2017 4X4 2500 Sprinter EB High Roof SMB Build: HELP!

[Hopperdropper]

Looking for some seasoned vets input on my sportsmobile build. I just purchased a 2017 4x4 2500 High Roof Sprinter EB. I have two young kiddos and am looking to use the van for mostly long weekend trips camping in Big Bend area, New Mexico mountains, and the Texas coast. I have been dreaming of the build for a couple years and finally got the approval from the wife. I combined two standard floor plans to accommodate our sleeping needs (attached). This will be our first Rv/Van and I don't want to make too many mistakes. Bathroom is a MUST for the wife. We are planning on the cassette toilet. I do mountain bike a lot and will appreciate the shower capability. My main questions are:

1)Any big issues with floorplan
2)Hot weather camping and best options to deal with this
3)Size of water tank
4)How useful is exterior shower
5)I will be winter camping 2-3 times a year in freezing temps. Worth doing the diesel furnace
6) Storage issues with floorplan. Fly rods, mountain bikes, outdoor chairs/table, outdoor grill
7) I race canoes and tote around 30ft carbon fiber canoes. Is this even possible on a high roof rack with the sprinter
8)Any other tips appreciated

Trying to get my build sheet done in the next week or two. Thanks so much!

[BroncoHauler]

Welcome.

Jumping right into it, where are you expecting the kids to ride while you're driving? Sideways on the gaucho is far from ideal, and while the kids might appreciate the separation from you and your wife (depending on their age), communicating with them if they're riding on the rear couch would be challenging.


Herb

[Hopperdropper]

Originally Posted by BroncoHauler

Welcome.

Jumping right into it, where are you expecting the kids to ride while you're driving? Sideways on the gaucho is far from ideal, and while the kids might appreciate the separation from you and your wife (depending on their age), communicating with them if they're riding on the rear couch would be challenging.


Herb

We needed two sleeping spaces so I couldn’t figure it out with 4 captains chairs. I also wanted kids in forward facing seats so I could have shoulder restraints in high traffic areas. Kids are young 4 and 6. I thought maybe my wife would ride back with them sometimes and other times they could come up to gaucho. I drive at night most of the time. He bad is the ride in the back? Maybe some walkie talkies?

[Fitz]

Putting the seat behind the rear axle reduces the quality of the ride, worth consideration if somebody will be spending a lot of time back there.

[BVerhulst]

Originally Posted by BroncoHauler

Welcome.

Jumping right into it, where are you expecting the kids to ride while you're driving? Sideways on the gaucho is far from ideal...


Herb

My very first thought. In fact, sideways is MORE dangerous in the event of a crash. A friend with two pre-teen girls and a Sprinter with gaucho says they don't like riding sideways much, either. On the bright side, your kids will love riding way in back there before you know it! Anyone else remember riding in the back of a station wagon as a kid?