Mercedes Sprinter 4x4 CrewCab Expedition Build in Canada

[Victorian]

Hey Andreas, great spot you got there! Where did you end up camping for the night - just off BLM 137 (Lone Mesa) or somewhere else?

It was on BLM off Willows creek Rd. I switched spots a couple times as I did some exploring durring the day. I totally loved having my house with me all the time. On this trip, I usually get up early, make a coffee and hit the road. As soon as I see a nice spot I stop and take my time for a proper breakfast.

 

[Victorian]

Made it home safe and sound. The truck and camper performed 100% all the time. Very impressed with this set up. Perfect size to find parking anywhere, super fuel efficient (better than our 2013 Subaru Outback), impressive 4x4 capabilities and of course the insulation value of the box was tested many times. Had snow in Yellowstone and high heat in Utah and Arizona. There is also the Planar diesel heater that performed flawless even at high altitude (8500ft). This heater only sips diesel and the power consumtion is close to none. At US$ 695 a smoking deal for not being cold!
Couple of things I learned: Need more battery power... 105A is just not enough to power the ARB fridge for more than two days. Will install a composting toilet soon. A window facing out the back will also be added.
Other than that I'm very happy with it.

Interested in seeing it up close? Will be at the North West Overland Rally and the BC Overland Rally.

 

[Jostt]

Congrats for the result, It Will be nice to visit some Camper meeting in América, here in Europe is badkissinger festival in Germany ....huge....enjoy

 

[Victorian]

Still loving the truck! Installed the Natureshead compositing toilet and man is it ever a game changer. Not having to go outside at night got me a lot of bonus points from the family

Upgraded the battery to a second one with a total of 210A.

Using the truck a lot as my mobile office to meet with our customers. Even better when I park right by the Pacific ocean with a cool breeze.

 

[Darwin]

Can you explain the context of the fuso in the first picture? Are they getting a box built and by whom? Interested.

 

[Victorian]

Can you explain the context of the fuso in the first picture? Are they getting a box built and by whom? Interested.

The Fuso belongs to our customer. We are working together with ITB in Surrey BC. They are being commisioned to design/build the subframe, assemble the camper body and built the crawl through to the drivers cab. The customer will outfit the interior himself. We have containers coming to ITB all the time, would be easy to include camper bodies if anyone is interested getting them assembled and installed on their truck.
Another option would be Acela Trucks in Bozeman Montana. They offer the same service. Again, containers going there on a regular basis.
Cheers,

 

[VernonBC]

Now that you have gone through the process, would you still import or would you source a 4x4 frame (Fuso, etc) domestically?

 

[Victorian]

Now that you have gone through the process, would you still import or would you source a 4x4 frame (Fuso, etc) domestically?

Yes and no... If I would import again, I would travel to the country myself to make sure everything is in order. Maybe even get a full service and some modifications done by certified mechanics that know those trucks. I found that way too many shops around here "just wing" it.... On top of that, I would never buy anything else than a Mercedes. The parts supply is outstanding!

 

[Victorian]

Just got back from exploring the northern part of Vancouver Island. We took as many logging roads as possible.

 

[VernonBC]

Yes and no... If I would import again, I would travel to the country myself to make sure everything is in order. Maybe even get a full service and some modifications done by certified mechanics that know those trucks. I found that way too many shops around here "just wing" it.... On top of that, I would never buy anything else than a Mercedes. The parts supply is outstanding!

Good to know, thank you. If you didn't want to import, what would you get locally here in Canada?

 

[Victorian]

Good to know, thank you. If you didn't want to import, what would you get locally here in Canada?

That is a very tricky question...
1. No Diesel truck with modern emission controll
2. Something that has more load capacity than you actually need
3. Something that can be fixed at a regular dealership

This only leaves us with :
1. Ford 450-550 (straight chassis)
2. Ford Transit (GAS engine) cab chassis and get it converted to 4x4
3. Mitsubishi FG Fuso
4. Unimog

 

[jetstreamin]

Can you explain the context of the fuso in the first picture? Are they getting a box built and by whom? Interested.

i am the Fuso customer lol - you can follow along with the build here https://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/fuso-fg-4x4-custom-expedition-vehicle-build.197532/

 

[VernonBC]

That is a very tricky question...
1. No Diesel truck with modern emission controll
2. Something that has more load capacity than you actually need
3. Something that can be fixed at a regular dealership

This only leaves us with :
1. Ford 450-550 (straight chassis)
2. Ford Transit (GAS engine) cab chassis and get it converted to 4x4
3. Mitsubishi FG Fuso
4. Unimog

Seeing those options, I can understand why you looked at importing! Those are some expensive vehicles.

I originally came here looking to see what options I could possibly do on a newer GMC half ton, but quickly realised that my payload capacity is nowhere near what it needs to be. I'm planning in the next 3-5 years to be in a position to build an expedition vehicle around your Composite Panel Truck Kit, so I'm trying to get as much info as I can regarding the chassis to make an informed choice when the time comes.

 

[Victorian]

Our 2001 Sprinter had a senior moment and needed a ride home... Fingers crossed it's just something simple. Sweet tow truck!

 

[VernonBC]

oh no! What was the issue?