The Mercedes Sprinter is a commercial icon and a figurehead of both the vanlife and overlanding communities. The success of this coveted van is no coincidence but instead reflects the model’s reputation for excellence, boasting class-leading build quality, and any iteration is capable of half-a-million-mile service lives. Further still, it’s one of a select few vans that’s utilized around much of the world and supported by Mercedes fabled global parts network (ideal for international travelers since parts, services, and community support are generally close at hand). It’s also the aftermarket darling with huge on-demand support that enables owners to overhaul the van to meet their needs. It’s for these reasons and more that the Sprinter is one of the most popular live-in/travel rigs in the segment. To this end, cue today’s 2004 Mercedes Sprinter T1N 4×4 (240,000 miles), which boasts extensive modifications and an exceptionally well-equipped camper interior. At a glance, the intentionally understated exterior may lead you to believe this is just another T1N 4×4, but dig deeper and you realize it’s been completely reimagined. It features a custom heavy-duty 4WD system (full details here) with rear, center, and front locking differentials (40,000 miles since conversion). The interior is akin to a luxury expedition truck with impressive amenities that include a large lithium house battery system, four-season climate control, 40 gallons of freshwater with multi-stage filtration and on-demand heating, Starlink, a galley kitchen with an induction cooktop, and more. The attention to detail and time/money invested is extraordinary, as documented via multiple build threads on the Expedition Portal forum (reference Sprinter 4WD Conversion Ideas and Overland Sprinter Build). So, if you’re in the market for a pinnacle and internationally proven overland-ready T1N Sprinter 4×4, look no further!
From the Seller:
“Over 10 years ago, we decided to build our ideal full-time overland travel vehicle. Available options were too large, too heavy, or simply too expensive. We focused on usability and capability, and packed as much as was feasible in a 19-foot-long package: off-grid, four-season climate control, a shower, storage, a full-sized bed, ride comfort, and triple-locked 4WD capability. All with an efficient diesel powerplant that’s delivered a 16 mpg lifetime average. After years of roaming from Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Mexico, we have returned to North America. We were planning to spend a few years exploring Central and South America. However, plans changed when we decided to add a 3rd member to our family. So “Fernweh” needs to go to his next home while we plan a replacement. The thousands of hours of sweat equity we invested have created a truly one-of-a-kind vehicle for overland travel.”
2006 Mercedes Sprinter 4×4 (High Roof)
The Sprinter is fitted with a 2.7-liter I5 turbo-diesel motor that, from the factory, produces 154 horsepower and 243 pound-feet of torque (today’s offering has been uprated). A long-lived motor is matched with impressive capability thanks to 4WD, high and low range, armor, a lifted and uprated suspension, and rear, center, and front locking differentials. Inside, these rugged attributes are balanced with driver comforts that include:
- Kenwood stereo and speakers
- Power steering
- Swivel Knoedler Air Chief air ride captain’s chairs
- USB and 12-volt outlets
- Towing package
- Air-conditioning
- Keyless entry
- Engine preheater
- Cupholders
Distinguishing Features
- Custom steel front bumper with 2-inch receiver and harness for winch (winch can be included in sale and can be used in front or rear)
- MaxTrax carrier and full-size spare mounted to rear doors
- Fiamma Eagle electric awning
- GM steel wheels with Cooper Discoverer tires
- Custom wheel arches/mudflaps
- Lifted suspension with rear factory springs, heavy-duty sway bar, Fox 2.0 external reservoir shocks (valved to vehicle weight), custom front IFS based on GM 2500/3500 with Front F-150 upper control arms and 3.0 Fox external reservoir coilover shocks with dual adjusters
- LED auxiliary lighting
- Climate control with Midea air conditioning, multiple fans, and Espar D2 furnace with high altitude kit
- Galley kitchen with custom aluminum bin/drawers, sink with folding faucet and lid, 2-burner True Induction cooktop, and Vitrifrigo 100-liter fridge/freezer
- Freshwater (40 gallons), with multi-stage filtration, 5-gallon Isotemp hot water tank (heating via electric, Espar heater, or engine loop via heat exchanger), and 12-gallon graywater tank (tanks/pipes heated via controller to prevent freezing)
- Viair compressor with 3-gallon tank
- House power system with 560 amp-hours of lithium batteries, 3,000-watt inverter, Outback MPPT and Victron solar controllers, 640 watts of solar, 30-amp shore power connection, 200-amp-hour alternator charging (capable of 1.2KW+ continuous charging when underway), and MATE system monitoring
- Starlink (converted to DC power), Wi-Fi 6 router with custom firmware, and cellular booster with external high-gain antenna
- Interior shower with in-floor mounted shower pan (heated) with custom snap-in curtain and Dometic portable toilet
- Double bed with insulated window flares and a 7-inch mattress
- Upgraded vented brakes
This 2004 Mercedes Sprinter T1N 4×4 is listed for $37,999 OBO and is currently located in Tucson, Arizona. Check the full vehicle specifications via the original Expedition Portal forum post here.
Contact Information:
Email: [email protected]
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