2017 Mercedes Sprinter 4x4 Sportsmobile :: Featured Classified

I’ve lived on the road full-time for more than a decade and have owned several overland rigs. There’s no one-size-fits-all all but when asked what I believe the ultimate live-in overland vehicle to be, my answer is always the same, a MWB Mercedes Sprinter 4×4. I’m clearly not alone in this perspective since it’s become a figurehead of both the vanlife and overlanding communities and coveted as a domestic and international travel rig. The reasons for this are not one-dimensional, but instead reflect its ability to perform across the board with impressive out-of-the-box capability, class-leading reliability and longevity, generous interior space versus a modest external footprint, respectable on-road manners and economy, a well-appointed cab, and almost unparalleled aftermarket support. It’s also ubiquitous around the world, which means global travelers enjoy the support of Mercedes’ fabled international dealership/supplier network and community. All this to say, it’s a pinnacle platform for travel, which is why so many hardcore travelers are transitioning to this desirable vehicle (as discussed recently by Brad of TrailRecon on the Overland Journal Podcast). Cue today’s 2017 Mercedes Sprinter 4×4 Sportsmobile (48,960 miles), which showcases a plethora of premium modifications and a four-season-ready and generously appointed camper interior. Further still, it’s being sold with complete maintenance records from new. At $85,000, this rig represents impressive value when you consider the extensive build specs and that a new off-the-shelf equivalent would set you back in excess of $200,000.

From the Seller:

“El Compadre was built in 2018 for extended backcountry expeditions. It is ruggedized throughout, with steel skid plates, heavy-duty shocks, and Moto metal wheels. The refrigerator/freezer easily stores 7-10 days’ worth of food, and the 200 watts of solar keep it cold even if the engine is not started for days at a time. My wife and I love sleeping in the van: the platform bed is very comfortable, and thanks to the pop-top, there’s excellent ventilation and lots of headroom even for taller people. The swivelling driver and passenger seats make it easy to cook and eat in the van in bad weather. It has many add-ons for long trips and off-road travel. It’s been from Denali (Alaska) to southern Baja and through the mountains and deserts of every Western state. It’s super-dependable; I’ve never had a mechanical problem. I hate to sell it, but my wife and I are now in our 80s and can no longer travel. The van is located in Ventura, California, and viewing is welcome. Happy to meet halfway to deliver.”

2017 Mercedes Sprinter 4×4, MWB

The Sprinter is fitted with a dependable V6 motor that produces 188 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque. A reliable and relatively economical engine is matched with impressive all-terrain capability, thanks to 4WD (technically AWD) that can send 33 percent of the torque to the front wheels, low range, armor, and a lifted and uprated suspension. Inside, these rugged attributes are balanced with a well-equipped interior with driver comforts that include:

Air-conditioning
Cruise control
Power steering, windows, and locks
Stereo
Captain’s chairs (leatherette)
Active Safety package
Rear window defroster
Premium Kenwood audio
Compustar T11 security system
Dash camera with remote DVR
WeatherTech floor liners
Multi-function and tiltable steering wheel
USB and 12-volt outlets

Distinguishing Features

Below is a selection of notable features. See the original listing for full details:

Rigid Industries lighting
Fiamma 45 manual awning with side/rear door zippered bug screens
Thule roof rack with Thule Motion roof-top box (access via Aluminess side ladder)
Spare tire carrier with 2-gallon diesel Rotopax
House power system with 400 amp hours of AGM batteries, 110-watt solar panels (2), Magnum 2,000-watt inverter, shore power, and USB, 12- and 110-volt outlets throughout
Galley kitchen with Isotherm stainless steel refrigerator/freezer, portable Iwatani single burner stove, flip-up tables on cabinets for extra counter space, and more
Freshwater (23 gallons) with 14.5-gallon graywater
Espar hydronic diesel furnace and hot water heater
Heavy-duty rear bumper with deluxe box, shovel, and axe
1Up bike racks (2)
Electric pop top with penthouse bed and zippered windows
Thetford Porta Potti toilet
Portable 12-volt air compressor and ARB tire deflator
Moto Metals wheels with BFGoodrich KO2 tires
Outdoor shower with teak ground mat

This 2017 Mercedes Sprinter 4×4 Sportsmobile is listed for $85,000 and is currently located in Ventura, California. Check the full vehicle specifications via the original Expedition Portal forum post here.