RACE TEAM TRANSPORT

2010 Mercedes Sprinter

Bought from Mercedes Benz of San Diego in September 2010, model is 2500 long wheel base with standard high roof so can stand upright inside without hitting head on the roof. Did not go for super extended version which was only slightly more expensive as did not feel need for the extra space and the added length would make parking etc. even more difficult, as it is over 20 feet long it can be difficult enough and some public parking lots won’t allow “oversized” vehicles such as this. This specific van had the V19 cargo package which includes wall liners (but not roof) and a track system in floor for securing cargo and worked well for conversion.

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Comfort Upgrades

Comfort was very important as will be “living” in the van quite a bit going to races all over the place and spending weeks at a time in the van. As such put together a design concept then did following modifications:

Covers/insulation for front screen and side windows

Styrofoam insulation for roof then covered in felt

Fiberglass insulation in walls

Bulkhead incorporating bed platform to create separate living area and bike / dirty rear area.

Fiamma awning (to be installed)

Storage areas in front for clothes, food

Storage areas in rear for tools, spares, fuel

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First part of upgrade showing bulkhead partition with bed and fridge.

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Electrical Upgrades

30A shore power connection

Honda 2Kw super quiet generator

1500w inverter

Auxiliary battery and separator

Extra lights

AC/DC refrigerator

32 inch wall mounted Sony LCD TV

Alpine 200w amplifier and speakers

Performance Upgrades

Nothing as yet but Sprinter Store have some things that look good:

· K+N air filter for more power and increased fuel consumption

· Chip for more power and increased fuel consumption

Other Changes/Upgrades to be done

Battery charger from generator or shore power

Solar charging, have panel

Air conditioning, maybe but don’t want to make it any higher

Insulate doors

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Good Points

Easy to drive, comfortable seat and cruises easy at 75 mph plus high driving position give great visibility

Plenty of room in both areas, 2 bikes plus loads of gear, 3 bikes will probably be OK in rear

Does not attract attention as plain white, no rear windows for anyone to see bikes inside

Good fuel consumption (~20mpg) as compared to an RV

Easy loading with low floor height

Can stand upright inside

Bad Points

Gearing is bit low, maybe needed on fully loaded 3500 but is revving too much at freeway speeds and using more fuel than necessary.

Being diesel it’s now apparent that some fuel / service stations don’t see diesel, and those that do have very few pumps so can be a bit of a pain

Brakes not great, no bite and need quite a bit of pressure

Big to drive around and difficult to park, also height can be issue with some car parks

Not good in mud but have not tried with traction control disabled

Side door does not close properly unless slammed

Headlights not great, may try adjusting and / or get better bulbs as will be driving at night quite regular

Bed bit short across width of van for 6 foot +, overall not as comfortable as an RV, maybe alternative layout would be better

Servicing is expensive

Only 2 seats in front

Big sail area and can be difficult to drive in cross winds