2wd Sprinter with AT tires

ccw3432 · 07-26-2016, 09:59 AM

Has anyone here set up their 2wd Sprinter with larger all-terrain tires and ventured off the pavement? How did it go? It would be great to see some photos too.

ccw3432 · 08-09-2016, 10:32 PM

I hear crickets...

I was on the fence about going with 2wd or 4wd for a new purchase. We decided to go for it and ordered a 4x4 Sprinter Sportsmobile last week!

I'm finally replacing my 2wd Vanagon with the Sprinter. The 2wd Vanagon did pretty well on the easier 4x4 roads. With the high clearance, engine over the drive wheels, and some BFG AT tires it could get to some great spots although it made me a little nervous at times. It definitely had it's limitations but it got us to some wonderful places. I'm not sure the 2wd Sprinter would do as well off road as the 2wd Vanagon. Additionally I'd like to get just a little further out with better piece of mind so we went wit the 4x4. Not having to chain up in the snow is another big benefit.

rallypanam · 08-09-2016, 10:38 PM

Good call!

Fitz · 08-10-2016, 06:28 AM

Which of the three shops are you using for the build and what timeframe did they give you?
Congratulations!

ccw3432 · 08-10-2016, 09:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fitz

Which of the three shops are you using for the build and what timeframe did they give you?
Congratulations!

We ordered from West. They estimated 10 months for the arrival of the van, and then on to the conversion from there.

Umnak · 09-19-2016, 07:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ccw3432

Has anyone here set up their 2wd Sprinter with larger all-terrain tires and ventured off the pavement? How did it go? It would be great to see some photos too.

We have a 2006 tall and long with AT tires -- Michelin LTX 225-75-16 -- and have driven the van extensively off pavement. We've gone through small creeks and along Canadian and US Forest Service roads and two-tracks with great results.

I struggled with not having a 4wd Sprinter, but in the end have decided that the van will go where we need it to go, and if there are tracks more challenging then we will walk.

See: 2 -3 Years Around North America - Expedition Portal
for pictures and a description of our road trip.

nicodee · 11-30-2016, 06:53 PM

I am in the early planning stages as well and trying to decide on 4x2 or 4x4, will want to get off beaten path, and fs roads to BLM land camping and so on, not so much or at all hardcore 4 wheeling unless I take a wrong turn!

I'm not big on propane to heat and don't want to cook inside unless to microwave or heat water for coffee. So a diesel furnace appeals. I don't like having to deal with DEF so I was thinking of going gas with a transit and ecoboost engine, but no factory 4x4 yet, but conversions are done for about 13k I hear.

I'm not ruling out diesel sprinter by any means, anyway sorry to ramble, this will be my retirement travel rig, penthouse top for sure, to travel all over 48 and alaska, Boondocking, and campgrounds as well. Thoughts, and comments welcomed, that's how you learn right?

Ned5555 · 11-30-2016, 07:47 PM

4x2 has been perfect for us on those types of roads. No problems on BLM land and Forest Service roads, even where the tracks were moderately rutted. I appreciate Sportsmobile preserving the full clearance of the van by not installing any compartments or fiberglass below the axles like a lot of Class B companies do. The stock tires have also been fine, though I know there is a mud/snow factory option, and then of course after-market.

Can't really speak to a diesel heater since we don't have any climate control in the back of the van. A cheap 110v space heater works great in campgrounds, and I've been using a 12v mattress warmer plus blankets when away from power. If you're doing serious cold weather camping, I advise against the penthouse. The chill gets at you from all sides and the canvas is terrible insulation.

Umnak · 11-30-2016, 08:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nicodee

I'm not big on propane to heat and don't want to cook inside unless to microwave or heat water for coffee. So a diesel furnace appeals.

We've been using our Espar heater a lot in the high desert and, last week, at the Grand Canyon. It works really well and doesn't take a lot of fuel.

see 2 -3 Years Around North America - Expedition Portal