Vehicle Description
2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500XD 4x4 Conversion Van
It doesn't get much better than hitting the open road in a
self-contained "house on wheels" with the amenities of home right
beyond the front seats. And while many people opt for trailers,
campers or Class A motorhomes, even downsizing into one
permanently, there's a maneuverable option that has become
especially popular in the past 10 years. The conversion of tall
cargo vans into luxury "glampers" has become the go-to escape route
for those looking for a more nimble, manageable motorhome.
For consignment, a 2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter converted into a
private jet on wheels complete with kitchen, bathroom, television,
and luxury seating for the whole family or a group of friends. We
can picture this trackside at the Rolex 24 Hours or virtually any
other race around the country. It was built by Midwest Auto in 2021
at which time they offered a 5-year warranty. With just 7,391 miles
on the odometer and a turbo diesel engine, this van is barely
broken in...and it shows.
Exterior
The first thing you notice is the monochromatic white coverage on
this very tall van. The windows, mirrors, vents, step-ups, door
handles, and wheels are black, completing a clean look devoid of
any swooping graphics so common on campers; this one is incognito
in comparison. There's a chin spoiler up front that gives the van a
lower appearance although clearance is still good thanks in part to
the tire section width of 85 mm, (235/85/R16). Camper hook-ups are
concentrated in the left rear and a beefy tow-hitch protrudes from
the back affording the capability of bringing a small car or a
trailer of toys. Tall tail lights are supported by a third brake
light that sits way up at the roofline.
Interior
Climb up into the cockpit and you'll find diamond-stitched camel
leather seats, door cards and headliner. Black piping lines the
seats both front and aft. The controls are familiar Mercedes Benz
pieces accented by dark wood bezels. Multiple controls on the
steering wheel assure your hands stay planted and ample cup holders
mean fewer trips to the fridge in back. Storage and USB ports
abound here, and the center screen is high and large and shows the
360-camera display among other things. The van has Blu-ray,
Satellite radio capability, Apple TV, DVD, and navigation. A
Midwest control center touch screen monitors temperature, lights
and more plus reports on battery life and other pertinent
information. Massage controls are wired into the bucket seats. Slip
through the archway into the back area and you'll be under the
entertainment center complete with a built-in flat screen
tv/monitor, speakers, and lights. With 9.5 feet of height, anyone
can stand up here. Two rear-facing bucket seats are at each side
looking very comfortable as they mirror the cabin seats. A third
bucket faces forward and composite wood flooring is underfoot
throughout. Inviting camel leather covers this living space
contrasted by the black wood we saw earlier in the cab. It has the
feel of a four-star hotel with brushed aluminum hardware,
marble-like countertops over the galley, and black accents. Before
the long couch sits a control center, cupholders, and remote
controls for the two televisions in this space. The couch folds
down to create a full-size bed and pleated blinds on the windows
provide privacy and darkness for sleep. Plenty of storage can be
found in upper bins and it's on this level you'll find the
microwave and more speakers. Four large skylights provide plenty of
illumination for the van and an added touch of class to the feel.
Open the narrow door in back and find the lavatory, lined again in
camel leather, and containing shelves for more storage. The
tailgate doors open to the lav as well so if you're out on the
trail, you can enter through the back without walking through the
van, however the electric sliding side door is an option.
Diamond-stitched inserts on the rear doors pick up on the theme as
well.
Drivetrain
A 3.0 liter V6 turbo diesel with electronic fuel injection
motivates this van into action. A 7-speed automatic transmission
drives all four wheels and the box for a low and high range 4x4 was
checked when this van was ordered. The van is capable of towing
5,000 pounds, aided in part by the dual rear wheels on the
heavy-duty rear axle. The engine compartment is tidy and clean with
maintenance points easy to reach. A large air intake meets the hood
when closed and inhales through two hood vents. Power disc brakes
are supplied at all four corners.
Undercarriage
Too tall for our lifts, but what we saw by climbing underneath
confirms this has been a lightly used low mileage truck. The
independent front suspension is buffered by Macpherson struts while
the back is softened by leaf springs. Nothing of note other than
some typical road dust.
Drivability
What diesel engines lack in power they make up for in torque. This
van rolls forward with confidence and the comfortable seating
position peers out a large front windshield making visibility good.
You feel the height of the van but it's not off-putting and the
dually configuration keeps it planted and stable around moderate
turns. Braking is straight and true and the ride did not elicit any
rattles or shakes which speaks well of the construction. Take it
off road and that might change, but on our smooth track, everything
seemed solid.
Anyone who's watched American Pickers has an idea of what these
vans were intended for...carrying tall things like vintage signs
and high wheels in a cavernous cargo van that is easy to drive,
park, and maneuver. This one has been well-appointed with quality
materials and all the amenities of home, (maybe more!). This one is
fit for a king...and one couldn't help but believe that if Elvis
Presley was still with us, this is exactly how he'd be getting
around instead of being crammed into the back of a Cadillac
Fleetwood....but I digress. All-in-all, a specular weekend or
holiday ride that's nicer than most hotel rooms.
Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and
collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate
controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8
acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic
and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the
I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit
www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us
anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in
person.
With so many great cars, you know we have a lot to talk about, and
we do that each week on the Classic Auto Mall Podcast with host
Stewart Howden. Stewart discusses new inventory as well as trends
in consignments and car prices, while interviewing celebrities and
automotive professionals about amazing cars and their history. Tune
in each week to the Classic Auto Mall Podcast wherever you enjoy
listening. You can also watch on YouTube!
