Van Compass Rally Strut Review + Long Term Adventure Wagon and Goal Zero Yeti Experience - Sprinter

[@angelosenteio]

These YT algorithms are crazy, I was just thinking about upgrading mine less than an hour ago and I open up YT and this pops up. Spooky. Thanks for the review.

[@crowdtastic]

Haha. No kidding man. Spooky.

[@AdventureWagon]

Thanks Aaron for the update on your AdWag system. We always love to hear how the kit holds up long term, glad you're happy with it!

[@crowdtastic]

thx for the excellent service during and years after install.

[@fredzuccarelli]

Susp upgrade will be my first mod!!!! Awesome van!!!

[@tammycouture1553]

Thanks for the reviews. Did you install lockers?

[@crowdtastic]

I have not and dont plan to. I have not found the need.

[@FWDXPL]

Bro thanks for posting this. Definitely going with AdWag interior, but I was on the fence about the smart floor. Can’t wait to have my rig done! 🍻

[@crowdtastic]

Right on. You will be very pleased.

[@PezRacer]

Great video, thanks for your reviews!

[@crowdtastic]

Glad you get some value. Im not a KZbinr but I spent too much damn time planning stuff out I felt obligated to share.

[@fishlips8336]

Just stumbled upon your channel, love the content & straightforward no bs. I'm considering the Adventure Wagon, self installation & nervous about that "self install" part. One question, where did you purchase the insulated side window covers behind the driver's seat? You've built yourself an awesome rig & should be proud, thanks again for sharing the journey!

[@crowdtastic]

Thx man. All window covers are from RB components. They were not too expensive, good magnetic application, and really well insulated for how well they pack down. As for the adage kit install, I hear ya. I was nervous too because it's an expensive thing to screw up. After doing it one, id will do it again... and am very convinced its the strongest kit out there in terms of frame structure. I wish I had a garage to do it in though.

[@chrismharthart]

One of the first people I’ve seen with the rally strut. I just got the 4.3 kit on my van and it was a huge difference. I can’t really see for the rally strut could make that big of a difference but thanks for your review.

[@crowdtastic]

Exactly. It takes experience with the 4.3 kit to start to feel how bad the stock struts are. Congrats on the new kit.

[@chrismharthart]

Thanks for the review. As far as your onboard stereo working, did you figure out a way to keep the stereo working without it shutting off after the 10-15 minutes without having the van run? Thanks

[@crowdtastic]

No. I have yet to meet someone who has cracked that code. Once I got used to it I began to appreciate how it protects the battery... especially as the battery ages. I just replaced my stock starter battery for the first time.

[@chrismharthart]

i tried to figure that out. With an amp and the speakers it was going to use too much house battery. We us a JBL and works great. Off topic. I see you live in the snow. I have not had my van in the snow yet. Have you had to use chains on you van or do the bigger all terrain tires get it done? I have KOA tires. Thanks for the info @@crowdtastic

[@n70199]

New to your channel. Love it. I’m way down a rabbit hole of sprinter vans and conversions. Your setup is about as close to what I want to do. I want an insulated van (Alaska), heater, bed, power, and modular space for skis/bikes/etc. I don’t want any built in stuff like kitchenettes, counters, toilets, seats…..just space. I’ve been eying the adventure wagon kits and appreciate your insight. Regarding your regret for the floor tracks, is that simply because your passenger seats are fixed? Or do you see a need for gear to be secured to the floor as well? Since I don’t need passenger seats, I was thinking of foregoing the floor track. Any thoughts on the flares for the transverse bed? It seems simpler to not cut out the walls of the van, but you do gain space by orienting the bed sideways. Other than the $$$ for the mod, can you think of a reason to avoid it? Thanks for putting your content out there. I found you through the sprinter forums. Keep adventuring. Best.

[@crowdtastic]

Sounds like you and I have a similar want/need out of a van. I’m thoroughly insulated with havelock wool and the adwag panels. Not a fan of cooking or going to the bathroom where I sleep, and want to haul gear etc. Being able to tie down or anchor to the floor is very helpful, and I don’t have that option because I have no track on the floor. I did preserve the stock D-rings and have them mounted into my marine grade plywood floor but they are not is convenient places and I have several covered up with gear boxes. More than anything, I with I could move my passenger bench seat up and down the the floor. The adwag kit adds so much strength to the internal framing of the van. I think most people just start screwing shit in which is risky in terms of long term rust and lack of strength.

[@crowdtastic]

Regarding flares, I’m 6ft and don’t want to sleep sideways. More importantly, I think the least amount of cutting the better. Those flares can be ripped out easily. Not great security and just another thing to leak.

[@n70199]

Your experience and willingness to share is priceless. Thanks!

[@CRO1928]

Hi Aaron! We installed an AdWag interior kit in our Sprinter last year and now want to add a Lagun table in a similar location as yours behind the driver seat. I'm curious how you mounted it. Did you add a backing plate or wood board on the backside of the wall panel? Any additional reinforcement along the bottom of the wall panel or are the self-tapping screws enough? I also see you offset the metal mounting bracket off the wall...what's the reason for that? Thanks for all your content!!

[@crowdtastic]

Yes, I added a custom cut marine grade plywood plate to mount to. I’ll shoot you a photo.

[@CannedNirvana]

I have the 4.3 kit on my Sprinter and have been really happy with the performance. I was considering adding the Rally Struts but haven't been able to find out what the real benefit is versus the 4.3 kit with the factory struts. I do a ton of offroad driving, often in places I probably shouldn't take a Sprinter van so performance is critical. I'll have to do a little more research on this. Thanks for posting this. Oh, I sent you a follow request on Instagram.

[@crowdtastic]

Sounds like you and I treat our vans the same by pushing the offloading limits. For starters, the rally strut is adjustable, just like your other struts. The that benefit is obvious, as you know. In terms of performance change after I upgraded, I immediately noticed the improved dampening and responsiveness, meaning the vans front end takes bigger hits at any speed and stays grounded and smooth. The stock struts were packing out and the responsiveness basically dies when off road. I would not but they for highway driving. I bought them for off-road. Lastly, they are supposed to be a 100k+ mile strut, so you can do the math there :)

[@TonyKoji]

@@crowdtasticThanks for the information. Did you install them yourself?

[@crowdtastic]

@@TonyKoji I did not BUT that's only because I had to swap out the brackets of the secondary shocks, as the design changed to make room for the rally struts. Otherwise I would have.

[@NinerFan949]

Thanks for sharing. I’m more in the info gathering stage but looking for something simple and functional like your. Maybe add a simple self contained sink or a water tank for outdoor shower. Cheers

[@crowdtastic]

Thx. I do have a portable shower (no heated) I use off the back in warmer months. Its key for long trips etc.

[@NinerFan949]

@@crowdtasticnice! I like the idea of modular items that can be removed or replaced without tearing it out of the build. Has the sprinter been good for you mechanically?

[@crowdtastic]

@@NinerFan949 the sprinter has been a beast. Very reliable. I do the oil service and fuel/air filter myself. Had it in the shop for a couple recalls and the full vehicle reports I get say it’s in excellent shape.

[@woolengrappler]

How much space between the bed and the bench seat? Why did you choose to move it backwards from stock position? I would like to get the Smart Floor option as well, seems to free up a lot of space.

[@crowdtastic]

From the headrest of the bench seat to the end of bed frame, about 4in. I did not move back from stock because it was a cargo van and there was no stock. That said, it’s pushed back from what would be stock because I wanted room to swivel front seats and have multiple people sit at table without being cramped. Also, it’s an area needed for changing, putting ski boots on etc.

[@sergiomaravilla]

Thanks for sharing! In early in my build and was really considering the smart floor for similar reasons. I use this as my truck but still haul older teens around. What have you seen the smart floor to run. Thanks in advance!

[@crowdtastic]

Not sure what you mean. Are to asking about pricing? I think it’s $5k which is pretty expensive BUT it lasts the life of the vehicle and is the only think on the market that allows you to make seating adjustments and tie gear down AND most importantly, is safe in a vehicle crash incident.

[@sergiomaravilla]

@@crowdtastic exactly what I mean, how much?I was rushing with my response earlier. Sorry about that. The bench takes up a lot of space, but still have a kid that will ride along. The other two are now drivers, but tend to tag along… sometimes. I have a 2021 Crew, but would like to address/decide before I do anything else. Great videos!

[@garyswanson5312]

Good to know the falcon shocks are still preforming great at 40,000 miles. I am considering putting them on my revel just the shocks not the struts . Can you tell me about what percent improvement the ride is on road and off road ? Thanks .

[@crowdtastic]

I’d say the adjustable secondary shocks are near a 100% improvement. The ability to adjust to ride type based on weight of vehicle and terrain has been a game changer. Hence why I invested further in the rally strut.

[@garyswanson5312]

Thanks!

[@jordanengle4053]

Thx Aaron for your useful reviews... def great info. Wondering where you have your kids sleep in the van? Debating doing bunks or not (we have two young kids). Thx!

[@crowdtastic]

I only have one (6 years old) so the three of us fit perfectly in the MOAB bed. If I had another or when he’s bigger I’ll add a monk bed.

[@jordanengle4053]

awesome thanks! @@crowdtastic