First Sprinter 4x4 Class B

[rockymtnb]

Mercedes introduced a couple interesting Class B conversions at their Commercial Vans press event in Dunton Springs last month:

Sportsmobile Sprinter 4x4 Camper
The first US certified Sprinter 4wd Class B RV. This unit was converted by Sportsmobile West using the 144 (short) wheelbase 4x4 Sprinter equipped with two-speed transfer case, intake snorkel, offroad lighting, and high ground clearance wheels and tires.

Sprinter 4x4 Class B RV

Clearly a back-country oriented unit but follow-on conversions of a wide variety are expected from converters such as Winnebago, Outside Van and Advanced RV.

Mercedes Marco Polo camper
A joint product from Mercedes and Westfalia, the Marco Polo camper is based on the mid-sized V class chassis being introduced into the US for 2016 as the Metris van.

Mercedes Marco Polo at Dunham Press Event

Although the Marco Polo camper isn't currently slated for US availability it's interesting that Mercedes brought over a unit for press inspection. If the Marco Polo does become available it would fill a gap in the US small RV market that's been unfilled since VW withdrew the Eurovan camper in 2003.

[Robert Ryan]

Trakka, does it's version of the 4x4 Sprinter in Australia
http://www.trakka.com.au/model_image...0(275x181).jpg
The other main convertor is Horizon Motorhomes Waratah 4x4
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a1...pshuoe2kzs.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a1...psvulbdyfb.jpg

[rockymtnb]

Good point. A more appropriate title would have been: First US Certified Sprinter 4x4 Class B.

Europe, and apparently Australia too, have had the Sprinter 4x4 for a number of years now, giving converters plenty of time to develop RV van conversion plans.

Do Aussies get the Mercedes Marco Polo mini camper also?

[RickNV]

Outsidevan has some 4x4 conversions on the road now- check out their website- Rick

[rockymtnb]

Originally Posted by RickNV

Outsidevan has some 4x4 conversions on the road now- check out their website- Rick

Do you know if Outside Van has completed any 4x4 conversions yet? Their website shows a 4x4 with custom wheels for exterior treatment, but still waiting for a buyer and interior buildout. No finished 4x4s on their Facebook page either.

Van Specialties had a 4x4 stock Sprinter in late June that was also scheduled for interior conversion. Haven't seen any updates yet on whether that one is finished.

[Applegater]

Noticed on our trip to ARV they have two 4X4s waiting to be completed.

[Davydd]

Advanced RV got their first 4 x 4 Sprinters in last April when they first shipped. I suspect they might be the first to get extended body, high roof Sprinters out the door in a Class B. They will also have the VB Air Suspension I believe. I know one will be totally custom in interior design layout, appliances, cabinetry and cabinetry finish. Applegater, did you get to see that one?

[Applegater]

Davydd, I think the "burning man" , not sure that's the name is the one you may be talking about. No windows on oneside, a swampcooler on roof, with an airconditioner attached to back door. Back door reinforced to meet Mercedes requirements. Condensate from AC piped to swampcooler. Two other 4x4 waiting to get in line. Also an extended sprinter with the superhigh roof, that allows for ducted AC, more head room, and really not much higher than the high roof with AC on roof. The Ac on this unit was recessed in the rear roof on a specially designed platform.

[Davydd]

The one I mentioned has the bathroom up front with a curved protruding door to create a rather comfortable shower stall wet bath.

[Applegater]

Think we missed that, it was a hectic two days(for two old folks with jetlag!), we could have spent a week. I have visited many large factories in the states and Europe but the energy and awareness of everyone in this relatively small place was really impressive.

[Jostalli]

First from OutsideVan: http://youtu.be/wMFSbkD2iAQ