2023 AWD Sprinter for inland cruising
The sailing season is just not long enough here in the PNW. Since the boat is demanding less and less maintenence these days, I decided I needed a new project.
I picked up a new 2023 Sprinter Cargo 144 from the Seattle Mercedes dealership in May 2023. I was not interested in the 4x4 model as I'm sold on AWD for mountain adventures. There are other advantages over the discontinued 4x4 system below). After 3 years of waiting for the NTSB to approve this new model, I was lucky enough to find one at to Seattle Mercedes dealer thru my Car Gurus feed. Mercedes had already worked the bugs out of this new model in Europe, New Zealand and Australia so I was confident there wouldn't be too many recalls. Covid caused supply chain challenges which also added to the delays.
As we were researching and designing the layout I installed running boards, and additional Kilmat sound deadening, Weathertech floor mats. Because we love to ski, Blizzack 265/70R17 winter tires were fitted to Black Rhino wheels.
INTERIOR In the Fall I contracted with Mammoth Vans to install an Adventure Wagon kit with grey Marathon tweed fabric walls, black L-track, black hexa-ply plastic coated plywood, bamboo ceiling and a Moab bed system. AdWag uses an A-Frame system which stiffens and strengthens the van, and gives the wall system to bolt to. I had planned to add Flarespace Flares but at 6'3" I was never able to stretch out comfortably in a East/West orientation in any of the Revel or Storyteller vans I looked at. The Moab bed allows me space to stretch out and not crawl over the wife when nature calls. It also keeps with the stealth-look approach.
WINDOWS: A CR Lawrence T-Vent window and CRL awning bunk windows were installed on both sides of the bed.
FAN: The metallic Tenorite Gray (paint code 7755) exterior can get pretty warm so a 10 speed reversible MaxxAir Deluxe roof vent, bunk windows and a large window on the cargo door were installed to keep the air moving.
POWER: A Goal Zero Yeti 8000 with a Escape Ecosystem provides 625 amp hours of power. This gives us 5-10 days of power without additional charging. A 30amp shore power source tops the system off. Alternator charging also helps when the engine is running.
HEAT: An Espar S2/D2 is installed under the passenger seat. 3M Thinsulate insulation helps to regulate temperature, along with Reflectix low E insulation on the back of every panel. Hushmat and Killmat sound dampening also slows down heat transfer.
WATER: A Tech Vanlife 32 gallon water tank and a sink were installed with a 10 gallon gray water collection system.
COOKING: An Duxtop induction single burner is our cooking source.
REFRIGERATION: A 2.5 gallon Victorfrigo refrigerator keeps our goodies cold and puts ice in our drinks. It draws 3.38Ah when running at 10.4vdc. I bought this at Sure Marine, Seattle. Todd is a great technical resource.
CABINETS (UPPER): 2 48" Upper cabinets are from Flatline Van. The bamboo doors compliment the ceiling panels to tie the look together and add visual warmth.
CABINETS (LOWER):I built the lower cabinet structure out of 1" 80/20 aluminum extrusion from Grainger. Building all my own brackets and carraige bolts saved a ton of money, but took a lot of time. A good chop saw with a carbide blade and grinder was also critical with all the custom fabrication. Countertops and drawer faces are made from Starboard. A knockoff 'Lagun' swivel counter adds additional food prep workspace fitted with a bamboo Tech Vanlife tabletop.
144 SPRINTER SPECIFICATIONS:
- New in-line four-cylinder high output diesel motor replacing the V6
- Dual stage turbo
- +2% torque versus the V6 (332 lb ft at 1600 to 2400 RPM)
- +10% power vs the V6 (208 hp at 3400 two 3800 RPM)
- 5 to 8 dB quieter than V6
- New dual port DEF system helps with emissions
TRANSMISSION:
- 9-speed transmission (9G-Tronic)
- Significant increase in traction in first and second gear
- 8th and 9th gear ratios help increase fuel economy on highway
ALL WHEEL DRIVE:
- New AWD system replaced the 4x4 system
- Electric multi-plate clutch vs transfer case on 4x4
- On-demand all the time
- 50-50 torque split vs 35/65 on 4x4
SUSPENSION
- Three leaf springs in rear versus 2 on 4x4
- Beefed up sway bar for rear axle
LINKS
