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"Finishing an uncompleted van build...is it worth it; case study 2021 Sprinter 4WD?"

Updated: Jul 14



Yes, but know what you are really getting into, in most cases an in complete build is not the best way to go.


Potential


This van started out as a project for a local RV dealer who purchased a cargo van and put some walls in and a few windows and it sat for two years with 300 miles on it in their warehouse. It was then purchased by a customer of ours whom added some seats in it, covered the floor, added some insulation and owned for six months until we purchased it from him as he needed a bit more cash to finish a home project.


Normally finishing a build can be a really bad idea as more often than not a half built van usually is a DIY project gone wrong or the work is sub par and you end up having to fix if possible lots of issues. You end up not saving any money with a partially finished van. This van however was a good candidate, minimal work was done and it was done correctly.


To most from Phase 1, it would seem not much needs to be done, exactly the opposite, lets go through the build process. Normally this would be done in 1 phase, however this van it was done in phases due to several owners having the van. (RV company, owner 1, then us)


So, What Made This Project Different?


Phase 1: RV Dealer Modifications, Phase 1/ $22,500

  • Luckily, it was not hacked up and had some very expensive things done to it correctly

  • Pretty much a new van with very low miles under an extended factory warranty

  • Very Desirable 4WD

  • Van Capsule with windows where paint matched (this is a big deal). Allows sideways sleeping and more room in the van

  • RB Components Interior Kit with door trim done

  • Usable Floor

  • 3 windows installed

  • A few more modifications and this could be usable

  • Wheel and Tire Package


Phase 2: Getting the 2021 Sprinter Van to be Usable for A Family; New Owner Mods ~$23,000

The new owner needed it to be usable for a family so he did modifications to transform it from a basic shell to a usable van. This required the van to be taken completely apart from the steel walls.

  • Added rear door windows, for light and visibility

  • Covered the floor in durable all-weather carpet that also had insulation properties

  • Had a shop (not us) Put two row Seat Tracks in the van so it could have up to 2 bench seats and 2 positions to seat up to 8 if needed

  • Added more insulation in walls, which has some sound deadening 

  • Had us install an auxiliary battery system in the hood and various electrical outlets

  • Replaced the defective CRL Slider door window that also scratched the Van Capsule due to incorrect window choice

  • Upgraded audio system with 5 channel amp, subwoofer, and added rear speakers integrated into MBUX factory head unit

  • Side and rear grab handles

  • Vinyl hood and side wrap for protection

  • Blacked out badges

  • Vannon side steps, ladder, and rear step

  • Rear removable bed and mattress for Van Capsules

  • Track for Van Wife removable storage bags

  • Window Covers

  • Fender modification to eliminate tire rubbing

  • Vannon Front Storage shelf


Phase 2 Pic



Phase 3: Transform 4WD Sprinter Van Functionality--so it could truly be used by a family of 4 or more for camping with gear ~$34,000

This is when we got a hold of the van and based on previous work done it had a good foundation. We did determine that it was missing some key modifications needed to make it a finished van. Since the foundation was there we wanted to transform it into a van that would be superior to most "basic" builds. We did this by adding more needed ventilation, light, storage, sleeping, and an eating area that would not require moving gear.


Again this 2021 Sprinter van had to be taken apart again completely...twice. One for the top, and another to finish these other details.

  • Colorado Campervan Pop Top - insulated and color-matched with roof rack rails, van, solar

  • 190 watts of solar power so you could recharge batteries when the van is not running

  • Front removable Van Essentials Storage Cabinet (more storage)

  • Front Scopema Swivel seats, lagun table - create a front dinette area for eating

  • Add insulation in areas where the previous owner skipped

  • Add additional DC outlets in key areas

  • Add LED interior lighting

  • Repaint Van Capsule due to scratch from old window

  • Add passenger side window slider/screened AMA window for rear passengers

  • Fiamma Awning


PHASE 3 Build Pics

Build completed.



Front Dinette and swivel seats





Seat in 2nd position...this 4wd sprinter van is set up for up to two rows of 3-person bench seats enabling you to seat up to 8 AND still have 2 full-size beds for anyone over 6 feet tall!








The Pop Top inside gives you another sleeping area, unlike other pop tops you can sit up in this one. It's well-insulated and powered.



Van has one bench seat, here is a photo showing you can add two.



Vannon Ladder





The van on the left is $198k, van on the right is this build 145K...they look the same, and major functionality is similar as well.



Phase 4? - What Else Could Be Done Taking this 4WD Sprinter Van to the Ultimate Next Level?


Not needed but nice.


  • Electrical Chest Fridge (easily added, plug and play, the power system we did is specifically set up for this) $800-1300

  • Diesel Heater for those cold nights; $3100

  • Outside Water Shower $2200  (COMPLETED, WE ADDED THIS ON BELOW)

  • Suspension Upgrade $7000 (to improve stability and ride)

  • Extended Fuel Tank $2200

  • Solid surface flooring $300-1300 (easy DIY project)


Lets add a shower $2200


Update, as summer is rolling close we decided to add an outside shower to rinse the kids, bikes, and gear off and provide a water source when there is none when camping. Adding a tank seems fairly easy (technically) but it can require a significant amount of work. Power, switches, plumbing, and mounting the tank. In this situation, we used a low-profile 22-gallon tank to maximize ground clearance and mounted it next to the gas tank. This allows the tire to remain under the van and avoid a $800-1000 tire carrier.


Low Profile water tank



Water inlet and shower connector



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