As a group motorcycle rider, when riding in groups never let a vehicle without communications tailgate. Always place fully equipped vehicles in the front, middle and rear. Looking at the drone footage was brilliant. And luckily you got the stuck van recovered. Great video.
Pet peeve, those recovery boards at around 2m:30s aren’t Maxtrax. They look more like ARB Tred Pro. Maxtrax is a brand, not a generic term for recovery boards. They are more expensive than the knock-offs, but for those who are contemplating buying the cheaper ones, you should watch Ronny Dahl’s video where they torture test Maxtrax and a few of the knock-offs. It’s eye opening. You get what you pay for.
It is great to see how well prepared you are, including an emergency beacon like boats crossing oceans use! I still can't believe that the last van had no radio and that they could've really been in danger. Thankfully, everything turned out ok.
When help comes using an EPLB they evac you not get you unstuck. Get a Garmin Inreach an you can send emergency text on exactly what the issue(s) are so the correct rescue can be deployed
The emergency beacon should be a direct link to Matt's Towing. You know everything will be alright when you see the Yellow Banana come rumbling down the road.
Sweet... love Baja. Good to see the winch was successful on a pretty deep stick! Another vote for an InReach, better than a beacon as it provides two way comms. I’ve had to put mine to good use & it came through!
You guys at Owl Vans are unbelievable! Here you are, out in the desert, and you bring along a live audience or spectators, which cheer and are very supportive as you finally free the van from being stuck! I'd like to see the 4-wheel drive busses you use to transport the spectators. Well done! On another note, what antenna do you use for your CB radio? I've been trying to spot the antenna on your van but haven't been able to see it. Do you keep it folded down when not in use? Thanks for the great video!
@@owloffroad Thank you for the quick response! Since that antenna is compatible GMRS radios and not a CB, it seems you are using a GMRS radio and not a CB in your van. Good choice for communicating among friends on road trips. I use my CB radio for communicating with truckers about traffic on the east coast, so the GMRS wouldn't work as well for me. Thanks again and Happy New Year!
Great video, great advice and tips! I was wondering what radio/comms system you’re running, I’m thinking about getting a system and I don’t know which one I should get. Thanks for the video, it was awesome and it looks like you all had a fun time with a few hiccups but nothing devastating.
lowering the air pressure makes the tire longer for additional traction. The width is not much of a factor other then it adds to rolling resistance in sand.
for me the most important thing about this van is that it is very narrow and very high and that is because of the rear-wheel drive. This Camper has in the rear windows some added protrusions to be able to sleep wide that you can buy it from the factory but if you want to camperize it then you hold on and you have to sleep along losing interior space. Being so high in size it has a double entrance step and about 18 cm more total height with which the wind and the wobbling become very very evident to solve this in the times we are going it would not be wrong to apply the technology of the Toyota 4x4 that is front-wheel drive and two electric motors that go to the rear wheels and thus does not have as much height of the ground or the height total of the body and of course it would be necessary to put a hybrid engine that it is time for Mercedes to savvy to the times that run.
I mountain bike alone in some very remote areas, and ALWAYS carry my InReach mini with me on my person. It’s extremely small and pairs with my phone, so I can text friends or loved ones, or even signal an SOS if I run into a problem in areas without cell service. I would think anyone who can afford once of these vans could afford an InReach.
Hey John. Question, was told that you couldn't put a poptop on a high roof sprinter/transit/promaster, yet it appears in your convoy there is one w/a poptop? Can you shed light and possibly steer to that van as well? Love your products, channel and all you do! Cheers from SOCAL.
Yes you can put a pop top on a Sprinter high roof. I cannot remember the name of the company but you absolutely can. Only issue is the van can become a little top heavy
I’ve got a 2019 sprinter with the owl box and bike rack and my van has just failed it’s MOT because you cannot se the right hand light cluster unless you are more than 20 metres away. I am having to have additional LEDs installed on the bumper so that it is road legal and people can see my lights. Owl Vans, am I missing an obvious solution?
1st of all this is not the sand we face here in Middle East here is much deeper 2nd better to go from 15 to 12 psi watch out from high speed turn though 3rd stop traction control in sand it make it worse I didn’t try those vans here but I think it’s ok if u can read the sand to identify hard soft area which need practice
I don’t have any of that gear, I simply keep my 2WD VW Crafter van light and basic because that is all I can afford, It makes you use the best tool any one could have......your brain, sometimes I have to take serious risks but that’s all part of the adventure. Nature provides a solution to almost all emergency situations as they occur.
EPIRB - emergency position indicating radio beacon. The beacon goes up to satellites and his received by the US Air Force who will send the information to the corresponding agency for response. Often the US Coast Guard - within the U. S. One thing for a van, or a boat, the EPIRB needs to be outside to “see the sky” to ensure that your signal goes out. Additionally, you need to make sure you actually register your EPIRB - most people tend to forget that step. GARMIN makes smaller, personal EPIRB esque beacons and may be a better choice for individuals and for vans traveling. Several of their models even provide two way communication ability.
Great video John! At the end you rotated your sun visor over to block the side window. Did you modify that visor? Our 2019 Sprinter doesn't allow you to rotate the sun visor.
Not really as big an issue anymore. We stuck to the major stations in the bigger towns and all was fine. Might be more of an issue if you're going really off the beaten path.
Can you install Detroit lockers or air lockers on them? If I remember correctly from my land rover off road days ARB makes an air locker. Just wasn't sure if they work on sprinters. Thanks
Nice video!! Thank you for sharing. Just wondering why the Cuban/Caribbean music when visiting Mexico? 😂💥 Mariachi or some mexican music would be better for next time. ¡Abrazos! 🤗 Looking forward to joining those adventure with my Beast!! 🚐 2022
As a group motorcycle rider, when riding in groups never let a vehicle without communications tailgate. Always place fully equipped vehicles in the front, middle and rear. Looking at the drone footage was brilliant. And luckily you got the stuck van recovered. Great video.
Pet peeve, those recovery boards at around 2m:30s aren’t Maxtrax. They look more like ARB Tred Pro. Maxtrax is a brand, not a generic term for recovery boards. They are more expensive than the knock-offs, but for those who are contemplating buying the cheaper ones, you should watch Ronny Dahl’s video where they torture test Maxtrax and a few of the knock-offs. It’s eye opening. You get what you pay for.
Epic! 🤙🏾 and educational. Good to hear all are safe!
It is great to see how well prepared you are, including an emergency beacon like boats crossing oceans use! I still can't believe that the last van had no radio and that they could've really been in danger. Thankfully, everything turned out ok.
Garmin Inreach explorer is also an option
When help comes using an EPLB they evac you not get you unstuck. Get a Garmin Inreach an you can send emergency text on exactly what the issue(s) are so the correct rescue can be deployed
The emergency beacon should be a direct link to Matt's Towing. You know everything will be alright when you see the Yellow Banana come rumbling down the road.
Hellllll yea boys this was dope!
Thanks for educating us. Well done 😎👍
Thanks for the advice on the tire pressure. So much to learn!!
Great job on this video! Can’t wait to make that trip someday.
Sweet... love Baja. Good to see the winch was successful on a pretty deep stick! Another vote for an InReach, better than a beacon as it provides two way comms. I’ve had to put mine to good use & it came through!
This was a good PSA. Look forward to more videos.
OMG i'm so jealous! Great safety tips, too, thx - I love that beacon. (We've got a Garmin InReach for getting stranded.)
Awesome John!
You and Owl Vans are built the best!
Key words "" Always prepare for unexpected"" / emergencies.....
Always a good lesson never put the van at the back that has no radio or sat communicator and you haven't buddied up to be safe .
On your next Baja trip, try “The Big Burro” in Ensenada for burritos. Amazing shrimp burritos.
John is living his best Van life!
That looks like it was a great adventure
You guys at Owl Vans are unbelievable! Here you are, out in the desert, and you bring along a live audience or spectators, which cheer and are very supportive as you finally free the van from being stuck! I'd like to see the 4-wheel drive busses you use to transport the spectators. Well done! On another note, what antenna do you use for your CB radio? I've been trying to spot the antenna on your van but haven't been able to see it. Do you keep it folded down when not in use? Thanks for the great video!
The antenna is in front the passenger side mirror. This is what I have: Midland 6 dB Gain Antenna with Durable Spring Base
@@owloffroad Thank you for the quick response! Since that antenna is compatible GMRS radios and not a CB, it seems you are using a GMRS radio and not a CB in your van. Good choice for communicating among friends on road trips. I use my CB radio for communicating with truckers about traffic on the east coast, so the GMRS wouldn't work as well for me. Thanks again and Happy New Year!
What problems can you have with high sulfur Mexican diesel fuel? Throwing codes, limp mode ect. Have - 2013 spinter. Thanks
Amazing video!
Fantastic trip....
Great video, great advice and tips! I was wondering what radio/comms system you’re running, I’m thinking about getting a system and I don’t know which one I should get.
Thanks for the video, it was awesome and it looks like you all had a fun time with a few hiccups but nothing devastating.
Wow,good times for sure.
Fantastic
Nice vans welcome to México
lowering the air pressure makes the tire longer for additional traction. The width is not much of a factor other then it adds to rolling resistance in sand.
I am down that way all the time.!! You should of at least reached Gonzaga Bay !!
for me the most important thing about this van is that it is very narrow and very high and that is because of the rear-wheel drive. This Camper has in the rear windows some added protrusions to be able to sleep wide that you can buy it from the factory but if you want to camperize it then you hold on and you have to sleep along losing interior space. Being so high in size it has a double entrance step and about 18 cm more total height with which the wind and the wobbling become very very evident to solve this in the times we are going it would not be wrong to apply the technology of the Toyota 4x4 that is front-wheel drive and two electric motors that go to the rear wheels and thus does not have as much height of the ground or the height total of the body and of course it would be necessary to put a hybrid engine that it is time for Mercedes to savvy to the times that run.
Looks like such a good crew. Looking forward to these days.
Lol, giving the Mercedes 4x4 capabilities a bad rap:)
I use Garmin devices and Ham radio as well as an old handheld CB and TalkieWalkies. I’ve also learned the hard way.
would love to join you sometime!
We are getting el kapitan van soon I believe they also use your products for their van build. Can we join your trip in the future? This is awesome vid
I mountain bike alone in some very remote areas, and ALWAYS carry my InReach mini with me on my person. It’s extremely small and pairs with my phone, so I can text friends or loved ones, or even signal an SOS if I run into a problem in areas without cell service. I would think anyone who can afford once of these vans could afford an InReach.
very cool!
Was one of those Sprinters a 170" wheelbase????
Easy to find diesel in Mexico?
Hey John. Question, was told that you couldn't put a poptop on a high roof sprinter/transit/promaster, yet it appears in your convoy there is one w/a poptop? Can you shed light and possibly steer to that van as well? Love your products, channel and all you do! Cheers from SOCAL.
Yes you can put a pop top on a Sprinter high roof. I cannot remember the name of the company but you absolutely can. Only issue is the van can become a little top heavy
I’ve got a 2019 sprinter with the owl box and bike rack and my van has just failed it’s MOT because you cannot se the right hand light cluster unless you are more than 20 metres away. I am having to have additional LEDs installed on the bumper so that it is road legal and people can see my lights. Owl Vans, am I missing an obvious solution?
Letting pressure off your tyres doesn't widen the foorprint, it lenghtens it.
Looked like a killer time! What kind of radios are you all using down there? Basic CB's?
smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B01N0X0LHF/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
@@owloffroad Thanks!
Someone is getting very close to acceeding my x pect ations. I could eat every day!
Dream vehicle
I so want to do this!
tuning is just cool
Thats about a million dollars in vans in Mexico. Crazy
Same thought... Cartels... oh boy..
Plenty of people drive nice cars here, not a big issue
1st of all this is not the sand we face here in Middle East here is much deeper 2nd better to go from 15 to 12 psi watch out from high speed turn though 3rd stop traction control in sand it make it worse I didn’t try those vans here but I think it’s ok if u can read the sand to identify hard soft area which need practice
I don’t have any of that gear, I simply keep my 2WD VW Crafter van light and basic because that is all I can afford, It makes you use the best tool any one could have......your brain, sometimes I have to take serious risks but that’s all part of the adventure. Nature provides a solution to almost all emergency situations as they occur.
EPIRB - emergency position indicating radio beacon. The beacon goes up to satellites and his received by the US Air Force who will send the information to the corresponding agency for response. Often the US Coast Guard - within the U. S. One thing for a van, or a boat, the EPIRB needs to be outside to “see the sky” to ensure that your signal goes out. Additionally, you need to make sure you actually register your EPIRB - most people tend to forget that step.
GARMIN makes smaller, personal EPIRB esque beacons and may be a better choice for individuals and for vans traveling. Several of their models even provide two way communication ability.
Thanks for the info!
What wheels are those at 12:00?? They look legit
Sweet
How are you disabling the Mercedes-Benz Crosswind Assist on these vehicles?
You don’t really need two after you upgrade to the Van Compass suspension
yum
Great video John! At the end you rotated your sun visor over to block the side window. Did you modify that visor? Our 2019 Sprinter doesn't allow you to rotate the sun visor.
They should all rotate. There is a little clip from the factory that needs to be removed I believe
@@johnwillenborg That's awesome John I'll check it out! Dealer said it couldn't rotate so I never pursued it.
👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍
Looks like a good time..
I'm a guide here in Baja.
Feel free to reach out if you need anything
Did you have trouble finding fuel?????????? I’ve heard it’s hard to get the fuel needed for the vans to work properly?
Not really as big an issue anymore. We stuck to the major stations in the bigger towns and all was fine. Might be more of an issue if you're going really off the beaten path.
Can you install Detroit lockers or air lockers on them? If I remember correctly from my land rover off road days ARB makes an air locker. Just wasn't sure if they work on sprinters. Thanks
Good timing, we just lauched this, over the weekend... owlvans.com/products/air-locker-for-sprinter?_pos=1&_sid=f74d28dfb&_ss=r
@@owloffroad nice. I had them on a land rover d110 diesel and I had to try pretty hard to get myself stuck.
Nice video!! Thank you for sharing. Just wondering why the Cuban/Caribbean music when visiting Mexico? 😂💥 Mariachi or some mexican music would be better for next time. ¡Abrazos! 🤗 Looking forward to joining those adventure with my Beast!! 🚐 2022
*adventures
Hey Marco, music on a video is hard because you have to have the rights. This was the only royalty free music in iMovie that remotely fit the video
@@johnwillenborg Ahhh ok, gotcha! That makes sense. That makes sense!
What I’d give to have a travel/overland van
Oh man. I wish I could afford to get one of these. Do you give them away for free ? Asking for a friend... lool 🇨🇦
Wait can you get plaid seats in a sprinter?
Those are Scheel Mann seats. You can order them (they are aftermarket) in almost any pattern.
you are tuning ?
We are in Tucson AZ and wanna hit Mexico when we get our revel in a month. Was there any quarantine laws or anything going across the boarder?
Nothing. Super easy
Over a million bucks of vans rolling down a Mexican roadway lol.
👀👀👀👍🏽👍🏽
REMEMBER ESTADOUNIDENSE, MADE IN EUROPE....MERCEDES SPRINTER
driving a Mercedes tunes a Mercedes Sprinter and wearing a Toyota cap
Welp..guess what his other vehicle is? Dude reps Owl, not MB.