Do you have a Sprinter Van you rely on for business or travel? Are you looking to upgrade it to increase efficiency and productivity?
It can be done cost-effectively. With the right parts and a little know-how, you can upgrade and maintain your Sprinter Van in a way that won’t break the bank. And make your van life more exciting.
Here’s a look at some cost-effective Sprinter Van upgrades that can help your business maximize efficiency. Follow these and add fun and excitement to your van life.
Table of Contents
1. Upgrade Your Shocks
Shock absorbers provide a smooth ride by dampening the impact from bumps and uneven road surfaces. But they may wear out over time, decreasing comfort and reducing handling. Later, your dysfunctional suspension will cause other components to loosen or break.
Upgrading your Sprinter van shocks can significantly improve its performance and driving experience. An effective suspension system will preserve and stabilize all other components.
Consider the van’s weight capacity and driving conditions when choosing new shocks. Heavy-duty types are for carrying heavier loads while
Cargo vans are the most common Sprinter that carries heavy loads. These types require heavy-duty shocks for most weight tolerance.
Passenger vans transport people and can seat up to 15 passengers. These Sprinter vans will need performance shocks that enhance handling and stability.
Crew vans are a combination of cargo and passenger types with a capacity for a dozen persons and a cargo area. Suspensions for these vans must be durable and gentle-acting.
But keep yourself from making wrong assessments or choices. It will help if you ask an automotive specialist. Reading reviews about brands as much as possible.
2. Choose Low-Rolling Resistance Tires
Rolling resistance is the force that opposes the forward motion of a tire. It is a crucial consideration in saving engine power, as it consumes extra energy when driving. That’s why particular types of tires were made to counter this problem.
Spending extra bucks to change to low-rolling resistance tires can give your van an advantage. The market has lots of popular brands and models to choose from. You may check out which is fitting and affordable for your fleet.
Michelin Energy Saver A/S is one model that offers good traction in both wet and dry conditions. Goodyear Efficient Grip Performance is also a low-rolling resistance tire for long drives. Or you may prefer Continental ContiEcoContact 5 for wet and snowy conditions.
Remember that these low-rolling resistance tires may cost you between $500 and $1,000. Some deals may or may not include installation service in their package. But their overall performance can compensate for every dollar you spend on modification.
Less friction and better traction means fuel conservation. You can save more to enjoy your van life essentials.
3. Keep It Aerodynamic
Any moving objects or vehicles will surely meet air resistance that can cause them to slow down. This air friction or drag can depend on the vehicle’s shape, speed, and size. How we can make objects manage through wind resistance better is what we call aerodynamics.
Thus transforming a vehicle to be more aerodynamic will result in less drag and better driving control. If changing your van’s design is impossible, other ways exist to improve aerodynamics. Here are Some of the practical approaches you can take.
You may remove roof racks and other unnecessary accessories mounted on your van. These racks and accessories can induce added air resistance. Uninstalling top luggage carriers is also effective in lessening drag.
Mounting a van fairing on the roof can also reduce wind resistance. They are expensive but have cheaper versions like fiberglass and plastic. You can install it yourself, but it would be better to let a professional fix it.
Consider also trimming the van’s body. A van’s sharp edges or protruding features can create drag. Redesigning your vehicle’s contours and roundness can improve speed, balance, and control.
4. Invest in a Car Emergency Kit
Safety and roadside preparedness can turn your Sprinter vans into a dependable carrier. Emergencies along your trip can happen, especially when we least expect it. Loading your van with essential emergency tools and supplies would be best.
A well-equipped car emergency kit typically includes the following:
- Jumper cables.
- A tire repair kit.
- A flashlight.
- Basic first aid supplies.
- A multi-tool.
- Reflective warning triangles.
These basic tools can help you handle dead batteries, flat tires, and other common emergencies during travel. But you will still need other van life essentials.
Include a portable air compressor, a fire extinguisher, and blankets. Extra bottled water and power bars may also complete your loaded gear.
An adequately stocked emergency kit guarantees your van’s readiness and safety. Your travel has better assurance even without available outside help. It ensures peace of mind, better focus, and an enjoyable trip.
5. Enhance Wireless Capabilities
Sprinter vans have an essential wireless capability but can be further enhanced with trendy modifications. Applying technologies can boost and stabilize wireless connections for a beautiful travel experience. You can remain connected even if you’re far away.
Set up a mobile Wi-Fi hotspot to provide internet connectivity for passengers and devices while on the go. This can be useful for online communication, travel updates, and entertainment.
Install a signal booster to amplify the signal from cellular towers. This can improve the range and signal strength of the van’s wireless network, even in areas with poor reception.
Incorporate a Global Positioning System if your sprinter van is not equipped. You can purchase portable GPS devices mounted on your vehicle’s dashboard or windshield.
GPS can help you locate nearby campsites, RV parks, or other suitable places to park your van for the night. It allows you to find safe and convenient spots to rest and enjoy the outdoors during your camping adventures.
Use modern two-way radios. Walky-talkies are still dependable tools for real-time coordination, especially when traveling with other vans. They also effectively reach emergency services if the internet is not functional.
6. Add Swivel Bases to Sprinter Van Upgrades
Adding factory swivel bases to your van conversion is a great idea. Swivels are fantastic because they create more space in the cabin area and provide two extra comfortable seats in the front.
While you can add swivel bases later, getting the factory ones is more cost-effective and practical. They are also shorter, ensuring your feet won’t dangle when you rotate, regardless of height.
However, consider that using factory swivels might limit your seat options. If you need a wide range of seat choices for your van, aftermarket swivels could be a better option. Weigh your specific needs and preferences before making a decision.
7. Consider Body Conversion
Redesigning or changing the interior and exterior of a Sprinter van is popular among Sprinter vans. These modifications can transform standard vehicles into customized spaces for a specific function.
Internal Space modification
Transforming a van’s interior can maximize the space, add living comfort or enhance the system or functions. Interior conversion can include adding insulation, wall paneling, and flooring to create a comfortable living or working space.
You can install cabinets, beds, seating, and other fixtures to make the van more functional and livable. A pop-up or high-top roof conversion can provide extra headroom and sleeping space.
External transformation
The external conversion of a Sprinter van transforms its appearance and functionality. Changes to the exterior include adding roof racks, bike racks, window shades, and awnings for shade and shelter. Custom paint jobs or decals can also give the van a unique and eye-catching look.
Solar panels and exterior lights also add to these exterior modifications for sustainability. Upgrading the van’s brake system, mounting extra tires, and a bull bar can enhance terrains and outdoor adventures.
DIY conversion is possible, but hiring a custom van conversion company is safer and better. The cost of a body conversion can vary widely, but getting a van that perfectly suits your lifestyle and requirements is worth it.
8. Improve Solar Power Harnessing
Solar power harnessing is crucial to provide a reliable and sufficient electrical source for your camping needs. Even if your vehicle is solar cell equipped, it should be capable of delivering what the passengers and equipment will need. So, ensure your power harness through the following measures. Install High-Quality Solar Panels. Quality panels with advanced technology convert more sunlight into usable electricity. You can try monocrystalline types that exhibit this high conversion efficiency, making them a popular choice.
Supplement your panels with deep-cycle batteries for repetitive charging and discharging. They have better energy capacity and can store power longer.
With better energy conversion and storage, you’ll have adequate power to operate your onboard appliances. This allows the van to use much of its electricity for driving functions.
Adding adjustable mounts or sun trackers can also be another effective approach. Sun trackers are automated systems that automatically adjust the orientation of solar panels. They follow the sunlight throughout the day in whatever direction.
Lastly, maximize your roof space to accommodate more solar panels. Utilizing the entire roof area allows for maximum solar energy collection, especially during peak sun hours.
But before all these measures, you must regularly assess your power needs. It will gauge if you’re producing enough, more, or lesser electricity than you need.
9. Increase Water Storage Capacity
The water storage system in a Sprinter van is a vital water supply for drinking, cooking, and bathing. The factory-installed water tank is typically only 17 gallons. But this needs to be improved for a long-term journey or off-grid living.
Use external water tanks as storage. These containers outside the van can be filled up at campsites, water stations, or rivers and lakes.
You may also choose an internal water tank mounted inside the van. They are connected to the van’s water system and can easily be accessed.
Or you may prefer portable water tanks for flexibility, they are small, lightweight, and easily transported. They are a good option for people who want to be able to carry water with them but only need a small amount.
The water tank size you choose will depend on your needs and budget. If you plan on doing a lot of off-grid living, you will need a larger tank. A smaller tank may be sufficient if you only plan on using the van for weekend trips.
10. Boost Engine Power
Upgrading a Sprinter van’s turbocharger can be a way to increase engine power and performance. However, it’s essential to approach this modification carefully. Here are some critical points to consider when upgrading the turbocharger kit on a Sprinter van.
Ensure your turbocharger kit is compatible with your Sprinter van model, year, and engine type. Not all turbocharger kits are universal, and using incompatible equipment could lead to fitment issues or reduced performance gains.
Opt for a high-quality turbocharger kit from a reputable manufacturer. Cheaper or poorly constructed kits may lead to premature failures, decreased reliability, or even engine damage.
Increasing the turbocharger’s size and boost pressure may require additional supporting modifications. These may include upgrading the intercooler, fuel system, and exhaust system. Or it may also modify the engine management system to handle the increased airflow and power.
Tune your engine correctly. The Engine Control Unit (ECU) must be reprogrammed to accommodate the changes and optimize the engine’s performance. Tuning ensures the machine runs safely and efficiently with the new turbo setup.
Choose accredited mechanics to do your upgrade. Turbocharger installation is a complex process that requires expertise and precision. Improper servicing can void the part or the whole vehicle’s warranty.
Lastly, Be sure to meet the proper emission standards. Engine modifications, especially turbocharger upgrades, may impact emission levels. Do advanced research and consultation to avoid this risk.
Level up Your Vans
Cost-effective sprinter van upgrades can be a beneficial tool for a good business. These strategic modifications increase your van’s efficiency and lower operational costs. Much more,
Money spent becomes a worthy investment. It returns expanding experience, a bigger customer base, and more opportunities. Van’s life has never been so fulfilling.
Take the time to assess the specific needs of your Sprinter vans today.
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