Turn Your Sprinter Van Into An Off Road Beast - Living The Van Life
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- Опубліковано 23 сер 2024
- **CLICK HERE** Agile Offroad Air Locker - agileoffroad.c...
Do you want to turn your 2wd or 4x4 sprinter van into the ultimate off-road capable machine? You are going to want to watch this video. Here on Living The Van Life, I work to blur the lines between overloading, off-roading and van life. Now that Agile Offroad and ARB 4x4 have teamed up and developed a rear air locking differential specifically for the sprinter vans, these vans are going to be at a whole new level of off-road capabilities.
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"THAT'S SOME PUCKER"...!! Even John was super surprised 😮. Awesome Vid Chad.
Very informative video and another great job filming and explaining everything that is going on with the locker. Once you have lockers you will always have lockers. Good job Chad!
My wish came true, two videos in one weeks time, I could watch this guys videos on a daily basis man, Netflix should consider making this guys an offer
Fantastic video Chad, do you ever worry that the Sprinter Van may turn over? I know it probably has a very low centre of gravity but it looks scary to me at times.
I think I would try to concentrate the heaviest stuff down low, and not put much weight up high on a build like that. Big, heavy axles underneath may make for a less wonderful ride, but that very low cg weight can help you have confidence when things are less than level.
Wow that was amazing. You're so damn hardcore with your van. It's great to see the limits being pushed.
Just leaving a comment on a friend's phone that she trusted me with while she watched the movie _Anita_ on mine. Now she is sub'd. And notified. 😀
Both my RVs have had the 4x4 conversions done to them. A 1999 Coachmen Vans M19RD Class B Ford E-250 5.4L gas with a full body Raptor Bed Liner paint job and my 2006 Bigfoot 30MH29RQ Class C, Ford E-450 6L Turbo Diesel (Bulletproofed). Slipping into 4x4 has gotten me through ice and snow hazards that stopped others while opening off pavement boondocking opportunities that confidently transited loose sand without worries. The Class B has the ARB Air-lockers installed front and rear by Agile when they did the conversion a couple years ago and really come in handy at times. Yes, 4x4 conversions are pricey, but in adverse conditions, PRICELESS.
could you please start a "how to actually use my 4x4 sprinter" weekend school in SoCal? But not on THAT specific trail? Good lord that was insane.
As soon as you said that you were doing it in 2wd I instantly thought that you got lockers! Awesome! You probably already know this but with the bigger tires and lockers you will put more strain on the axle shafts. Not sure if they make chromolly shafts for the Sprinter van but I've broken them on a Toyota and it wasn't fun 😊
Lol. Did you not watch from the beginning? So much good information. Great video.
Thnx for sharing 😊
Holy crap, man. Holy crap. My pucker factor was off the chart watching you and John rocking on the edge of that drop. Wow.
great vid - my palms were sweaty watching this! Great driving!
Don't pay attention to all the haters great video
This is a super helpful video in helping understand the value and functionality of adding a locker. It seems you might be able to make a lot of what was done by using the 4WD and traction control, but the locker makes it so much smoother, and thus more predictable, less stressful, and safer.
Chad, that was pucker power with stomper killer. All you need now is a snorkel and rocket power. I was breathing heavy and thought oh no I can’t watch anymore.
Awesome.
My hands are sweaty watching you guys hangin’ up wheels and rockin’ and rollin’ those off camber trails. I think you guys were the first two vans on those trails to tread on. Rock on.
Thanks for watching!
ARB made in Australia, expensive but worth every cent! Great video Chad, keep on trucking.
Hey chad, the guys at Agile sent me to your page, and you got a new sub for the attention to detail and overall great video!
i work for a sprinter conversion shop in Oregon and just went through this install on my employer's personal van last week down in Santee! cant wait to see more about ypur build as i chase the UA-cam rabbit hole😂🤟
I bought a jeep rubicon in 2005 when I came home from Iraq and had all that Army money to spend from living 18 months in the desert. People used to get so mad when you would use lockers at 4x4 parks or on trails like you were "cheating" The purists were always out there hunting lines and figuring out how to navigate a trail and I'd just sit back and drink coffee and wait for them to all get through and then catch up in no time flat. Both front and rear lockers were a go's send in some places I found myself exploring the Northern California and Oregon wilderness. I miss them now and have debated getting another Rubicon or doing g what you did and outfitting an overland rig with them. You are going to love them man.
Thanks for your service, man. There will always be someone with an axe to grind over something. Hope you're back in that Rubicon soon! Cheers!
@@LivingTheVanLife me too man. Or maybe a Mercedes Sprinter 4x4 set up similar to yours and start my all national parks world tour sooner than planned. We will see. Love the videos man great job 😁
This is one of my favorite & most watched channel,excited for more adventure upload.Keep safe & enjoy,cheers✌✌✌
Best test I've seen using only a air locker ! Well done.
Chad you are finding and filming gems in breathtaking location and also in vehicle mobility.
Blur the lines between overlanding and van life? Oh, hell yeah! Another superb, informative video. Keep them coming and I'll keep watching.
Spectacular, I've even been scared, you've given me goosebumps. Incredible where you've been
Dude, 31:22 is such an Ace Ventura moment :))
The stabilized video makes it look like the van is going smooth and you are rocking all over the place😄
"puker factor" great term for any time you go off camber or lift one of the front wheels off the ground in a 10 ft tall Sprinter van. Nice video Chad, can't believe you did that trail in 2WD!
Wow that was some serious pucker factor living. I was hoping to see a situation in your tests where the locker allowed you to climb a hill that you were not able to climb in 2wd. Great video!
Please chad !!!!! Please !!!!!
Do a throwback of good ol westy girl one of these days. I miss that thing.
Thank you for all this beautiful content you give us.
That last test was wild! Makes me wanna get a Sprinter! 😂
Yo man , I been watching a lot of the older content. I picked up some Canadian club whisky because at one point you recommended it. Cheers to you and cheers to everyone on this channel who gets inspired by by you everyday. Peace out, keep on truckin
Cheers! Thanks for watching!
So nice to see you putting up more videos more regularly. I was actually missing watching your content. 😊
I told John when I was at Agile before Baja last April that I still want one of those Black Multicam hats!!! I like what the lockers do just a little bit better for sure. He pulled out all the parts and gave me a show when I was there. I also still believe two footing it can help a ton without lockers but it's a nice add. Another test with the locker would be great in sand like we did in Baja. Keep the great stuff coming Chad!
I have large BFG’s on my AlTerrain HD. What a difference. Have pushed thru snow as high as my hood with a 4inch lift. Traction on ice is sure footed. I paid $1100+ with65,000 warranty!🤗🇺🇸🇨🇦 Michigan
That was impressive! I don’t have a Sprinter Van, I have a 2wd ambulance with duallies that I am converting into an off grid tiny home. I have installed the ARB Air Locker so your video was very informative as to what I might expect from my ambo in the backcountry. Thanks for another excellent and informative video.
Thanks for watching!
Wow, I felt every bump on this journey. Excellent views and perspectives on upgrading to these lockers. Personally, I would never venture alone on these trails but what an awesome way of showing these rigs capabilities.
Definitely got my subscription and interest to someday buy this van. Hopefully, I too can join and finally experience your adventures.
Amazing work per usual. Zero need for the disclaimer. LTVL Forever
Thanks for the air pressure reply Chad. Safe travels!
These colab videos are so sick. Can’t get enough of them. And I own a transit lol
Truly some insane trails you guys tackled. My pucker was tightening up just watching you guys.
Any video with Chad in it Is always worth watching💯🤙🏽!
Holy shit Chad, that was amazing! No doubt, that was the most challenging terrain that I’ve ever seen a Sprinter navigate, and entirely in 2wd… WOW!
Van life definition to me, is being able to go anywhere. Meeting people, experiencing different lifestyles and cultures. Also, being alone and doing my own thing.
your channel is turning to living a van life to how van works.... the content we loved, the travel, the breaks, the food, the nature is now often lost in the how van is good bad or is working....
Living in a van involves all aspects of my life, Nouman. That includes what works for this van to get me out to the places where I can provide the content you love. There are followers that want travel and cooking and there are followers that also want to know which products I use, how I like them and how I use them. Patience. Thanks for watching!
Another great advert for a supplier, much more interesting to watch than the recovery gear one. Having said that if I had a two wheel drive sprinter I’d feel much more confident now.
Awesome video wit lots of great information! I have a GMC Savana 2500 cargo van and will keep my eye on a Sprinter van for the near future.
From the beginning of NCV3 and VS30 it was possible to order permanent 4wd with cast iron front diff and 3 lockers. It was a "special version" of the MB Sprinter possible to order in MB Dealers as well, just for the record ;) Question is how does a back diff locker work without central diff locking mechanism?
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Really fun video Chad. One note, I found the music very loud in the breaks so I found myself constantly changing volume in between your speaking. I was watching on an ipad pro so maybe that had something to do with it. Safe travels, all the best from Vancouver Island
yeah that too high volume in music breaks is about the only criticism I can find on Chad's videos
@@thomass.586 Agree, they are amazing videos so I hope this feedback will reach him and he can try and make an adjustment during editing.
Cool video ! Aren’t you going to have to also change the gearing in the front to match the new rear gear ? Not as critical off road at slower speeds but in snowy conditions in 4 wheel drive on the road at higher speeds it’s going wear on one or both sets of gears over time. Thanks and take care Chad
Was thinking the same thing. Did he just turn his 4WD into a 2WD? Even in sand different ratios will not mix.
@@MrThisIsMeToo yea. My thoughts too. Hate to see something blow up. Low speed in sand mud etc not as big an issue although still a big problem. But higher speeds …. Detonation in the pumpkin is gonna happen ! Or transfer case.
I had the exact same thought. Basically rendered the 4x4 system useless with out matching final drive ratios in the diffs.
Hello, Chad! You have always had awesome videos! I like when you give information about how you can design your van, and how you can change your van from a formal van to an off road vehicle. You give great information to people who are a beginner. Great job, Chad! Keep on trucking! 🚐😎⛰️🧰🍳🥾🏕️♥️
Pushing the limits of ARB indeed! Body language behind the steering is usually the fun part. Locker lifts the front wheels higher pushing in its direction and influence the steering, Go slow is best . 🔐
Unreal! Definitely, as you said, a game changer. Lock it UP. Thanks again. Looking forward to some more gnarly trails.🙌👊🏼
Maybe add some more red D-rings. If 3 is cool looking then 8 would be the coolest “old guy van” out there!
Lol! Why not!
Great video!!! I look forward to the 2023 AWD version, new engine, 9-speed transmission, and related reviews on it's off-road capabilities.
Thoroughly enjoyed that, Chad.
Keep showing things practical.
Absolutely fantastic really enjoy that . I am in the U.K. what I just watched you do is harder than anything we have in the U.K.
A rear diff locker is one of the best mods Inevdr did to my Jeep. The result was pretty much what you experienced here, I could climb hills and run through mud holes in 2wd that before I couldn't do in 4wd.
Dude this is the life I want ! Nice life bro! I'm from northern Utah. I love the American west
Me, too! Thanks for watching!
Amazing video loved it mate
Enjoyed as always, I'd like to see more inside the van in detail. Gracias!
Very cool and functional addition Chad! I put a rear OX cable lock on my Jeep JK Sport and it was a game changer. But also installed manual sway bar disconnects, which really helps keeping 4 on the floor. Limited slip diff for the front is next. Have you thought about installing a pneumatic sway bar disconnect? You already have an on board air compressor…
Hi Chad…. Thanks for sharing useful informative videos and amazing scenic ones too.🙏
Good product review man, without any kind of trick photography! And hopefully it won't overheat the engine & transmission too, if only using 2-Wd locked position on an off road.
Arguably your best video, and I've never owned a van, just a arm chair fan.
Glad to have you along for the adventure, Bumpy! Thanks for watching!
Awesome video! Looks like the Sprinter handled the trails very nicely 👍🏽 That looked really fun!
It’s a shame MB doesn’t realize what they are missing on selling to the public by offering just some of the G-Wagon tech available. Center diff locks as well as axle lockers. 😔
Awesome job on that type of terrain!! Let’s see it in mud/water conditions and some water crossings.. then ❄️ winter👍🏼💪 Heelllll Yeah!
I really want a sprinter like this but wow, the mods needed lol, it’s a lifestyle.
You have graduated, but I miss those effen cool vw bus vids, what an incredibile vehicle .
killer video. If I had a 4x4 144, I would go this route for sure. I still think a 170 2wd is a bit much/long for more rugged trails based on my experience, but the the locker still would help. The lack of low-range makes steeps tough on the brakes on the 2wd that I have. I have been eyeing Oriflamme ever since I got my jeep a few weeks ago. Love to see you on it!
Nice to see a beefed up van, only problem I see that there is no extra work being done to beef up the motor and transmission to be able to handle all these upgrades and additional stress and weight added to the vehicle and I dont mean just bigger oil coolers. I bet those transmission bands, clutches and torque converter are screaming for mercy during off road and deep snow conditions. The bigger tires alone I bet are putting a lot of added stress to the power train.
Craving a series of summer, wooded stuff. Where whatever you catch, as you are fishing, is what’s for dinner. But in the VW! Fall, or winter would be cool as well, just a wooded, series with the VW.
You are awesome man by making us feeling what you feel it's scaring believe me but I love it !!!
Love your show i have a JK Jeep Wrangler sport and you are my inspiration for Discovery.
travel in Australia, hope to see you here one day.
Man I love your videos. OWs is my backyard. I live in Ramona and frequent the desert 20 times a year. So stoked you made it down this way.
Thanks, Mike!
@@LivingTheVanLife huge fan since the beginning of your journey. I turned you on to my 77 year old dad in Texas a year or so ago. We talk about your videos all the time. Keeps our bond alive! Thank you
Chad Very informative and I like the variety. One thing is baffling me though. I realize you never once said you used 4 wheel drive . But how can you regear the back and not also the front ? Did the transmission reflash compensate for this some how?
My original stock gearing in the rear was equipped with 3.92 rear gears. Now I am at 4.18 gears in the rear. The front differential is 4.20. Most 4x4 Sprinters don't have matching front and rear gear ratios to begin with. The transfer case is able to distribute power appropriately despite the difference in gear ratio. These sprinter transfer cases are not a true 50/50 4x4 transfer case. They are more of an AWD.
@@LivingTheVanLife Thank you Chad ,I love learning new stuff .Now that you have proven you point of what a two wheel drive locker can do . Do you think you would be more inclined to use 4 wheel drive in lock to take a lot of the stress off the rear drive shaft axles and diff ? Had some good news today , I ordered a Honda CRF 300 L back in January and it came in today . I am 68 ,but let the fun begin! Thanks again for what you do .
@@LivingTheVanLife That answered my question about front regearing. Is Agile going to develop a front locker w/ ARB to create a complete 4x4?
Excellent video. Great for all 2 WD vehicles. thanks Chad.
Great demo of air lockers.
Hi from South Africa really like the content of this Chanel 💪💪💪💪
I'm glad I learned about this because I wanted to install one in my hilux and I wasn't sure about it but now I know
My little Irish Leprechaun 🍀 you drive with guts!💀
Ah no way. I used the same music in one of my vids which was strangely inspired by you. Excellent work AS ALWAYS 💪🏻
Yes! Thanks for watching, man-
Another great Video Chad... Keep on Truckin
Always! Cheers!
Very Cool, I hope this product has longevity. A problem with a lot of after market products is that they just Fail sooner than OEM products specially when they become more complex.
You can get those sprinter vans with factory lockers.
Those axles are build where i work. In Kassel, Germany!
It’s Amazing how you can take these vans up those challenging trails.
I’m wondering how much the re-gearing helped in addition to the locker to better match the power band to larger tire size?
I’m also wondering if either van has the aftermarket throttle hack installed that supposedly helps with turbo lag?
Yes. Yes. And yes.
Jason from Maryland here.. please tell me the front gears were done prior to driving? ..transfer case might have something to say about that! ...edit...or the front driveshaft was pulled? Most of what i do is in 2WD also, my Jeep WJ is a TANK!
Cheers Chad!...looooong time watcher...love all ya do Man!!!
My original stock gearing in the rear was equipped with 3.92 rear gears. Now I am at 4.18 in the rear. The front differential is 4.20. Most 4x4 Sprinters don't have matching front and rear gear ratios to begin with. The transfer case is able to distribute power appropriately despite the difference in gear ratio. These sprinter transfer cases are not a true 50/50 4x4 transfer case.
@@LivingTheVanLife
hey there Chad!
just finished watching, lm gonna watch again!
ok i hear ya! im aware of the ability to run not quuuuuite so close gear ratios, welcome to 'Jeep', lol. was just making sure your alright, but im sure AO would not have let you venture if there were any, 'issues'. i run front and rear Detroit True Trac Limited Slips with a 4:88 ratio on 33s...the mighty 4.0 loves the change! Also, keep in mind while its 'easier on the truck', there is that slight more stress on the rear diff in general.
And by the way, my WJ interior, is modeled from you Westy...just a tiny bit smaller!
Future goal....to make it to the Mt Bake ski area to hang and cook some grub with ya!!!
edit: ill take a flat brim hat...with my name on it!! lol
Great rig! Sure do miss the Westy , tho.
YO!!! off work today and gonna watch on the big screen!!! soon as i put my phone down LOL 👍🤙🤘✊
32:30 this is not throttle response, this is a malfunction of the 4ets and esp system coming from oversized tyres and the locker ;) Power is being cut off because the ECU don't understand what is up with the back wheels.
Chad, I must be missing something here. How do you change the rear Diff ratio, but not the front Diff. If you were to use the 4WD, seems to me there might be a problem there. Just wondering. Thing is a mountain goat now!
My original stock gearing in the rear was equipped with 3.92 rear gears. No I am at 4.18 gears in the rear. The front differential is 4.20. Most 4x4 Sprinters don't have matching front and rear gear ratios to begin with. The transfer case is able to distribute power appropriately despite the difference in gear ratio. These sprinter transfer cases are not a true 50/50 4x4 transfer case. They are more of an AWD.
@@LivingTheVanLife the owners manual also refers to it as an AWD system, just markets it as 4x4.
@@LivingTheVanLife Wow good to know thanks! Never knew that.
This is some great information all my trucks have the locking rear ends makes a great truck out of them .but to be able to put them in an out whenever you need to would be great 👍
Great video with awesome technical information, thanks
A very good production start to finish. It would be cool to see a short video, if possible, where you have four wheel drive engaged with the necessity for lockers. Automatic for me when I first hit a dirt road, to just engage four high, unless I’m absolutely going a snails pace.
That van will tip over one day. It’s so top heavy now.
Great explanation of the system and comparison
@38:00 - elite level spotting!
❤love it bro 😅
Don't know why but i feel you were much better with your old VW 🤘🤘
Ditto
Loved the VW content 🤙🏼
I think there was more sense of adventure in the VW, his new rig has every mod con and is pretty much invincible, so whatever terrain or weather he faces its gonna easily manage, which i sort of find less exciting as a viewer.
Hey Chad from Greece!! Awesome video man! Don’t you worry about your automatic transmission?? It seems to have a big pain with those tyres to start on rocky uphills!
Yeah I am of the belief that just because you can drive a trail in 2WD, it doesn't mean you shouldn't use 4WD. I say that because sometimes 2WD can really make a mess of a road, where 4WD doesn't. For the courtesy of other road users, especially resource roads where they are used commercially it's always best to tread lightly when you can. If that means turning on 4WD to prevent ripping up a road, then use it...
Thanks for the input-
great video Pal, I really enjoyed it !!