Mercedes Sprinter: the community's campervan choice?

Mercedes-Benz have had purpose-built campervans on the market for over 40 years now under the Marco Polo moniker — so what is driving campers towards its commercial big brother, the Sprinter?

The Mercedes Sprinter. You may know this as one the best-selling commercial vans in the UK and beyond, primarily designed for hauling goods, packing tools, and even as a workshop on wheels. However, despite its hard-working roots, some of you might be surprised to hear the extent to which Mercedes largest LCV has broken into the recreation and lifestyle space.

Campervan conversion community.

There's something special about the Sprinter community. It sits alongside, but not overshadowing, the Marco Polo’s cult-like following, which has built up since the early Mercedes “Bremer Transporter” conversions of the 1980s, all the way to the V-Class based campers of today. It might not have the same adventurous namesake, but the Sprinter has won the race to many campers’ hearts.

Van-lifers have come together across the globe to offer a plethora of online resources, build tutorials, and a near-endless selection of discussion platforms to assist with DIY campervan conversions — from shoestring budgets and plywood interiors, to lavish luxury with tiled kitchens, the community covers all. 

This self-conversion community is also echoed by an extensive network of specialist companies. You can reach for the sky in classic fashion with the pop-up roofed James Cook converted by Westfalia, or head off-grid in a rugged Garrick-esque van, bespoke- flipped by Ape Adventure Vans. You could even nip along in the sports-limousine styled SC Sport Tourer, complete with distinctive body kit and velvety interiors punctuated by neon lights. The list goes on, and believe us, we are only scratching the surface of the premium conversion alternatives here.

The platform for success.

So, what makes the Sprinter such a tempting conversion choice for DIY’ers and conversion specialists alike? For our money, the sheer variety of sizes, and the adaptability offered between them are major factors in this. There are currently over 1,700 new Sprinter variants available to order, and with a used market going back to 1995, you can imagine the possibilities. 

Compared to the compact Marco Polo, maxing out at 5.14m long and 1.98m tall, the Sprinter stretches up to 7.37m and 2.99m respectively — providing an interior so spacious (up to 15.5m³ in the load compartment) it has recently been lauded in the UK rap charts. Van-lifers have put this space to use with installations of double beds and extensive kitchen setups, alongside storage areas for adventure gear including bikes, fishing rods, skis… so much room for activities! Internal heights up to 2.24m provide ample standing room. Ideal for van-dwellers who have gone the step further to install bathrooms and showers — enjoying RV-like luxury, while still fitting in a standard parking space. 

The variety of powertrains, with diesel options most popular, provide the grunt required to haul your decked out house-on-wheels. Indeed, the latest generation panel van on the market since 2018 has a max payload of 2,479kg, more than enough to shift the kitchen sink. And fridge… And oven… 

Mobility isn’t even limited to roadside camping, as Mercedes’ recent 4x4 Sprinter variants have provided a convenient framework for putting together capable off-road campers for overlanding enthusiasts. 

It’s a marathon, not a sprint.

Of course, adaptability is relatively common in the world of commercial vans, so there must be more to this. The three-pointed star has become synonymous with luxury vehicles, and the Sprinter is no different in the van-world. Couple that with the second-hand market which provides access to older models with less-luxury price tags, and we have another recipe for camper success.

The glampervan experience begins up in the LCV’s cabin, known for its creature comforts and high-end air vents, setting a foundation for climate-controlled conversions, and great for nomads spending extended time out on the road. 

Latest generation models also feature Mercedes-Benz Advanced Control, allowing converters to turn their Sprinter into “a connected home on wheels”. This clever app can be accessed via the infotainment touchscreen or by smartphone, allowing campers to harness connectivity to any lights, water, or heating systems which have been installed. 

Don’t be fooled by the Sprinter title, these LCVs are known for taking their occupants far beyond 100-meters. These vans have several reliability awards under their belt, which is backed up by campers bragging about the size of number on their mileage dial. We see you, Reddit. 

However, as with any vehicles with additional modifications, it’s not all driving off into the sunset. Maintenance is always the name of the game, and with the fancy tech onboard Sprinters, the potential for gremlins is multiplied. As with many modern vehicles, the techy electric brain can get a little carried away and cause issues, and Sprinter aficionados will be aware of the dreaded “10 start countdown”. From 2010 models onwards, if the sensors detect an issue (real or otherwise) you are given limited starts to limp your Sprinter to a doctor before a tow-truck is required. That said, the Sprinter community extends to a global network of service centers and spare part availability — hopefully within range of even the most remote camping spots.

So, it’s big, it’s reliable, it can be molded to your campervan preferences, and it’s even a little bit fancy. But what do you think? Would the Mercedes Sprinter be your campervan conversion of choice?

Hero image credit: Mercedes-Benz