Sprinter 4x4 Exterior Options and Accessories- Here's What We Chose and Why

Here are the best accessories for our Sprinter 4x4 for our family of four.
So you've bought a 4x4 Sprinter or you're looking at options... now what? We spent a ridiculous amount of time deciding between accessories for our build. Trying to decide between a side ladder or a rear, Owl Vans ladder? We've been there. Debating between Flarespace flares or no flares? Yup, we've been there too. Think you already have enough lights? Thanks again.
Hopefully this video helps you make a decision about which exterior accessories will work best for your van and your use. We're thrilled with how our van turned out and we hope you will be too.
#vanbuilds #vanlife #sprinter4x4 #sprinteraccessories
🔥 Favorite Bike Stuff ↓↓↓
Race Tires- Continental Grand Prix 5000 Tubeless and Clinchers: amzn.to/3AM6f3t
Hookless Race Tires- Pirelli PZERO Race TLR: amzn.to/3yYmPf9
Endurance Tires- Continental Gatorskin Clinchers: amzn.to/3P2mAW1
Tubeless Tire Sealant- Orange Seal Endurance: amzn.to/3PlTAZ2
Tubeless Tire Plugs- DynaPlug Pro Aluminum: amzn.to/3yw4uok
Chain Lube- CeramicSpeed UFO Drip: amzn.to/3P2PLsb
All-Around Helmet- Kask Protone Icon: amzn.to/3RtIkvN
Aero Helmet- Kask Utopia: amzn.to/3c8vN0j
Helmet for Hot Days/Climbing- Kask Valegro: amzn.to/3nVHQkh
Multi-Tool/Ultra Slim- Pro Bike Tool 8-in-1: amzn.to/3P2qvCa
Bike Bag for Road Bikes: amzn.to/3P3PUvo
Bike Bag for Road AND Mountain Bikes: amzn.to/3c3XOGt
🔥 Favorite Supplement/Nutrition Products ↓↓↓
Skratch Active Hydration: amzn.to/3z14IFt
Skratch Superfuel (best for 3+ hour workouts): amzn.to/3yAmzBM
Vitargo (best for 3+ hour workouts, try unflavored in a mix): amzn.to/3INXS9P
Amino Energy: amzn.to/3RyAG3k
Perfect Amino: amzn.to/3z1qxEP
Glutamine Capsules (recovery): amzn.to/3cawI0s
🔥 Favorite Camera Gear ↓↓↓
Sony A7R III: amzn.to/3Ixv8BM
Sony A7S III: amzn.to/3uInxuE
On-Bike Camera: amzn.to/3P1MMjy
Sony 16-35 F/2.8 GM: amzn.to/3nY3VPl
Sony 70-200 F/2.8 GM (original version is a steal, in my opinion): amzn.to/3nVkNGz
Mic: amzn.to/3yycqpb
Drone: amzn.to/3yDPapI
Tripod: amzn.to/3yXPpxl
Lighting: amzn.to/3PmwiST
Yes, these links are to products I use and yes, I earn from qualifying purchases.

[@gen2-x364]

The Baja bracket is also a great addition with the system you have.

[@bikesbeersbeats]

You did the right thing. 35's are big boy tires that come with big boy problems. You would need to worry about lift kit, upgrade suspension, steering column adjustment, pinion angles, regearing engine to minimum 4.10, mpg reduction, acceleration reduction, additional road noise. Once you get over the awesomeness of the 35 look all of these other things become a bit of a pain in the ass long term. Btw love your van, it looks great!

[@outdoorbros_]

Haha, well said! If we had a use for it, it would make sense. The reality is, we’re on the road the majority of the time- no need for 35’s.

[@MotoWorld82]

Great content!! It’s fun to share the pain and agony of working through all the options. Agree with you 100% on the suspension-“the” upgrade to start the insanity. 👍🏻

[@outdoorbros_]

Thanks! It's hard to imagine the van without the suspension. From rough roads to crosswinds to mountain roads- it's a necessity.

[@digitalorangedotcom]

Van is awesome! Thx for the good info.

[@outdoorbros_]

Thanks Mike! Can’t wait to see your build.

[@MarcelMion]

Nice setup and good advices thx bro 👍

[@outdoorbros_]

You're welcome, glad to enjoyed it! Let me know if you have any other questions.

[@MJ-ge6jz]

I will be shopping for a Sprinter in the next 3 mo. Your info is a gold mine! I am going with a raw cargo configuration and building the minimalist ugprade as I can. Will do the suspension first! Looking forward to your next video!

[@outdoorbros_]

Thanks! Glad I could help. You’re in for a treat- outfitting the van, traveling, exploring- it’s all so fun. Cheers!

[@rigwellmade]

Your rig is looking sweet! Awesome video man.

[@outdoorbros_]

Thank you! You guys build some incredible rigs up there in CO.

[@RicardoMedinaRicardoMedina]

Great review...thanks

[@outdoorbros_]

Cheers, thanks!

[@libertecherie4507]

great man. I do pretty much the same ! van tour is coming on my channel

[@outdoorbros_]

Awesome! I’ll check it out.

[@chriswalker3415]

Agreed on the 35s. BUT, on 2019-21 model years you will sacrifice the smart cruise control features if you go any bigger than 275s. You did the right thing.

[@outdoorbros_]

Correct. We don't have adaptive cruise control, so it's not an issue for us. Either way, 275's have been great so far.

[@drsatindertravelandlifesty2613]

Best video keep it up bro I am from India 🇮🇳

[@outdoorbros_]

Thank you so much! Appreciate the feedback!

[@rachel7550]

Do you like the style rack that you got? I also want a roof rack deck to store stuff on or hangout on, but am undecided between full aluminum, vs a flatline rack with wood deck added. To me, having the bars on the side like on your style seem like they would make climbing up on there a little easier and secure feeling. I have no clue though. Any input appreciated! Enjoyed the video! Thanks!!

[@outdoorbros_]

I have no complaints about the style, but also have very little in the way of a comparison. I do like the bars on the sides, feels like we’re not going to slide straight off of the side. In all reality, we use the roof deck on a rare occasion- stargazing, fun place to eat, view wildlife, etc.

[@rachel7550]

@@outdoorbros_ yea I’ve heard people say they end up not using it too too often. I think I am going to try and save money by going with the wood deck and maybe adding makeshift side rails later. Hoping it will still feel stable enough to hangout on from time to time and add storage to too.. thanks for sharing!!!

[@Buxtonphil]

i like the $7 lock on the $600 spare tire/wheel

[@outdoorbros_]

Ha, good eye! When you’re over budget, every dollar counts. At least it matches 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@Thefertilityguy]

What kind of roof rack did you go with

[@outdoorbros_]

What's up Fertilityguy? I went with the Dakar Roof Rack from VanSpeed Shop. They did the entire build. So far, it's been an awesome rack- no noise or issues to report: www.vanspeedshop.com/collections/exterior/products/vanspeed-baja-roof-rack

[@myagenthouston]

hi. what do you do for a living?

[@outdoorbros_]

Just a normal guy.

[@bennythai3878]

What about sway bar? Would that be a help full to the van?

[@outdoorbros_]

I considered it at one point. I didn’t find a ton of info about people using a sway bar.

[@ShihanTomCallahan]

Very practical thanks...Shocks were the first things I was thinking of too. Are the tires (the ones you put on) run flats? Is it really necessary to have a spare with you at all times?

[@outdoorbros_]

Thanks, Tom! I can't express how pleased we are with the shocks. The more we travel, the more I'm glad I went with the upgrade. Tires are not run flats. I don't see why it would be a bad option, I've just never used run flats on any other vehicle so they weren't on my radar. Since they're not run flats, we carry the spare with us at all times. Is it necessary? Probably not...until it is :)

[@ShihanTomCallahan]

@@outdoorbros_ thanks for your reply. Guess I will have to learn how to change a tire now ! haha

[@outdoorbros_]

@@ShihanTomCallahanHahaha! I think we could all use a refresher in that space. Hopefully in our own driveways and not roadside!

[@loftbrad]

Interesting video. Not sure I've seen one like this where he is so hung up on how it 'looks' and what other people might think. It's a good perspective. He's also wrong on the tires, you can go up on stock and fit them underneath. Obviously within reason, but he's bummed about not getting 35's because they would look better (they slow you down, take up power on mountain passes, eat into your mpg and not needed 99.99% of the time or more). This guy is fashion before function and my guess is had someone do all the work. Nothing wrong with that at all, but take it with a grain of salt.

[@outdoorbros_]

Brad, if you’ve seen any of my other videos, I’m upfront about having someone else do the work- it’s not something I would even attempt. This build was never about what anyone else might think, except me. Also, the videos is 100% focused on exterior accessories and add-one that I felt were worthwhile and the idea was to offer an opinion for anyone else considering these accessories, that’s all. I could do an entire series about how great the intervals of the van are and what it’s like to drive and spend time in, but that wasn’t the purpose here. Hopefully that makes sense.

[@jeffegan2048]

What light bar Are the Baja squadron pros mounted to

[@outdoorbros_]

Hey Jeff, they’re mounted to a light bar from VanSpeed (our builder). It’s a cool, inexpensive setup.

[@mikeprodanov6765]

Enjoyed your review of necessary changes... just curious.... I am in investigational stage of van acquisition and build. Rough price on those upgrades? if you don't mind!

[@outdoorbros_]

Ask away! With install and whatnot, close to $14k.

[@mattreeves333]

what side steps did you go with?

[@outdoorbros_]

Hey Matt, went with the VanSpeed sidesteps- very happy with them.

[@idriss.musa.]

if your sprinter has the adaptive cruise control, anything larger than a 275/70R17 will cause computer issues.

[@outdoorbros_]

Correct. Our Sprinter doesn't have adaptive cruise control, so have a bit more flexibility with tires sizes/mods.

[@mikeroberts786]

Your wife must be very understanding.

[@outdoorbros_]

Ha! She was part of the process from the beginning. We developed a spreadsheet of wants and ranked them. What you see is the outcome of that process.