Adventure calls: the Mercedes Sprinter 4x4 from Overland Campers
Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 4x4. One of the first terms people search for when they start converting a van into a camper.
That's not surprising.
The term is closely linked to off-grid living, the ultimate adventure van, and the idea of owning your own home on wheels.
We immediately think of exploring remote roads. Hidden places. And the freedom of the open road. This is what appeals to us so much. A camper van gives you a feeling of independence and adventure that is hard to match. Park your home wherever you want and wake up to a new view in the morning. Who wouldn't want that?
But why exactly do so many people choose a Mercedes Sprinter as their base vehicle? And what makes us at Overland Campers so fond of these vehicles that we have built a completely modular system exclusively for them?
We explain it in this blog and tell you more about Mercedes motorhomes as adventurous companions.
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Unparalleled camping experience
Fortunately, Mercedes does not leave us adventurers, overlanders, road trippers, and explorers standing by the side of the road.
It's no surprise that Mercedes Sprinters are hugely popular among avid travelers looking for a vehicle built for adventure. It's with this bus that we have the most extraordinary camping experiences.
The space in this bus remains impressive. The Sprintervan is comfortable to move around in and, once converted into a camper, you quickly get used to your own tiny house on wheels. This feeling is further enhanced by our modular system. You can easily adapt the interior to the situation and optimize it exactly as you wish. Whether you are traveling alone, with your partner, children, or pets.
Powerful motor for long distances
Effortlessly climbing mountain roads, easily overtaking on the German autobahn; it's all about a motorhome performing well. That's why a vehicle with power and a smooth engine is ideal.
If you are looking for a motorhome that can keep up with traffic, you will quickly find yourself in the category of vehicles with at least 120 hp.
Mercedes Sprinters really stand out thanks to their powerful engines. Overland Campers are equipped with diesel engines and have a power output of around 190 hp. This makes driving a lot more comfortable and perfect for steep mountain passes, fast overtaking maneuvers, heavy loads, and long journeys.
The possibilities are endless
The model is a favorite among campers and entrepreneurs who need a lot of (loading) space. With different wheelbases, lengths, and roof heights, there is a Sprinter for every trip and every business. The Sprinter van offers endless possibilities.
For most vans, including the Mercedes Sprinter, the size is indicated by a combination of length and height (L/H). This makes it easy to choose the size that suits your travel needs. When we talk about the Sprinter L1H1, we are referring to the standard version.
Example:
Mercedes-Benz Sprinter L1/H1: 260 cm x 172 cm
Mercedes-Benz Sprinter L1/H2: 103.4 in x 63.5 in
Mercedes-Benz Sprinter L2/H1: 339 cm x 172 cm
Mercedes-Benz Sprinter L2/H2: 339 cm 201 cm
At Overland Campers, we usually work with the L2/H2 size. This size is best suited for off-road travel and offers enough space to comfortably go on an adventure. The size of the van allows for a flexible layout: you can go in all kinds of directions with the modular system that suits solo travel or family travel.
Consider in advance what is important for your trip:
How will you use the camper? Do you want to take long trips, go on shorter getaways, or maybe even live in the camper full-time?
How many people does it need to accommodate? Should the camper be designed for a solo traveler, a couple, a family, and pets?
How many sleeping places do you need? Should the camper have one or more beds?
How much storage space do you need? What items do you want to bring, and how much space do you need for clothing, food, equipment, etc.?
How would you like to organize your belongings? Would you like a kitchen, shower, sitting area, workspace, or other specific amenities?
Chassis service life
The Mercedes Sprinter is known for its solid appearance and high residual value. It is no coincidence that motorhome manufacturers choose the Mercedes Sprinter as the basis for an off-road motorhome. Even HYMER, one of the largest motorhome and caravan manufacturers in the world, recently launched the Grand Canyon S .
Mercedes vans are solidly built, reliable, and safe to drive. The chassis construction provides a sturdy foundation for various camper layouts and applications. The vehicle is designed to last, so owners can enjoy years of great trips in their camper van.
With regular maintenance, the Sprinter can easily drive more than 500,000 kilometers. We regularly see buses for sale with 500,000 kilometers on the odometer. Of course , standard repairs will be necessary over time, such as replacing the brakes, but in general, the Sprinter remains reliable during all kinds of adventures.
Off-grid travel with your own camper
When we talk about off-grid, we mean camping or living in a place without connections to utilities such as water, sewerage, gas, or electricity. There may even be no Wi-Fi on site and no separate toilet and shower facilities on the grounds.
Off-grid travel is much more than just being on the road. For many, it is a way of life. The feeling of being self-sufficient, away from the hustle and bustle of the modern world, is indescribable. You can explore at your own pace, discover new places, and make memories that will last a lifetime.
Those who dream of adventures off the beaten track will benefit most from a vehicle that makes such trips possible.
Mercedes Sprinter 4x4: complete off-grid experience
We can't help but be fans of the Sprinter 4x4 for off-grid and off-road adventures. It's no coincidence that we've built an entire modular system based on this van! It's all about that level of self-sufficiency and independence that you can't easily experience with other vehicles.
The 4x4 version adapts well to the terrain you are driving on. On public roads, the car automatically regulates where the power should come from. The four-wheel drive gives you extra power on unpaved roads and remote areas.
If you do happen to lose traction due to slipping tires, the bus will provide enough power to the wheels to push off. This means you maintain traction on difficult roads. Towing over snowy mountain passes, plowing through muddy roads, or navigating rocky terrain is a lot less stressful. And you'll reach that one remote spot!
Our indispensable off-grid installations in Mercedes Sprinters
If you plan to "get back to nature" in the wilderness, your camper will need a few essential off-grid installations. Think self-sufficiency for a certain period of time, solar panels, electricity, and more. We install the following off-grid essentials in our Overland campers.
Good insulation in your motorhome
We insulate the camper: nice and warm inside when it's cold, cool when it's hot. We also want to prevent moisture from entering. This causes mold and rust and makes the living space unpleasant. We significantly reduce the risk of condensation through good insulation and ventilation in the bus.
Insulating with sheep's wool
We use sheep's wool to insulate the interior of the camper. Sheep's wool is a special insulating material because it insulates in a natural and sustainable way. It lasts for around 100 years and continues to insulate well in both summer and winter. Sheep's wool keeps moisture out, is fire-retardant, and even purifies the air in the camper. It also provides good sound insulation and absorbs a lot of moisture without losing its insulating properties. In addition, it protects against mold and creates a healthy indoor climate.
Insulating with PIR foam
For the floor, we use a special 3-centimeter-thick PIR foam panel. This is a hard plastic foam that insulates the camper against the cold. PIR foam is better than PUR foam because it retains its shape better, is strong under pressure, and is much more effective at slowing down fires.
Insulating with Armaflex
We insulate campers with Armaflex to prevent condensation and combat mold and rust. This insulation material keeps heat inside in winter and outside in summer, ensuring that the temperature in the camper remains comfortable regardless of the weather. It also works well against noise pollution.
Camper electrical systems for adventure
A well-managed electrical system is essential for off-grid adventures. It forms the core of the motorhome and is often one of the biggest challenges for motorhome owners.
Our partner Victron Energy supplies the electrical system that is specially designed for off-grid travel and operates autonomously. With solar panels that generate energy and a smart storage system, we ensure a continuously usable electrical system. You can track and adjust your energy consumption via your own portal. It's a fun challenge to be self-sufficient for as long as possible using only the power of the sun.
Induction on board
Gas is the most commonly used fuel for cooking in a motorhome. It is easy to install and inexpensive. But for travelers who want to be independent of gas bottles, an induction hob is a more interesting option. With electricity, you are completely self-sufficient: you don't need space for a gas bottle, it is safe and sustainable. That is why we install induction hobs in all our motorhomes.
Life after lead: Lithium batteries for long-lasting energy
For our Overland campers, we use 320/460/640/920 amp LiFePO4 lithium batteries. These batteries are lighter than lead-acid batteries. They have more usable capacity and last up to three times longer. They are also recyclable at the end of their service life. Victron's LiFePO4 batteries are maintenance-free, and the Battery Management System charges all cells evenly.
Living with lithium is ultimately much easier than with lead, despite the higher investment. Lithium batteries have faster charging times and higher energy efficiency. This is particularly important for off-grid solar energy. The round-trip efficiency (discharging from 100% to 0% and back to 100% charged) of a lithium battery is 92%, while that of lead batteries is only 80%.
Solar panels on the camper
Our campers have 280wp solar panels. Solar panels generate free electricity using the sun. They capture energy and store it in the battery, allowing you to be self-sufficient and enjoy electricity anywhere. Even in the most remote areas.
Not just any vehicle
The Sprinter 4x4 is much more than just a vehicle to us. It offers comfort, reliability, versatility, and many off-grid options. All essential ingredients for true adventure.
Exactly why we are so enthusiastic.
This beast of a vehicle makes action possible, takes you where you want to go, and ensures unforgettable off-road trips.
Curious about the possibilities for your own Overland Camper?
Take contact and find out if this is the ultimate adventure van for your next trip.
