When it comes to camper van conversions, the choice of vehicle platform is one of the most critical decisions we make. Our team is dedicated to creating premium, functional, and reliable camper vans, and after years of trial, error, tribulations, and test drives, we’ve come to favor one platform above all others: the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter.
While the Ford Transit and RAM ProMaster have their strengths, we believe that the Sprinter offers a superior foundation for building the ultimate camper van. Here’s why we choose the Mercedes Sprinter platform over the competition.
1. Diesel Powertrain: Performance and Longevity
One of the standout features of the Mercedes Sprinter is its diesel engine option, which gives it a significant edge over other vans in its class. While gasoline engines may work for some campervan lifers, diesel engines are known for their superior torque, fuel efficiency, and long-term durability—qualities that are particularly important for our owners.
The Sprinter’s diesel engine is built to handle heavy loads, which is crucial when you’re converting a van into a home on wheels. Camper vans carry everything from kitchen appliances to water tanks, and the additional torque provided by a diesel engine ensures smoother acceleration and better performance on steep inclines or rough terrain.
Diesel engines also have a reputation for longevity, meaning that Sprinter owners can often rack up hundreds of thousands of miles with proper maintenance—perfect for those who see their camper van as a long-term investment.
2. Chassis Ground Clearance
When you’re converting a camper van, you need to consider not just where you will travel, but also how you’ll get there. That’s where the Sprinter’s superior ground clearance comes into play. With a higher ride height compared to the Ford Transit and RAM ProMaster, the Mercedes Sprinter can handle rougher roads and uneven terrain without bottoming out.
This clearance can even be improved with a Dark Star Offroad coilover kit which raises your van by close to 2" and improves ride quality and overall suspension performance.
For those who dream of off-grid adventures, navigating forest roads, desert trails, or snowy mountain passes, the extra clearance can make all the difference.
It’s not just about rugged capability either—it’s also about peace of mind. Higher clearance means less worry about damaging the undercarriage or getting stuck on uneven surfaces, which makes the Sprinter ideal for explorers who want to push the boundaries of where their camper van can take them.
3. Best-in-Class Luxury Packages
Luxury is a defining feature of the Mercedes-Benz brand, and that extends to the Sprinter platform. While both the Ford Transit and RAM ProMaster offer basic comforts, the Sprinter takes it a step further by offering best-in-class luxury packages from the factory.
From the sleek dashboard design to the high-quality materials used throughout the interior, the Sprinter exudes a premium feel that elevates the camper van experience. Options such as heated seats, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and a 10.25-inch touchscreen with Mercedes-Benz’s MBUX multimedia system make long drives more comfortable and enjoyable.
This attention to detail and luxury is something we want to extend to our clients, ensuring that every moment spent in their van, whether parked or on the road, feels indulgent and refined.
4. Superior Cockpit Design and Interior Comfort
One of the most overlooked aspects of van conversions is the cockpit—the driver’s “living room.” In many cases, the cockpit of a camper van is where owners will spend a significant amount of time, especially on long road trips. The Sprinter’s cockpit is arguably one of the best in the industry, designed with comfort, ergonomics, and functionality in mind.
The seats in the Sprinter are not only plush and supportive but also adjustable to suit drivers of all sizes. At Off Highway Van, we can make these seats even more comfortable using our custom upholstery options like ultra leather (shown above)!
The panoramic view from the driver’s seat, paired with large side mirrors and optional 360-degree camera systems, makes for easy maneuvering, even in tight spots. With an intuitive layout of controls, wireless charging, USB ports, and premium materials throughout, the Sprinter cockpit is a driver’s dream.
In comparison, the Ford Transit and RAM ProMaster cockpits, while functional, often lack the same level of refinement and comfort. When converting a van into a home, it’s important to focus not just on the living quarters but also on the driving experience—and the Sprinter truly shines in this area.
5. Overall Driving Experience
The Sprinter platform is known for its smooth, car-like handling, which is especially important when converting a van into a mobile living space. Whether you’re navigating city streets or cruising along winding mountain roads, the Sprinter offers a level of agility and ride comfort that is hard to match in the camper van industry.
Mercedes-Benz has engineered the Sprinter to be responsive and stable, even with the added weight of a full camper conversion. The suspension is finely tuned to absorb bumps and vibrations, delivering a smoother ride than the Ford Transit and RAM ProMaster, which tend to feel more utilitarian in comparison. For our clients who spend hours behind the wheel, this means less driver fatigue and a more enjoyable journey overall.
BONUS: Curb Appeal
Though this can be subjective, there are few van conversions that look better than a fully-built-out Mercedes Sprinter camper van. The same luxury and thoughtful design doesn’t stop at the interior. These vans are designed with more curves, better body lines, and an overall better look outside and in.
Why We Choose the Sprinter for Camper Van Conversions
At Off Highway Van, we strive to provide our clients with the best possible experience, both on the road and at their destination. The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter platform offers a combination of reliability, performance, luxury, and comfort that is hard to beat. From its fuel-efficient diesel engine and superior ground clearance to its luxurious interior and smooth driving dynamics, the Sprinter consistently outshines its competitors.
While the Ford Transit and Ram Promaster are solid options, we believe that the Sprinter offers the perfect balance of practicality and luxury, making it the ideal foundation for our camper van conversions. When you’re building a home on wheels, every detail matters—and that’s why we choose the Sprinter and why you should choose Off Highway Van for your custom camper van build.
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