The Sportsmobile Sprinter design and build checklist

[windguy]

Originally Posted by DonSt

During design, if you even think that you will be buying a portable generator, make sure that there will be a decent space to store it. -don

Don,
Thanks for sharing your build tips.
Are there any issues with storing the generator filled with gas inside the van, directly below where you sleep?
I was under the impression that these had to be kept outside.
Thanks

[DonSt]

Well. You've got a point there with the recall on the Honda generator.

[Chumley]

I have some more items that I will be adding to the checklist shortly.

I will post them and then add them to the checklist so you don't have to read the whole darn thing every time to find the updates. I might italisize them for a while too, we'll see what works best over time.

One of the things I did was order the "daytime running lights" option. It is now what I see as a mistake, especially when added to the automatic light sensor.

It turns out that the Mercedes folks turn on the main headlights to act as the daytime running lights, not a separate light of any kind. So you end up burning up your headlamps with this option. Try parking your rig at night and leveling it in a campground and see how popular you are when you can't seem to turn off your lights! On top of this the automaitc light sensor is not needed since they are always on. Why someone did not catch this and tell me I don't know but then the Sprinter seems to be a sort of bastard child to some Mercedes dealers.

What I finally found out by calling Mercedes direct was that I could turn off the headlights and leave on the rest of the lights. This is not in the manual and the dealer did not know about this simple workaround. Also of note: up until the 2012 model year I was told that there was a way to program the daytime lights off in the instrument panel if you had the steering wheel controls.

I would recommend you think about how much you want your headlights on full time if you select the daytime running light option. If you do it you certainly won't need the automatic headlight sensor.

Keeping the lights on for you...

Chumley

[llamadave]

Originally Posted by Chumley

One of the things I did was order the "daytime running lights" option. It is now what I see as a mistake, especially when added to the automatic light sensor.
Chumley

I also specified the "daytime running lights" option, then my Sprinter salesman explained that this option is for states/countries that require you to have your lights on all the time. I removed the option to save money, then when the Sprinter was delivered I used the steering wheel buttons to program the headlights to be on all the time for safety and convenience. To turn them off I just set the light switch to the parking light position.

David

[DonSt]

Chumley,
Can you elaborate on the workaround for turning off the headlights if you have the daytime running light option. I too find this option frustrating.
-don

[Chumley]

David, I assume you do not have the steering wheel controls? I read your post, re-read the owner's manual and then went out and tried what you posted with my fingers crossed. I think that my steering wheel controls worked against me on this. There is no "menu" button in my instrument cluster and instead it is an oil level check button (I was wondering what that little raindrop looking symbol meant). I did include this in the updated checklist. Thanks.

DonST, I found out that the way to you turn off the headlights is to turn on the "parking lights", go figure. It leaves all of the other lights on (parking, tail and license plate) but at least the headlights are off.

We are not alone in finding out how our Sporinters work. The fatory technicians and the customer service folks are right there besides us as we try to figure all of this out.

More updates to come.

Chumley

[llamadave]

Chumley, I do have the steering wheel controls. I will be able to tell you exactly what I did when I get my van back in a couple of weeks. I think you can go to a "settings" position with the lower left pair of buttons, then use the upper left pair to find the lights always on setting. But I suspect that if you order the always-on option then there is no way to change the settings back to not-always-on.

David

[DonSt]

Originally Posted by Chumley

DonST, I found out that the way to you turn off the headlights is to turn on the "parking lights", go figure. It leaves all of the other lights on (parking, tail and license plate) but at least the headlights are off.

Chumley

Thanks for responding. I was hoping(wishing) there was something else. When I'm running a high idle to keep my shower water hot(flat plate water heater), I usually turn the headlights off so I can get more battery charge at the same time. After we are done with hot water, I shut down the engine and usually forget that I've left my parking lights on. Losing some battery charge in the process.

Btw, the high idle option should be recommended in the design and build checklist if the flat plate water heater is going to be ordered. It really helps to keep the water temp stable.

-don

[theSprinterGuy]

I would like to offer my assistance with anyone looking for "Correct" info about the new Sprinter Vans. I have the 2014 Sprinter order guide on my website, as well as the current inventory of 2013 and 2014 Sprinter vans available.

Please let me know if you have any questions that I can answer for this group.

Thank you,

Dave the Sprinter Guy

http://www.sprinterguy.com

[Chumley]

Dave,

I think that this thread needs some updating, especially with the 2014s now offering so many more options.

Also, if there is any basic information that is incorrect please feel free to post it here. I will do my best to go back and update the post as soon as I get a chance which might not be for a while since I am in the middle of a move and fixing up my house for sale.

I used your website extensively to prepare the original post but an update is long overdue.

Thank you for all of the help to the Sprinter community.

Chumley