Sprinter coach built RV in 4wd?
- Thread starter Paddy
- Start date
luthj
Engineer In Residence
If you got a t1N, I know a guy who is working on a project... 
www.expeditionportal.com
Sprinter 4WD Conversion Idea, GMT-800 IFS.
Greetings and happy new year. After pursuing several other avenues, I have narrowed in on a 4WD conversion approach for my 2004 T1N sprinter. The Sprinter presents some unique challenges. It is a unibody, and uses McPherson strut front end. Instead of coil springs, it uses a transverse...
www.expeditionportal.com
Len.Barron
Observer
Paddy
Adventurer
Lol, yeah, sort of.
jus passin thru
Adventurer
Winnebago makes the Revel and the ERA both on Sprinters. Road Trek was building on Sprinter and Quigly Chevys before the went belly up last year. These are class B’s. Someone also builds a class C on the Chevy medium duty truck chassis. M
DCGibbs
Observer
Paddy, Alan at Sportsmobile is using both the 4X Sprinter frame, and a Quigley Built Ford Transit. Alan's been at this a long time and does quality work. However, you're limit to carrying capacity, and layouts. If you have Kids, you'll need Crew Seats, which then limits floor space. When you look at all the work that EarthRoamer puts into the Ford Chassis', I have wondered why not start out with a Factory Built Navistar chassis. As I have written in the past that to use larger chassis allows for larger cabins, but let complicates things if you wanting to ship it to South America for a trip to Patagonia. Gibbs
Todd780
OverCamper
What about a super C? Something like this?
https://www.rvusa.com/dynamax-corp-isata-5-series-30fw-2020-class-c-alvarado-tx-2464218
Or this:
https://www.fraserway.com/buy-an-rv/edmonton/shop-rvs/2016-alp-adventurer-quad15-45155
https://www.rvusa.com/dynamax-corp-isata-5-series-30fw-2020-class-c-alvarado-tx-2464218
Or this:
https://www.fraserway.com/buy-an-rv/edmonton/shop-rvs/2016-alp-adventurer-quad15-45155
Paddy
Adventurer
The problem i see with non sprinter based coaches is that they don’t have that euro van comfort for driving, and they also don’t get the MPG that Mercedes does. Not even close in fact. The sprinter chassis is really brilliant in those two key regards. Big dumb truck based campers are wasted space and fuel. Cool that they have 4wd tho. Well it looks like they do offer the 3500 chassis in 4x4 so it might be possible to custom order one. I’ll have to call around and see what they say.
Last edited:
Wazak
Member
Take a look on the Oberainger site, they do a 4x4 conversion on Sprinters and may well be able to help you.
luthj
Engineer In Residence
It is possible to order a chassis, have it sent to allrad, then shipped to the USA (north American spec). You could then have the RV bits added. That would be a loooong wait though. Plus some 25k$ in costs.
You can order the 3500 cab/chassis with 4x4 since mid 2018. But its a special order. Since most coach builders don't order it, and because there is a strict limit on 4x4s sold in the USA, they are really rare. (this is due to oberaingers diff production limits).
If you can find a wrecked 4x4 sprinter with the right diff ratio, you can transfer the front axle assembly over, and use a custom Tcase. Mostly bolt-on.
There was a company that used MB factory front knuckles, hubs, subframe, spring, and CV axles. They used a custom diff and Tcase. This cuts out the really hard to fine MB front diff, and allows for a beefy front diff and Tcase (like atlas). It was something like 20k. There is no reason that could not be done to a cab/chassis. I will see if I can find the website.
You can order the 3500 cab/chassis with 4x4 since mid 2018. But its a special order. Since most coach builders don't order it, and because there is a strict limit on 4x4s sold in the USA, they are really rare. (this is due to oberaingers diff production limits).
If you can find a wrecked 4x4 sprinter with the right diff ratio, you can transfer the front axle assembly over, and use a custom Tcase. Mostly bolt-on.
There was a company that used MB factory front knuckles, hubs, subframe, spring, and CV axles. They used a custom diff and Tcase. This cuts out the really hard to fine MB front diff, and allows for a beefy front diff and Tcase (like atlas). It was something like 20k. There is no reason that could not be done to a cab/chassis. I will see if I can find the website.
luthj
Engineer In Residence
Found it.
www.uni-van.com
Here is there hybrid front axle setup. Atlas twin stick Tcase, beefy front diff. Front hubs/speed sensors and suspension is all factory 4x4. I figure its gotta be cheaper to buy a used NCV3 cab-chassis, and have this kit installed. Minimal extra lift, good ride, factory electronics. I have zero other knowledge about this outfit, and don't know anyone who has a conversion by them.
Uni Van - 4x4 Sprinter Vans
www.uni-van.com
Here is there hybrid front axle setup. Atlas twin stick Tcase, beefy front diff. Front hubs/speed sensors and suspension is all factory 4x4. I figure its gotta be cheaper to buy a used NCV3 cab-chassis, and have this kit installed. Minimal extra lift, good ride, factory electronics. I have zero other knowledge about this outfit, and don't know anyone who has a conversion by them.