The Owl Journal

One of the biggest limitations of the Sprinter van is its clearance. For Sprinters that have been turned into adventure vans, this is a big problem, as it limits the number of places you can go. The best campsites are often way off the beaten path, requiring a bit of off-roading to get to. Bottoming out can make this type of trip impossible. Lifted Sprinter vans are a popular choice for individuals who need more capability from their vehicle. There are a couple of methods that you can take to achieve a lift, but which one is best? Below, we’ll discuss the three main options you have for lifting your van, as well as the benefits and drawbacks of doing so. Can You Lift a Sprinter van? Yes, you can absolutely lift a Sprinter van. In fact, it’s recommended if you’re planning on doing any type of off-road driving, and it’s one of the top suspension upgrades people make. While Sprinters have no problem on city streets, they start to struggle when they go off the highway.  You don’t have to have serious off-roading adventures planned to need a Sprinter van suspension lift, either. Lifts can help in deep snow or when boondocking on National Forest and BLM land. You’ll often encounter rutted-out roads and ditches that need a bit of extra clearance to drive over smoothly. What are the Benefits of a Lifted Sprinter Van? Increased clearance is the most obvious benefit of lifting your van, so we won’t cover that here. You already understand how more room under the chassis can lead to more exploration. Instead of clearance, here are some of the other benefits that you might not have thought about. Room for Larger Tires One of the main reasons why people decide to lift their vans is not for clearance; it’s to be able to install bigger tires. A Mercedes Sprinter van lift kit raises the suspension components and body of the van, allowing you to install bigger tires without worrying about rubbing occurring. You may still need to do some fender trimming, but a lift kit is a great place to start when sizing up. When selecting new tires, it’s important to compare lift kit and wheel compatibility. Most kits will say what the largest size tire you can install is. Less Sagging Under Load Lift kits often come with full suspension upgrades. When installed on a built-out van, this can improve the ride height under load. If you’ve noticed that your van sags in the rear because of too much weight, an upgraded suspension system and lift kit can help eliminate the problem. Improved Approach and Departure Angles When off-roading, approach and departure angles can be very frustrating to deal with. Front and rear bumpers can get caught up on obstacles, damaging your vehicle and slowing down your adventure. Adding a lift kit, even a few inches, can give you just enough extra room around the corners of your vehicle to get over obstacles. Aesthetics There’s no doubt that a lifted Sprinter simply looks better, especially when it’s being used as an adventure van. Lift kits make your van look more aggressive and capable, transforming the stock look. If you care about how your vehicle looks, you can consider a lift for this reason alone. What You Can Lose From Lifting Your Van As great as a lift kit can be for off-road capability, there are some drawbacks that you should consider before upgrading. Lifts aren’t always necessary and in some cases can harm your vehicle’s performance. The major disadvantages include: Higher Center of Gravity: Your van is already a naturally high ride and a lift kit can exacerbate this further. Too much of a lift can make your van top-heavy and likely to experience body roll when going around turns. Your van will be much more sensitive to side winds, and you’ll have to get used to being more cautious going around sharp bends. Uncomfortable Highway Driving: Lift kits are meant for off-pavement use and they often have stiffer suspension. When driving on normal roads, your van may not be as comfortable as it used to be. You’ll feel bumps and potholes more. Less MPG: A lifted ride will make your van less aerodynamic and running bigger tires can reduce your fuel efficiency. Suspension Strain: Your van isn’t specifically engineered to be lifted, so doing so may cause excessive wear on other suspension components. Be prepared for more repairs and maintenance. Option #1: A Full Sprinter Van Lift Kit If you’re committed to lifting your van and want to enjoy all of the benefits that come with it, a full Sprinter van lift kit is the best way to go. These kits come with everything you need, including extended shocks, spacers, upgraded springs, and hardware. A full lift kit is the only true way to raise the height of your van. While minor enhancements can be achieved with the other two options, a kit provides the biggest lift. In general, you’ll want to stick with a 2” lift to achieve maximum benefit with minimal harm. Going higher can cause serious strain on your suspension geometry. At Owl, we offer a variety of different full lift kit options for various Sprinter models. Whether you have a 2500, 3500, AWD, or 4x4 van, we’ve got you covered. Option #2: Upgraded Suspension Components An alternative to a complete lift kit is just some suspension upgrades. While this will not provide as large a lift as a full kit, it does provide a little bit of extra clearance. The most cost-effective alternative lift is upgrading the rear leaf springs with an add-a-leaf. By expanding the leaf pack, you’ll slightly raise the ride height of your vehicle. Option #3: Bigger Wheels and Tires  The easiest and most affordable way to raise the height of your van is by installing bigger wheels. Like a suspension upgrade, this won’t dramatically lift your vehicle, but it can help subtly.   For example, if you had a stock Sprinter tire and wheel setup (245/75R16 on a 16” wheel) and upgraded it to a 265/70R17 on a 17” wheel, you would receive a lift of just over a half inch. Maintaining Your Sprinter After a Lift If you decide to lift your van with a full suspension lift kit, there are some maintenance tasks that you need to know about. Skipping these can cause damage to your vehicle. Alignment: You have to get a professional alignment after installing a lift kit. While an installer can get pretty close to the correct geometry, you need a computerized alignment machine to make it perfect.  Torque Checks: If you’re installing a lift kit yourself, make sure that you check all bolts after installation, preferably after driving around 100 miles. Make sure you continue to check them and retorque as necessary. Tire Wear: Suspension lift kits can sometimes cause weird wear on your tires, especially if you skipped a professional alignment. Inspect your tread regularly to make sure that you don’t miss any abnormal wear that could eventually lead to a blowout. Improve Your Clearance With Help from Owl Today A lifted Sprinter van turns heads everywhere it goes, and by upgrading with a full lift kit, you’ll enjoy drastically improved off-road performance. With a variety of options to choose from, you can equip your van with the right size lift for your needs. Owl intricately understands the suspension systems of Sprinter vans and our custom lift kits are the best on the market. Whether you’d like to upgrade with a full lift kit, a suspension upgrade, or just bigger tires, we’re confident that you’ll be impressed by our suspension products. Browse our complete collection today.  Frequently Asked Questions How much does a lift kit for Sprinter vans cost? A full lift kit can cost anywhere from $5,700 to $7,000. Suspension-only upgrades can cost a few thousand dollars. Larger tires are the cheapest option to slightly raise your vehicle. Can you lift a 2WD Sprinter van? While you can lift a 2WD adventure van, it’s not typically practical because of the off-road limitations of 2WD. At Owl, our lift kits are designed for 4x4 and AWD Sprinters. How much lift can a Sprinter handle safely? A 2” lift is ideal for a Sprinter, as it balances clearance with suspension safety. Larger aftermarket lifts can be done, but they have risks.

The wheels of an adventure van contribute to both style and function. With the right design, they can change the entire look of the van into something capable and confident. With the right construction, they can improve handling, be it on the highway or off-road. When it comes to purchasing new wheels for a Sprinter van, Grenadier, or other rig, most people find themselves stuck comparing alloy wheels vs steel wheels. While both have their pros and cons, aluminum alloy wheels are the best overall choice for exploration vehicles. Here’s why. Why Wheel Material Matters Most people don’t put too much thought into what metal their wheels are made of. So when posed with the option of alloy vs steel wheels, they’re lost. Material choice is incredibly important because it’s what determines the overall strength, durability, and performance of your wheel. As with all types of materials, there are benefits and drawbacks to each. Some wheel types offer more durability, whereas others offer more room for customization. Off-road vehicles such as Grenadiers, Sprinter vans, and other adventure vans require versatility, so you want to strike a good balance between: Structural integrity Resilience against damage Weight, to reduce strain on your vehicle Visual appeal and aesthetic longevity Handling and performance Steel Wheels Steel is the traditional material used in vehicle wheels, as seen with classic black “steelies.” It’s typically comprised of carbon steel and iron, and occasionally has manganese added for increased durability.  The main benefit of steel is its durability. Steel has a higher tensile strength than other wheel types like aluminum, which means it’s more likely to deform than crack when under immense pressure. However, this durability comes with a trade-off: weight. Steel wheels are much heavier than aluminum wheels. Aluminum Alloy Wheels Aluminum alloy is a popular material for aftermarket wheels. While not as durable as steel, it still offers impressive resilience to impacts and loading. Aluminum is more likely to crack than deform when exposed to high amounts of pressure.  The major advantage of these wheels is that they’re incredibly lightweight. For vehicles that require mobility and responsive handling, this is a huge benefit. What is Alloy? According to Penn State, “an alloy is a mixture of metal with another element, either metal or non-metal.” In the case of wheels, alloy wheels and aluminum wheels are the same thing. This is because all aluminum wheels are actually a blend of metals. While mostly aluminum, other materials like magnesium, copper, silicon, and zinc are blended in to make the wheel more structural. Aluminum alone would be far too weak. Why Alloy Wheels are the Best Choice for Adventure Vans 1. Lightweight The most significant benefit of aluminum alloy wheels for adventure vans is its lightweight nature. Your Sprinter, Transit, or ProMaster can be seriously weighed down by all of the gear you add to it. Having heavy steel wheels on all four hubs only adds to it, putting unnecessary wear on your knuckles and suspension components. Lightweight aluminum wheels can help you save on payload capacity, giving you a couple of extra pounds to add that bike or paddleboard. 2. Resistance to Corrosion Aesthetically, aluminum alloy wheels have a much longer lifespan because of their resistance to corrosion. With steel wheels, the rims can start to develop spots of rust if the coating is worn off. Once this rust begins, it’s tough to reverse and it can seriously bring down the style of your wheel. Aluminum wheels will retain their factory shine for years, so you won’t have to worry about refinishing or painting them, even with extreme off-road use. 3. Better Heat Dissipation Driving a heavy vehicle and off-roading can create a lot of heat buildup because of frequent braking. This can be an issue, as it may cause brake fading because of the loss of friction, or structural fatigue to your wheel. Studies have found that aluminum alloy wheels dissipate heat much more efficiently than steel wheels. This results in less wheel deformation over time, keeping you on the road longer without issues. 4. More Responsive Steering and Handling A driver can feel the difference between steel and alloy behind the steering wheel. The extra weight of steel reduces response time and makes the vehicle feel more sluggish when turning. This can be a major downside when off-roading, as quick steering maneuvers are often required to maintain balance and approach angles. With aluminum wheels, steering feels quicker and nimbler. 5. More Style Options Steel wheels and alloy wheels are forged differently, resulting in noticeable style differences. Steel wheels are “stamped” into a desired shape, whereas alloy wheels are manufactured using a mold via casting. Casting is ideal for intricate metal components as it has much more room for customization. In the case of wheels, this lends itself to more creative designs.  Top Aluminum Alloy Sprinter Van Wheels At Owl, we specialize in aluminum alloy wheels and strongly believe in the advantages that they offer to Sprinter van owners and off-roaders. We prioritize products that are lightweight yet still incredibly strong. In fact, all of our wheels are rated for at least 4,000 lbs. That’s double the load rating of most aftermarket wheels.  The result? Strong, easy-to-maneuver wheels that are built to stand up to the adventures you put them through. Here are our three main options. Talon Talon wheels are our flagship alloy wheel, and they were one of the first wheels of their kind manufactured specifically for Sprinter vans. With a 4,200 lb. capacity, these wheels are engineered to handle the weight of even the heaviest vans. Additionally, they come in multiple color options, allowing you to customize the aesthetic to your van’s style. Choose from satin black, bronze, or Scottish white.   Sixty The Sixty mimics the traditional steelie style while improving on it with lightweight aluminum. This creates an iconic off-road appearance that doesn't look overly flashy. The Sixty features a 4,200 lb. capacity, a dual valve stem system, a bead retention ring, and a 30mm offset, striking the perfect combination of practicality and versatility.   Mojo Mojo wheels are a best seller for their rugged aesthetic and tested performance. It fits the Kerma Big Brake Kit with an Owl spacer, making it one of the only 17” wheels that can fit large braking systems. As the only wheel in Owl's lineup with a classic hub and spoke look, the Mojo communicates timeless and intentional design across every square inch.   Get Top-Rated Off-Road Wheels at Owl Aluminum alloy wheels are vastly superior to steel wheels when it comes to adventure vans and off-road vehicles like Grenadiers. Their lightweight, durable construction is the perfect blend for high-performance exploration, and their multiple design options allow you to pick a wheel that suits your personal style. Owl’s selection of premium Sprinter van wheels and Grenadier wheels has consistently impressed the community, and we’re confident that you’ll be satisfied with your upgrade. Find your perfect wheel today and contact our team to learn more about any product. Frequently Asked Questions Do alloy wheels improve gas mileage? Yes, because they’re lightweight, alloy wheels can subtly improve your van’s gas mileage.  Is it worth upgrading to alloy wheels on my Sprinter van? Absolutely. Alloy wheels will help you save on payload weight, and they’ll improve the handling of your van. They also visually upgrade the OEM wheel style. Are steel or alloy wheels better for the INEOS Grenadier? Alloy wheels are better for Grenadiers because these vehicles are commonly used for off-roading. The lighter weight of alloy can improve steering responsiveness. 

Straight from the factory, the Mercedes Sprinter front bumper is incredibly weak. It’s plastic and not meant to do anything except add a bit of style and provide protection against minor fender benders. For Sprinter owners who like to take their rig off-road, this is a serious limitation. An upgraded Sprinter front bumper can provide a wide range of benefits for your adventure. When it comes to selecting one, many people get stuck between a steel bumper and an aluminum bumper. Each has its own advantages, so it’s important to take stock of what your personal requirements are. To help with this process, we’ve created a complete guide on the differences between steel and aluminum bumpers. The Purpose of an Upgraded Sprinter Bumper There are a few core reasons why adventure van owners choose to upgrade their bumpers: OEM limitations, off-road capability, and visual appeal. Across the board, a heavy-duty bumper (whether that’s steel or aluminum) will make your van better prepared for the rough roads you need to take to scenic destinations. Plus, it simply makes your van look better. Mercedes Sprinter Bumpers: What the Factory Version Lacks Out of the door, the Sprinter front bumper doesn’t look all too different from what you might find on a passenger vehicle. It’s designed for city and highway use, and doesn’t really serve too much of a functional purpose besides aesthetics. It hides all of the front internal components like the radiator and cooler lines, and provides minor protection. The bumper is held on by plastic clips if that tells you anything about its construction. For adventures, the stock bumper comes up short. Its clearance is way too low for any kind of off-roading and it easily cracks when caught on any type of obstacle. Additionally, there’s no reliable recovery point. While there is a removable cover where a towing eye hook can be screwed in, this is really only designed for situations like pulling a 2WD van out of deep snow. Improving Off-Road Durability and Capabilities With these factory limitations in mind, the functional purpose of an upgraded bumper should be apparent. Owl’s Sprinter front bumpers raise the clearance of the stock bumper and have tapered angles on the sides that improve approach angles. As you approach obstacles like rocks and ditches, you won’t have to worry about the bumper getting snagged and pulled off. Additionally, steel and aluminum bumpers are significantly more durable and don’t crack under impact. They protect the vital components of your van’s front end, ensuring that cooling lines don’t rupture when off-roading. All of these improvements allow you to go deeper off-road with more self-confidence. The Style Factor The aesthetics of a bumper shouldn’t be overlooked. They are one of the first things that are noticed when viewing the van from the front, so it can be worthwhile to make upgrades for stylistic reasons. Off-road bumpers add an intentionally rugged look to the van. This helps change its overall appearance from a stock delivery van into an adventure van. 5 Things to Look For in a Sprinter Bumper Before you can decide on a Sprinter bumper material, there are a few key factors that you’ll want to keep in mind. Take some time to think about your use case and which of the following applies to you. 1. Durable Construction Durability is arguably the most important feature of any aftermarket bumper. You want to make sure that it can withstand trail abuse, including scrapes along rocks, accidental contact with hard objects, and the bumps of the road. Metal bumpers, both steel and aluminum, provide this additional durability. 2. Lightweight You want to find a balance between durability and weight. A seriously heavy bumper can bog down the van and make it feel clunky, taking away from off-road capability. In addition, every pound counts when you’re building out an adventure van so that you don’t go over the max GVWR. Sprinter van accessories like bumpers can significantly reduce the amount of cargo weight available.  3. Recovery Points Recovery is a core part of off-roading and it’s crucial that you’re prepared to get yourself and your friends out of trouble. No one is going to be happy about helping you if you come without any recovery equipment.  Depending on the aftermarket bumper, you can have additional recovery features. These can include welded recovery hooks and integrated winches. 4. Lighting Mounts A new bumper also gives you the opportunity to upgrade your lighting for highway and off-road use. Stock bumpers don’t have any lighting accessory pods or mounting points. Many of the bumpers offered by Owl allow you to install light bars and high-powered fog lights. 5. Skid Plates When off-roading, one of the most vulnerable parts of your van is the undercarriage, especially right under the bumper. This is where key drivetrain components like the engine live.  If you’d like to protect these Sprinter van parts, look for a bumper with an integrated skid plate. These will create a seamless layer of protection that can be extended the length of the vehicle to protect all components. Pros and Cons of Different Bumper Materials When it comes to new Mercedes Benz Sprinter front bumpers, there are really only two material types you should consider: steel and aluminum. The versatility of these metals makes them suitable for off-road bumper use, but there are a few details of each that should be considered. Steel Sprinter Van Bumpers Steel bumpers are the pinnacle of durability. They’re highly regarded for their resistance to impact damage, which is very important on rocky trails. They have a higher tensile strength than aluminum, which is why they are used as vehicle frames. In off-road conditions, this means you don’t have to worry about your bumper denting or cracking. With this durability comes a few trade-offs. Firstly, steel is much heavier than aluminum, often twice as much. While this extra weight can add structural integrity in some cases, it can negatively affect a van’s suspension. Steel is also prone to rust when the top coat is damaged. Some people don’t mind a weathered look, but over time it will just get worse. Examples: Pismo, Ridgeline MAX, Ridgeline Aluminum Sprinter Bumpers Aluminum is known for how lightweight it is and this is the primary advantage that it provides to adventure vans. A full Sprinter van with gear, a bed, a kitchen, and all of your possessions can be extremely heavy. Adding a multi-hundred-pound bumper on top of this can negatively affect handling and suspension performance. Most aluminum bumpers are only around 100 pounds. Despite being lightweight, aluminum Sprinter van bumpers are still very durable. While not as robust as steel, they still perform well in strength tests and aluminum is a common second pick for automotive applications. However, dents are more likely to materialize on an aluminum bumper and they have a tendency to progress into cracks. On the upside, though, aluminum is resistant to corrosion and will not rust. Finally, it’s important to know that aluminum is more expensive than steel, both in the raw material and in the way it is manufactured.  Example: Adax Pro Hybrid Bumpers: The Best of Both Worlds You can obtain the benefits of both steel and aluminum bumpers by installing a hybrid bumper. These prioritize weight reduction by using aluminum across the main body. In critical weld points, such as the winch cradle, recovery hooks, and front hitch, steel is used. This ensures that there is structural integrity in the places that will receive the most tension. Example: Adax Pro Steel vs. Aluminum Sprinter Bumpers: Pros and Cons Chart   Pros Cons Steel Extremely strong and durable Can stabilize a van’s front end Affordable Very heavy - at least twice the weight of aluminum Prone to rusting Can strain suspension Aluminum Very lightweight Resistant to corrosion Still provides great durability over the OEM bumper More expensive than steel Dents more easily Lower fatigue resistance Find The Bumper That’s Right for You at Owl Both steel and aluminum bumpers have their place on Sprinter vans. If you’re looking for maximum durability and aren’t concerned with weight, steel is a great option. If you’d rather keep your payload low and aren’t intending on bashing your van against rocks every weekend, an aluminum one might be best. Regardless, you’ll find that all of Owl’s bumpers are manufactured with the highest quality metals and feature the strongest welds. Our American-made products are built for real-world applications without compromise. Browse our bumper options today and start planning your next installation. Frequently Asked Questions Should I do a DIY or professional Sprinter bumper installation? Many bumpers can be installed DIY with the assistance of installation guides. Professional installation can be completed at Owl Offroad locations for others. How heavy are steel and aluminum Sprinter van bumpers? Steel bumpers are around 220 pounds, whereas aluminum bumpers are around 110 pounds. What are the best winches for Sprinter bumpers? Heavy-duty winches, such as the Mojab 13,500 lb. winch, are a great option for bumpers like the Adax Pro. Smaller winches like 12,000 lb. Warn winches are also good. Do Sprinter van bumpers fit all model years? Most modern aftermarket bumpers are designed for 2019 and newer Sprinters (VS30 models). It’s important to check model compatibility, as some bumpers are designed only for 4x4s, 2500s, 3500s, or AWD vans.

Ever wonder how the weight of your entire van’s body is able to “hover” above the wheels? You can thank your springs for that. Springs are the base of every vehicle’s suspension system and they play a critical role in supporting heavy adventure vans like yours. There are a lot of misconceptions out there about what suspension springs are, what they do, and when they need to be replaced. This article aims to cover all of those topics and give a few product suggestions for you to consider. The goal? Help you understand the intricacies of your van’s suspension and make you feel confident about any Sprinter van suspension upgrades you need to do. What is Spring Suspension? In the words of MotorTrend, “the springs are the foundation of a suspension system.” Springs have two main purposes: hold up the weight of your vehicle and absorb the energy of bumps in the road. In practice, they allow your van’s tires to move up and down with these bumps while keeping the chassis and body of your vehicle still and in place. If you removed the springs from your vehicle, the body would sit significantly lower. To give an example, many car modders choose to install shorter springs so that their vehicle has a lower stance. Besides a lower stance, removing the springs would also make you feel every single imperfection in the road, creating an extremely uncomfortable ride. Shocks and struts work in conjunction with the springs by controlling the amount of spring compression/extension. Without them, the springs would keep bouncing until all kinetic energy was released. Types of Spring Suspension Systems Springs come in a few different varieties. Their usage depends on the type of vehicle. Many heavy-duty vehicles use a combination of spring types in the suspension system. On Sprinter vans, integrated strut and coils are used on the front wheels and leaf springs are used on the rear wheels. Coil Springs Coils have a classic spring look to them, similar to a thick slinky. On sedans and smaller vehicles, they’re used on every wheel. On heavier vehicles, they’re only used in the front. This is because coil springs are very good at creating a smooth ride, but they don’t excel under heavy loads.  Sprinters are designed to carry cargo in the rear. Engineers use struts and coils in the front to maintain riding comfort, but use leaf springs in the rear to ensure maximum support. Leaf Springs Leaf springs look like a thick stack of flat, metal bars. On Sprinter vans, they’re located on the rear wheels. There are many components to a leaf spring suspension system, including the eye, bushing, and shackle. Depending on the vehicle, there can be different numbers of leaves (the layers of metal). The more leaves there are, the more suspension support that is provided. Leaf spring suspension is used in the rear on Sprinter vans because they carry a lot of weight, especially when they have a full interior build done to them. Leaf springs are better at supporting more weight because they disperse it over the length of the entire pack, rather than just a single point like on a coil spring. They also have progressive resistance; as more weight is added, more leaves activate, stiffening the overall suspension. When Should I Upgrade My Sprinter’s Springs? You can probably imagine what it feels like to have worn suspension. A bumpy ride, harsh sounds when going over bumps, squeaking, and excess sway are all common. When suspension is really in need of an upgrade, your van will tell you. Besides these obvious signs, there are many indicators that might go unnoticed. Here are some Sprinter-specific issues that you should look out for: Bump Stop Compression: Bump stops are rubber blocks that sit between your suspension and the axle. They prevent metal-to-metal contact when the springs are under full compression. If your bump stops are always touching the axle under load, it means that your suspension is undersized for the amount of weight you’re carrying. Rear Sag: Your van should sit perfectly level and the back should not be “sagging” lower. New suspension can help with this, but it’s also important to make sure that you’re not over your Sprinter's maximum GVWR. Uneven Tire Wear: If your existing suspension is not supporting the weight of the van correctly, the tires will tell the story. If one side of the van has poor suspension, you might notice wear on the outside of your tires from misalignment. If the suspension is struggling to support the weight of the vehicle, you might notice more wear on the inside of the tires from the axle bending. Sprinter Spring Suspension When Off-Roading If you’re planning on taking your van off-roading, the way you should approach suspension is entirely different. Overall, stock Sprinter suspension is simply not adequate. You’ll feel harsh bottom outs, side-to-side sway, and metal-on-metal contact. Off-roading springs will dramatically improve your driving experience. They’re meant to support the weight of a fully built-out Sprinter and the extremes of off-road travel. You’ll be able to tackle trails head on and not feel like you’re damaging your vehicle or being thrown around inside the van. Best Spring Suspension Options By Driving Style When it comes to spring upgrades for Sprinter vans, there are a few different options. These options are dependent on how far off-road you like to go. Whether you’ve noticed your suspension feeling worn out or you’d like to make your adventure van ready for anything, here are your best choices for springs, broken down by the type of travel. 1. Highway Cruising If you’re more of a “sightseer” and like to road trip with your van, stay at campsites and rest areas, and explore popular destinations, a light suspension upgrade would be best for you. This can be something as simple as a new spring pack. It’ll help balance your load out and make your drive more comfortable. Recommended Product: Opti-Rate Full Spring Pack 2. Gravel Road Bumping Maybe you like to explore a little off the beaten path with boondocking and primitive camping. This usually entails driving down poorly maintained National Forest roads, rutted out desert roads, or washboard roads. A slightly more tuned up spring suspension could do wonders for the handling of the vehicle. Recommended Product: Stage 4.3 Suspension System 3. Deep Off-Road Exploration If you’re not afraid of pushing your van to the limits and getting way way out there, a full suspension and spring upgrade will be necessary. This ensures that you get the clearance, support, and handling that you need for some of the toughest roads. Fully upgraded suspension and springs will give you peace of mind that your Sprinter is equipped for the adventure. Recommended Product: Stage 6.3 Suspension System  Optimize Your Sprinter’s Suspension and Springs Today Springs are an important component of all suspension systems, but they are especially crucial for heavy Sprinter vans. You rely on your springs to keep your van’s ride smooth and comfortable, even when it goes off-road.  If you’re thinking that it might be time to invest in new springs for your rig, our team at Owl is here to help. We have a variety of trail-tested options to choose from, detailed installation guides, and an experienced team of technicians that are available to help with your purchase. Get ready to enjoy the pleasure of smooth, cloud-like drives in your Sprinter and take a look at our suspension collection today. Frequently Asked Questions Do suspension springs wear out? Yes, springs do wear out. Leaf springs typically last around 100,000 miles, but this can be quickly reduced with heavy loads. Can I replace only one spring at a time, or should they be done in pairs? Springs should always be replaced in pairs so that the suspension is balanced. Stiffer or looser suspension on just one side could lead to serious alignment issues. What are the benefits of progressive-rate springs for Sprinter vans? Progressive leaf springs, such as the ones we provide from Deaver, provide progressively more support the more they are compressed. Each leaf is activated separately, combining to create full support at maximum compression.

Lift kits are one of the most impressive upgrades that you can make to your Sprinter or adventure van. They turn a stock delivery van into a vessel for exploration, turning heads at every corner. A lifted Sprinter van is substantially more capable, allowing you to take your rig over terrain that the vehicle was never originally meant for. One of the most common questions we get asked at Owl is: “What wheels do I need for a lifted Sprinter van?” Compatibility is a main concern when shopping for upgraded tires, and there are a few key considerations that you’ll need to make to ensure that your ride stays dialed in. We’ve broken it all down for you below. How Lift Kits Can Change Wheel Fitment The main way that lift kits change wheel fitment is that they allow for bigger sprinter van wheels and tires. Lift kits add clearance, and without it, larger tires would rub against the fender flares, wheel well, and suspension components. The size of a lift kit dictates how big a tire can be installed.  Does a Lifted Sprinter Van Need Different Wheels? You don’t have to get bigger tires after installing a standard lift kit. There is no mechanical requirement for this, as nothing changes with the wheel hub in most suspension and body lifts. However, many people choose to get a lift kit for the sole reason of installing bigger tires, so it’s a bit counterintuitive to skip this upgrade. Do You Need a Lift Kit for 17” Wheels on a Sprinter? You are generally safe to upgrade your Sprinter’s stock 16” wheels to 17” without investing in a lift kit. However, it’s important to pay attention to the overall diameter. While a 265/70R17 tire will fit without rubbing, a 275/70R17 may run into issues. Compatibility Considerations: 5 Things to Check Every lift kit is different. Engineers put a lot of time into creating a product that works with the existing suspension geometry of a vehicle. When it comes to selecting a tire size for a lift kit, there is not a single definitive answer that can be given. Always refer to the installation guide of the lift kit to determine what the maximum tire size you can install is, and with what modifications. With that being said, there are a few key considerations that you should make when finding the right Sprinter tires for a lift kit. These include the tire size, the suspension geometry, braking and suspension clearance, fender clearance, and spare tire mounts. 1. Sprinter Van Tire Size There are two routes you can go when upgrading: start with the lift kit, or start with the wheels. No matter how you start, the tire size and lift kit must be compatible. Every vehicle model is different because of its unique geometry.  For example, our 2” Sprinter van lift kits can support tires up to 315/75/16 (35”) tires. However, you must also make the following modifications: Trimming of the front mud flaps, front fenders, and rear fenders Trimming of the front bumper and front plastic inner fender well liner 14mm wheel spacers or a 14mm offset 2. Suspension Geometry Suspension geometry describes the placement and angles of various suspension components throughout the vehicle and how they contribute to handling.  When upgrading your tires with a lift kit, you want to make sure that the geometry is being altered correctly. This can include control arm alignment, CV joint angles, and camber changes. You do not want to cause excess wear when cornering or compressing the vehicle.  3. Braking and Suspension Clearance One of the biggest issues that people face when upgrading to a larger tire size is rubbing. Vehicles are designed for stock tire sizes, so larger ones may touch suspension components, especially while turning. At rest, a wheel may look like it’s not coming into contact with anything, but as soon as the vehicle starts to turn and flex, contact can occur. This is most common with wider tires, such as 275s. To avoid this issue, you’ll need Sprinter wheels with an offset, or you’ll need to add spacers. 4. Fender and Body Clearance Just like how big wheels can rub against suspension components, they can also rub against the wheel wells. A lift kit’s primary purpose is to raise the vehicle enough so that this doesn’t happen, but additional trimming can sometimes be necessary. Luckily, most of the fender is easy to cut and the aesthetic can be maintained with fender flares. 5. Spare Tire Mounts One of the most overlooked things when upgrading to bigger tires is that the spare tire holder underneath the van may not be able to accommodate a larger size. If this is the case for your van, you might need to relocate your spare tire to the rear of the vehicle. A variety of options exist, such as Owl’s rear tire carrier. Other Considerations for Lifted Sprinter Vans There are some other minute details that need to be mentioned. Oftentimes, larger tires can affect your van’s speedometer and odometer. This is because larger wheels cover more distance with each rotation. Your van’s speedometer functions off a predetermined rotation-to-distance ratio. When upgrading tires, you might notice that your speedometer is a few mph slower than your actual speed. Some Sprinter ECUs allow recalibration. Besides issues with the odometer and speedometer, you also need to think about alignment. Getting a full alignment after a lift kit is 100% essential. This will maintain the correct geometry and keep your vehicle handling at its best. Owl Can Help You Pair Your Sprinter Wheels and Lift Kit It’s not easy pairing wheels with a lift kit. With so many different measurements to account for, many Sprinter van owners feel lost with the process.  At Owl, we have fitment experts who are available to answer all of your questions and help you design the perfect adventure van. Schedule a call with one of our installation professionals today to get help with your wheel and lift kit selection. Frequently Asked Questions Can I put wider wheels on my Sprinter? Yes, this is one of the most common tire upgrades that Sprinter owners make. The stock width is 245, but many people choose to size up to 265 or 275. What is the Sprinter’s stock bolt pattern? Most Sprinter vans have a 6x130 bolt pattern. This means that there are 6 lug nuts, with 130mm of distance between the lugs across the hub.  Can I use adapters or spacers to fit a different wheel? Yes, sometimes this is necessary to give extra clearance between a wider wheel and the suspension. Alternatively, a wheel with more negative offset can be used.

The EKKO Sprinter was first released in 2024, capturing the interest of those who wanted the space and comfort of an RV with the vehicle capabilities of a Sprinter. Winnebago created this iconic combination for people who didn’t want to sacrifice material comforts just to get off the grid. As you can imagine, there are some design gaps with this creation, especially in regards to off-roading and the accessories that are needed for it. To fix that, Owl decided to manufacture EKKO Sprinter van rear bumpers that add the durability, versatility, and aesthetic that the stock version lacks. Not sure if you need one? Read on to find out. The Weaknesses of a Stock EKKO Sprinter Bumper The back of an EKKO Sprinter doesn’t exactly scream “off-road ready.” The base model is a blank slate without a ladder or a single storage compartment. Higher-end models add a flimsy ladder and a few storage options, but there’s still much to be desired. From an adventurer’s perspective, here are a few negative traits that the Winnebago EKKO Sprinter has: Lacks Aggressive Style: The EKKO leans into the traditional RV style more than it does an off-road style. The box-like design of the rear doesn’t communicate “capable.” Wasted Space: There is so much open real estate on the back end of the EKKO. Space that could be used to mount gear and accessories. No Room for Customization: Along with the open space is a lack of customization. Besides adding ratchet straps to the ladder, there’s no option to mount anything. Exposed Rear Body: There’s quite a bit of overhang on the back of the EKKO. This spot is quite vulnerable when off-roading. When going over bumps, ditches, or pitch changes, the rear body can easily drag on the ground.  Negligible Bumper Protection: While there is a bumper on the back of the EKKO, it provides no protection underneath the corner of the rear body. It’s really just there to avoid damage when accidentally backing into something. Main Benefits of an Upgraded Sprinter EKKO Bumper An aftermarket rear bumper solves all of the issues listed above on the EKKO. To start, it provides significantly enhanced protection on the rear-end, both from bottoming out and backing into things. This is crucial, as you won’t have to worry about the body of the camper being damaged. Rear bumper upgrades also provide exponentially more space. The bumper provides a mounting point for accessories like ladders, tire racks, and gear carriers. Whether you’re mounting bikes or a storage box, you’ll have a variety of options. Finally, it simply looks better. New bumpers have more angular designs and a powder-coated finish, giving an aggressive look to your EKKO and transforming it into a machine. When is Upgrading a Necessity? There are a few use cases where an upgraded Sprinter van rear bumper is absolutely necessary. Off-roading is one of them. If you plan on taking your EKKO anywhere away from a paved or gravel road, you’ll want to consider adding an aftermarket bumper to protect your investment. These rigs are not cheap, and one wrong trail crossing can leave you with a massive repair bill. Furthermore, a durable bumper adds confidence to your adventures because you’ll know that you can take your vehicle deeper on trails. Another reason to strongly consider purchasing one of these bumpers is if you have lots of oversized equipment. Mountain bikes, surfboards, and recovery gear may fit inside the EKKO, but not comfortably. Putting them on the back of the van is a much more practical option that you’ll thank yourself for down the road. Ekko Sprinter Van Rear Bumpers: 4 Top Options 1. Teton Rear Bumper The Teton is Owl’s flagship Sprinter van rear bumper. It’s constructed of ultra-strong steel that can stand up to harsh trail conditions, bottoming out, and whatever else you might put it through. The bumper bolts directly to the chassis frame rails, giving it excellent weight-carrying capacity. 2. Teton + Rear Ladder The next step up from the Teton is adding a rear ladder. This kit makes a massive improvement to the design of the factory EKKO ladder. Its strong, all-aluminum construction can support more weight, and its sleek design seamlessly complements the aesthetics of the van.  The main upgrade of the rear ladder is the modular lower rack, providing space to mount recovery gear and other equipment. 3. Teton + Swing-Out Carrier The rear carrier upgrade solves the issue of all the wasted space on the rear of the EKKO. It mounts to the EKKO’s rear panel and the Teton bumper, allowing you to bolt any size rack you need, similar to the Owl B2 Sherpa. The swing-out design makes it so that you can still access any storage compartments your EKKO Sprinter might have come with. A popular secondary upgrade with the swing-out carrier is a tire basket. This mounts directly to the carrier and allows you to relocate your spare to the back of the vehicle for increased clearance. 4. Complete Teton Rear Carrier System You can combine all of these options with the complete rear carrier system. This features a full integration of the bumper, ladder, and swing-out carrier. This installation gives you the most functionality and flexibility for your adventures. Other Options: Sprinter Van Rear Step Bumpers Normal Sprinter adventure vans can also benefit from a bumper upgrade. While the factory Mercedes rear bumper is generally adequate, many van owners choose to install a Sprinter van rear step bumper in the hitch to complement it. This provides elevated access to storage boxes, roof racks, and other Sprinter van accessories on the rear. Make Your EKKO Versatile With Owl With the right upgrades, the EKKO Sprinter can be turned into an off-road, adventure beast. Installing an improved rear bumper is a great way to make your van more rugged and capable, no matter how you use it. If you’re looking to take your EKKO beyond the confines of a campground, a new bumper will help take you and all of your gear there safely. As a leader in Sprinter van accessories, Owl manufactures the highest-grade EKKO components. Browse our complete collection today to start building the rig you’ve always wanted. Frequently Asked Questions Can aftermarket lights be added to an EKKO Sprinter rear bumper? Absolutely. Baja Designs S2 rear lights can be easily added to the Teton’s laser-cut pockets. Is the Teton bumper compatible with all EKKO Sprinter models? Yes, the Teton bumper packages can be used with all models, including hard and soft top ones. Does a new bumper improve crash ratings? While they offer more structural integrity, aftermarket bumpers are not put through crash tests; therefore, improvements to safety cannot be determined. What chassis does the Winnebago EKKO Sprinter use? The Sprinter AWD chassis.

Owning an adventure van is all about taking your rig down new roads to new sights. With that comes some bumps along the way. Unless you want to feel every single pothole you drive through, it’s important that you take care of your van’s suspension. Shocks are one of the core parts of a Sprinter suspension system. Their main purpose is to absorb all of the “shocks” you feel while exploring. Unfortunately, OEM Sprinter shocks will not suffice for the type of travel you’ve got on your itinerary. In this article, we’ll cover how shocks work, signs you need to replace them, and what the best shocks for Sprinter vans are. With this information, you can set out on your next off-road journey fully prepared. What Exactly Do Shocks Do? The function of shocks is right in the name: they absorb the shocks of the road. Shocks main contribution is keeping your van feeling smooth on all types of road conditions. Without them, you’d feel every single dip and divot in the road, creating a jarring driving experience. A common misconception is that shocks hold up the vehicle’s suspension. That’s actually the purpose of springs (either coil or leaf style). If you removed the shocks from a vehicle, the body would not sink down to the tires. However, if you removed the springs, it most certainly would. How Do Shocks Work? Shocks have a pretty simple construction. They’re comprised of a body, a piston rod and valve, and either hydraulic fluid or compressed gas.  Here’s how they operate: The body and the piston compress and move up and down with the movement of the vehicle.  As the van hits a dip in the road, the body compresses, pushing the piston rod and valve down into the hydraulic fluid reserve tube. The valve has small holes in it that allow a controlled amount of fluid to enter the pressure tube above. The resistance caused by this movement is what controls the vehicle's bouncing when going over rough terrain. Signs That Your Sprinter Needs New Shocks Shock wear can be a slow and gradual process that you might not notice in the beginning. Over time, the problem becomes much more obvious. There are a few key indicators that suggest your Sprinter needs new shocks, such as: Bouncy Ride: New and excessive bounciness is a clear sign that your shocks are worn. This happens when hydraulic fluid loses its viscosity and piston flanges wear out, allowing more fluid to move throughout the shock. Fluid Leaks: If you have a shock with hydraulic fluid, you might notice drops of fluid underneath. This indicates that seals are wearing out and that a replacement will be required. Nose-Diving When Braking: If the front of your van seems to drop when you’re coming to a stop, the shocks might be to blame. With a fully-loaded adventure van, you may even notice some of these signs with new, factory shocks. This is because the extra weight in the vehicle can cause the pistons to push down with more force, creating a bumpier and rougher ride. High-performance upgrades might be necessary. Struts vs. Shocks: Main Differences If you’re confused about the difference between shocks and struts, you’re not alone. Most people use the two interchangeably without really understanding how they differ.  A strut is a structural suspension component that includes a shock and a spring. In the case of Mercedes Sprinter vans, the factory MacPherson struts are on the front two wheels. They bolt directly to the steering knuckle and unibody frame and rotate when the wheel turns. On OEM Sprinters, the rear wheels have shocks.  In most vehicles, a wheel has either a strut or a shock, not both. However, upgraded Sprinter van suspension often entails adding a secondary shock and Rally struts to the front wheels to enhance handling. Best Shocks for Sprinter Conversion Vans: Key Things to Look For Factory shocks are usually not adequate for a Sprinter when it’s used as an adventure van. It doesn’t matter if you’re planning on going from campground to campground or you’re looking to take your rig off-road; the extra weight of the build can make stock shocks extremely inadequate. By upgrading, you’ll be able to enjoy a smooth, bump-free ride without feeling like your van is being run into the ground. There are a couple of key features you can look at when shopping for upgraded Sprinter van shocks. Increased Fluid Levels One of the main limitations of stock shocks is that they don’t have enough hydraulic fluid in them to handle off-road use and heavy builds. If there is less fluid in a shock, the piston flange can cycle through the fluid during bumps quickly, resulting in more bumpiness. Additional fluid makes it harder for the flange to compress, resulting in more support. Adjustability Adjustable shocks are a must for adventure vans. You will likely take your van through a variety of different road conditions, so why would you want one standard shock setting to handle it all? Some of the best aftermarket shocks for Sprinters provide three settings:  Soft for off-roading Neutral for everyday driving Firm for highway travel with wind Bolt-On Installation Upgraded shocks should be easy to install. The best shocks for Sprinter vans have bolt-on installations that utilize factory hardware. This makes it easy to remove old shocks and replace them with the upgraded components. Lift Kit Compatibility If you’re thinking of creating a lifted Sprinter, it’s important to consider how your shocks will be affected. Factory models will not likely be able to reach the mounting points after the suspension has been raised. Custom-tuned shocks, when combined with a lift kit, can be a perfect match. Owl’s Recommendation: Falcon Shocks Overall, the team at Owl has found that Falcon shocks are the best option for Sprinter vans. They check all of the boxes above, ensuring that you get peak performance out of your suspension upgrade.   The three-setting, Fast Adjust knobs make on-the-trail changes a breeze, and their pairing with our complete suspension systems ensures that there are never any compromises to your suspension geometry. Individual Shocks vs. Suspension Kits: What’s a Better Upgrade? When it comes time to upgrade your shocks, you’ll have a few different routes you can take. You can either upgrade just the front and rear shocks or invest in a total suspension system. Shocks alone are substantially cheaper than a complete system, but the capabilities will be reduced. Here’s an overview of when each is best: Just New Shocks: Best for lightweight vans that don’t do any serious off-roading. The new shocks can help with bumpiness on washboard roads and highway travel. Suspension System with New Shocks: Best for heavy van builds that do a significant amount of off-highway travel. Improves handling all around. Off-Road Adventure Should Be Smooth It should be enjoyable to drive your van, even when the road gets rough. If your van is bouncing out of control with every rut in the road, you can make a change with new shocks. Now that you know the purpose of shocks, how they work, and what to look for when upgrading, you can feel comfortable replacing your Sprinter’s stock components with a premium option that makes off-road travel actually comfortable. Shop all suspension today and reach out to Owl to discuss your improvements. Frequently Asked Questions How long do upgraded shocks typically last on a Sprinter van? A general rule of thumb is that shocks last around 50,000 miles. Higher-quality brands like Falcon can last longer, although it depends on how much weight is in your van and how much off-roading you do. Will new shocks change my van’s ride height? No, by themselves, new shocks will not raise the height of your van. How do I know which shock model fits my specific Sprinter (144 vs. 170, 2WD vs. 4x4)? Carefully review each product title on Owl to determine which model each product is designed for. There are differences between AWD, 2WD, and 4x4 models. What are secondary shocks, and why do some Sprinters have them? Some Sprinter owners decide to install secondary shocks in the front of their vans to complement the primary struts. This upgrade will improve overall handling and bump absorption.

Offset and backspacing are confusing terms for most people. When you hear these phrases, you might picture a low-riding streetcar with a wide stance or an off-roading Jeep with massive monster truck tires. Both of these images are great examples of offset, but did you realize that offset can also apply to your Sprinter van wheels? Below, we’ll take a deep dive into what wheel offset and backspacing are, why they matter for tire and wheel fitment, and how vehicle performance can be altered. With this information, you’ll have a clear understanding of what you need to keep in mind for your van’s next wheel and tire upgrade. What is Offset on Wheels? Let’s start with a general explanation from Edmunds and break this apart further: Offset helps determine whether the wheel will fit flush with the car's body, be recessed into the wheel well, or stick out. To better understand what wheel offset is, first picture how a Sprinter’s wheels attach to the vehicle. There are 6 bolt holes on the wheel that slide over the bolts on the wheel hub. These are then secured with lug nuts on the outside of the wheel. Now, picture the tire and wheel from its side (looking at the tread). Imagine you have X-ray vision of where the mounting holes are located inside: If the mounting holes are directly in the center of the wheel, the wheel would sit perfectly flush with the body of the car. This is called zero offset.  If the mounting holes are located closer to the outside, street-side of the wheel, the wheel would sit further inside the wheel well. This is called positive offset. If the mounting holes are located closer to the inside, vehicle-side of the wheel, the wheel would stick out from the wheel well more. This is called negative offset. What is Backspacing? Backspacing describes the same concept as offset, but with a different measurement. Instead of measuring how much the mounting surface and holes are off-center, it measures how far the mounting surface is from the vehicle’s wheel hub. It’s measured in inches. For example, if a wheel’s mounting holes are closer to the inside of the tire (near the vehicle), it will have less backspacing. If the holes are on the outside of the tire (near street-side), it will have more backspacing. More backspacing = the tire sits under the wheel well more. Less backspacing = the tire sits outside the wheel well more. How to Measure Wheel Offset  Offset is a measurement of how off-center a wheel’s mounting surface is.  When you’re shopping for new wheels for your Sprinter, you’ll see offset described as a number. For example, the Talon Super Singles offer a -123mm offset, which is the widest available. What this number means is that the mounting holes are 123mm off-center, closer to the vehicle side. Remember, a negative offset means closer mounting; a positive offset means further mounting. You can calculate your offset using a formula: Offset (mm) = (Backspacing - Centerline) x 25.4 1. Calculate Centerline To calculate the centerline of your wheel in inches, measure from one outer lip of the rim to the other outer lip (with the tire removed). Divide this number by two. 2. Calculate Backspacing Flip the wheel onto its face so that the street-facing side is on the ground. Once flipped, place a straight edge across the top of the wheel. Using a tape measure, measure the distance in inches from the inner mounting face of the wheel to the straight edge. 3. Complete the Formula With these measurements, you can calculate the offset by converting the difference between the backspacing and the centerline and multiplying it by 25.4. If backspacing is greater than the centerline, you’ll have a positive offset. If it’s less than the centerline, you’ll have a negative offset. How to Find Wheel Offset on Your Rim There are a few ways that you can determine the offset of your current wheels. The easiest is to look at the back of the rim. Many manufacturers stamp the wheel’s offset on the inside of the rim. Look for the letters ET; the numbers directly after it are the offset in millimeters. Why Wheel Offset and Backspacing Matter for Wheel Fitment Many Sprinter van owners choose to upgrade their tires for improved performance, on and off-road. Typically, this means larger tires. Investing in a Sprinter lift kit may also require larger tires. According to Mercedes manuals, the factory tire size of Sprinter vans is typically 245/75R16. If you’re interested in off-roading or would just like better traction and a more aggressive look, upgrading to 17-inch tires is recommended. When you do this, you’ll have the choice of wider widths, such as 265 and 275, as with the BFGoodrich K03s. The issue with larger tires, specifically wider ones, is that they may come in contact with the suspension and braking components of your van when they’re mounted on the same factory Sprinter wheels. This can be experienced with both normal driving and off-roading. To make up for this, you’ll need to upgrade to a wheel with a more negative offset.   Note: This doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll have a negative offset. With a small adjustment, you could go from something like +52mm to +38mm.  How Offset and Backspacing Affect Your Sprinter’s Performance If you choose to upgrade your Sprinter with bigger wheels and a more negative offset to make room for them, you’ll notice some changes in your driving. Pushing your wheels further out from the vehicle with a negative offset can have many advantages for handling, but it also comes with some drawbacks.  Positives of Negative Offset More Stable Stance: A wider stance will feel more stable, especially when going over bumpy terrain and other types of off-road conditions. Less Body Roll: Cornering and lane changes will feel smoother with the wider stance, and you’ll notice less side-to-side movement. More Aggressive Look: Wider tires can make a van look tougher and more capable.  Negatives of Negative Offset Slower Steering: Your steering will feel slightly heavier with negative offset tires. This is because pushing the tires outwards increases the scrub radius. More Suspension Wear: There will be more leverage on key suspension components like tie rods and ball joints with a wider stance. This can cause faster wear over time. Fender Contact: The tires may come in contact with the Sprinter fenders with a wider stance, requiring trimming and a fender flare kit. Getting Expert Advice It can be tricky to know exactly what offset wheel you need when upgrading your rig, especially if you’ve made modifications to suspension and braking. There are general wheel offset charts and calculators that you can use, but your best bet is to purchase all components from the same source and ask for advice from technical team members. They’ll know exactly what wheels pair with what lift kits and suspension systems. Make Your Sprinter’s Wheels Off-Road Ready with Owl Upgrading to bigger tires on your adventure van can be a satisfying experience. It makes the vehicle more capable and adds an undeniable amount of style that turns heads on trails and on highways. Understanding what offset your van needs will help ensure that your new wheels pair perfectly with key suspension components. At Owl, we’ve got a range of 17” premium Sprinter wheels that you can equip your van with. Our experts are here to help you pair your new suspension or lift kit with the right-sized tires and offset wheels that you need for peak performance. Give us a call or message us today for installation advice. Frequently Asked Questions What offset is stock on a Mercedes Sprinter? The OEM offset of a Sprinter van varies by model and year. The VS30 typically has an offset of anywhere from +52mm to +62mm. Is a positive or negative offset better for off-road Sprinters? Negative offset wheels are better for off-roading. It allows you to run bigger tires and suspension systems, and it also gives you better grip and handling in these types of driving conditions. Does lifting a Sprinter change what offset I need? It can, but not directly because of the lift. Lifting a Sprinter raises the wheel hub, so a stock wheel may no longer be able to touch the ground without straining suspension components. Therefore, a larger wheel is needed. Once you get a larger wheel, a different offset may be required to have proper clearance under the wheel well.

Off-roading with your Sprinter van can be one of the most thrilling experiences for an adventure van owner. You’ve likely spent a significant amount of time and money decking out your rig in all the best suspension components, tires, and recovery gear. All of these upgrades definitely put you in a great place, but there’s one part that’s often forgotten about: Sprinter skid plates. Skid plates protect the underside of your van and are crucial for any backcountry adventure on rugged, rocky terrain. Before you even hit the trails, it’s important that you get this protective gear installed. Here’s a look at eight of the best options you have for your rig, including integrated bumpers, engine plates, drivetrain plates, and differential plates. The Importance of Mercedes Sprinter Skid Plates Compared to other off-road vehicles like the INEOS Grenadier, the Sprinter has lower clearance. This spells issues for off-road use, as the undercarriage is susceptible to dragging and getting caught up on rocks and other obstacles. While lift kits and bigger tires can help with this issue, contact between the undercarriage and the ground can occur. So what are skid plates? You can think of skid plates as “armor” for your Sprinter’s mechanical components under the vehicle. This armor is bolted into factory holes underneath, providing a durable, metal layer of protection over key, sensitive components. If you ever scrape against some rock or bottom out when going over shallow ditches, these Sprinter skid plates can protect against damage and breakdowns. Avoid Breaking Down from Mechanical Damage Breakdowns are the biggest concern on the trail. Not only will they bring your expedition to a screaming halt, but they can also leave you stranded (oftentimes in places without cell-phone service). In the case of a breakdown, you’ll either need to rely on your friend’s vehicle to tow you out or walk to get service so that you can call an off-road recovery team. Sprinter vans, in particular, have some weak points under the body. The rear differential casing, for example, can peel back when it’s dragged on a rock, causing fluid leakage. If it runs dry, the entire rear end can bind up. Types of Skid Plates There are a variety of different skid plates that you can install on your van, each serving a different purpose and protecting a different area of the vehicle: Transmission and Transfer Case: Shields the transmission housing and transfer case from impact damage caused by rocks or trail debris, typically spanning the midsection of the chassis and mounting to factory crossmembers for structural rigidity. Engine: Protects the oil pan, lower engine block, and front subframe components from strikes and abrasion. Often has drainage cutouts to maintain airflow and service access. Differential: Guards the rear (or front) differential housing and pinion flange from contact during off-road articulation. Typically attaches directly to the axle housing or trailing arm mounts to deflect impact loads away from vital driveline components. Bumper Integrated: Skid plates that are attached to aftermarket bumpers, providing protection that extends from the lower front fascia back over the engine and transmission. Choosing the Right Sprinter Van Skid Plates: Use Case and Compatibility There’s no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to Sprinter skid plates. Each van model has different sizing specifications that have to be accounted for. Additionally, every skid plate serves a different purpose, so you’ll want to consider what your needs and/or wants are for your van. How do I choose the right Sprinter skid plate? Start by examining how you currently use, or intend to use, your van. Ask yourself some of the following questions: Are you planning on doing rock crawling with lots of articulation?  Are you planning on creeping into severely rutted out campsites where you might bottom out?  Or are you planning on just sticking to pavement?  Running through these scenarios can help you identify what type of skid plate you need, whether that’s a Sprinter differential skid plate or an engine skid plate. Once you’ve figured out your use case, take a look at compatibility. There are a few variations of Sprinters on the road today, so it’s important to keep in mind your vehicle year and 4x4 capability when selecting a skid plate to ensure proper fitment. Top 8 Mercedes Sprinter Skid Plates 1. Ridgeline Full Coverage Pre-Runner The Ridgeline Full Coverage Pre-Runner bumper is the best integrated skid plate option available for Sprinter owners. The skid plate in this kit is custom-designed to blend seamlessly into the bumper. It has a ¼” aluminum construction, and it extends to protect the entire engine and transmission. Note: This skid plate does not fit 2WD Sprinters. 2. 2007-2022 4x4 Transmission and Transfer Case Skid Plate Designed with 1/4" thick 6061-T6 aluminum, this skid plate keeps your vehicle shifting smoothly, no matter how bad a beating your drivetrain takes. It features an easy, bolt-on installation that can be done at home. Installation will require Owl’s engine skid plate, and an optional fuel tank skid plate can be added as well. 3. 2015-2022 4x4 Engine Skid Plate This Sprinter 4x4 skid plate protects the entirety of the engine, allowing you to mob your Sprinter over rocks and rough terrain with confidence. It’s carefully designed to allow service, so there will never be any interference with oil changes.  It can be paired with the transmission and transfer case skid plate and a fuel tank skid plate for complete underbody protection. 4. 2023+ AWD Transmission and Transfer Case Skid Plate AWD Sprinters have unique dimensions that require custom-built skid plates. This product integrates seamlessly into the undercarriage, providing complete protection over the drivetrain.  It’s compatible with all 4-cylinder diesel and 9-speed automatic Sprinters that are 2023 or newer. Like the 2015-2022 skid plate models, and engine skid plate is required for proper mounting. 5. 2023+ AWD Engine Skid Plate At 55 lbs., this lightweight skid plate provides superior protection for the engine of your 2023+ AWD Sprinter, giving you peace of mind to slide over rocks and tackle challenging approaches. It shields the oil pan and transmission, two of the most sensitive components on the underside of the van. It’s specially designed for the front subframe of newer Sprinter models. 6. 2019+ Fuel Tank Skid Plate The fuel tank is often forgotten about when it comes to skid plate protection. However, stock fuel tanks are made of plastic and punctures are one of their main weaknesses when off-roading.  Owl’s fuel tank skid plate fits all 2019 and newer Sprinters and it also works with an aftermarket long-range fuel tank. Fuel filter protection is one of the main highlights. Notes: Does not fit Revel models. 7. 2015+ 2500 Differential Skid Plate The rear diff is one of the first undercarriage components to scrape the ground when off-roading, as it sits lower than the axles. Rear differential damage is quite common when rock crawling and any other trail that requires articulation. The Sprinter OEM diff cover is very flimsy and easily peels back with the slightest impact or scrape. This model is compatible with all 2500 Sprinters 2015 and newer. It’s powder-coated for corrosion resistance and durability, and allows gear oil changes without removing the cover. 8. 2015+ 3500 Differential Skid Plate The 3500 skid plate has all of the same features as the 2500 listed above, but it’s larger to accommodate the size of this model’s differential. Installation only requires a few U-bolts. This model has also been updated to ensure that long-range fuel tanks can be cleared. Protect Your Sprinter Before It’s Too Late A single impact to your Sprinter’s oil pan, transfer case, or differential can leave you stranded without any ability to get your vehicle to safety. Preventative measures like installing a skid plate are the best way to avoid any damage when you're off-roading or driving on remote trails.  Whether you’re like to protect your engine, transmission, transfer case, fuel tank, or differential, Owl has the options you need for all types of driving. Choose one plate for concentrated protection, or bulletproof your undercarriage with a multi-skid plate installation. Check out all of our engine and drivetrain products today and build a Sprinter that can take a hit. Frequently Asked Questions What areas of the Sprinter van should be prioritized for skid plate protection? This depends on how you use your Sprinter. If you plan on driving your Sprinter through a lot of low-clearance ditches, an engine and transmission skid plate may be best because the front of the vehicle will have the most contact with the ground. If you plan on driving over larger rocks and your Sprinter’s tires will be at different heights, a rear diff skid plate is a good choice. Do skid plates reduce ground clearance or affect approach and departure angles? Skid plates reduce ground clearance minimally. They have a tight fit that uses existing bolt spaces or U-bolts, so they’re snug to the underbody components.  How much weight do Sprinter skid plates typically add to the vehicle? Weight can vary based on the type of skid plate. The larger skid plates are generally the engine ones, and they add around 55 lbs. of weight to a van. Are aluminum or steel skid plates better for Sprinter vans? Steel is stronger, but aluminum is lighter and corrosion-resistant. If you need general protection, aluminum is a better option. However, if you do serious rock crawling and expect lots of impacts, investing in steel is a smarter and longer-lasting choice.

Every Sprinter adventure van owner has found themselves wondering, “Can my suspension handle this?” Stock suspension wasn’t built to support an entire interior build on top of exterior gear. While the suspension that came with your vehicle might not be at a breaking point, it’s far from ideal. A Sprinter van suspension upgrade can make a massive difference in how your van operates on and off-road. It will also give you peace of mind that you’re not putting your van through extremes it’s not built to handle. Here, we’ll go over the top five suspension upgrades you can make, starting with shocks, springs, lift kits, sway bars, and leaf spring packs. What Does Sprinter Van Suspension Do? The suspension system is responsible for keeping your ride smooth and safe. Maintaining your suspension and considering upgrades is especially important for adventure van owners. You’re putting your vehicle under an immense amount of stress, even when just driving down the highway. Higher-quality suspension ensures you don’t feel all the extra weight you’ve added to your rig. Absorbs Bumps and Shocks You probably didn’t buy a Sprinter to bounce from one full-hookup RV park to another. Going off the beaten path is what it’s all about, but that can come with some rough roads. Your suspension helps absorb the bumps you’ll encounter on dirt and gravel roads. This keeps the ride comfortable and prevents components from coming loose under the vehicle. Keeps Your Tires Touching the Road Without suspension, the slightest bump in the road would make your tires airborne. This is a huge safety hazard, for obvious reasons. With a top-heavy vehicle like a Sprinter van, even a small loss of traction could cause the van to tip. Maintains Stable Driving and Handling A fully loaded van can feel quite top-heavy. The suspension keeps everything tight and aligned, allowing you to maintain normal highway speeds and tackle rutted-out roads, even with a full build-out. Supports the Weight of the Vehicle Load-bearing is one of the primary purposes of suspension. Without it, the entire body would sag down to the tires. Stock suspension might be enough for a Sprinter filled with delivery boxes, but it’s not designed to handle thousands of pounds of additional gear. Keeps the Ride Comfortable Beyond the technical functions, suspension simply makes your van more enjoyable to drive. No one wants to be tossed around every time they hit a small bump in the road. Signs Your Sprinter Suspension Needs an Upgrade It can be challenging to know when your Sprinter needs an upgrade and which parts to focus on. Every suspension component serves a slightly different purpose, so you don’t want to throw money at parts that won’t change much. When in doubt, start with the most affordable, easiest-to-install upgrade—such as an upgraded leaf spring pack or bump stops. If you’re still having trouble, you might need to consider a more comprehensive solution, like a complete suspension kit. Here are a few signs that your suspension needs to be upgraded—and which parts can help: Rear Sag: Does your Sprinter’s rear end sit lower than the front? It’s time for heavy-duty leaf springs. Sprinter van air suspension can also help. Body Roll: If the van sways when cornering or changing lanes, consider upgrading to a new sway bar. Feeling Every Bump: Your van should absorb bumps and potholes smoothly. If you hear clunking or harsh impacts, new shocks or struts could help. Instability When Off-Roading: Off-roading is demanding and can expose weak points in your suspension. A complete suspension system is typically recommended for this kind of use. Best Sprinter Van Suspension Upgrades 1. Sprinter Van Springs Springs act as a cushion, keeping your van’s body stable when hitting potholes, ditches, and other bumps. The front of your van uses coil springs, while the rear relies on leaf springs. 2. Sprinter Van Shocks and Struts Shocks and struts work hand-in-hand with the springs to absorb impacts. They control how much the springs move. Without them, your van would bounce endlessly. Shocks and struts provide damping to the springs and add structural support. 3. Sprinter Van Suspension Lifts Suspension lifts add height to your entire vehicle by lifting the frame and body together. This is done by upgrading components like shocks, struts, and control arms with larger versions that increase the distance to the axle. A lifted sprinter van provides more ground clearance and allows you to install larger tires. It’s important to choose a lift kit from a trusted manufacturer so that ride quality isn’t compromised. Make sure the kit is designed specifically for your Sprinter and not another adventure van model like a Ford Transit or Ram ProMaster. 4. Sway Bars A sway bar connects the left and right sides of your suspension, acting as a brace that helps prevent body roll when cornering. A stronger sway bar keeps your van more stable during turns. For off-road use, consider using a sway bar disconnect. This lets you manually disconnect the bar so that the right and left sides of your suspension can move independently, improving articulation. 5. Sprinter Van Leaf Springs Leaf springs are installed in the rear suspension and support the van’s weight. As you add more gear like rear door carriers, interior fixtures, and recreation equipment, you’ll want to upgrade them to prevent sagging and to maintain a level stance. Options include an add-a-leaf, where one section is added to your stock leaf pack, or a complete progressive spring pack for greater load support. Building a Better Sprinter Your Sprinter’s suspension is the foundation of your vehicle’s capability. It’s what allows you to push the limits of exploration and go places that normal rigs can’t. Upgrades can dramatically improve your stock suspension and ensure your van is equipped to handle the extra weight you’ve added. From shocks and struts to springs, sway bars, and leaf packs, there are countless ways to improve your rig. Don’t wait until your suspension starts screaming for help before you make a change. Browse Owl’s complete Sprinter van suspension accessories today. Frequently Asked Questions How much weight can a Sprinter van’s suspension safely handle? The exact weight depends on your model. 1500, 2500, and 3500 Sprinters range from roughly 8,500 to 12,000 lbs GVWR. If your build or gear pushes near that limit, upgrading the suspension helps maintain stability and prevent sagging. It does not, however, increase GVWR. What’s the best suspension upgrade for off-road Sprinter builds? Heavy-duty shocks, progressive leaf springs, and a quality suspension lift are the most effective for off-road setups. These upgrades increase ground clearance, improve damping on rough terrain, and keep your van stable over uneven surfaces. Will upgrading my suspension improve ride comfort or just handling? It improves both. Upgraded shocks and springs smooth out bumps, while sway bars and struts tighten handling for a more controlled, comfortable ride. What’s the difference between 1500, 2500, and 3500 Sprinter suspension setups? The 1500 uses lighter-duty suspension for smaller payloads, while the 2500 and 3500 use stiffer springs and stronger components for heavier loads. The 3500 often includes dual rear wheels for added stability and load support. Can I install suspension upgrades myself, or should they be professionally installed? Basic upgrades like helper springs or bolt-on shocks can be DIY-friendly with the right tools. For lift kits, full Sprinter van suspension kits, or alignment-critical parts, professional installation is recommended.

Your tires and wheels play a huge role in how the vehicle handles, whether that’s on highways, gravel forest roads, desert off-roading trails, or deep alpine snow. The wrong tires can leave you unequipped at best and in danger at worst.  There are countless configurations that you can consider when upgrading your Sprinter van wheels and tires. Understanding the differences in these options is key to having a van that rides well and overcomes any type of terrain. This guide will serve as your roadmap to building a Sprinter with wheels that are ready for any road, season, or destination. Why the Right Mercedes Sprinter Wheels and Tires Matter When it comes down to it, tires are the only thing keeping your van glued to the Earth, so it’s important that you choose the right ones for the job. Every van owner uses their rig differently; some like to push it to the extreme in places like Moab, whereas others just want a cool adventure-ready vehicle that turns heads at campgrounds. Installing cheap MB Sprinter wheels and tires can lead to a range of headaches down the road, including getting stuck, veering off the road, and experiencing a blowout due to excessive cabin weight. If you put the thought into your van’s intended use and buy tires and wheels to match it, you’ll be prepared for anything. 3 Signs You Should Replace Your Sprinter Van Tires While you can upgrade anytime you want, one of the best times to invest in a new wheel and tire package is when your current tires are at the end of their life. Besides the obvious signs like tread depth and cracks, there are a few key Sprinter-specific indicators that you should keep an eye out for: Uneven Wear: Uneven wear is caused by an alignment issue. This could be from misalignment, too much weight in the vehicle, or recently upgraded suspension parts. Make sure you fix the alignment issue before upgrading, or else the same issue will happen again. Tire Sag: Do the bottoms of your rear tires seem a bit squished? You could have too much weight in your vehicle for the tire rating you currently have. Chunking: Rocky off-roading can cause pieces of your tread to separate from the tire. This can be caused by age, improper inflation, or low-quality tires. When to Upgrade Mercedes Sprinter Wheel Rims Deciding to purchase new Mercedes Sprinter van wheels can be a different scenario than tires, because they don’t normally need to be replaced due to wear. Most van owners decide to upgrade their wheels for either style or because they’re installing a larger tire. Visually, the silver steel rims of stock Sprinters can be pretty basic and they certainly don’t scream “adventure.” Installing new wheels can change your van’s personality and overall look. Many people need to upgrade their van’s wheels when they’re going up in size with their tires. All stock Sprinter wheels are 16 inches. If you want a larger and more aggressive off-road tire, you’ll need to get these larger rims. Picking the Right Wheel Size for Your Sprinter How do you know which size you need for your Mercedes Benz Sprinter wheels? That answer depends entirely on what size tires you’d like to have.  In general, if you’re going with a larger tire than the stock model, you want to go with a 17” x 8” rim.  This will support a range of different tire widths and sizes, including 245/70-R17, 265/70-R17, and 275/70-R17.  Tips for Running Larger Sprinter Van Tires Larger tire sizes can be a great replacement for Sprinters, as many find the stock tires to be disproportionately small for the height of the vehicle. Besides visuals, a larger tire can also help in off-road conditions. They raise the clearance of a vehicle and provide more surface area to gain traction.  However, there are a couple of things you’ll need to keep in mind when upgrading to larger tires: Offsets: Big tires can come into contact with the braking and suspension components in the wheel well, especially when making turns. A wheel with a negative offset can correct this. Offsets are very important to keep in mind with Sprinter van dually wheels found on 3500s. Lift Kits: You may need to raise the body of your vehicle to make room for larger tires, or else rubbing will occur. A lift kit is the most effective way of doing this, but you can also consider trimming the wheel well and installing Sprinter fender flares. Speedometer Calibration: Larger tires cover more distance per revolution. This may make the speedometer read 2-3 MPH lower than reality. Recalibration may be necessary. Understanding Sprinter Tire Size Tires follow a standard sizing format, typically in code layout of something like 265/70-R17. These tire codes are set by various organizations, like the Tire and Rim Association.  Width Width measures the total length of the side of the tire (where the tread is). A tire with a specific diameter can have many different widths, such as 245, 265, and 275. This value is measured in millimeters. Example: 265 Aspect Ratio Looking at the face of the tire, the aspect ratio (measured in millimeters) measures the length between the edge of the tire and the start of the wheel. Example: 70 Construction Construction is a qualitative value on Sprinter van tire sizes. There are two main options: R for radial and D for diagonal.  Radial tires have a ply that goes perpendicular across the tire (in the direction of travel). It has better traction and handling, although it’s less durable on off-road terrain. The sidewall and tread work independently. Diagonal tires have plies that go across the tire at 30-45 degree angles. The sidewall and tread are a single structure in D tires. They have shorter lifespans, but are much more durable for rocky off-road terrain. Example: R Wheel Diameter Wheel diameter, measured in inches, measures across the length of the entire wheel when looked at from the face of the tire. Example: 17 The Importance of Load Ratings For most consumers buying tires, the load rating is overlooked. They don’t have to worry about it because they’re using a standard tire on a vehicle that’s being used in standard conditions. Adventure vans are a bit different. Once they’re outfitted with a living space, rear door carriers and bumpers, and gear like bikes and skis, we’re looking at a very heavy vehicle. Upgraded suspension means nothing if your tires are not rated to withstand the weight of your vehicle. To know what load rating you need on your van, you’ll need to take your Sprinter to a public scale when fully loaded to get an accurate measurement of each axle. Once you have this information, compare it to the chart below. Load Rating Chart Load Range Max Air Pressure Max Load / Tire Typical Vehicle D 65 2,800–3,000 lbs Heavy-duty vans, mid-size RVs E 80 3,195–3,750 lbs ¾-ton and 1-ton trucks, Sprinter 2500/3500 F 95 3,960–4,415 lbs Dually trucks, commercial vehicles Sprinter Tire Pressure: Tips and Tools If you plan on taking your van anywhere off-road, you must understand how to deflate and inflate your tires to the correct spec. For beach driving, aim to air your Sprinter down to 15-20 PSI, or 10-15 PSI for very soft sand. For rock crawling, try to stay around 25 PSI to avoid having sharp rocks puncture your tires.  There are a few helpful Sprinter van accessories for tires that can help with deflation/inflation, such as deflator valves and E-Z tire deflators. Where Rubber Meets the Road Mercedes-Benz Sprinter wheels and tires are one of the most practical starting points for functional, off-road upgrades. The right setup not only enhances your van’s appearance but also equips it to handle rugged terrain, deep snow, and muddy backroads with confidence. Knowing what size tires and wheels you need is the first step toward a properly tuned adventure van. By using this guide, you can ensure that every upgrade is compatible with your vehicle’s suspension, load rating, and performance goals. Ready to upgrade? Explore Owl’s complete lineup of premium Sprinter wheels and tires to find the perfect fit for your next journey. Frequently Asked Questions Can aftermarket wheels affect my Sprinter’s sensors or TPMS system? Aftermarket wheels can affect TPMS sensors if they don’t match factory specifications or aren’t installed correctly. Choosing high-quality wheels designed for Sprinters ensures full compatibility with your sensors and safety systems. What is the correct tire pressure for a Sprinter van? Most Sprinters require around 55–70 PSI in the front and 70–80 PSI in the rear when fully loaded. Always confirm your exact tire pressure on the driver’s door or the tire sidewall for the most accurate specification. Are custom Sprinter wheels or stock better? Stock wheels are reliable for daily driving but limit your tire options and off-road capability. Custom wheels can support larger tire sizes, have improved clearance, and provide a more aggressive look for adventures. What are some Sprinter wheel packages that include tires? Owl offers complete wheel and tire packages that arrive pre-mounted, balanced, and ready to bolt on. The Sprinter Super Single Wheel Set: Talon pairs durable Talon wheels with premium all-terrain tires. What is the Sprinter van wheel bolt pattern? Nearly all Sprinters from 2006 to present have a 6 x 130 mm bolt pattern. Some dually wheel setups have a 6 x 205 mm pattern.