Mercedes Metris - What Options for a Conversion?

[tolacchi]

I am trying to find a used Metris (there are some cheaper 2016s coming available) to convert into a pop top camper van. Are there options that are real must haves that I will be kicking myself for not getting down the road?

I am looking at the cargo (not passenger) van with the liftgate rear door. Likely I would pay GTRV to put in a pop top. I might fit our the rest myself or pay them to, but would want to end up with something like a "westy" style conversion.

*cruise control - a must

Questionable
*body builder connector
*Cutoff relay for additional battery
*Auxillary Battery - 100 Amp
*Alternator 14V / 190A
*Rear window
*Trailer hitch - why not aftermarket?
*Parametric Special Module - What the heck?
*Heating and Cooling Ducts to Rear Compartment

And likely there are more that might matter that I am missing.


Thank you for your advice!

Pete

 

[mumkin]

It seems that many of the conversions are modular... and you could quite easily add what you need in the future.

If you were going with the GTRV pop top, you might consider having them include the fan and solar set up that I saw on their website. You would need to decide how much battery you need. When I had Waldoch do my Sienna conversion, I added two group 27s.

 

[Keyne]

If you haven't already you might want to ask on the Metris forum or contact the upfitter you selected and see what they recommend. I looked into a Metris based RV and they mentioned it had to be a cargo so they could cut into it without impacting airbags so there might be other restrictions as well.

Mercedes-Benz Metris Forum

 

[tmshih-ClassB]

You can always look over how Sportmobile has outfitted their Merc Metris popup and decide what you need and what you can leave out.

Mercedes Metris - Sportsmobile Custom Camper Vans

 

[kllcbosmetris]

If you haven't already you might want to ask on the Metris forum or contact the upfitter you selected and see what they recommend. I looked into a Metris based RV and they mentioned it had to be a cargo so they could cut into it without impacting airbags so there might be other restrictions as well.

Does anyone know --

If you buy a passenger version with side airbags, would you not be able to insulate the van (by removing the panels and using insulation materials)?

 

[Keyne]

When I talked to Reimoamericas and GTRV they said they start with a cargo and add windows because the rear curtain airbags in the passenger van are a problem when adding a roof etc.