Brad, it doesn’t matter what the content you post is. It will always be an immediate play for me. Keep up the amazing work. Your videos (along with Revere Overland and Ozark Overland Adventures) are my inspirations!
Just over 15 years I’ve been traveling in a motorhome towing a Mini Cooper. Taking the Mini on roads it should have never been on. Last month I ordered my 8th Jeep vehicle specifically to tow behind the motorhome. This one is a Wrangler Rubicon JLU. Wranglers always make me smile ever since my first YJ. Semper fi Master Chief, keep up the great content.
Perfect video for someone like us who loves the Jeep as a best friend and is also open-minded to other options for a different kind of fun! Thanks for the great video!!
Every rig has it's trade offs. Will you be living it it full time, going into very tight technical trails, needing lots of payload etc. Theirs no perfect truck but you have to compromise to suit your main goal. Every rig is unique and adapted for the owners specific goals. Always cool to see different step ups for ideas :D
Really like how you're exploring other vehicle options that could help expand the options to other who maybe looking for options other than a Jeep or trailer. Nicely done Brad.
What an absolute belter of a Video Brad well done Mate👍👍👍 this is what makes you stand above the rest and makes watching Your channel a real delight. I love my jeep as well but its so cool to see you explore with other offroad vehicles and means of enjoying the great outdoors in any shape or form. Safe travels back home and keep up the good work, Wade from Australia👍👍👍.
We have Sprinter vans at work. As a driver, I love them for both passenger and driver comfort. The seating position for the driver, especially, is one of the best I’ve ever experienced. That said, it’s not all sunshine and roses. Daimler keeps a tight rein on technical manuals, and getting work done on the the parts of the van that came from Mercedes can be *very* difficult. You pretty much have to take it to a Mercedes or Freightliner shop.
Yup, being able to look over lifted trucks, with incredible turning radius and short hood makes it super easy to drive even in dense urban area. Being able to stand up inside, bring everything you want, sleep inside insulated steel walls and glass makes it very nice
The ultimate 4X4 overlander I've ever seen was a COE that had GIGANTIC tires (I mean way taller than 40s). A couple from Germany had it shipped to South America from Germany and they were making a road trip from the southern most tip of South America to Alaska. It was even stocked with a wine bar!
The only problems with those massive world-traveler overland rigs are the fuel consumption and parts supply. Fuel economy is high single-digits to low double-digits and parts are commercial truck parts that may have to come from another country. They're also not subtle and can't go down narrow roads like a Jeep or a van can. Otherwise, if you're going to travel the world extensively why not do it in a rolling house?
@@bwofficial1776 somehow I don't think that couple had a money issue. They made it from South America to Arizona where I saw them, so they were doing something right.
Nice walk around. Not made for the extreme stuff, but probably capable of moderate (3) and below rated trails. Great alternative vehicle. Thanks for the review and Travel safe on the way to PNW.
just watched Matt's Offroad Recovery rescuing this very type of sprinter - as he said, its the most least capable vehicle he has driven going up hill that specific trail.. But it did climb anyway.. For general overlanding, this might be the most comfortable out there. Just dont hit sketchy trails.
Cool video Brad love how your open minded and try new things, you have inspired me to get out more with my rig, don’t stop making this amazing content !
The problem I continually have during about 14 months of owning a 2021 Sprinter is driving on gravel roads with an incline. For some reason, the van just quits delivering torque to the wheels even though it has enough to get up the hill. It'll just roll to a stop and sit there while you have the accelerator all the way down with the engine screaming. So you pull your foot off the accelerator, roll backwards a bit and go forward again. Obviously, if there's enough torque to get going from a backwards roll there's plenty to *keep* going if you're already going forward. I can't understand why it does this. I've discussed this issue with several other people who also have the problem but I haven't seen any of the UA-cam reviews address this issue. I also haven't seen any climb a gravel road with a decent amount of incline. In fact, very few of the Sprinter UA-cam videos actually drive where 4x4 is required, which is rather disappointing when reviewing a 4x4...
Appears to be an issue with the electronic stability control, not sure why it gets confused by a simple incline. Try turning off the stability control but I believe it can reactivate itself, but I haven't really researched it enough top say for sure.
@@milesbartlett Yeah it's gotta be related to the ESC. But turning it off doesn't seem to do anything. As you say, I think there's no way to fully disable it. There was just a video on Matt's Offroad Recovery where he rescues a 4x4 Sprinter and he describes EXACTLY the same problem: it just quits delivering torque to the wheels for reasons that he can't figure out, either.
Brad, as a Sprinter owner I appreciate your open minded review. I have a 2019 2500 170 (Long Wheel Base) 4x4 Sprinter I've built out custom for my wife and I to travel. While we spend most of our time on the pavement, we don't hesitate to head out on trails and dual tracks on BLM land to Boondock. It's certainly not a Jeep or even a true 4x4, but it'll do fine, albeit slow, until the trail starts getting rough. At 9.5 feet tall and 22.5 feet long, I'm not taking it on the kind of trails you love. We use it mostly for skiing and boondocking and it's not let us down yet. It'll also put down the miles when needed at 80+MPH all day long in comfort and quiet with a queen sized bed and a large fridge and freeze a few steps away. A great balance for us, but both my wife and I still drool at the thought of a nice Rubicon.........
Best walk through of this type of vehicle so far. With yall on the road using it with your gear in the vehicle. I would love one of these, maybe not as big though cause its just me. Good stuff sir.
Brad, your JT and the XOverland JT were the reasons why I bought my 2020 JT and spent 3 years kitting it out. As time went on, my wife and I realized that our build was overkill for 99% of the trails we ran, as I didn't want to risk so much money going on a trail higher than a 4. While I was emotionally invested in my JT, I had the Wagoneer bug implanted in my head for many months since its revival. I finally pulled the trigger and traded in my JT (sans the mods) in for a 2023 Wagoneer with the off road package. I'm not sure how many people are comfortable taking a Wagoneer on the trails, but I hope to see more Wagoneer overlanders! Congrats on all your success!
I think he might be hooked! I bought a 2 YO Sprinter 3500 ten years ago, and it has been my daily driver ever since. It's the longer wheel base, same diesel 3liter, is four wheel drive although all four driven wheels are on the back. But, it gets 17mpg. I hear many of the shorter wheel based Sprinters, like you are reviewing in the video, but the two wheel drive models are getting 20-24mpg, so something to think about. I now have a 2024 Hybrid Wrangler on order, so that should become my new daily driver, and toad!
Different vehicles have different uses. This is better for highway cruising and those times when you want to get out but don't feel like hitting the trails. Sprinters are popular so there are off-road mods you can do but they're not cheap because of the economies of scale. Van campers all seem to love their rigs so it'll be fun to see what adventures you take this on.
Having driven all of the vans, Sprinter, Ram, and Transit, we happen to like the Transit the best. Have been watching your travels with Matt & Kira too!! Looks like everyone's headed to the Owyhees this summer!! LOL! Enjoy, have fun while enjoying, and safe travels in whatever y'all are driving!!
Hi Brad and Regina, beautiful landscape. Very nice Sprinter van! Amazing views through the Sprinter Van windows. Really nice video. Thank you for sharing.😊
That is a cool set up! We think about renting or buying something similar so we can go on a cross country road trip with the pups. I ordered one of the Forerunner collapsible chairs from your site and love it! My husband didn't want one until he saw how easily its sets up and how small it collapses! I bought one for him as well. He is off-roading a Porsche Cayenne.
Each and every vehicle has its place. It’s up to us to decide what that place may be. Nice honest presentation. Knowing the capabilities of your vehicle is something that experience like yours really helps.
Great video; really nice option for working off-grid if you aren't doing any wheeling or craziness! I could throw the Starlink out and work remote then go hiking, paddleboarding, etc! Off topic, but I noticed the Garmin Tread not in your rides the las couple of Jeep vids. Hoping to hear your thoughts soon on this!
My wife and I purchased a used 2020 Revel 4x4 in March of 2022 with only 11,000 miles on the unit, now has 43,886 miles on the unit..the diesel fuel tank ( 40 ) gallons was the first modification I made, driving at 60 mph will give you 17 to 19 miles per gallon…with the stock Revel tire and using the cruise control, I did change the front tires to a high mileage street tread and this made a big improvement in handling and tire noise…the KO2 is not a quiet tire. We enjoy the easy traveling that a on road / off road van brings to overlanding.
Good morning Master Chief, I see how your tenure in the Navy has allowed you to have an outstanding hobby. By now we see you as a You Tube influencer. In your heart you are a “Jeep” man to the core. Because of your type of content, I have been influenced to purchase products you have endorsed. However I watch between the lines. Your review of the Sprinter conversion, is novel at best. I think for the type of off roading you do, this rig has not won you over. It has some appeal but it doesn’t satisfy the expectations you may have had for it. I will say this hobby is definitely evolving. I too have been a camping/RVer for years. I also have embraced the off roading itch, the spouse and I have a 2018 JL, I have a modified 2022 Wildtrak. I have taken both off road and both do well. However none of them are perfect. If you push your vehicle to the extreme there are consequences, that can be costly. I believe because of folks like you and others, Stallantis is making upgrades based upon experiential feedback from owners. Your enthusiasm for the 2024 models is exciting. I’m tempted to trade my Bronco for a ’24 Gladiator, however the Bronco’s gas milege is a deterrent to not trade. When I purchased my Bronco the hard tops were unavailable due to the ’21 recall. Ford still hasn’t released upgrades for us soft toppers. I use my Bronco for my work, I’m only partially retired. So yes it is my every day driver. I envy you and your spouse in your travels and the travel log. I do realize you delve in the food side a great deal. My waist line is example of my involvement. I guess you realize I too am a vet with many years service, but did’t finish my intended service goal. I left service to persue my Masters degree with hope of returning but life happened. So I focused on raising my kids to be successful. No regrets I use my service training in my civilian work and try my best to train others because my skills are lost unless I share. I commend you Master Chief for your videos, they are entertaining and informative. Three of the five males in my family were Navy, I was the odd ball, Air Force 14 yrs and five career fields. Yes lots of useable skills. Thanks.
Hey Brad, love your channel, and never miss any of your videos!! People often confuse contiguous US with continental us. The 13 tallest mountains in the continental United States are all in Alaska with Mt McKinley being the tallest at 20,310 ft. The tallest mountain in the contiguous United States is Mt Whitney.
I LOVE the Revel. I would love it for a ski vacation transport / place to live. The problem is the cost. If I remember correctly the entry price is something like $220,000.00. Which for that price I can buy a great snow vehicle and A LOT of hotels. It that’s really my only grip. But I guess that’s also why I stay at ABNB’s and not the Ritz.
I’ve been seriously contemplating for quite some time renting a sprinter and going up to the PNW. I just wasn’t sure how to make it happen. I’m coming from the Temecula area. PS: I’ve seen the MUDPLEZ license plate on the 15 before 😎
My wife and I rented a 2WD Ford Transit van. It was a decent trip through Northern California from Arizona. We did like it, but we have two larger dogs and they didn’t like not being able to see out any windows. Also, it would be nice to have a pull out galley kitchen l, like overland trailers, to cook outside. We ate at restaurants by choice, but the van is big to just pull into parking spaces in cramped coastal cities. We wish the van was equipped better to do inside and outside cooking. Plus we’d rather not having an indoor restroom and have more interior space. Our rental van did not have swivel captain’s seats which would have been nice! Also, I think the Transit vans are just made with AWD and not 4WD. We did like just parking and within minutes we were camp ready. We normally do ground tent camping and that certainly does take us a bit of time set up our campsite. Where did you rent your Sprinter van from?
Great assessment of the van's strengths and weaknesses as an offroad adventure vehicle, Brad. I've only ever owned a van for my adventures (would love a jeep but my wife prefers the style of travel a van affords, and we can get off road enough to still satisfy those cravings for the most part). My Sprinter is the longer wheelbase and I even find that to be super easy to drive in and out of the city. The shorter wheelbase model that you're using could easily be a daily driver for me, it's just that easy to maneuver. I think people would be surprised how far some drivers can take these vans. Obviously they'll never touch what true overlanding vehicles can do, but there's a TON of beautiful and secluded spots that don't require the most capable overlander to access. The biggest thing we love about our vans is that things like our kitchen, bathroom, and beds are all accessible from the cab. My wife often uses the kitchen and bathroom while stuck in traffic. And I can't count how many times we've been able to stop for a meal or a nap in cold/rainy conditions and stay warm and dry while doing so.
We're fortunate enough to have several adventure ready vehicles. One is a heavily modified Revel Van, a heavily modified Tacoma with an Alu Cab Canaopy Camper, an offgrid trailer with a rtt, a lightly modified Tacoma with an rtt, and a Gazelle tent. My wife and I primarily adventure together in our van. If I'm solo, or depending on the trip, we will take the AluCab setup. The other options, trailer, truck, and tent are used when friends and family come with. The bottom line is that the van can get to most places people want to go.
Hi Brad. Is this your new adventure vehicle. The sprinter van is definately not a bad choice. Fellow youtuber Living the Van Life has a customized sprinter van he took up to prudoe Bay Alaska in the middle of winter. His Van is the coolest build i have ever seen. If this is your newest adventure vehicle. Congratulations!
The best advice I got is if you buy one of these Sprinters for it to sit in your yard and act as an RV two or three times a year, it isnt all that great. On the other hand, if you buy a simple one with a bed and a fridge, and use it daily as a soccer practice, road trip, kids’ tournaments, campsite, daily driver, it is an incredibly useable vehicle. My issue is the lack of towing capacity compared to a 1 ton E350 or Chevy Express. But I am very interested in something like this.
The perfect Overlanding Garage in my opinion : Jeep Wrangler 392 , Ford F150 Raptor R , a Mercedes Sprinter similar to this one especially for someone who lives next to both mountains and ocean and desert like you guys 🙂
Would love to know your thoughts on the shower. How often did you find yourself using it and how is the space, water pressure, etc...? Thanks for your feed back. Looking into making a switch from my current Tundra to Sprinter. Looking at Revel & Storyteller. Love the channel!
Brad; the tallest peak in California is Mt. Whitney at 14,494'. The tallest peaks in North America are Denali (formerly Mt. McKinley) 20,310'; Mt. Logan Yukon Territory at 19,541'; Pico de Orizaba (Citlaltepetl) 18,491', Mt. St. Elias Yukon Territory 18,008', Volcan Popocatepetl 17,802'. Great video, and thank you for all the super content you produce. :D
As a van owner, who drools over your cool rigs, I’ll be interested in your trip recap. I’d like to hear the pros and cons from both you and Regina after your trip since I’m in the process if finding alternatives for my 2019 Sprinter 170 4x4. Maybe a Jeep with Ursa Minor or Gladiator with slide in bed camper.
Hi Brad, Thanks for your great video, like always! Mount Whitney is the highest peak in the 48th states, and we have more taller peaks in the state of Alaska!
Brad, next time your driving near the Walker river you should detour along Burcham Flat road. It runs along the opposite side of the river. Up on the mountain side. It's a dirt road between hells gate and walker.
Looking forward to see how this pans out from your off road perspective. There are some very cool and creative and practical mods for these things. I’m sure you have considered the Storytellers. Keep exploring. ✌🏼❤️😊
Camper vans are pretty cool. Just depends on what you want to do and how you want to camp. I noticed the Starfleet logo. Just like you guys, we wouldn’t mind trying out one of those vans for a week. BTW…..we’re you missing your 392? Noticed the red Jeep on the dash.
Here in Central Oregon a huge number of rigs in town are sprinter vans. OK for moderate 4WD but not for real serious off road travel. It takes deep pockets to purchase one.
hey brad, love all your videos, you give good content for the overlanding adventures!!,..i was wondering you still have the Sprinter or did you get rid of it already? wanted know where i can find a good price for a sprinter 4x4??,..thanks!
Brad - thank you again for another amazing video. The effort, thought and energy you put in making each video is nothing less than a TV production and you're an one-man show..just AMAZING. Oh and love your North Face bear sweatshirt. I'm gonna get online and find one! THANK YOU.. last but not least..no coffee making in this video? come on man. :p
When stocking a new rig, you always forget something…this trip, it was coffee. We had the pot, the mugs…everything but the coffee. 😂 We did make a grocery detour the following day so Brad could have his coffee for the rest of the journey. 😆
@@regenakowitz Thank you, Regena and Brad! Wow..got a reply from Regena herself...feeling special! Keep up the great work and stay safe out there. THANK YOU again for all the amazing videos!!!
Great video . . . by the way . . . Minute 4:23 let me ask you about “Agile offroad” is that the shop at Santee, CA . . . ? I’m definitely looking forward for a bigger tank for my tundra something around 50 gallons maybe
I loved your video! I bought a 2023 Revel as well. I was wondering if you upgraded the suspension? if you have not, will you, and what suspension upgrade would you do? I am looking at the Agile offroad RIP. I always appreciate your expertise! Thanks
Matt rescued a Sprinter, yes. However, the one in his latest video was a 2023 which has a very different engine and AWD system than the one in the video here. It was also not a Revel and it was not silver.
We used Sprinter vans at a hardwood floor company I worked for. The storage space was amazing! A lot of companies use trucks and trailers, we could fit everything we needed in the van and still be able to walk in through the side and walk out the back. They're pretty nice. Btw where did you get that green hoodie with the bear? I want one!
Brad that’s a great alternative to the more typical off road vehicles portrayed on UA-cam… Chris’s on Venture4WD has one and loves it… Did you purchase this or rent/borrow it, perhaps I missed that information.
Edit, Mt. Whitney is visible. At 1:36. It is just to the right and above the right switchback on the road. If you zoom in you can see the spires the the left of Whitney. Also, a more appropriate term is the highest peak in the contiguous 48 states as Alaska is still part of the North American continent. You should hike it one day. The standard route is ling but easy.
@@TrailRecon Towing was a interesting experience. Steep grades in Colorado weren't too fun. We disconnected the jeep 3 times and I drove it. Towing on long flat areas aren't a problem. I think if it had just a little more torque and different gearing it would have been able to handle it. The relative that owns it tows his TJ behind it. Which is a hole lot lighter than my 2022 JL Rubicon. If I did it again I would have spent a extra week driving pulling my jeep just to learn how it handled better.
I wouldn’t really call it a 4x4, in the sprinter manual it says selectable AWD. It does have a low range but the gearing is like traditional low range. I definitely had trouble on steep trails, really need to use some momentum over obstacles. Don’t get me wrong, it’s great for what it is but has limitations. The largest of which was likely the driver but also the height.
The only problem with vans like this is that they can get really expensive really quick Im talking about Wrangler 392 + F150 Raptor R + a really nice side by side expensive
I think you guys should have came to the Expo and then went out. We missed you and I heard allot of people asking about you guys. Hope you enjoy the new toy
i have a JK on tons/40s w/ a GFC RTT for solo rock crawling runs, but i LOVE my Revel! those RTTs and overlanding trailers don't have a full bathroom! Not to mention, i can flat tow my JK behind the Revel. MUCH more enjoyable for the highway (already have made 4 trips to Moab from Santa Cruz).
I have a 2013 Jeep Wrangler JKUR that I've been modifying and adding overlanding gear since 2013. My dream is still to own a Sprinter 4x4 adventure vehicle like this one.
Sorry, we didn't make it to the Expo. If you watch the video I posted for members only yesterday, you'll learn a little more about what happened to the van on our way home from Oregon. In spite of the challenges, we're excited to have more adventures in it!
@@TrailRecon we've had our share of problems with ours. Definitely would take my truck or jeep in the back country and leave my sprinter for the easier trail
A Sprinter van gives you the semi-RV life while having the off-road capabilities of something like a front wheel drive only SUV. Like a FWD Rav4 with decent tires. It’s nothing to sneeze at, but you have to realize that it’s still very limited.
Tallest in lower 48. It’s a great backpacking trip from Horseshoe meadows 30 miles south with a car drop @ Whitney portal. 3 14ers on the trip if you want. Langley, Muir and Whitney. When I got to the Boulder field at Langley I was suffering altitude sickness so didn’t summit. Muir was too exposed for my taste, so just did Whitney. One of my favorite trips. Sprinter van looks perfect for Alaska/Tuktoyaktuk.
What I REALLY want is for Jeep to build an overlanding van on the Gladiator chassis, with a DIESEL engine and a pop-up roof like the VW Westfalia. That would be the ultimate off-road camping machine.
Jeep had a concept of a Wrangler Unlimited XL with the body stretched to fit on a Gladiator wheelbase. I don't see why they haven't put it into production. Families will buy it because it can fit a third row. Overlanders will buy it because there's more room and the roof is replaceable.
We just spent three weeks exploring the PNW and saw dozens of these. I told my wife that if we got serious about traveling, we should look at a Sprinter.
I was in Bend for a week with family, there are sprinters in almost every driveway in the neighborhood.. I think these vans have some serious uses for a extended road trip.
@TrailRecon it was!Points of interest: Great Salt Flats, UT -Topaz Lake, CA -Great Salt Lake, UT -Mt Shasta, CA -Redwood Forest, CA -Pacific coast -Mt St Helens, WA -Mt Erie, WA -Deception Pass, WA -Ft Casey historical base w/ lighthouse -Mt Baker, WA -Mt Rainier, WA -Yellowstone -Grand Tetons -Mt Rushmore -Badlands SD A thousand breathtaking views. Lots of driving, but a lifetime of memories.
Brad, it doesn’t matter what the content you post is. It will always be an immediate play for me. Keep up the amazing work. Your videos (along with Revere Overland and Ozark Overland Adventures) are my inspirations!
Thank you so much! Matt and Rob both make great content!
AMEN BROTHER
Just over 15 years I’ve been traveling in a motorhome towing a Mini Cooper. Taking the Mini on roads it should have never been on. Last month I ordered my 8th Jeep vehicle specifically to tow behind the motorhome. This one is a Wrangler Rubicon JLU. Wranglers always make me smile ever since my first YJ. Semper fi Master Chief, keep up the great content.
The thing I like is Brad will give an honest review, and tell us the ins and outs. Love seeing options. 👍🏻❤️🇺🇸
Perfect video for someone like us who loves the Jeep as a best friend and is also open-minded to other options for a different kind of fun! Thanks for the great video!!
My Jeep JK will always be my best friend! Thank you!
👍 yep
It missed leg day - I died hahaha. I just sold my Jeep for a 2023 Revel last week! Weird coincidence.
Every rig has it's trade offs. Will you be living it it full time, going into very tight technical trails, needing lots of payload etc. Theirs no perfect truck but you have to compromise to suit your main goal. Every rig is unique and adapted for the owners specific goals. Always cool to see different step ups for ideas :D
Agree, pros and cons to all of the adventure vehicles out there.
Really like how you're exploring other vehicle options that could help expand the options to other who maybe looking for options other than a Jeep or trailer. Nicely done Brad.
What an absolute belter of a Video Brad well done Mate👍👍👍 this is what makes you stand above the rest and makes watching Your channel a real delight. I love my jeep as well but its so cool to see you explore with other offroad vehicles and means of enjoying the great outdoors in any shape or form. Safe travels back home and keep up the good work, Wade from Australia👍👍👍.
Thank you man! There are so many great ways to explore!
We have Sprinter vans at work. As a driver, I love them for both passenger and driver comfort. The seating position for the driver, especially, is one of the best I’ve ever experienced.
That said, it’s not all sunshine and roses. Daimler keeps a tight rein on technical manuals, and getting work done on the the parts of the van that came from Mercedes can be *very* difficult. You pretty much have to take it to a Mercedes or Freightliner shop.
Yup, being able to look over lifted trucks, with incredible turning radius and short hood makes it super easy to
drive even in dense urban area. Being able to stand up inside, bring everything you want, sleep inside insulated steel walls and glass makes it very nice
The ultimate 4X4 overlander I've ever seen was a COE that had GIGANTIC tires (I mean way taller than 40s). A couple from Germany had it shipped to South America from Germany and they were making a road trip from the southern most tip of South America to Alaska. It was even stocked with a wine bar!
An overlander with a wine bar, not that's glamping!
The only problems with those massive world-traveler overland rigs are the fuel consumption and parts supply. Fuel economy is high single-digits to low double-digits and parts are commercial truck parts that may have to come from another country. They're also not subtle and can't go down narrow roads like a Jeep or a van can. Otherwise, if you're going to travel the world extensively why not do it in a rolling house?
@@bwofficial1776 somehow I don't think that couple had a money issue. They made it from South America to Arizona where I saw them, so they were doing something right.
I saw the Revel and thought it was a Talon Sei video as that’s what his first van looked like.
I was quite surprised to see Brad. 😂
Nice walk around. Not made for the extreme stuff, but probably capable of moderate (3) and below rated trails. Great alternative vehicle. Thanks for the review and Travel safe on the way to PNW.
just watched Matt's Offroad Recovery rescuing this very type of sprinter - as he said, its the most least capable vehicle he has driven going up hill that specific trail.. But it did climb anyway.. For general overlanding, this might be the most comfortable out there. Just dont hit sketchy trails.
That was the new model with All Wheel Drive (and too much electronic interference)
Cool video Brad love how your open minded and try new things, you have inspired me to get out more with my rig, don’t stop making this amazing content !
Thank you! Keeping an open mind in life will open up new experiences.
The problem I continually have during about 14 months of owning a 2021 Sprinter is driving on gravel roads with an incline. For some reason, the van just quits delivering torque to the wheels even though it has enough to get up the hill. It'll just roll to a stop and sit there while you have the accelerator all the way down with the engine screaming. So you pull your foot off the accelerator, roll backwards a bit and go forward again. Obviously, if there's enough torque to get going from a backwards roll there's plenty to *keep* going if you're already going forward. I can't understand why it does this. I've discussed this issue with several other people who also have the problem but I haven't seen any of the UA-cam reviews address this issue. I also haven't seen any climb a gravel road with a decent amount of incline. In fact, very few of the Sprinter UA-cam videos actually drive where 4x4 is required, which is rather disappointing when reviewing a 4x4...
Appears to be an issue with the electronic stability control, not sure why it gets confused by a simple incline. Try turning off the stability control but I believe it can reactivate itself, but I haven't really researched it enough top say for sure.
@@milesbartlett Yeah it's gotta be related to the ESC. But turning it off doesn't seem to do anything. As you say, I think there's no way to fully disable it. There was just a video on Matt's Offroad Recovery where he rescues a 4x4 Sprinter and he describes EXACTLY the same problem: it just quits delivering torque to the wheels for reasons that he can't figure out, either.
Brad, as a Sprinter owner I appreciate your open minded review. I have a 2019 2500 170 (Long Wheel Base) 4x4 Sprinter I've built out custom for my wife and I to travel. While we spend most of our time on the pavement, we don't hesitate to head out on trails and dual tracks on BLM land to Boondock. It's certainly not a Jeep or even a true 4x4, but it'll do fine, albeit slow, until the trail starts getting rough. At 9.5 feet tall and 22.5 feet long, I'm not taking it on the kind of trails you love. We use it mostly for skiing and boondocking and it's not let us down yet. It'll also put down the miles when needed at 80+MPH all day long in comfort and quiet with a queen sized bed and a large fridge and freeze a few steps away. A great balance for us, but both my wife and I still drool at the thought of a nice Rubicon.........
Love the videos Brad, keep it up!
Appreciate it!
Best walk through of this type of vehicle so far. With yall on the road using it with your gear in the vehicle. I would love one of these, maybe not as big though cause its just me. Good stuff sir.
Thank you!
Funny I just drove from Bishop and Mammoth to Reno and realized you were on the same road. What a beautiful drive.
One of my favorite drives!
This has been my dilemma for years. Jeep or van or 4x4. Been lucky enough to have owned both but can never pick one. Great work
Brad, your JT and the XOverland JT were the reasons why I bought my 2020 JT and spent 3 years kitting it out. As time went on, my wife and I realized that our build was overkill for 99% of the trails we ran, as I didn't want to risk so much money going on a trail higher than a 4. While I was emotionally invested in my JT, I had the Wagoneer bug implanted in my head for many months since its revival. I finally pulled the trigger and traded in my JT (sans the mods) in for a 2023 Wagoneer with the off road package. I'm not sure how many people are comfortable taking a Wagoneer on the trails, but I hope to see more Wagoneer overlanders! Congrats on all your success!
I think he might be hooked! I bought a 2 YO Sprinter 3500 ten years ago, and it has been my daily driver ever since. It's the longer wheel base, same diesel 3liter, is four wheel drive although all four driven wheels are on the back. But, it gets 17mpg. I hear many of the shorter wheel based Sprinters, like you are reviewing in the video, but the two wheel drive models are getting 20-24mpg, so something to think about. I now have a 2024 Hybrid Wrangler on order, so that should become my new daily driver, and toad!
Different vehicles have different uses. This is better for highway cruising and those times when you want to get out but don't feel like hitting the trails. Sprinters are popular so there are off-road mods you can do but they're not cheap because of the economies of scale. Van campers all seem to love their rigs so it'll be fun to see what adventures you take this on.
The space underneath vacated by the spare tire looks like a good spot to build in a storage compartment that could ve acessible by a trap door inside
Having driven all of the vans, Sprinter, Ram, and Transit, we happen to like the Transit the best. Have been watching your travels with Matt & Kira too!! Looks like everyone's headed to the Owyhees this summer!! LOL! Enjoy, have fun while enjoying, and safe travels in whatever y'all are driving!!
Hi Brad and Regina, beautiful landscape. Very nice Sprinter van! Amazing views through the Sprinter Van windows. Really nice video. Thank you for sharing.😊
That is a cool set up! We think about renting or buying something similar so we can go on a cross country road trip with the pups. I ordered one of the Forerunner collapsible chairs from your site and love it! My husband didn't want one until he saw how easily its sets up and how small it collapses! I bought one for him as well. He is off-roading a Porsche Cayenne.
A great vehicle for traveling with pets! Thanks for shopping at the store!
Each and every vehicle has its place. It’s up to us to decide what that place may be. Nice honest presentation. Knowing the capabilities of your vehicle is something that experience like yours really helps.
Great video; really nice option for working off-grid if you aren't doing any wheeling or craziness! I could throw the Starlink out and work remote then go hiking, paddleboarding, etc! Off topic, but I noticed the Garmin Tread not in your rides the las couple of Jeep vids. Hoping to hear your thoughts soon on this!
Agree, for what I do, being able to do a little work on some long trips would be very helpful in a van like this.
I worked for Mercedes for years and when that vehicle came out I was getting 19-20 MPG empty. The 3.0 is awesome.
19-20 would be awesome!
My wife and I purchased a used 2020 Revel 4x4 in March of 2022 with only 11,000 miles on the unit, now has 43,886 miles on the unit..the diesel fuel tank ( 40 ) gallons was the first modification I made, driving at 60 mph will give you 17 to 19 miles per gallon…with the stock Revel tire and using the cruise control, I did change the front tires to a high mileage street tread and this made a big improvement in handling and tire noise…the KO2 is not a quiet tire. We enjoy the easy traveling that a on road / off road van brings to overlanding.
Great review as always. I went from RTT'ing to dragging around an overland travel trailer. Embrace the glamping I say!
Thanks for adding some sprinter content to your great channel. I'm anxious to see what a Jeep guy will do to improve on the Revel's offroad ability.
The best part is you can deliver some Amazon packages to help pay for it.
LOL! I actually helped my son move to his new apartment with it!
Good morning Master Chief, I see how your tenure in the Navy has allowed you to have an outstanding hobby. By now we see you as a You Tube influencer. In your heart you are a “Jeep” man to the core. Because of your type of content, I have been influenced to purchase products you have endorsed. However I watch between the lines. Your review of the Sprinter conversion, is novel at best. I think for the type of off roading you do, this rig has not won you over. It has some appeal but it doesn’t satisfy the expectations you may have had for it. I will say this hobby is definitely evolving. I too have been a camping/RVer for years. I also have embraced the off roading itch, the spouse and I have a 2018 JL, I have a modified 2022 Wildtrak. I have taken both off road and both do well. However none of them are perfect. If you push your vehicle to the extreme there are consequences, that can be costly. I believe because of folks like you and others, Stallantis is making upgrades based upon experiential feedback from owners. Your enthusiasm for the 2024 models is exciting. I’m tempted to trade my Bronco for a ’24 Gladiator, however the Bronco’s gas milege is a deterrent to not trade. When I purchased my Bronco the hard tops were unavailable due to the ’21 recall. Ford still hasn’t released upgrades for us soft toppers. I use my Bronco for my work, I’m only partially retired. So yes it is my every day driver. I envy you and your spouse in your travels and the travel log. I do realize you delve in the food side a great deal. My waist line is example of my involvement. I guess you realize I too am a vet with many years service, but did’t finish my intended service goal. I left service to persue my Masters degree with hope of returning but life happened. So I focused on raising my kids to be successful. No regrets I use my service training in my civilian work and try my best to train others because my skills are lost unless I share. I commend you Master Chief for your videos, they are entertaining and informative. Three of the five males in my family were Navy, I was the odd ball, Air Force 14 yrs and five career fields. Yes lots of useable skills. Thanks.
Hey Brad, love your channel, and never miss any of your videos!! People often confuse contiguous US with continental us. The 13 tallest mountains in the continental United States are all in Alaska with Mt McKinley being the tallest at 20,310 ft. The tallest mountain in the contiguous United States is Mt Whitney.
Mount Whitney was very much in your camera - right underneath the "m" in "mountain" at 1:41. To the very left, Lone Pine Peak....
Thank you for the video Brad. I hope you have a nice trip to Overland Northwest. 😎👍
I LOVE the Revel. I would love it for a ski vacation transport / place to live. The problem is the cost. If I remember correctly the entry price is something like $220,000.00. Which for that price I can buy a great snow vehicle and A LOT of hotels. It that’s really my only grip. But I guess that’s also why I stay at ABNB’s and not the Ritz.
I’ve been seriously contemplating for quite some time renting a sprinter and going up to the PNW. I just wasn’t sure how to make it happen. I’m coming from the Temecula area.
PS: I’ve seen the MUDPLEZ license plate on the 15 before 😎
You should head up to the PNW, incredible up there! We are just South of Temecula, so the JK is on the 15 from time to time.
I’ve got Jeeps, a ram 2500 and a sprinter RV. I love them all in different ways
My wife and I rented a 2WD Ford Transit van. It was a decent trip through Northern California from Arizona. We did like it, but we have two larger dogs and they didn’t like not being able to see out any windows. Also, it would be nice to have a pull out galley kitchen l, like overland trailers, to cook outside. We ate at restaurants by choice, but the van is big to just pull into parking spaces in cramped coastal cities. We wish the van was equipped better to do inside and outside cooking. Plus we’d rather not having an indoor restroom and have more interior space. Our rental van did not have swivel captain’s seats which would have been nice! Also, I think the Transit vans are just made with AWD and not 4WD. We did like just parking and within minutes we were camp ready. We normally do ground tent camping and that certainly does take us a bit of time set up our campsite.
Where did you rent your Sprinter van from?
Great assessment of the van's strengths and weaknesses as an offroad adventure vehicle, Brad. I've only ever owned a van for my adventures (would love a jeep but my wife prefers the style of travel a van affords, and we can get off road enough to still satisfy those cravings for the most part). My Sprinter is the longer wheelbase and I even find that to be super easy to drive in and out of the city. The shorter wheelbase model that you're using could easily be a daily driver for me, it's just that easy to maneuver.
I think people would be surprised how far some drivers can take these vans. Obviously they'll never touch what true overlanding vehicles can do, but there's a TON of beautiful and secluded spots that don't require the most capable overlander to access.
The biggest thing we love about our vans is that things like our kitchen, bathroom, and beds are all accessible from the cab. My wife often uses the kitchen and bathroom while stuck in traffic. And I can't count how many times we've been able to stop for a meal or a nap in cold/rainy conditions and stay warm and dry while doing so.
We're fortunate enough to have several adventure ready vehicles. One is a heavily modified Revel Van, a heavily modified Tacoma with an Alu Cab Canaopy Camper, an offgrid trailer with a rtt, a lightly modified Tacoma with an rtt, and a Gazelle tent.
My wife and I primarily adventure together in our van. If I'm solo, or depending on the trip, we will take the AluCab setup. The other options, trailer, truck, and tent are used when friends and family come with. The bottom line is that the van can get to most places people want to go.
Hi Brad. Is this your new adventure vehicle. The sprinter van is definately not a bad choice. Fellow youtuber Living the Van Life has a customized sprinter van he took up to prudoe Bay Alaska in the middle of winter. His Van is the coolest build i have ever seen. If this is your newest adventure vehicle. Congratulations!
Hi Brad! We've been thinking about 1 of these.. Great Video!
The best advice I got is if you buy one of these Sprinters for it to sit in your yard and act as an RV two or three times a year, it isnt all that great. On the other hand, if you buy a simple one with a bed and a fridge, and use it daily as a soccer practice, road trip, kids’ tournaments, campsite, daily driver, it is an incredibly useable vehicle. My issue is the lack of towing capacity compared to a 1 ton E350 or Chevy Express. But I am very interested in something like this.
The perfect Overlanding Garage in my opinion : Jeep Wrangler 392 , Ford F150 Raptor R , a Mercedes Sprinter similar to this one especially for someone who lives next to both mountains and ocean and desert like you guys 🙂
Great review Brad. Enjoy. Funny enough, I’m watching a Matt’s off road recovery right now of one of these on a pretty sketchy trail.
Would love to know your thoughts on the shower. How often did you find yourself using it and how is the space, water pressure, etc...? Thanks for your feed back. Looking into making a switch from my current Tundra to Sprinter. Looking at Revel & Storyteller. Love the channel!
Brad; the tallest peak in California is Mt. Whitney at 14,494'. The tallest peaks in North America are Denali (formerly Mt. McKinley) 20,310'; Mt. Logan Yukon Territory at 19,541'; Pico de Orizaba (Citlaltepetl) 18,491', Mt. St. Elias Yukon Territory 18,008', Volcan Popocatepetl 17,802'. Great video, and thank you for all the super content you produce. :D
As a van owner, who drools over your cool rigs, I’ll be interested in your trip recap.
I’d like to hear the pros and cons from both you and Regina after your trip since I’m in the process if finding alternatives for my 2019 Sprinter 170 4x4. Maybe a Jeep with Ursa Minor or Gladiator with slide in bed camper.
Hi Brad,
Thanks for your great video, like always!
Mount Whitney is the highest peak in the 48th states, and we have more taller peaks in the state of Alaska!
That vehicle is a thing of beauty! My dream van ! Send it over to me in Wales 🏴 please. Best wishes
Brad, next time your driving near the Walker river you should detour along Burcham Flat road. It runs along the opposite side of the river. Up on the mountain side. It's a dirt road between hells gate and walker.
RV that can tow your off-roader is the best I think
Brad, you are a man in influence in the offroad world and its vendors. Please help us get a 40-gallon tank for us 392 JLU guys.
I wish!!!
Looking forward to see how this pans out from your off road perspective. There are some very cool and creative and practical mods for these things. I’m sure you have considered the Storytellers. Keep exploring. ✌🏼❤️😊
awesome, can you tell me the brand of the awning? no pole, wind safe, automatic, it sounds perfect
Camper vans are pretty cool. Just depends on what you want to do and how you want to camp. I noticed the Starfleet logo. Just like you guys, we wouldn’t mind trying out one of those vans for a week. BTW…..we’re you missing your 392? Noticed the red Jeep on the dash.
Here in Central Oregon a huge number of rigs in town are sprinter vans. OK for moderate 4WD but not for real serious off road travel. It takes deep pockets to purchase one.
Van looks like such comfort, like it.
Great van very good layout thanks 😎🍷🚍⚓️🇬🇧👍
Looking forward to seeing where you go with this thing.
hey brad, love all your videos, you give good content for the overlanding adventures!!,..i was wondering you still have the Sprinter or did you get rid of it already? wanted know where i can find a good price for a sprinter 4x4??,..thanks!
Brad - thank you again for another amazing video. The effort, thought and energy you put in making each video is nothing less than a TV production and you're an one-man show..just AMAZING. Oh and love your North Face bear sweatshirt. I'm gonna get online and find one! THANK YOU.. last but not least..no coffee making in this video? come on man. :p
oh no....they don't have that bear sweatshirt on their website! boooo......
Thank you so much!
Sorry, I've had this sweatshirt for a while, so not surprised they don't carry it any longer.
When stocking a new rig, you always forget something…this trip, it was coffee. We had the pot, the mugs…everything but the coffee. 😂 We did make a grocery detour the following day so Brad could have his coffee for the rest of the journey. 😆
@@regenakowitz Thank you, Regena and Brad! Wow..got a reply from Regena herself...feeling special! Keep up the great work and stay safe out there. THANK YOU again for all the amazing videos!!!
Man that view at 1:24 is absolutely amazing!!
Great video . . . by the way . . . Minute 4:23 let me ask you about “Agile offroad” is that the shop at Santee, CA . . . ?
I’m definitely looking forward for a bigger tank for my tundra something around 50 gallons maybe
That's the one!
I loved your video! I bought a 2023 Revel as well. I was wondering if you upgraded the suspension? if you have not, will you, and what suspension upgrade would you do? I am looking at the Agile offroad RIP. I always appreciate your expertise! Thanks
best time to change :) for long trips
Looks very similar to the van that Matt from Matt's Offroad Recovery rescued in his latest clip.
Matt rescued a Sprinter, yes. However, the one in his latest video was a 2023 which has a very different engine and AWD system than the one in the video here. It was also not a Revel and it was not silver.
Agree with brachjj. You are King of The Hill
Great video
I for one can't wait to but my revel
Did you by chance crush that table in the back of the van when you lowered the bed? Does the table need to be removed for the lowest bed setting?
We used Sprinter vans at a hardwood floor company I worked for. The storage space was amazing! A lot of companies use trucks and trailers, we could fit everything we needed in the van and still be able to walk in through the side and walk out the back. They're pretty nice. Btw where did you get that green hoodie with the bear? I want one!
Brad that’s a great alternative to the more typical off road vehicles portrayed on UA-cam…
Chris’s on Venture4WD has one and loves it…
Did you purchase this or rent/borrow it, perhaps I missed that information.
Edit, Mt. Whitney is visible. At 1:36. It is just to the right and above the right switchback on the road. If you zoom in you can see the spires the the left of Whitney. Also, a more appropriate term is the highest peak in the contiguous 48 states as Alaska is still part of the North American continent. You should hike it one day. The standard route is ling but easy.
Sold my Jeep for a Revel and LOVE it 😍
Nice! I got to use a relatives. I pulled my two door wrangler behind it.
Regena and I talked about the possibility of towing her Jeep, I would just worry about the lack up power up mountain passes. How was your experience?
@@TrailRecon Towing was a interesting experience. Steep grades in Colorado weren't too fun. We disconnected the jeep 3 times and I drove it. Towing on long flat areas aren't a problem. I think if it had just a little more torque and different gearing it would have been able to handle it. The relative that owns it tows his TJ behind it. Which is a hole lot lighter than my 2022 JL Rubicon. If I did it again I would have spent a extra week driving pulling my jeep just to learn how it handled better.
I wouldn’t really call it a 4x4, in the sprinter manual it says selectable AWD. It does have a low range but the gearing is like traditional low range. I definitely had trouble on steep trails, really need to use some momentum over obstacles. Don’t get me wrong, it’s great for what it is but has limitations. The largest of which was likely the driver but also the height.
Something about beautifully bent metal on the back of a van just gets our blood pumping! ;)
I was more of YES! Brad has finally gone van life 😊😊.
Great review. 👍👍
Thanks! 👍
The only problem with vans like this is that they can get really expensive really quick Im talking about Wrangler 392 + F150 Raptor R + a really nice side by side expensive
I've noticed things for the vans are more of a premium price that similar equipment you would buy for a Jeep... I agree!
Wow great adventure video 💯👍👍
Thank you 👍
I think you guys should have came to the Expo and then went out. We missed you and I heard allot of people asking about you guys. Hope you enjoy the new toy
Sorry but the timing just didn't work with our schedule. Maybe next year.
New vehicle to the fleet? Those look soo too heavy for the trails 😬. How does it feel?
i have a JK on tons/40s w/ a GFC RTT for solo rock crawling runs, but i LOVE my Revel! those RTTs and overlanding trailers don't have a full bathroom! Not to mention, i can flat tow my JK behind the Revel. MUCH more enjoyable for the highway (already have made 4 trips to Moab from Santa Cruz).
BRAD! Is there a tubular phone bracket for the 2015 Tacoma? I want to mount my phone and iPad.
I really really love the Enterprise. So cool!
I think the name is fitting for an adventure vehicle.
@@TrailRecon I fully agree!
Looking forward to seeing how you get on with the Merc in comparison to the Jeep!
I have a 2013 Jeep Wrangler JKUR that I've been modifying and adding overlanding gear since 2013. My dream is still to own a Sprinter 4x4 adventure vehicle like this one.
See you at the expo. I added a sprinter to my list of vehicles as well 👊
Sorry, we didn't make it to the Expo. If you watch the video I posted for members only yesterday, you'll learn a little more about what happened to the van on our way home from Oregon. In spite of the challenges, we're excited to have more adventures in it!
@@TrailRecon we've had our share of problems with ours. Definitely would take my truck or jeep in the back country and leave my sprinter for the easier trail
Hey Brad, Chris from venture4wd has one of these Revels too, seems to enjoy it 😊
A Sprinter van gives you the semi-RV life while having the off-road capabilities of something like a front wheel drive only SUV. Like a FWD Rav4 with decent tires. It’s nothing to sneeze at, but you have to realize that it’s still very limited.
Brad, if you think that is cool, I would love to show you my custom built 1978 Dodge Xplorer 4x4 RV. It’s got everything that luxury rig has and more.
Tallest in lower 48. It’s a great backpacking trip from Horseshoe meadows 30 miles south with a car drop @ Whitney portal. 3 14ers on the trip if you want. Langley, Muir and Whitney. When I got to the Boulder field at Langley I was suffering altitude sickness so didn’t summit. Muir was too exposed for my taste, so just did Whitney. One of my favorite trips.
Sprinter van looks perfect for Alaska/Tuktoyaktuk.
What I REALLY want is for Jeep to build an overlanding van on the Gladiator chassis, with a DIESEL engine and a pop-up roof like the VW Westfalia. That would be the ultimate off-road camping machine.
That would be very cool!
Jeep had a concept of a Wrangler Unlimited XL with the body stretched to fit on a Gladiator wheelbase. I don't see why they haven't put it into production. Families will buy it because it can fit a third row. Overlanders will buy it because there's more room and the roof is replaceable.
Cool rig, Welcome to Redmond. 😀
We just spent three weeks exploring the PNW and saw dozens of these. I told my wife that if we got serious about traveling, we should look at a Sprinter.
I could totally spend 3 full weeks in the PNW... I'll be that was a great trip!
I was in Bend for a week with family, there are sprinters in almost every driveway in the neighborhood..
I think these vans have some serious uses for a extended road trip.
@TrailRecon it was!Points of interest:
Great Salt Flats, UT
-Topaz Lake, CA
-Great Salt Lake, UT
-Mt Shasta, CA
-Redwood Forest, CA
-Pacific coast
-Mt St Helens, WA
-Mt Erie, WA
-Deception Pass, WA
-Ft Casey historical base w/ lighthouse
-Mt Baker, WA
-Mt Rainier, WA
-Yellowstone
-Grand Tetons
-Mt Rushmore
-Badlands SD
A thousand breathtaking views.
Lots of driving, but a lifetime of memories.