I love owning classic overland vehicles, but they are a big commitment, both financially and emotionally. I’d be lying if I said I didn’t often consider selling up and investing in a modern Sprinter 4×4. In the same way the Land Cruiser continues to be the 4WD by which all others are measured, the Sprinter is undoubtedly the van to beat. It’s the darling of the commercial sector and it’s not uncommon to find used examples with the best part of half-a-million miles on the clock and still running strong. Traditionally, the 4WD (technically AWD) variant was overlooked as an overland platform, but with the boom of vanlife, an increasing number of adventurous travelers opted for this go-anywhere vehicle. The uptick in interest encouraged the aftermarket to take the platform seriously, and a huge array of parts and accessories followed that transform this inclement weather machine into a legitimate backcountry explorer. It was swiftly adopted by the overlanding community and has become a desirable option for international travel. If you’d like a better idea of how the Sprinter can be outfitted for adventure, check out the inspiring builds from Living the Van Life, Mortons on the Move, and Savage Camper. Today’s super low-mileage (10,000 miles) 2017 extended 170 LWB (built-out in 2021) is the optimal choice for those who want a spacious full-time four-season rolling home and has been converted accordingly. At $148,000, it’s no small sum of money, but it’s fairly priced when you consider that the latest Revel Sprinter 4×4 starts at over $210,000 and Benchmark Vehicles recently listed an Ighault All-Rad Sprinter for $500,000.
From the Seller:
“With pride and a bit of sadness, we are offering our van for sale. My partner is back in school getting her masters, and we won’t be able to venture as planned. We collaborated with Greg Palis at Alt Life Vans in SLC on the build. We set out to create something that felt spacious and welcoming but still met the needs of off-grid exploring. We are both tall folks and did not want a claustrophobic interior, so it’s a bit on the minimal side but great care was taken with details and materials. The van could be augmented with additional storage easily if you desired. It has the capacity to sleep three adults or two grown-ups and two kids in the garage. We have a modular seating plan, so there’s belted seats when we travel with the kids and a bench seat/storage version when it’s just us.”
2017 Mercedes Sprinter 4×4 170
The 2017 Sprinter is fitted with a 3.0-litre V6 that produces 188 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque. A long-lived and relatively economical motor is mated with impressive capability thanks to an intelligent AWD system that can deliver 33 percent of the torque to the front wheels, low range, 20 percent more ground clearance than the 2WD variant (since increased), lower geared differential, and more. Inside, the Mercedes showcases a well-equipped interior with driver comforts that include:
- LED headlights and taillight conversion
- Swivel front seats
- Air-conditioning
- Infotainment system with navigation
- Power steering, windows, locks, and mirrors
- Cup holders
Distinguishing Features
- Van Compass suspension
- House batteries, 600 amp-hours of lithium with 200 watts of solar
- Freshwater, 25 gallons with 3M Aqua-Pure water filter system
- Risen diesel furnace, electric heater, and water heater
- Two Maxxair fans
- Owl Vans Talon wheels with Nitto Terra Grappler tires
- Aluminess roof ladder and SUP racks
- Rhino-Rack roof rails and Thule roof box
- Owl Vans spare tire rack
- Induction cooktop and microwave
- AMP Research power steps
- BedSlide Garage pullout
- Fridge
- Inside shower
- Marmoleum flooring, custom cabinetry, and live-edge elm countertops
This 2017 Mercedes Sprinter 4×4 170 is listed for $148,000 and is currently located in Los Angeles, California. Check the full vehicle specifications via the original Expedition Portal forum post here.
Contact Information:
Tel: +1 213 308 0086
