Ordered a 170 4 x 4 3500XD 4 months ago. Confirmed build date November 5, 2021. Possibly in Kamloops BC in March 2022! One year! I wanted to order a second van but Mercedes has cut off orders of 4 x 4 Sprinters. New model with AWD coming in 2023! This gives me lots of planning time and sourcing of primary components. I’m a master tradesman with WAY to many tools. This will be my first retirement project! Sprinter 170 4 x 4 3500XD cargo van. Heavily loaded with just about all the tech and comfort options. $95,000CDN including taxes. I’m budgeting ~$80-85,000 for the build out not including labour. Estimate value at completion ~$250,000CDN.
There needs to be more videos like this for van builds. There are more videos about people building out very used vans with reclaimed wood saying that they built it in less than a year and for less than $10,000 than there are realistic van build videos. I believe there needs to be more transparency when it comes to van tours so that people don't think that they will be able to have an over $100,000 build for a years worth of savings. Also, the point you made about the learning curve in building out the van is critical for DIY builders to consider. There are way too many van build videos of college students with no prior building experience say that they built out their van, and then you find out that their family has carpenters, electricians, etc. that helped them out a lot in the process. Not to say if you don't have prior experience, you can't get it done, but it will be quite the uphill climb learning everything needed to build the van properly. Also, there are some critical components of a van such as the electrical system that could be hazardous if you don't really know what you are doing. For example, if you can't explain what the breakers in your house do and why they are there in detail, then you might want to have an electrician look over your wiring. Otherwise you may start a fire in your van. Weight distribution, and overall weight is another one that I see as a potential problem in DIY builds. Overall, I find the majority of van videos do their best to hide every hardship that is associated with building out the van. There needs to be more videos that warn young people of the difficulties associated with building out a van so they don't regret starting the process because they thought it would be a walk in the park. Also, people should say the time/money put into their van if they claim their van is DIY. Of course, if they are an outfitter, then they could say the sale price, or they can omit the price and tell you to contact them so that you know it isn't cheap. I look forward to your future videos.
I really love your content. So informative. I ordered a van in April 2021, Hope to have it by April 2022. I have watched countless videos along with much research. Just a rough ballpark for just the components I want is adding up to 40 to 50k without labor. Thanks for all your info, I always look forward to it. See you out there in 2022.
We see hundreds of Sprinter Vans per year and I can't recall the last time one of our clients complained about repair issues. There are definitely recalls, but most are minor. Agree with you on the Toyota van though.
Toyota used to make hiace, smaller van but toughest van there is. We abuse theme here in finland about 600k km and after that someone buys em for 10ke and ship em to africa
Thanks for the straight-dope information. The whole "Vanlife" lifestyle can be over glamorized in the media and the costs are ALWAYS higher than you think they will be.
I've been a automotive technician for 30+ years. I worked for a Mercedes Dealership and other automotive brands. Now I have had my own shop for 23 years and I can tell you from experience the Sprinter, Promaster and Transit vans are over engineered and not good compared to a class c van chassis. Keep it simple folks and go with a American van chassis motor home. They are more reliable, less expensive and easier to maintain and repair.
Very informative. Currently Interested and looking to get into getting a van (MB sprinter 144 high ceiling or the 170?) ..for traveling with famiky(4) to use for vacation/tarvel for 5-16 days the most at a time) ..and also planning to rent it out when not using it ..
Do you know there is a class action lawsuit against MB for the engine in your van? The DEF and Nox sensors are a huge problem and costs thousands to repeatedly fix.
I just picked up a 2012 144 for under 50K that was built out. But I have to rebuild the bed and replace to fridge and the toilet. Also repair the roof rack (tree damage). We will be adding a lift kit and 4x4( lots more money). I will probably never be done with it.
help... im looking to fit a pop top to a 2004 sprinter... any ideas on the make or model to purchase ???? any help is appreciate and thanks for the video... great info.. :)
i like gas-power myself...Sold on the other brand 148" extended AWD high-roof toro red. NON-ECOBOOST-TURBO for international travel, keep it simple, gvrw 9950 lbs.
I cannot believe that he’s saying the 170 is too long, and harder to drive and park… it’s still WAYYYY smaller than most and motor home or bus conversion… also he never stated how much longer the 170 extended was…
Great video. I am quite tall, 1m92. The Super High Roof seems to fit me better, you did not mention those roof heights on the Sprinters in the showroom. Do I have limitations on what I can put on the roof top? Can it take solar panels? Area for solar panels is shorter in a Super High Roof... I guess.
I don't know where you live that you can actually see and or drive all those MB vans. I just checked last night and there isn't ONE MB passenger van withing 1500 of my town. I checked every single MB dealership that Google could find. There were a couple of 2500 vans but no 1500 vans?? Gil in S. Texas
Great videos! I’m so glad I found your channel! Question: it’s February 2022. with the high demand, chip shortages and supply chain issues, do you think it’s affected quality control on the vans (as has happened with so many products struggling to keep up with demand)? Will time alleviate that issue? Also, Do you know of any technology improvements on the Mercedes horizon that would make it worthwhile to wait before ordering now? Thanks!
Mercedes never had chip shortage nor did demand go up because of van life it’s mostly Amazon prime buying most of the supply when they started doing their own delivery , 3-4 years ago , market will be flooded with used and new sprinters as soon as amazing go electric with Rivian
Your video's nice and in some way leaning every time from every different canal; other things to build at least for me the ultimate new van but before i there i am now 62 years olf and over a cuople of years a hope to make my dream thrue , on this moment i drive a big hymer fiat camper from about 7,60 m. long and he is growing to big i want to go in the coming timeon a mercedes sprinter thats why i also looking to you vidieo okay a tip for al they are looking also to the sprinter vans actuality. Look at sometime to the video's from German Television from Sven Herzog an German with some ämercian roots" nice guy he filmed a lot about the whole camper,van and caravan life and some of the last video's are maken by a german little factory named Monster Van and they are lived and work in the german island Fehrman in the north of Germany and they make very super nice and special vans on the sprinter 4 wd and some from 7,4 m long but the nicest is the electric and water and the wholetechnick in the van and they made independt from the own mercedes MBUX system a wole system on the newest Siemens electronic, but enough look self and made a comment , bye and qiau, adios Luke an 63er camper/van veteran of the SH. of the Netherlands.✌
GREAT BUT DEPRESSING VIDEO, BUT I'M A OPTIMIST! I'LL BUY PRIVATE AND GET THE VAN I WANT, THE ENGINE I WANT, AND THE PRICE I WANT! CHANGES ARE COMING TO AMERICA IN A COUPLE YEARS.
You don’t need to go with a Mercedes sprinkler van. They are so many other vans out there. You don’t need to go with Mercedes so guys if you wanna start a sprinter van cargo van company you do not have to go with our Mercedes.
Ordered a 170 4 x 4 3500XD 4 months ago. Confirmed build date November 5, 2021. Possibly in Kamloops BC in March 2022! One year! I wanted to order a second van but Mercedes has cut off orders of 4 x 4 Sprinters.
New model with AWD coming in 2023!
This gives me lots of planning time and sourcing of primary components. I’m a master tradesman with WAY to many tools. This will be my first retirement project!
Sprinter 170 4 x 4 3500XD cargo van. Heavily loaded with just about all the tech and comfort options. $95,000CDN including taxes. I’m budgeting ~$80-85,000 for the build out not including labour. Estimate value at completion ~$250,000CDN.
Thanks for sharing. Great info for our community.
There needs to be more videos like this for van builds. There are more videos about people building out very used vans with reclaimed wood saying that they built it in less than a year and for less than $10,000 than there are realistic van build videos. I believe there needs to be more transparency when it comes to van tours so that people don't think that they will be able to have an over $100,000 build for a years worth of savings.
Also, the point you made about the learning curve in building out the van is critical for DIY builders to consider. There are way too many van build videos of college students with no prior building experience say that they built out their van, and then you find out that their family has carpenters, electricians, etc. that helped them out a lot in the process. Not to say if you don't have prior experience, you can't get it done, but it will be quite the uphill climb learning everything needed to build the van properly.
Also, there are some critical components of a van such as the electrical system that could be hazardous if you don't really know what you are doing. For example, if you can't explain what the breakers in your house do and why they are there in detail, then you might want to have an electrician look over your wiring. Otherwise you may start a fire in your van. Weight distribution, and overall weight is another one that I see as a potential problem in DIY builds.
Overall, I find the majority of van videos do their best to hide every hardship that is associated with building out the van. There needs to be more videos that warn young people of the difficulties associated with building out a van so they don't regret starting the process because they thought it would be a walk in the park. Also, people should say the time/money put into their van if they claim their van is DIY. Of course, if they are an outfitter, then they could say the sale price, or they can omit the price and tell you to contact them so that you know it isn't cheap.
I look forward to your future videos.
Thanks. Check out this weeks video on Wednesday when we go over the REAL cost to build a professional-level Sprinter van.
Thank you guys for this video, love the channel and content, my wife and I are looking at getting a sprinter, and this video has helped tremendously.
I really love your content. So informative. I ordered a van in April 2021, Hope to have it by April 2022. I have watched countless videos along with much research. Just a rough ballpark for just the components I want is adding up to 40 to 50k without labor.
Thanks for all your info, I always look forward to it.
See you out there in 2022.
Best of luck!
I love Sprinters, but man, I hear so many repair issues. I wish Toyota would make a van.
We see hundreds of Sprinter Vans per year and I can't recall the last time one of our clients complained about repair issues. There are definitely recalls, but most are minor. Agree with you on the Toyota van though.
Sadly they break a lot. Expensive yet cheap and poor engines.
@@ty-ex1vb i this an urban legend?
Consumer Reports just ranked the Mercedes brand close to the bottom 😢
Toyota used to make hiace, smaller van but toughest van there is. We abuse theme here in finland about 600k km and after that someone buys em for 10ke and ship em to africa
This is a great video! Gives real expectations of a van build.
Thanks for sharing great info👍🏼
Great video! Very informative, I was hoping you could do a video on the tool sets that you found you needed for the conversion. Thanks again!
Thanks for the straight-dope information. The whole "Vanlife" lifestyle can be over glamorized in the media and the costs are ALWAYS higher than you think they will be.
Only if you drive and live beyond your means. Budgeting has to be just like a mortgage
I like 3 ways.😃😆😅🤣😂😉 but great video. Thanks for the knowledge.
Thanks for watching!
Will you have info on FORDS. Thanks
I've been a automotive technician for 30+ years. I worked for a Mercedes Dealership and other automotive brands. Now I have had my own shop for 23 years and I can tell you from experience the Sprinter, Promaster and Transit vans are over engineered and not good compared to a class c van chassis. Keep it simple folks and go with a American van chassis motor home. They are more reliable, less expensive and easier to maintain and repair.
The problem is with that they are not very Stealth looking
cool video!
Thank you for sharing your videos. I am one of your subscribers 😊
Thank you! We love our community so thanks for being part of it!
Very informative. Currently Interested and looking to get into getting a van (MB sprinter 144 high ceiling or the 170?) ..for traveling with famiky(4) to use for vacation/tarvel for 5-16 days the most at a time) ..and also planning to rent it out when not using it ..
sick shirt katie!
😂
Do you know there is a class action lawsuit against MB for the engine in your van? The DEF and Nox sensors are a huge problem and costs thousands to repeatedly fix.
i like gas-power myself....
just paid $8300 for mine. utter and complete garbage.
I just picked up a 2012 144 for under 50K that was built out. But I have to rebuild the bed and replace to fridge and the toilet. Also repair the roof rack (tree damage). We will be adding a lift kit and 4x4( lots more money).
I will probably never be done with it.
help... im looking to fit a pop top to a 2004 sprinter... any ideas on the make or model to purchase ???? any help is appreciate and thanks for the video... great info.. :)
i like gas-power myself...Sold on the other brand 148" extended AWD high-roof toro red. NON-ECOBOOST-TURBO for international travel, keep it simple, gvrw 9950 lbs.
I cannot believe that he’s saying the 170 is too long, and harder to drive and park… it’s still WAYYYY smaller than most and motor home or bus conversion… also he never stated how much longer the 170 extended was…
Great video. I am quite tall, 1m92. The Super High Roof seems to fit me better, you did not mention those roof heights on the Sprinters in the showroom. Do I have limitations on what I can put on the roof top? Can it take solar panels? Area for solar panels is shorter in a Super High Roof... I guess.
Get to the substance, don't need fluff, my time is limited
I don't know where you live that you can actually see and or drive all those MB vans. I just checked last night and there isn't ONE MB passenger van withing 1500 of my town. I checked every single MB dealership that Google could find. There were a couple of 2500 vans but no 1500 vans?? Gil in S. Texas
Great videos! I’m so glad I found your channel!
Question: it’s February 2022. with the high demand, chip shortages and supply chain issues, do you think it’s affected quality control on the vans (as has happened with so many products struggling to keep up with demand)? Will time alleviate that issue? Also, Do you know of any technology improvements on the Mercedes horizon that would make it worthwhile to wait before ordering now? Thanks!
Not so much quality control issues, but the vans are 20-30k more in price now.
Mercedes never had chip shortage nor did demand go up because of van life it’s mostly Amazon prime buying most of the supply when they started doing their own delivery , 3-4 years ago , market will be flooded with used and new sprinters as soon as amazing go electric with Rivian
Your video's nice and in some way leaning every time from every different canal; other things to build at least for me the ultimate new van but before i there i am now 62 years olf and over a cuople of years a hope to make my dream thrue , on this moment i drive a big hymer fiat camper from about 7,60 m. long and he is growing to big i want to go in the coming timeon a mercedes sprinter thats why i also looking to you vidieo okay a tip for al they are looking also to the sprinter vans actuality.
Look at sometime to the video's from German Television from Sven Herzog an German with some ämercian roots" nice guy he filmed a lot about the whole camper,van and caravan life and some of the last video's are maken by a german little factory named Monster Van and they are lived and work in the german island Fehrman in the north of Germany and they make very super nice and special vans on the sprinter 4 wd and some from 7,4 m long but the nicest is the electric and water and the wholetechnick in the van and they made independt from the own mercedes MBUX system a wole system on the newest Siemens electronic, but enough look self and made a comment , bye and qiau, adios Luke an 63er camper/van veteran of the SH. of the Netherlands.✌
THE 1000TH LIKE THUMBED BY ME!
Magic thumb
dually or no? 2500 or 3500? need to know
I'm buying a 4x4 with 2 Xtra seats removable
Start now.
Biggest debate: 144" versus 170"
Very true.
You’ll never regret having more room if you’re spending substantial time in it/living
@@alphawolfadventures1470 vs. parking in any regular parking space..
Arctic Tern?
That's a Whose Line reference, ain't it.
GREAT BUT DEPRESSING VIDEO, BUT I'M A OPTIMIST! I'LL BUY PRIVATE AND GET THE VAN I WANT, THE ENGINE I WANT, AND THE PRICE I WANT! CHANGES ARE COMING TO AMERICA IN A COUPLE YEARS.
what kind of changes are you referring to?
Don’t mistake silence for inaction. Almost there!
changes? what changes?
5:48 thank me later
Could you just get in with it
👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
You don’t need to go with a Mercedes sprinkler van. They are so many other vans out there. You don’t need to go with Mercedes so guys if you wanna start a sprinter van cargo van company you do not have to go with our Mercedes.
Im surprised he didn't mention that Jeff Bezos purchased over 100K of these in 2020
My 2020 sprinter has been in the shop more than the road😰
Oh gosh. For repairs or for up-fitting?
@@VanLand repairs of several kinds
@@LaLa-yp6dk ugh- there are are a lot of warranty issues but I feel the vans are really reliable overall. You?
Far too much crap about other models, totally irrelevant first six minutes