Our Picks for the 10 Best Sprinter Van Accessories
Since the pandemic two years ago made us re-evaluate our lifestyle, demand continues to grow to have the perfect van for all your outdoor adventures.
Many people have always dreamed of committing to the adventure van lifestyle, and now those dreams are coming true. People all over are hitting the road in their adventure vans — with the Sprinter platform being one of the most popular options.
To build the picture-perfect van life, you want to ensure that you have the right van accessories to make your mobile lifestyle comfortable, practical, and something you can enjoy long-term.
To help you prepare for life on the road, we’ve rounded up everything you need to know about the Sprinter van and the wide range of accessories to kit out your new van.
What Is a Sprinter Van?
The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter platform is one of the best options to consider for your new adventure van. For the last decade, the Sprinter Van has been the go-to option for adventure vans, van life, and other outdoor activity. It’s a proven platform, and there are many upgrades and accessories available for it.
The Sprinter van is perfect for the weekend beach road trip or a summertime of adventure through the wilderness. With some slight modifications, it can easily withstand all your experiences and is one of the most popular choices of vans.
How Long Have Sprinter Vans Been Around?
While Sprinter vans have certainly taken off over the last couple of years, they were first introduced in 1995. Making an appearance in Europe first, it soon made its way over to the United States and became a hot commodity that Mercedes-Benz sold starting in the early 2000s.
Nowadays, Sprinter vans are in high demand. So if you are dreaming of that van life, it is wise to snatch one as soon as possible to start the build-out and hit the road.
How Do Sprinters Compare To Other Camper Vans?
Comparing Sprinter vans to other camper van options is undoubtedly one of the best values for the money. It is an excellent van known for its reliability, good fuel economy (Diesel and Gasoline options), and best-in-class styling and technology.
While each person will have different needs and preferences regarding the specifics of a van, ensuring that doing your due diligence when it comes to the upfront costs and long-term financials is critical. The Sprinter van may cost more than the Ram Promaster or Ford Transit straight off the lot, but additional features make it tough to beat long term.
The Best Sprinter Van Accessories: Our Picks
So when it comes to selecting the accessories for your Sprinter van to personalize it and truly make it the perfect home on wheels, you need to choose wisely. We have rounded up our top picks when prioritizing van accessories you will need.
1. Sprinter Roof Rack
Sprinter roof racks are something that every adventure van needs. The roof rack turns your cargo van into an adventure vehicle and makes it easy to bring all your fun outdoor toys. There is a whole range of different roof racks that support all types of gear - some even have built-in decking, and others have modular crossbar systems that make setting up solar panels or mounting up gearboxes a breeze. A roof rack is essential if you want to explore the great outdoors.
2. Sprinter Mattress
One of the most important investments you will make for your new van is the mattress you will sleep on. Your best bet is to select a mattress specifically designed for your Sprinter van to ensure a perfect fit.
You will want a mattress that is comfortable and durable. The best come with CertiPUR-US foam that will make waking up to the sunrise in your van even more enjoyable. Don't skimp on this option unless you want to wake up sore and tired for an epic powder day at the resort.
3. Sprinter Ski and Snowboard Racks
Sprinter vans are ideal for winter adventures, including hitting the slopes. You should ensure you have ski and snowboard racks that allow you to bring your skis or snowboard with you on your snowy trips. These ski and snowboard racks will enable you to keep your winter toys organized and safe inside the back of your van.
4. A Rear Door Platform
Storage space comes at a premium in a van. And it can be challenging to fit everything you want, especially if things are bulky or dirty. That’s why we recommend a Rear Door Platform. A gear carrier on the rear door is one of the most versatile accessories you can find for extra storage. Whether it's wet snowboards and skis, muddy mountain bikes, emergency fuel, or your trash carrier, our Sprinter Rear Door Platform has plenty of space and mounting options to carry almost anything.
5. A Sprinter Van Galley
This is probably one of the best accessories to help you have the perfect kitchen setup. The best galleys are made from durable materials and have an easy-to-clean finish. You also want to ensure enough room to add in a sink, a stove, or whatever kitchen appliance you need for cooking your van life meals.
6. A (removable) Sprinter Van Bed System
You want to make sure your Sprinter van layout provides a balance between a sleeping area, cooking space, and living area. A solid and durable Sprinter bed system gives you a stable and stylish sleeping platform for your adventure rig. You can wake up, make the bed and then have the perfect spot to lounge in for your morning coffee.
It's highly recommended that you get a bed system with removable panels, so you are set if you need to turn your adventure van back into a cargo van for those weekends where chores are more important than adventuring.
7. Sprinter Van Ladder
The roof of your Sprinter van can be utilized for a range of different things. One of the most captivating is providing you with a place to stargaze or watch the sunset. To help you quickly get up there, you will want a Sprinter side ladder to climb up with ease and safely access your roof.
Have you got solar panels? They'll need to occasionally be cleaned, and a side ladder is a perfect way to access your panels and give them a nice wipe down every few weeks to make sure they are functioning correctly and soaking in the maximum amount of rays.
8. Sprinter Van Cabinets
Storage is essential in your Sprinter van. You want to ensure you have ample storage options because there’s limited space, and things can get cluttered quickly. That is why you should design the interior of your van to have accessory cabinets that allow you to store all your van essentials securely. Security is vital for cabinets, so look for ones with a latching or locking system as you do not want your household items flying everywhere while driving.
9. A Sprinter Van Headliner Shelf
Similarly, you will want to have van headliner shelves installed in your Sprinter so that you can display your pot plants, favorite photos, or any other design items that can help you turn a van into a true home on wheels. This accessory can elevate the interior design and help you keep stuff decluttered and organized.
10. Sprinter Rear Tire Carrier
A Rear Tire Carrier is another must-have upgrade for your Sprinter Van. Tire Carriers allow you to store your spare tire on the back of your van to free up valuable space for water storage or an extended-range fuel tank underneath your rig, and they also protect it from the grit and grime that the underside of your van gets.
Get Your Van Ready for the Road
Are you ready for the ultimate van life experience? For those that want to hit the road with the ultimate home on wheels, a Sprinter van is a wise investment. At Flatline Van Co., we love the Sprinter platform, and that's why we make one-of-a-kind parts for Sprinter, Transit, and Promaster vans.
Life on the road is always an adventure, and that is the whole allure of it. By getting the right van accessories, you will be able to fall in love with van life on the road and never look back.
Check out our Sprinter 144" and Sprinter 170" Layout examples for inspiration.
Sources:
17 Best Camper Van Accessories of 2021| Insider
These #Vanlife Photos Will Make You Want to Hit the Road and Never Look Back | Travel + Leisure
The Van Conversion Industry Thrived During the Pandemic, But Not Without Challenges | CNN
13 Must-Have Interior Items for Your Sprinter Van
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