Luxury Sprinter Van Build | Q&A With a Professional Builder

[@toddhedenstrom5608]

Thanks for doing the weight measurement- this is a real concern of mine, as we're just starting a build. As for the idea that you're ok a bit overweight, I disagree- the 'R' in GVWR is 'Rating', not 'Recommended', like you said in the video. Also, the first thing that I imagine is that the owners will be adding more weight, in the form of clothing, food, maybe a bicycle or two, etc. It wouldn't take much to add another 200-400 pounds to that weight. A vehicle that's over GVWR is going to suffer from possible maintenance issues in the suspension, but more importantly, the braking system isn't designed for anything over the max rating- the owners of this vehicle should definitely take care to brake early, and really take care in any mountain driving. You also mentioned in passing that it wasn't overweight on the individual axels - those ratings are important for weight distribution, not for total weight- they would come into play if most of your weight was way in the back, or up front.

[@billnalen]

I’m building a van as well and I take it to my local Cat scales after I finish major portions. I don’t know what scales they were using but Cat automatically does rear and front and total. You never want to be overweight when fully loaded. Look up the KYD KZbin channel, he does a great job explaining the different numbers from a towing perspective and the consequences.

[@toddhedenstrom5608]

@@billnalen I have only recently taken delivery of our van, a Sprinter 144. I took it to the CAT scales just this weekend to get the 'before' weight taken before I send it off to the builder's for their magic (sorry, no DIY here). I've told the builder already I was wanting to stay a good bit below the GVWR. With just me in the van, it's weighing at 5180lbs, the GWVR is stated at 8550 so there's a good bit of room to work with. There are factory floors and side panels that will come out, and I'm definitely not getting the luxury build that the van shown in the video has, so I'm pretty confident that we'll be able to come in at a reasonable weight.

[@billnalen]

@@toddhedenstrom5608 I'd write in an explicit number in the contract. Then you could discuss with the builder what options to add and what the weight is.

[@viagracariously8220]

Yeah an important definition for sure, if your in court being sued. It's a hard fast defined number like .08 blood alcohol level. Now who drives on road full of water; sure I get it but the shop owners opinions will impact the client owners actions. 300lbs pounds per person is what Truck Camper Magazine uses so... but hey. 100 watts of solar is enough as most charging comes from the stock alternator designed to recharge the amps used during starting and running watts in a stock van. Not like constantly running it at near its "hot" running amperage will do anything. No one running a Nomad A/C off sun alone, right? So many companies making these mistakes: overweight, stressing existing systems. MB Master upfitter certification? Sad as I feel the love and passion, here. But...? Suggestion. OffGrid solar Canadian company. Think really lousy sun harvest ability, 320watt blanket times two over the parked vehicle. 740 watts, with your tiny 100, of power or realistically 500 times four hours is 2000 watts. Real world. Now how much does that Dometic/Nomad take? So much potential here.

[@jhare18]

Another Great Presentation.And good build.

[@heinzimhof]

Wow! Another informative video from you guys. Great to meet your awesome videographer, Katie.

[@VanLand]

Thanks so much! 😊

[@taurusview9]

Thank you for your video, at 17 min 25 sec you suggested doing video on power systems and how to spec out, PLEASE do a video on that...can't wait. Thanks again!

[@lkazanov]

OK, this is confusing...the van is officially 9050 GVWR. It is 9080 full of water and fuel. 30 pounds over already. What about passengers and gear? With the FAA 170lb person, x 2, already 340 over. Plus toys and gear? I guess if you drop the water, you should be ok. I am not getting this correctly?

[@takechannel2325]

I'm seeing you from Japan. Thank you for all the useful information. Sprinter Van Life I envy you very much. In Japan, I don't see any sprinters running because of their large body size.

[@VanLand]

Thanks for watching!

[@LilyWasHereMB]

Solar panel: Good answer. I honestly think, that people think, vans are powered by the panel. Crazy. I'll take 600 amps in the back and 100 watts on the top any day. C Head, YES! Pros: Top crank (easier to do than side cranks) Vertical mix action in a round bucket (better mixing) Less expensive Smaller foot print and importantly, side to side (lighter?) No need to vent (but I did anyway, Air Head style - sucking air, not pushing it) Mostly non-proprietary parts (cheap/easy to replace) Cons: Had mine for 18 months. None yet. PS: Very impressed with your shop

[@VanLand]

Thank you for the comment! Yes, most people think that everything runs off the solar panel, including the air conditioner. That's just not how it works as you noted. It's all about having good battery storage and multiple ways to charge. Even with 600 watts of solar, it's still not enough unless you are in the sun all day.

[@Cooper1]

The van looks nice, we’re in the market. But Im concerned with the weight over GVWR. Once you add food, a few bottles of wine, camping gear, chairs, clothes, tools, linens, and a couple of bikes you’re probably a few hundred pounds overweight. Id also like to know how well the hot water tank stores heat in cold weather since you can only heat by engine when off grid. FYI - The numbers presented on the solar panels are off too.

[@mindanalyzer8302]

Hi, jeremy. Great video and good looking van Have some questions. - Do you have a floor plan for a more adventurous version of this? something that can fit a mtb and other big gear in the garage? can you provide a link for that - any possibility to get closer to volta-like power capabilities for boondocking, maybe at the expense of less water storage? I am using STO as a reference for that do you handle the purchase of the MB for out of state customers?

[@opinionatedartist]

A question about the weight… assuming that you did not have any food, drinking water, clothing, camping gear, nor a dog in there, how much more weight do you think the clients can load before get ting in trouble in case of an accident for example?

[@Yourhighnessnona]

Would you ever consider selling the complete layout in details on your website? Maybe even add the 3D models in here? This is in most areas my dream built, but 1. I live in Europe, so it would be difficult to have my van built in Santa Rosa 2. Some things in the built may be excessive to some and I would love to tweak the van 3. I would love to be able to built around 30% of the van myself, since I believe it would be part of the fun and I am very handy. Anyway, great built and all the love from The Netherlands!

[@danarcher6749]

with full water tanks, full fuel and drive it was 30 lbs. over legal weight for this van. When you add food gear and a passenger that going to climb up, alot. Once again check with insurance agent to verify that they do not have to pay out if you are over weight. Thats the problem with the 2500. The payload of Sprinter 2500 Sprinter is 3,441 pounds. The payload of Sprinter 3500 Sprinter 4,324 lbs. It also depends what options are taken, ie 4 wheel drive, ext. I think they made an honest mistake with the build think they had the same payload weight ratings.

[@Yourhighnessnona]

@@danarcher6749 Yes, I would definitely prioritise weight while building the van. What do you think contributed most to the excess weight? I mean, I can do easily without the entire exterior glow up, the sky-light, the tiles and the fancy finishes. Do you think a 170 inch (L3L2) Sprinter would still be convertible with this rough lay out? I am looking to convert such a Sprinter in about two years, but in the meantime I want to learn as much as possible. Love, Nona

[@Steve-yo4ld]

Did I miss it, is there a gravity water fill or only via a pressurized hose?

[@danarcher6749]

You have a problem with the weight. if the van gets into an accident and you are over wieght, the insurance does not have to pay out. check it out with a insurance agent.

[@billnalen]

This is a really big deal and I suspect they can ditch the extra water tank and fix it.

[@jeromepascaris7562]

Wonderful. -Is there room fort a 3,000 watt inverter in the power area?

[@stewarttau1451]

Hello. I now want to see the vehicle's offroad capabilities. Everybody shows their van build, the luxurious necessities and all that, but I am stll to see Merc Sprinter Camper offroad capabiliies and actual off grid living experience of the occupants.

[@joec4871]

So you avoided mentioning the cost..And there was no link in this video to download for the cost.

[@ckchouk]

$190,000 plus the cost of the van.

[@LilyWasHereMB]

so, at max GVWR, and probably light on food, dogs and gear (bikes, ski's, tools, BBQ, chairs, anti-freeze, oil, whatever might get put on the roof or on the rear rack, etc.) its too heavy. Its OK to be too heavy some time, but not all the time. Did the suspension upgrade increase GVWR? Many Van owners will not fill water until close to, or at, Point B to compensate for a heavy van. Tip: All conversions, especially those that are back heavy, need a front-wheel alignment before use to prevent rapid, premature wear on tires. Personal experience speaking. BTW, love the color.

[@VanLand]

It's right at the GVWR which is about what you'd expect for a full build like this. We did upgrade the suspension so it rides great but you do have to be careful about how much additional weight you are adding. Like you said, you can travel with a small amount of water fill it up when you get to your destination if possible.

[@lainelhyntz3112]

Why don’t you add a sliding solar panel when you not using the roof you can extend them

[@danarcher6749]

Teply to Nona Soleil: with full water tanks, full fuel and drive it was 30 lbs. over legal weight for this van. When you add food gear and a passenger that going to climb up, alot. Once again check with insurance agent to verify that they do not have to pay out if you are over weight. Thats the problem with the 2500. The payload of Sprinter 2500 Sprinter is 3,441 pounds. The payload of Sprinter 3500 Sprinter 4,324 lbs. It also depends what options are taken, ie 4 wheel drive, ext. I think they made an honest mistake with the build think they had the same payload weight ratings.

[@chrisbaber8942]

Great Van, I'm just about to start my own, would be great to run some ideas past you, if you've got time

[@flyfishingguy6478]

What kind of warranty is there for your part on the RV and where can service be done should it be necessary?

[@roberttemme6162]

Hi guys, I watched one of your videos where you built a van, similar to this one, and you painted it Galapagos Green. I haven't been able to find that video again so I ask, is this the same van build? Thanks, Bob T.

[@lawrenceblue8207]

So, your vans are not built to be used throughout the winter to keep the water tank from freezing. Four-season Vehicle?

[@VanLand]

There is a four-season option.

[@dr.conradm.4824]

What is the cost of the build including the price of the MB Sprinter?

[@VanLand]

Hi, there's a link to the pricing sheet in the video description.

[@Auxbeam]

Hi Do you need some great lighting for your car to help you better driving, off-road. We're the pro auto lighting manufacturer for nearly 20 year and we're looking for sponsorship!

[@BornventureGamba]

where did you build your van and whats the approximate building coast for such? i'd love to own such...kindly if you can give me a link or address/email for that

[@taracarrow9977]

Does the cost from the cost pdf include the van or is that on top of the van?

[@VanLand]

Upfit only.

[@Ankitadil]

Price in India??

[@tianjohan4633]

Hm, in reality are you not above the legal limit weight wise? I mean driver+passenger+whatever food, clothing and toys you bring on a trip should total so much above legal limit people might get a ticket or worse. Unless you travel solo, with a tootbrush and laptop and nothing more. I think the right approach would be to start with a van that can carry more weight or lighten the build to be a fair bit within legal limits fully fueled with full water tanks and passenger. That gives some headroom for peoples stuff. Frankly I find the design of the van itself to be flawed. You got a tiny 100 w of solar on top of the roof. That's nothing for people off grid. A smarter design and choosing higher efficient panels could easily fit oh about 8 times as much so say at least 800 w of solar. And be honest, how many van'ers do you know of that actually uses the roof rack as a hangout place? I know zero that uses them, but I know of several that bought into the hype and the idea climbing on top of the roof to watch the sun set. The people I know of did it once or twice and got done with it. And that makes totally sense if you really think about it. Don't waste roof space to create a hyped up hang out. No one uses them for that. In fact, I have never seen people actually hang out on top of their van roof. Not unless they where working with fixing something or someone have extra storage up top. Also I think using the original alternator for charging was a very weak choice. Aftermarket alternatives does work so much better, delivers so much more power that you will be able to top up or charge batteries much quicker. Then again, if this design was the clients own wish, well it's his dime and he likely know how he will use the van. The garage might be an indicator pointing to that the owner don't free camp a lot or go off grid a lot. The build itself seems like it done with quality, finish and material in mind so that is very nice.

[@bah5310]

Mercedes offers a heavy duty alternator, not saying this unit came with one but they are available.

[@wrongsend7106]

You guys don’t need a kitchen and toilet in the van if you’re camping , it’s beat the purpose of camping and enjoying nature. Un less ur living in it full time . Lol 😂

[@stonedog23]

If you’re taking it to a city destination and don’t want a hotel, then those amenities are important. I don’t think this van is for serious campers or off grid adventures. I suspect the owners want this for city adventures.