me when I say that a good 12v fridge is well worth the expense. I won’t get into the nitty-gritty about brands or pros and cons in this article. But in short, 12v fridges are designed to run off the power system so your van can easily accommodate it and will be a far lower power drain on your van than a 110v fridge will be. Efficiency and compatibility with van power systems make 12v fridges ideal Mercedes Sprinter modifications.
I personally went with the Whynter FM-62DZ fridge. This particular fridge is more affordable than some of the other units and so far it has worked well. Choosing a reliable yet affordable option is a smart approach to Mercedes Sprinter modifications.
6) Interior Water Storage
When planning a van conversion, one main focus is to maximize storage space. For that reason, many Vanlifers choose to store their water tanks outside of the van. Exterior water storage is common, but interior tanks offer advantages as Mercedes Sprinter modifications.
I have to admit, storing water inside the van felt like such a waste of space to me. But if you are planning on spending any time in colder climates and don’t want to worry about your water freezing, I would suggest installing a couple of interior tanks. For cold-weather vanlife, interior water storage becomes a crucial element of Mercedes Sprinter modifications.
With my new system, I completely bypass the standard freshwater and grey water tanks below my van and use 2 x 6-gallon tanks. This gives me the ability to completely drain and winterize the other sections and not worry about plumbing that exists below the van. This system simplifies winterization, a key benefit for Mercedes Sprinter modifications designed for all-season use.
One thing to note is that in winter, I don’t have any black water system available, just fresh and grey. This is a trade-off to consider when implementing interior water storage as part of your Mercedes Sprinter modifications.
If you plan on only using your van to escape winter, then this is likely not a priority for you. However, for year-round vanlifers, interior water tanks are valuable Mercedes Sprinter modifications.
7) Rack and Ladder
Adding a rack on the van is sort of like putting a crown on the entire achievement of building the van. A roof rack and ladder combination is both functional and aesthetically pleasing among Mercedes Sprinter modifications.
I chose to mount my solar panels and Thule carrier to the roof. There are a lot of different options for mounting items to the roof and installing a rack isn’t a requirement, but I like the way it looks. While not essential, a rack enhances both utility and appearance in Mercedes Sprinter modifications.
The most common racks you will find are the Aluminess custom racks. They are well made, high quality, already powder coated, and are a reputable company. Aluminess racks are a popular, pre-fabricated option for Mercedes Sprinter modifications.
I personally chose to order material and make everything myself, with the help of a friend, purely due to the cost of shipping and the exchange rate on the Canadian dollar at the time ($$$). DIY racks are a cost-effective alternative for those skilled in fabrication as part of their Mercedes Sprinter modifications.
8) Swivel Seat
Having the ability to spin your front seats around is a great addition to your van because:
- It makes the van feel a lot larger inside.
- It creates other usable space when you have more than one person in the van.
Swivel seats are space-maximizing Mercedes Sprinter modifications that significantly improve van livability.
I personally only installed a swivel to the passenger seat because my wardrobe is directly behind the driver seat of my van. Depending on your van layout, you might choose to install one or both swivel seats as Mercedes Sprinter modifications.
As a bonus, this upgrade is very easy to install! ($255-$270 from Sprinter Store) Ease of installation makes swivel seats accessible Mercedes Sprinter modifications for most van owners.
9) Router / Antenna
For me to make a living on the road, I needed to be able to continue working from anywhere. Luckily, as long as I have reliable internet, I am able to continue business as usual. For digital nomads, reliable internet is essential, making router and antenna upgrades key Mercedes Sprinter modifications.
I decided to go with the IBR1100 Router from Cradlepoint with an exterior mounted antenna. This system has worked great so far and gives me the ability to use different carriers depending on my current location. This setup provides flexibility and strong signal strength, crucial for Mercedes Sprinter modifications focused on remote work.
10) GPS / Backup Camera
Driving a Sprinter van is likely a lot bigger than other vehicles you’ve driven before. It certainly takes some getting used to. Enhanced visibility and navigation are important considerations for Mercedes Sprinter modifications, especially for new van drivers.
My van came with the factory backup camera but it was designed to point straight down and only give you visibility of what is 5-8ft from the vehicle. I needed better visibility so I chose to install a new camera. Upgrading the backup camera is a practical safety-focused Mercedes Sprinter modification.
After some research, I was able to find a backup camera / GPS combo from Garmin. The camera is installed on the rear passenger door with wires fed to the 12v fuse panel. Once paired to the GPS display upfront, it will display with video feed from the camera at all times. Combining GPS and backup camera functionality is a smart, space-saving approach to Mercedes Sprinter modifications.
It goes without saying that add-ons to your van can rack up the expenses. I’ve been living on the road on and off for years, so I’ve had time to accumulate all the different add-ons that make my van life easier. Budgeting is crucial when planning Mercedes Sprinter modifications; prioritize based on your needs and vanlife style.
Pay attention to the areas of vanlife that cause you the most frustration or concern, and tick away at the upgrades as you go. You will find life on the road getting more and more comfortable. Start with the Mercedes Sprinter modifications that address your biggest pain points and gradually enhance your van over time.
