!SOLD! - 2006 Dodge Sprinter Converted Camper Van - San Diego, CA
Model: 2006 Dodge Sprinter 2500, 140" Wheelbase, High Roof Cargo Van
Engine: 2.7L 5-cylinder turbo-diesel
Horsepower: 154 hp @ 3,800 rpm
Transmission: 4-speed automatic
Curb weight: 4,600 lbs
Towing capacity: 5,000 lbs
Payload: 3,950 lbs
Mileage: 202,000 miles
Options: Power windows, power doors with remote, power mirrors, a/c, traction control
The first generation Mercedes-Benz Transporter T1N Sprinter (1995-2006) is considered to be one of the most reliable, efficient, longest-lasting and easiest to maintain cargo vans. It's equipped with the durable and dependable 2.7L 5-cylinder turbo-diesel engine, which is known for going well over 500,000 miles while getting 25 miles to the gallon, no matter the conditions or payload.
The 140" wheelbase with the high roof is the most sought after configuration. It's long enough to camp and/or live in and it's not terribly difficult to drive and/or park. Plus, the high roof allows anyone under six feet tall to stand straight up without ducking or hitting their head on the ceiling.
Before I started converting this van, I completely gutted it (the seats, dashboard, headliner, wall panels, floor, etc) and cleaned it from top to bottom using only a mixture of vinegar, eucalyptus oil and tea tree oil. I also stripped the entire floor's old paint and repainted it using a water-based paint. And I fixed a small tear on the passenger side of the roof that was there when I bought it. You can rest assure that this van does not leak, is super clean and contains no harmful chemicals.
For the conversion, I went with a "less is more" approach. Because of its simplicity, I'd consider this conversion van to be more of a weekender / camper / surf van.
Highlights include the following:
- double-insulation throughout using either a layer of 3M thinsulate, recycled denim or foam board (depending on the location) plus an additional layer of ESP low-e reflective insulation
- three layers of flooring... bottom layer: foam; middle layer: plywood; top layer: best step interlocking foam pads with microban technology
- raised bed with new foam mattress (still in plastic) and ample storage beneath
- table / countertop (same height as bed) with storage beneath
- upgraded pioneer head unit with bluetooth audio and phone calling capabilities
- four upgraded pioneer speakers (two in the original location and two added in the cabin's headliner)
- sound deadening materials were applied to the following areas: cabin ceiling, cabin floor, all five doors and the two wheel wells
- maxxair high powered ceiling fan
- battery operated string lights
- blackout curtains located between the cabin and cargo areas
- insulated window shades for all four windows
Both the bed and table are not attached to the van's structure. They are instead held firmly in place by ratcheting tie downs, secured to the vans preexisting d-rings. I avoided drilling into the van's structure as much as possible. I drilled less than ten holes (all miniature) to attach the ceiling panels, curtains and string lights.
Mechanically, the van is in excellent running condition. It was maintained by the dealer who sold it to me, Sprinter Pitstop off of Miramar Rd. (check their reviews). They installed a new turbo and serviced the engine oil, transmission and diesel particulate filter (DPF). I also asked the dealership to install a window in the sliding door. Instead, they installed a sliding door that already had a window in it. With the sliding door window and the excellent side view mirrors, this van has no blind spots and is easier to drive than most cars.
Recently, I have changed the oil and oil filter ($120) installed a new air filter ($45), new front rotors and brake pads ($350) and new tires ($400). She’s ready to go!
Cosmetically, the van is pretty beat up. The clear coat is peeling. In some areas, like the hood, it's almost entirely gone. The van has a few small dents, most notably on the passenger door and towards the back of the van on the driver's side. It has a bunch of really small paint chips, most notably on the back doors. Neither the dents or the paint chips were a concern of mine. In fact, I prefer them because I think they allow the vehicle to blend in as a cargo van rather than stick out like a camper van, which is good for security purposes. Any rust that was bubbling up, was stripped to bare metal, converted and repainted using rustoleum. And as I mentioned before, I fixed a small tear on the side of the roof. That repair is clearly visible due to the newer paint not matching the original [faded] paint. I focused most of my time on the van's interior and mechanics because in my mind, those considerably outweigh the van's exterior.
And if you're wondering about this van's abilities, it's definitely been tested and has passed with flying colors each and every time. Before converting the van, I used it to move a friend and all of his furniture to Bend, Oregon. The van was fully loaded and it still got 25 mpg. Over the summer, I drove it to Montana and back, stopping by Zion, Grand Teton and Yellowstone, just to name a few. On that trip, outside temps well exceeded 100 degrees, but the van never once went over its normal operating temp, even going up hills for long stretches. I also took it to Baja Califonia for a weekend surf trip. And I just returned from a weekend at Willow Springs International Raceway. I have only spent a total of five nights in the van. It was never used as a home, only as a daily driver and a weekender/camper/surf van. The only reason I’m selling it is because I just moved half a block away from the beach and no longer need a surf van to surf, I walk now…
This van has proven itself time and time again. It starts each and every time, doesn't leak, doesn't smoke, drives straight and easily cruises at speeds upwards of 75-80 miles per hour. Because it's a turbo-diesel, it has no problems at all passing slower vehicles or going up hills, even in severe conditions and high elevations. And everything works, however, the a/c needs to be recharged. (BTW... I wouldn't use a/c in any cargo van that does not have a partition between the cabin and cargo areas because you'll have to cool the entire van's cabin and cargo space before the a/c unit can start to recycle any cool air.)
It does take some time to get used to driving a cargo van, but once you get the hang of it, you'll find Sprinters to be deceptively quick and nimble and an absolute blast to drive! Plus, imagine pulling up to a beach, park or any other scenic area, opening up the back doors and instantly relaxing and taking in the scenery without having to set anything up...
Edited by 760surfer, 03 December 2019 - 03:32 PM.
