Sprinter Van Tips and Tricks Part 2

At Owl we use Spritners almost every day. As a result, we have many tips and tricks for making adventuring even more rewarding. In this video we talk about ways to avoid spilling DEF, Diesel filler options, stopping a squeaking Sprinter door, spritner lug bolt types, proper recover points, and testing your bottle jack.
www.owlvans.com

[@bj231bj]

Well done video!!! I really like to watch your videos!!! Thank you for taking the time to make this type of content!!!!

[@rebeccawolfe1727]

I always carry a couple extra lug bolts. They’re easy to lose in mud and snow

[@trentdavey779]

AWESOME. Please do the tool kit video.. I probably am carrying too much and missing something crucial.

[@accountingstepbystep2229]

Great, informative video! Thank you for the insight and for the fantastic Sprinter parts and accessories you stock!

[@Mister_Raphy]

Thx a lot for this video, I found by luck with KZbin suggestion. Great tips

[@boxster1970]

Great tips for any Sprinter owner.

[@Spare_Mag_Mike]

I like the lil hood vent ram scoops.

[@tahosrfr]

I enjoy these tips videos, keep em coming

[@stuartlouie5960]

Great info!

[@mooneyman13]

Good tips John. Thanks

[@CloudTree4X4]

Thank you for the really useful tips.👍

[@terryl5878]

Thank you for taking the time to do these videos!

[@DarrenOverby]

Thanks, John. I saw another video about a diesel lockout filler door and I though they made a mistake. Now I see you saying the same thing so I'm officially confused. A US diesel nozzle has a larger outside diameter of 15/16" (23.8125mm) and a US unleaded Gasoline Nozzle has outside diameter of 13/16" (20.6375mm). I've never seen a diesel filler neck with a lockout gate and my Sprinter has never had one. I've always thought you can misfuel gasoline into a diesel tank because the gasoline nozzle is smaller (diesel folks just have to know and be careful). But (presumably because these are more gasoline folks than diesel) but you CAN'T fit a diesel nozzle into a gasoline tank because gasoline cars always have a misfueling lockout gate. I've also been told by the smog guy that the lack of a lockout gate is an automatic fail. Hopefully this rule not apply to diesel fillers, because mine would fail. It will even fit the big boy truck stop nozzles and I like it that way.

[@blackwell1384]

I watched this, and noticed that the van in the video has a red diesel cap, as does mine. My sprinter is a German built 2019 4x4 that I purchased new. I went out and checked my filler which is the row fill pipe he shows, my good, but why?

[@mtnride4930]

Just got crown lug nuts from Agile as I have a 16" stock sprinter wheel for a spare. Did not feel like spending big money for a wheel and I now have a 17 and 19 mm socket. Great video never thought about this till I saw the video.

[@owlvansengineering]

Glad it helped!

[@larrygregerson5160]

Another excellent video as me and my Sprinter get to know each other. Thanks!

[@ThisOldManTiger]

Thank you for videos like this.. great stuff

[@eskim1018]

Great tips and it was a good reminder for me that I still need to order my ladder and spare talon

[@Arizonatravelboywonder]

Great info . Thanks for informing us

[@user-tl2rk8zj8u]

Loving the hoods over the bonnet air intakes. Where can I buy these from please? Any ideas folks?

[@owlvansengineering]

They will be up on our site next week

[@colesadventures8727]

Good stuff John at OWL

[@blondeblue3085]

As a single woman and owner of a 2023 AWD 144, I can’t thank you enough for the tip videos. After watching, I went outside and put DEF in it for the first time LIKE A PRO💪🏼. Now if only someone could clue me on the location of the dip stick tube/gizmo, that would make my world. It’s gotta be there somewhere! Thanks for all the tips and I’d love to see a required tool set video.

[@Spare_Mag_Mike]

Sorry to break it to you but there is no physical dipstick for oil level in the 23 AWD. The older models have a retrofit kit but on the newer awd engine there is not a way to do it. If i'm wrong prove it and i'll buy it on site cause I do not trust the digital oil level.

[@blondeblue3085]

⁠​⁠@@Spare_Mag_MikeI believe you and am also a “ I don’t trust the digi reader” club member. When I have my ‘23 in for service someday I’ll grill the service department. A girl can hope🦄

[@mtnride4930]

The 23 does not have the plug in the hole like the 2019's? Retrofit? all I did was buy a dipstick.@@Spare_Mag_Mike

[@Spare_Mag_Mike]

@@mtnride4930 nope. No hole for dipstick available… afik. Maybe someone found some type of work around but not that I’ve seen.

[@iskosalminen]

What are those hood air intake scoops? I've never seen them on a Sprinter

[@brandiniadventures]

Awesome. Thanks John

[@DirtSickle1]

Loving the Biden sticker on the fuel door. Just gained a follower here!

[@headinghome1644]

I like the Mercedes Partner jacket. Sweet!

[@user-cr3nw5hn8j]

Thank you a lot i was thinking what and how i can prepare myself with the wheels and the jack and i found your video.Great...Be blessed to be a blessing in Yeshuas, Jesus Mighty Name Amen!!!

[@Andy-ec9yn]

Thanks so much for the jack tip (watched that one you did a few years back that included the orange pad which I picked up)! I never thought of testing out the jack to see if it works but will do tomorrow. Also, I had researched where the jack points are and want to practice in my driveway, but would love to see a video on jacking one of these lifted vans up. BTW, everything I had bought/installed by Owl in SoCal has been problem free and very happy with it all. And I had a lot done.

[@waynegreenway5445]

Good video John! I saw a snippet of a modified drink holder assembly. Any closeups of that available? Thanks! Wayne

[@berniedmj1]

You should try using the insta360 3x action camera to record yourself. That way when you edit, you can make sure the viewers can see what you’re talking about. I couldn’t see what you were doing with that flathead screw driver on the lockout door. And if you want to make sure we can hear you loud & clear, then use a Bluetooth mic. Just push record and do your thing without worrying if you’re getting the shot. You choose the angle when you’re editing your footage/clips.

[@larryheiny5287]

Great tips. Thanks. I keep looking for the Hummer jack but theyre very hard to find these days....Which Jack did you get?

[@sturber]

Very helpful video! Is that small driver's side window an aftermarket install? I'm looking at a smaller window for my new windowless Sprinter.

[@RustyOpel]

Bought a 2024 Pleasure Way Ascent TS on the 2500 chassis late January; already ordered the hood struts from you and awesome tip on the bib idea! I'll also stress do NOT use a hitch ball for a snatch!!! I saw someone do that at Fort Fisher rec area - it snapped off, flew straight back and into the windshield of the disabled Jeep. Thankfully rather than penetrating the glass it caromed off and went straight up in the air for an impressive distance.

[@RustyOpel]

Got the strut kit today and I was seriously impressed by the care and thought put into the packaging! Even had the Owl logo facing up in the package; little details matter. The van is at M-B for some warranty problems otherwise I would have installed them but I'm quite confident they will do quite well. Also saw the short on being in M-B dealers now - Congrats!

[@mattnewman8103]

Thank you

[@willofthemaker]

Great tips. Is that some new attachment points on the explorer ladder i see?

[@danpetersen1596]

Great tips! What is the LED light bar on the Pismo bumper?

[@jamestreanor182]

Great video ❤

[@SonofDarnell]

BRO I thought I was the only one to notice about the handles at gas stations but the ones here in the Florida panhandle are so disgusting for some reason they are all swimming in diesel 😢5 minute hand wash after that. Gloves are great idea❤

[@maxheadroom8888]

Thanks

[@user-tl2rk8zj8u]

Loving the hoods over the bonnet air intakes. Where can I buy these from please? Any ideas folks? Thank you.

[@burgeno]

I really appreciate these videos that you create, so thank you. I have a question regarding oversized rim and tire combinations. How oversized can you go and still use the stock spare tire mounting location under the garage? Thanks again.

[@owlvansengineering]

265 is the biggest you can put in the stock spare tire basket. That said, we have a vide on why if you go offroad you should not keep a tire under your van

[@user-tl2rk8zj8u]

Loving the hoods on the bonnet air vents. Where can I purchase these. Please advise. Thank you.

[@user-tl2rk8zj8u]

Loving the hoods over the bonnet air intakes. Where can I buy these from please? Any ideas folks? 11:02

[@biscutwhisper7763]

John, really appreciate the info ?? I have an onboard ARB, where are the fuses?

[@daxmonster3429]

A bib? The oem stock jack is actually pretty stout. Surprised you had an issue. You should speak with MBUSA about that.

[@dave207734]

What are you planning/ developing for the area infront of the mirrors?

[@rickslowicki901]

These tips and tricks videos have been very helpful. I have a 2021 2500 with low miles, and the automatic sliding door stops sliding unless i hold the inside door button, or the outside handle. Any suggestions to correct this issue?

[@owlvansengineering]

You have to hold the button until it opens all the way and then hold the button until it closes all the way. Then it should reset. Things assuming it isn’t hitting anything during its path

[@rickslowicki901]

@@owlvansengineering that worked, you guys are the best!

[@RamSlow]

Lights on the hood vent! You need a video on that.

[@owlvansengineering]

Coming soon!

[@ericstrong54]

Is there an Owl branded bib in our future?

[@vik351]

Hi John vik from down under OZ ,love your goods, got the side steps for my 519 4x4 2020 LWB and figured get the Pismo as well , all fitted ,no worries there mate , but I bought a Ultra 1200 winch before I got the Pismo and it has a twist and lift clutch and I tried this way ,that way but ya cant lift the clutch once fitted, so will sell it. Now what do you recommend I fit mate ? Thanks ...

[@owlvansengineering]

Glad to see our gear down under! Sorry you’re having problems fitting your winch. It is a very tight winch basket. We have fit the Warn 12,000 evo, Superwinch 12k and the Smitty hilt 12k. Not sure which units are available in Australia

[@vik351]

OK , will look em up ,Smitty hilt looks interesting :-o ... @@owlvansengineering

[@ifly64s]

DEF( Diesel Exhaust Fluid). DEF Fluid, (Diesel Exhaust Fluid Fluid). LOL. Love your products but I had to do it.

[@owlvansengineering]

Yep, you got us. Just like "VIN Number!" :)

[@joshfriedman1170]

Can you share a link to the Jack you mentioned. The stock ones are clearly useless with big tires and lifts. Unsure of which to get. Thank you.

[@owlvansengineering]

overlandaddict.com/products/safe-jack-bottle-jack-recovery-kit-with-6-ton-bottle-jack?variant=41543861665959&gad_source=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIzafMrLOyhAMV7C-tBh2hbAPVEAQYASABEgLvwfD_BwE

[@joshfriedman1170]

Gracie Mille!

[@GianniSeghers]

The original jack needs a bit of load to fully extend… it‘s not broken from factory 😜

[@michaelfitzgerald7694]

ON ON !!

[@sanfordzeitz9077]

Thanks, John for the tips! Do you think there is any real benefit in using the more expensive Platinum Blue DEF, which allegedly doesn’t crystallize like regular DEF?

[@owlvansengineering]

Just use the cheap stuff

[@camrodger8638]

Walmart Supertech brand. $9.99.

[@JaimetheNomad]

I always get DEF at truck stops, then whether I need 4 gallons or 0.5 gallons I’m good to go and just get what I need

[@krow272]

...and about half the price of the Blue DEF jugs

[@JaimetheNomad]

@@krow272 yup! It’s a win-win all around!

[@7yorks]

You can fill DEF at truck stops and newer gas stations. I've never filled from a box. Too much waste.

[@ROLYATATAK]

Only use mercedes Benz DEF because they will not cover you if something goes wrong on a new sprinter

[@mtnride4930]

I checked with my MB service manager not true.

[@chandlercrewdson5017]

bro just get someone to hold the camera for you

[@user-tl2rk8zj8u]

Loving the hoods over the bonnet air intakes. Where can I buy these from please? Any ideas folks?

[@user-tl2rk8zj8u]

Loving the hoods over the bonnet air intakes. Where can I buy these from please? Any ideas folks?