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As one of the most popular commercial vehicles on the market, the Mercedes Sprinter van offers exceptional versatility and customization options. With various lengths and heights available, and named differently all over the world, it’s crucial to understand what dimensions. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the different lengths and heights of the Mercedes Sprinter van, helping you make an informed decision for your campervan and to help you forward which Dutchvanparts products fit your van.
The Mercedes Sprinter van comes in four primary wheelbase options: Compact, standard, long and extra long. These options determine the overall length of the vehicle and the available interior space. Here’s a breakdown of each length:
- Compact (L1): The l1 Sprinter represents the most compact version of the Mercedes Sprinter van, with a typical wheelbase length of approximately 3259 millimeters. Due to its limited interior space, the L1 is not commonly used as a campervan. The wheelbase is also referred to as ‘L1’, ‘Length 1’, or ‘short wheelbase’.
- Standard (L2): The L2 Sprinter strikes an ideal balance between maneuverability and interior capacity. With a wheelbase length of 3924 millimeters, the L2 offers versatility for various applications. The medium wheelbase variant is often referred to as ‘L2’, ‘Length 2’, ‘medium wheelbase’, or ‘144’ (referring to the inch size of the wheelbase – 144 inches). Thanks to its dimensions, the L2 is the most commonly used option for campervan builds, providing ample space for comfortable and practical conversions.
- Long (L3): The L3 Sprinter boasts a significantly larger interior space, being approximately 1 meter longer than the L2 variant. This extended length provides enhanced interior capacity, making it a perfect choice for families or those seeking campervan builds with more features and amenities. With a wheelbase typically measuring around 4325 millimeters, the L3 configuration is quite commonly used for campervan conversions due to its ample space and versatility. Other common names are the “L3′, ‘Length 3’ or ‘170’.
- Extra Long (L4): With the L4 option, you gain an additional 40 centimeters of interior space in your van. The wheelbase remains the same as the L3 variant. The L4 is also commonly referred to as ‘L4’, ‘Length 4’, or ‘177 extended’, providing a spacious and versatile solution for large families, group travel, or specialized conversions that require ample interior capacity.
In addition to different lengths, the Mercedes Sprinter van is available with various roof heights. These options determine the vertical space within the vehicle, allowing you to optimize storage capacity and stand-up convenience. Let’s explore the different roof heights:
- Standard Roof: The standard roof option offers an efficient and compact design, making it an ideal choice for scenarios where height restrictions or parking garages are a consideration. Additionally, its lower profile grants improved access to remote areas with low tree branches, overhangs, narrow trails, and tight spaces. However, it’s important to note that this design comes with limitations in terms of standing height and interior space. The standard roof van is alternatively referred to as ‘H1’ or ‘Height 1’, providing an alternative option for those seeking a balance between space and accessibility.
- High Roof: The high roof configuration strikes an excellent balance between interior height and overall vehicle height. With increased headroom, most individuals can stand comfortably inside the van, enhancing the overall camping experience. This option is highly popular for campervan builds, as it offers ample space for comfortable movement and storage. The high roof is also commonly referred to as ‘H2’ or ‘Height 2’.
- Super High Roof: The super high roof variant provides abundant vertical space, allowing tall individuals to stand upright comfortably within the van. Its generous headroom not only ensures comfort but also offers maximum storage capacity. Additionally, the super high roof’s spacious interior can accommodate more people, making it an ideal option for group travel or larger families. However, it’s essential to consider that the super high roof design may present challenges for installing a roof rack due to its increased height. This option is commonly known as ‘H3’ or ‘Height 3’.
- Maneuverability: The shorter wheelbase of the 144″ campervan offers increased maneuverability, making it easier to navigate through narrow streets, tight parking spots, and winding roads.
- Accessibility: The compact size of the campervan enables access to remote areas and narrow roads that might be challenging or off-limits for larger campervans. It provides more flexibility to explore and camp in secluded locations.
- Parking Convenience: Finding parking spaces for a smaller campervan is generally easier, as it can fit into standard parking spots and garages designed for passenger vehicles.
- Fuel Efficiency: A shorter wheelbase often translates to a lighter vehicle, potentially leading to improved fuel efficiency.
- Driving Ease: Handling a smaller campervan is typically more intuitive and straightforward, requiring less experience and confidence in driving larger vehicles.
- Limited Interior Space: The shorter wheelbase restricts the available interior space, resulting in a smaller living area, storage capacity, and potentially less headroom.
- Reduced Amenities: Due to the limited space, you may have to compromise on certain amenities or features you desire in your campervan, such as a larger bathroom or extra storage compartments.
- Limited Seating and Sleeping Arrangements: The smaller interior space may limit the number of seating and sleeping arrangements available, which could be a drawback for larger families or groups of travellers.
- Spacious Interior: With a longer wheelbase, the campervan provides a more spacious interior, allowing for comfortable and roomy living quarters. This additional space allows for more extensive customizations and amenities, making it an excellent choice for extended trips or full-time living.
- Enhanced Storage: The longer wheelbase allows for increased storage capacity, enabling you to carry more gear, equipment, and supplies during your camping adventures.
- Suitable for Family or Group Travel: The increased interior space and potential for multiple sleeping arrangements make the 170-inch wheelbase campervan an excellent choice for family vacations or trips with larger groups.
- Customization Options: With more interior space to work with, you have greater flexibility in designing and customizing the layout and features of your campervan.
- Enhanced Off-Grid Capability: With more space available for additional water tanks, batteries, and solar panels, the 170-inch wheelbase campervan can support more extended periods of off-grid living.
- Maneuverability: The longer wheelbase can make the campervan less maneuverable, especially in tight spaces, narrow roads, or congested urban areas. Turning and parking might require more effort and consideration.
- Challenging Parking: Finding suitable parking spots for a longer campervan can be more challenging, particularly in urban areas with limited parking options or height restrictions.
- Restricted Access: Some off-road or remote areas might become inaccessible due to the larger dimensions of the campervan, limiting your ability to explore certain destinations.
- Higher Fuel Consumption: The increased size and weight of the campervan may lead to slightly lower fuel efficiency compared to the 144″ variant.