If you’re considering getting a campervan, chances are you’re interested in traveling, exploring new places, and finding adventure wherever you go. These journeys often lead down dirt roads and to desolate destinations, far from the beaten path. That’s why a 4×4 campervan is the ultimate way to go.
With the right vehicle and setup, your travels won’t be limited by terrain or weather conditions, allowing you to explore further and deeper into nature than ever before. Whether you’re tackling off-grid adventures, camping on BLM land, or driving through rugged national parks, a 4×4 campervan will make sure you get there with confidence.
Why Choose a 4×4 Campervan?
A 4×4 campervan offers unparalleled flexibility and freedom. It doesn’t matter if you plan a solo off-grid adventure, take your family to explore national parks, or simply want to be prepared for any conditions or season; a 4×4 campervan can handle it all. Here are just a few benefits of choosing a 4×4 campervan over a standard 2WD camper:
- All-Weather Capability: From snow-covered mountains to rain-soaked forests, a 4×4 campervan gives you the power to drive confidently through various weather conditions.
- Off-Road Access: Dirt roads, dunes, and rocky trails differ from the ground clearance and traction provided by a 4×4 sprinter campervan.
- Freedom to Roam: With a 4×4 campervan, you can use more than well-paved roads. This means more opportunities to camp on BLM land, stay at remote campsites, and discover hidden gems off the beaten path.
- Year-Round Adventure: A 4×4 camper van can handle all seasons, allowing you to chase adventure whenever and wherever you choose.
For those who want to go beyond traditional campgrounds and venture into more rugged and wild areas, the 4×4 campervan is an ideal choice.
The 4×4 Campervan Conversion Essentials
A 4×4 campervan is more than just its all-wheel-drive capability; it’s about the entire package—the features, design, and gear that make your van a mobile home ready for adventure. To make the most of your 4×4 sprinter campervan, here are some essentials to consider:
Wheels and Tires
- High-Quality Tires: The right tires can make all the difference. Off-road tires with deep treads provide the traction you need on challenging terrains like mud, sand, and gravel.
- Upgraded Wheels: Durable wheels designed for rough conditions ensure your van can handle the wear and tear of off-road adventures.
What off-road tires and wheels do we recommend?
Best all around tire for those who mostly stay on pavement, want great performance in heavy rain, go to the snow frequently, and want a tire that’s not quite as loud: Cooper Discover AT3
Best all-terrain tire for more heavy off-road use: Falken Wildpeak A/T4W
Best Quiet Ride tire with great snow performance: Michelin Agilis Cross Climate
Wheels. Load rating is important! While Load range E tires have capacities over 3000lbs, many Sprinter specific wheels have load ratings less than 2800lbs. A sprinter operating at GVWR can easily see individual wheel weights near or above 3000 lbs. It’s important to have a rim that is strong enough to handle whatever you might throw at it!
A few (but not all)Wheels with load ratings over 3000lbs:
- Method 701
- Black Rhino Yellowstone
- Owl Vans Talon
- Owl Vans Mojo
- Agile Offroad Overlander Series wheels
Suspension
- Enhanced Ground Clearance: A higher ground clearance allows your camper van to navigate rough terrain without scraping the undercarriage, ensuring you can handle steep inclines, rocky roads, and deep ruts.
- Upgraded Shocks and Struts: These components are essential for absorbing the impact of rough roads, giving you a smoother ride and more control in unpredictable environments.
What suspension do we suggest for Sprinter campervans?
Suspension upgrades are use and weight specific. As a van gains weight with the build, gear, water, fuel, and passengers the rear end may start to sag. This uneven ride height is unsightly, but also significantly reduces the usable travel of the rear suspension. The starting point of any Sprinter suspension upgrade should be the rear leaf springs. Agile Offroad provides weight specific leaf spring upgrades, while the Van Compass OptiRate leaf spring packs are adjustable and can be tuned to your vans final weight. From there, the next beneficial upgrade is high quality rear shocks. Offerings from Van Compass, Agile Offroad, and King provide options for fixed rate or adjustable shocks. We prefer Van Compas’ Falcon Adjustable shocks, as they are high quality, easy to adjust, and offer a wide range of tunability. Once the rear end is under control, ADF recommends the Van Compass Inverted Rally strut as an adjustable and high quality way to provide tuning control of the front suspension, without adding any additional components or complexity to the van. Links to all of these below:
- https://agileoffroad.com/product/agile-rip-leaf-spring-sprinter-2500-4×4/
- https://vancompass.com/products/opti-rate-replacement-leaf-springs-for-sprinter-2500-4×4-pair
- https://vancompass.com/products/falcon-3-3-fast-adjust-inverted-rally-strut-sprinter-4×4-and-awd-2015-present-by-van-compass
- https://vancompass.com/products/falcon-3-3-sp3-fast-adjust-sprinter-4×4-rear-shocks
Recovery Gear
- Winches: A winch is crucial for self-recovery if you are stuck in mud or snow. It can be a lifesaver when you’re miles from civilization and must get back on track.
- Traction Boards: These portable devices can provide additional grip for your wheels when you’re stuck in sand, mud, or snow, making them a must-have for serious off-road adventures.
Add-Ons
- Air Pressure Control Systems allow you to adjust your tire pressure on the fly, giving you better traction on different surfaces, from rocky trails to soft sand.
- Leveling Systems: When camping on uneven ground, a leveling system ensures that your living space remains comfortable and safe, preventing your camper van from tipping or feeling off-balance.
- Solar Panels and Lithium Batteries: Energy independence is critical when off the grid. Solar panels paired with lithium batteries provide renewable energy to power your van’s appliances and electronics without relying on external power sources.
Mercedes 4×4 Campervan Design & Layout
While nearly any design layout can work in a 4×4 campervan, customization is where you can truly optimize your living space to suit your needs. Here’s how to make the most of your Mercedes Sprinter 4×4 campervan conversion:
Two-Person Layout For solo travelers or couples, a two-person layout is all about maximizing storage space and comfort. With fewer people to accommodate, you can dedicate more room to essentials like water tanks, a spacious bed, and a well-organized kitchen area. Here are some design tips for a two-person layout:
- Bed Setup: A full-size bed with plenty of storage underneath offers both comfort and practicality. Whether you go with a platform bed or our proprietary Tri-Max design, you’ll have the space you need to keep things organized while still getting a good night’s rest.
- Kitchen Essentials: A compact kitchen setup with a stove, fridge, and sink lets you cook meals on the go without crowding your living space. When you’re in more remote locations, being able to prepare your own meals is a must since grabbing a quick bite isn’t always an option.
- Adventure Gear Storage: Make sure you have room for all your outdoor gear—whether it’s bikes, surfboards, or hiking equipment—by incorporating flexible storage solutions. These could include a roof rack or gear boxes mounted on the back of the van.
Four-Person Layout For families, a four-person layout prioritizes sleeping arrangements and communal living space. With more people, it’s essential to balance comfort with efficiency. Here’s how to optimize your 4×4 Sprinter campervan for larger groups:
- Bunk Beds: Bunk beds are a great way to maximize sleeping space while still keeping room for other amenities. You can choose from fixed bunk beds, a dinette with a drop-down electric bed, or a pop-top roof that adds a second bed.
- Convertible Seating: Multi-functional seating and storage solutions, like seats that convert into a bed or dining area, help you make the most of your space. This could be our dinette lounge that doubles as a bed, or our side bench that converts into a child’s bed or a dog bed.
- Dedicated Storage Areas: With more people on board, staying organized is essential. Make sure everyone has space for their gear, clothing, and essentials without crowding the living area. This could be through upper cabinets, gear boxes, or a platform bed with ample storage options underneath.
Whether you’re in a two-person or four-person layout, the design of your 4×4 campervan can be customized to fit your unique lifestyle. From mobile home features to off-grid essentials, the possibilities are endless when you work with a company like ADF Sprinters to bring your vision to life.
Why ADF Sprinters for Your 4×4 Campervan Conversion?
At ADF Sprinters, we specialize in custom-built adventure vans designed for those who seek the ultimate freedom to roam. Our Mercedes Benz Sprinter van conversions are crafted with quality, functionality, and adventure, ensuring you’re equipped for any journey. Here’s why you should choose ADF Sprinters for your 4×4 campervan conversion:
- Expert Customization: We know that every adventurer has different needs, and we take pride in offering fully customizable floor plans to fit your unique vision. From compact two-person setups to spacious four-person designs, our team works closely with you to create the perfect van for your lifestyle. Check out why we believe every van conversion should be customized.
- Attention to Detail: At ADF Sprinters, we believe that superior craftsmanship makes all the difference. Our vans are built with precision, using top-quality materials to ensure that every element of your 4×4 campervan is designed to last.
- Built for Adventure: Our 4×4 Sprinter campervans are built for adventure, offering the ground clearance, storage space, and durability needed to tackle any environment. Whether you’re planning to live full-time in your van or just want a vehicle that can handle your weekend getaways, our camper vans are equipped to meet the demands of van life.
Choosing ADF Sprinters means choosing a camper van that’s tailored to your exact specifications. With our expertise in 4×4 campervan conversions and a commitment to quality, you can trust that your next adventure will be in good hands.
A 4×4 campervan opens up a world of possibilities, allowing you to explore more remote destinations, camp in all seasons, and travel with confidence through rugged terrain. At ADF Sprinters, we’re here to make sure your van is ready for whatever adventure you have in mind. Whether you’re looking for a Mercedes Sprinter 4×4 campervan or a customized Ford Transit, our team has the experience and skills to bring your dream vehicle to life.
