Hi Jamie, congrats on the new van! I've been living and working full-time for 3 years from this same van and have been where you are now. I've spend hundreds of hours doing research and have since driven this van from the Arctic Ocean down to Balkans and all over Europe. If I could give myself some advice on what to do to the van, here's what I'd recommend (in the order of importance): 1. Upgrade the suspension The MB suspension is 💩. You, like I, have extra 130kg on the roof and this makes already wobbly van more wobbly. And in about 9 months the back will start sacking and depending how soon you'll fix it, this can cause some damage to the van. So, replace the shocks and add a 5 ton spring in the back (these need to be done at the same time). I would also add SumoSprings in the front and back to replace the factory bumb stops. 2. Replace the tires and rims Get slightly bigger and wider tires with rims that have a bit more offset. This gives you a wider "base" and reduces the wobbliness a bit more. It also makes the van drive SO much better and with the larger tires you get more ground clearance. 3. Add more solar Mine came with 190W of solar and for working full-time it is not enough (unless you're willing to drive a lot). Fill up the roof with panels (and if you have the budget, replace the factory ones with better ones) and it might make sense to add the bonnet solar panel as well as that'll give you extra 90W and will protect the bonnet. 4. Front window thermal cover When taking this (or any) van into cold conditions, you'll lose most of the heat through the front window. You'll also have a ton of condensation on the window each morning to deal with. Get a good, thick front window thermal cover and not only will it cut 30-40% of your heating needs, you'll also don't have to deal with condensation on the front window. 5. Insulate The van is poorly insulated. I took mine apart and added a ton of insulation to all the walls and doors and it made a huge difference! Especially in the summer! Regarding other comments I've seen: - Front winch is money wasted. I know many who have it and most haven't used it once. I've taken mine to some pretty bad places and never would've needed one. - Traction boards (MaxxTraks) are nice! I've never needed mine for myself, but have rescued over twenty people with mine (to the point they're almost done). - You won't need engine preheater. I've spend months up in the Arctic during the coldest parts of the winter and live close to the Arctic and never needed one and most people here don't have one. Do get an engine cover for driving though as the cold air will prevent your engine from properly heating while driving. - Studded tires would be nice but will make driving up to Norway hard as many countries on the way won't allow them. Instead, use AT tires and get chains for all your tires. - Do remove the decals but leave the gray 4x4 stickers as too many people will come to ask "is that 4x4?". Here's mine without the decals: instagram.com/hydiethehymer/ If you want to know more or have any questions on where to go and so on, I'll gladly help as I had no one to ask any questions three years ago: instagram.com/iskosalminen/
Thanks so much for the tips and tricks! It’s all greatly appreciated! All those bits are on the list, overtime I’ll get them done. I for sure will reach out. Thanks for taking the time to write this up. I really appreciate it and will come back to it a lot I’m sure! Welcome to the channel! :-)
Webasto is the fuel powered engine heating system you need, and also before going to Norway or here in Finland or any nordic country in the winter check that your cooling fluid is winter rated atleast -36°C or your gonna have a bad day.
First thing to get recovery wise is a set of maxtrax, you can get cheap knock offs but they aren’t worth it for a 4t van! The other thing that isn’t sexy is to ensure you have some proper rated recovery points fitted at either the front or rear (or both). Compressor wise you can’t go wrong with an ARB, either onboard or portable. I recommend Jed at Campervan Culture (he’s in Sussex) for the ARB kit, he offers a fitting service if you go the onboard route. A set of maxtrax, the ability to lower tyre pressures and a tyre repair kit will get out of most situations and the recovery points are for when all else has failed! For all the other bling (tyre holders, winches etc) you can’t go wrong with Matt at VWT5 upgrades in Wales and combine with a trip! He does a lot of Sprinter stuff now and carries Dutch Van parts and lots of other goodies. Local to you the lanes on Salisbury Plain will be fun and not too extreme. PS agree about ditching the graphics, will look great stealth black! Enjoy.
Hi Jamie love the van , you will need as mentioned full size spare wheel and carrier, rear tow bar with recovery shackles. Front shackles and a heavy duty winch. Under chassis protection plates . An air compressor. Then lights . Lazer utility lamps on the rear and the sides plus a set of triple 750 lamps for your grill then a curved led light bar for the roof . Can't ever not have enough lights on your van 👍
@jamies_adventures hi James the van looks fantastic, I was looking at those before I got my van haven transporter, I'm not jealous lol well maybe just a little bit. Looking forward to seeing where the road takes you both. Stunning van enjoy 🤪👍
I love the look of your van. I'm in the process of searching for a van and everyone is telling me to get the LWB but looking at your van it seems big enough. What made you decide on the MWB ?
To be honest, I was also looking at getting the LWB too. But this van came up and now we have it I'm glad we got the MWB. Although it's smaller inside, getting around smaller lanes and parking it is so easy. It's so big as it is, the LWB I think would be tricky getting to places I want to go. The LWB Merc sprinter 4x4 is absolutely huge! (which is good and bad). Saying all that, I have only just got it, so check back in after a while and I'll let you know how the MWB is. :-)
if you havent already go on some 4x4 courses and learn how to drive off road. Engine fluid heating system - engine preheater. Before you go into the wilderness anywhere like Iceland, or Norway/Finland etc, buy a PLB and/or a Garmin InReach Mini 2 or Messenger. If ever needed they will save your life. !!!
I done a 4x4 thing at Thuxton a few weeks ago, which I learnt a lot. Although, that was in a old Landy and the Sprinter is very different! I remembered it was called Engine Preheater just after I filmed the video. Well done for interpreting my poor memory! :-)
Jamie we just had a rear wheel carrier which is also a ladder fitted to our Sven made and fitted by Mule Vans in Barnsley it is a top quality product so well fitted they do one for your van and they do a newer style which has 3 flat steps at the top so easy to climb up and it looks awesome as well.
Hi. I’ll be follow a similar path to you van wise so interested to see your choices. I’d look at getting the bulkhead above the cab insulated properly as well as the sliding door and rear doors. Also get the EGR valve replaced and have a spare. Get a diagnostic reader too. I’m thinking Starlink Mini for comms on the road also. Snatch strap and Maxtrax for recovery. Also look at protecting the water tanks underneath a bit better. Anyway good luck. I start my adventure in April 2025 so might see you out there
Thanks for the ideas. I think this will definitely be a journey getting all the gear! Starlink is a great idea too though, to work on the road. See you on the road! :-)
fab vlog - I have to be dull but its worth saying that you MUST check that your insurance will cover you for actually going "off Road" - its a ridiculous small print but no doubt you have seen the vlogs of the UK couple who toppled their MLT Crossover in spain? - random bad luck and an encounter with a badly placed rock and they were on their side. Insurance company refused to pay out as they were on an "uncategorised road" (it was a track) - forewarned is forearmed and all that. Really excited to follow your travels - we are also in Hampshire and have an A-Class Hymer we bought locally from Southdowns - we have an MLT Xperience arriving in Jan (RWD, not 4X4 - we are both too short for a high vehicle lol) Iceland is definitely on our dreamlist too. Leanne & Chris - PS the decals need to stay lol - they are iconic
Thanks! And thanks for the tip regarding insurance, I will keep that in mind! Reading the comments, people are split about the graphics, still not sure myself. Thanks for the comment :-)
If you wanna come to Norway at wintertime there is one thing you will need - studded tires 🛞 We do see from time to time people travel trough here at all terrain etc tyres, but our local newspapers is always full of tourists coming here for the first time and the car/motorhome end up outside of our icy roads. Emergency starter is very useful because the distances here are long if you need starter help caused by a flat battery. In Northern Norway the temperatures varies from 0 to -35° depending where you go 🥶 Its not a bad thing to overthink everything if you come here up to Northern Norway 😊👍🏻 Congratulations with your new car and god luck with your adventures.
Thanks for the comment and advice. Rest assured I will do my homework and get the van together before I attempt a trip like Norway in winter! A while before that happens I think :-)
Hi Jamie, my name is Peter and I live in Belgium. I built my campervan myself on a Mercedes Sprinter 319 4X4 base about 5 years ago. I have traveled around a lot in the meantime, including 2 months in Lapland. So I learned a few things and adjusted my equipment a few times. If you have an hour or 2 to spent, i am willing to help with certain choices. Let me know and I will share my WhatsApp details with you. Greetings, Peter
@@jamies_adventures I look forward to your experiences. Remember, 80% of the fun is the preparation :-). Just a few thoughts that you can get started on. Are you planning to overland? No... then forget the spare wheel, the winch and the compressor. Help is never more than a click away. A repair set and small compressor are all you need. if you do plan to go overland, then you have the wrong car. All wheel drive is not 4x4. Think more about a second heating system. Hymer also does not use "standard" electrical components such as Victronic that are available everywhere. Consider a BU system such as Buettie or Ecoflow. What's left... good recovery boards, a shovel, axe, saw, recovery rope... And if you want something more off-road, a limited-slip diff or lock diff. my to cents.... happy holidays, Peter
Hi. Not really over landing, but I definitely plan for off road and off grid. There will be lots of upgrades over time, and the AWD sprinter will be plenty for where I would like to go. Thanks for the comment. Very useful! :-)
![Lp. Сердце Вселенной #60 РОЖДЕНИЕ ЛОЛОЛОШКИ [Финал] • Майнкрафт](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/YoR0pAV9FVQ/mqdefault.jpg)
Hi Jamie, congrats on the new van! I've been living and working full-time for 3 years from this same van and have been where you are now. I've spend hundreds of hours doing research and have since driven this van from the Arctic Ocean down to Balkans and all over Europe. If I could give myself some advice on what to do to the van, here's what I'd recommend (in the order of importance):
1. Upgrade the suspension
The MB suspension is 💩. You, like I, have extra 130kg on the roof and this makes already wobbly van more wobbly. And in about 9 months the back will start sacking and depending how soon you'll fix it, this can cause some damage to the van. So, replace the shocks and add a 5 ton spring in the back (these need to be done at the same time). I would also add SumoSprings in the front and back to replace the factory bumb stops.
2. Replace the tires and rims
Get slightly bigger and wider tires with rims that have a bit more offset. This gives you a wider "base" and reduces the wobbliness a bit more. It also makes the van drive SO much better and with the larger tires you get more ground clearance.
3. Add more solar
Mine came with 190W of solar and for working full-time it is not enough (unless you're willing to drive a lot). Fill up the roof with panels (and if you have the budget, replace the factory ones with better ones) and it might make sense to add the bonnet solar panel as well as that'll give you extra 90W and will protect the bonnet.
4. Front window thermal cover
When taking this (or any) van into cold conditions, you'll lose most of the heat through the front window. You'll also have a ton of condensation on the window each morning to deal with. Get a good, thick front window thermal cover and not only will it cut 30-40% of your heating needs, you'll also don't have to deal with condensation on the front window.
5. Insulate
The van is poorly insulated. I took mine apart and added a ton of insulation to all the walls and doors and it made a huge difference! Especially in the summer!
Regarding other comments I've seen:
- Front winch is money wasted. I know many who have it and most haven't used it once. I've taken mine to some pretty bad places and never would've needed one.
- Traction boards (MaxxTraks) are nice! I've never needed mine for myself, but have rescued over twenty people with mine (to the point they're almost done).
- You won't need engine preheater. I've spend months up in the Arctic during the coldest parts of the winter and live close to the Arctic and never needed one and most people here don't have one. Do get an engine cover for driving though as the cold air will prevent your engine from properly heating while driving.
- Studded tires would be nice but will make driving up to Norway hard as many countries on the way won't allow them. Instead, use AT tires and get chains for all your tires.
- Do remove the decals but leave the gray 4x4 stickers as too many people will come to ask "is that 4x4?". Here's mine without the decals: instagram.com/hydiethehymer/
If you want to know more or have any questions on where to go and so on, I'll gladly help as I had no one to ask any questions three years ago: instagram.com/iskosalminen/
Thanks so much for the tips and tricks! It’s all greatly appreciated!
All those bits are on the list, overtime I’ll get them done. I for sure will reach out.
Thanks for taking the time to write this up. I really appreciate it and will come back to it a lot I’m sure!
Welcome to the channel! :-)
Mule vans for your winch,spare wheel carrier etc.cracking van I reckon the green stickers look great 😍.👍
Thanks! Still in two minds about the stickers. No rush to take them off (if I do). Thanks for the comment :-)
Webasto is the fuel powered engine heating system you need, and also before going to Norway or here in Finland or any nordic country in the winter check that your cooling fluid is winter rated atleast -36°C or your gonna have a bad day.
Thanks for the comment & advice. If a trip to the cold regions happens, i'll be ready for sure! :-)
First thing to get recovery wise is a set of maxtrax, you can get cheap knock offs but they aren’t worth it for a 4t van! The other thing that isn’t sexy is to ensure you have some proper rated recovery points fitted at either the front or rear (or both). Compressor wise you can’t go wrong with an ARB, either onboard or portable. I recommend Jed at Campervan Culture (he’s in Sussex) for the ARB kit, he offers a fitting service if you go the onboard route. A set of maxtrax, the ability to lower tyre pressures and a tyre repair kit will get out of most situations and the recovery points are for when all else has failed!
For all the other bling (tyre holders, winches etc) you can’t go wrong with Matt at VWT5 upgrades in Wales and combine with a trip! He does a lot of Sprinter stuff now and carries Dutch Van parts and lots of other goodies.
Local to you the lanes on Salisbury Plain will be fun and not too extreme.
PS agree about ditching the graphics, will look great stealth black! Enjoy.
Thanks SO much for the tips and advice on where to get the bits and bobs! Much appreciated :-)
Hi Jamie love the van , you will need as mentioned full size spare wheel and carrier, rear tow bar with recovery shackles. Front shackles and a heavy duty winch. Under chassis protection plates . An air compressor. Then lights . Lazer utility lamps on the rear and the sides plus a set of triple 750 lamps for your grill then a curved led light bar for the roof . Can't ever not have enough lights on your van 👍
Thanks. That’s all now on the list for sure. I better get working hard in 2025 for all this huh! :-)
@jamies_adventures hi James the van looks fantastic, I was looking at those before I got my van haven transporter, I'm not jealous lol well maybe just a little bit. Looking forward to seeing where the road takes you both. Stunning van enjoy 🤪👍
Thanks! Really looking forward to filming adventures in 2025. See you on the road! :-)
I love the look of your van. I'm in the process of searching for a van and everyone is telling me to get the LWB but looking at your van it seems big enough.
What made you decide on the MWB ?
To be honest, I was also looking at getting the LWB too. But this van came up and now we have it I'm glad we got the MWB. Although it's smaller inside, getting around smaller lanes and parking it is so easy. It's so big as it is, the LWB I think would be tricky getting to places I want to go. The LWB Merc sprinter 4x4 is absolutely huge! (which is good and bad). Saying all that, I have only just got it, so check back in after a while and I'll let you know how the MWB is. :-)
if you havent already go on some 4x4 courses and learn how to drive off road.
Engine fluid heating system - engine preheater.
Before you go into the wilderness anywhere like Iceland, or Norway/Finland etc, buy a PLB and/or a Garmin InReach Mini 2 or Messenger. If ever needed they will save your life. !!!
I done a 4x4 thing at Thuxton a few weeks ago, which I learnt a lot. Although, that was in a old Landy and the Sprinter is very different! I remembered it was called Engine Preheater just after I filmed the video. Well done for interpreting my poor memory! :-)
Jamie we just had a rear wheel carrier which is also a ladder fitted to our Sven made and fitted by Mule Vans in Barnsley it is a top quality product so well fitted they do one for your van and they do a newer style which has 3 flat steps at the top so easy to climb up and it looks awesome as well.
Thanks. Yes, I’ve heard Mule do some good stuff. I’ll check them out :-)
Hi. I’ll be follow a similar path to you van wise so interested to see your choices. I’d look at getting the bulkhead above the cab insulated properly as well as the sliding door and rear doors. Also get the EGR valve replaced and have a spare. Get a diagnostic reader too. I’m thinking Starlink
Mini for comms on the road also. Snatch strap and Maxtrax for recovery. Also look at protecting the water tanks underneath a bit better. Anyway good luck. I start my adventure in April 2025 so might see you out there
Thanks for the ideas. I think this will definitely be a journey getting all the gear! Starlink is a great idea too though, to work on the road. See you on the road! :-)
@simonmeredith is the starlink most suitable for sprinters, or do they all do the same job ?
fab vlog - I have to be dull but its worth saying that you MUST check that your insurance will cover you for actually going "off Road" - its a ridiculous small print but no doubt you have seen the vlogs of the UK couple who toppled their MLT Crossover in spain? - random bad luck and an encounter with a badly placed rock and they were on their side. Insurance company refused to pay out as they were on an "uncategorised road" (it was a track) - forewarned is forearmed and all that. Really excited to follow your travels - we are also in Hampshire and have an A-Class Hymer we bought locally from Southdowns - we have an MLT Xperience arriving in Jan (RWD, not 4X4 - we are both too short for a high vehicle lol) Iceland is definitely on our dreamlist too. Leanne & Chris - PS the decals need to stay lol - they are iconic
Thanks! And thanks for the tip regarding insurance, I will keep that in mind! Reading the comments, people are split about the graphics, still not sure myself. Thanks for the comment :-)
If you wanna come to Norway at wintertime there is one thing you will need - studded tires 🛞
We do see from time to time people travel trough here at all terrain etc tyres, but our local newspapers is always full of tourists coming here for the first time and the car/motorhome end up outside of our icy roads. Emergency starter is very useful because the distances here are long if you need starter help caused by a flat battery. In Northern Norway the temperatures varies from 0 to -35° depending where you go 🥶
Its not a bad thing to overthink everything if you come here up to Northern Norway 😊👍🏻
Congratulations with your new car and god luck with your adventures.
Thanks for the comment and advice. Rest assured I will do my homework and get the van together before I attempt a trip like Norway in winter! A while before that happens I think :-)
I suggest NC500 or Wild Atlantic Way. Anti clockwise due to the door being on the driver’s side. Park on the right to get the sea views.
Thanks. NC500 is on my list for asap actually! Wild Atlantic Way is a great idea too! Thanks for the comment :-)
Nice seats where are they from if you dont mind me asking
Hi. They are just stock with the van. Very comfortable and no complaints so far… :-)
@jamies_adventures hi jamie are they stock merdedes seats
Um not sure. They come with the Hymer Crossover spec of this van. Not sure if they are on all sprinters, sorry.
You know Living the Van life?
Of course! Great channel
@jamies_adventures much to learn from him...he is great! And makes a lot of beautiful footage
Step 1
WEIGH THE VAN so you know how much you can add
That's a great idea. I know I've got around a ton of payload, but good idea to know exactly.
Nice van. The yellow sticker must be removed, leaving only the clean, black (invisible) exterior.
Yeah, that’s what I was thinking
I entered an online competition to win one of these a while back. I didn’t win though.
Ohh that would’ve been a great prize!
Get it ceramic coated as a dirty black van will drive you mad.
Ha maybe! I think there’s going to be a lot of phases to this van with all the upgrades! Thanks for the comment :-)
No way would I remove those yellow graphics it really suits that van, don't do it :)
Ha! I’m hearing so many different opinions from loads of people. I’ll think about over the Xmas break. No rush either way :-)
Get them off !!! Lol not your mate living with it mate
Probably yep! :-)
@ also subbed looking at a 4x4 sprinter for next van myself beautiful looking & probably best on the market
@VanlifeHQ Haven’t had it long, but it’s great so far.
Matt @ vwT5 upgrades (they do merc too) is your man. Or Jamie at Yakkt
Thanks for the recommendations. Much appreciated!
Hi Jamie, my name is Peter and I live in Belgium. I built my campervan myself on a Mercedes Sprinter 319 4X4 base about 5 years ago. I have traveled around a lot in the meantime, including 2 months in Lapland. So I learned a few things and adjusted my equipment a few times. If you have an hour or 2 to spent, i am willing to help with certain choices. Let me know and I will share my WhatsApp details with you. Greetings, Peter
Thanks Peter. I’m a good few months before I need to think about upgrading things, but will definitely keep you in mind for some advice. Thanks! :-)
@@jamies_adventures I look forward to your experiences. Remember, 80% of the fun is the preparation :-).
Just a few thoughts that you can get started on. Are you planning to overland? No... then forget the spare wheel, the winch and the compressor. Help is never more than a click away. A repair set and small compressor are all you need. if you do plan to go overland, then you have the wrong car. All wheel drive is not 4x4. Think more about a second heating system. Hymer also does not use "standard" electrical components such as Victronic that are available everywhere. Consider a BU system such as Buettie or Ecoflow. What's left... good recovery boards, a shovel, axe, saw, recovery rope... And if you want something more off-road, a limited-slip diff or lock diff. my to cents....
happy holidays,
Peter
Hi. Not really over landing, but I definitely plan for off road and off grid. There will be lots of upgrades over time, and the AWD sprinter will be plenty for where I would like to go. Thanks for the comment. Very useful! :-)