5 Essential Upgrades to Maximize Your Sprinter Van for Epic Adventures

If you’re serious about venturing off the beaten path in you van, it’s time to move beyond the flashy bolt-ons and focus on upgrades that radically improve capability, reliability, and comfort. These are the five upgrades every Sprinter Van owner should prioritize if they want to maximize off-road performance and minimize headaches.

1. Extended Range Fuel Tank: More Miles, Fewer Worries

Sprinter Fuel Tank : Long Range - 45/47 Gallon

Sprinter Fuel Tank : Long Range - 40 Gallon

Why It’s Critical:
Stock Sprinter fuel tanks are notoriously undersized for true adventure. Whether you’re carving through remote desert roads or tackling mountain passes, range anxiety is the last thing you want. An extended tank ensures you cover more ground—and have the diesel heat you need for off-grid nights—without constantly scouting for fuel stations.

Expert Insight from the Field:
“These vans are heavy, and when you add build-outs, fuel goes quick. The heater runs off the main tank, too—run low and you risk warmth and range. With a 42-gallon (or up to 45-gallon) extended tank, you’ve got real off-grid staying power,” explains John from the field in Moab.

Benefits:

Up to 45-gallon capacity (model-dependent)
Maintains OEM fitment—longer but doesn’t intrude on storage or ground clearance
Essential for long trips and winter camping

When to Upgrade:
If you plan to travel in remote areas, chase winter storms, or just want peace of mind, this is the first mod we recommend.

2. Upgraded Suspension: Ride Quality and Stability

Why It Matters:
Once your Sprinter is loaded with gear, water, and goodies, factory suspension just can’t keep pace. Stock setups are under-sprung with insufficient shock reservoir volume. The result? Bottoming out on bump stops, excessive body roll, and a seriously unsettled ride—especially off-road or in crosswinds.

Owl's Real-World Upgrade:
We recommend advanced, adjustable shock absorbers (like Van Compass Falcon piggyback reservoir shocks) plus extra spring rate in the rear—either via an add-a-leaf or full replacement pack.

Key Takeaways:

Smoother ride, reduced sway, and safer handling on tarmac and trail
Adjustable for on-road comfort or off-road control
Keeps shock fluid cool, even on gnarly washboard roads

Bonus:
The right suspension upgrade is transformational. Seasoned van lifers agree: After upgrading, they’d never go back to stock.

3. Performance Tuning: Unleash The Engine

RennTech Sprinter Engine Tuner

Why It Matters:
All that weight from your build-out makes the factory engine feel underwhelming—especially at altitude or on steep grades. With a performance tune (like the Renntech module), you’ll unlock extra horsepower and torque safely, optimizing boost for a more responsive, capable van.

In-the-Field Perspective:
“After the tune, mountain passes loaded down at high elevation just aren’t an issue. The difference is night and day,” John notes.

Features:

Fast installation via OBD-II port
Noticeably better acceleration and drivability
Ideal for adventure rigs that see real elevation changes

4. Exterior Storage Solutions: Keep the Interior Tidy

Why Storage Upgrades Rock:
Inside your van, space is at a premium. Once you’ve installed a kitchen, shower, bed, and gear, clutter piles up fast. Exterior storage like the Owl's Monster Box lets you stow dirty, bulky, or heavy items—leveling blocks, recovery gear, jacks, or muddy boots—where they belong: outside.

Why It’s a Must:

Frees up precious interior space for essentials like food and clothes
Dedicated storage for items you don’t want dirtying up your living space
Modular hinge-mount options retain rear door function

Insider Tip:
Tire relocation to a rear carrier is also vital—protects your spare, especially off-road where an under-mounted tire is easily damaged.

5. Skid Plates: Cheap Insurance for Costly Components

Sprinter 3500 Skid Plate : Differential (2015+)

Don’t Overlook Protection:
Vans may be robust, but their underbodies are vulnerable. Differential housings in particular hang low and are exposed to sharp rocks and obstacles. A single bad hit can rupture your diff cover, spilling fluid and leaving you stranded miles from help.

Key Benefits:

Differential skid plates (like Owl’s blue-painted diff skids) prevent catastrophic damage from rock strikes or improper jacking
Additional underbody skids can protect fuel tanks, transfer cases, and other vital components

Why Upgrade Now?
Remote travel means help is far away. Skid plates are a small investment that pays off the first time you need them—and might save your trip.

Expert Summary: Invest Where It Counts

Forget the bling—start with the essentials. The upgrades above are born from real-world experience, not marketing hype. Each one not only enhances your van’s capability but also your enjoyment and safety far from pavement.

To recap, every adventure-ready Sprinter Van needs:

An extended fuel tank for range and peace of mind
Upgraded suspension for ride and handling loaded or unloaded
Engine tuning to keep pace with the extra weight
Thoughtfully integrated exterior storage for gear and recovery essentials
Tough protection with diff and underbody skid plates

At Owl, we don’t just sell products; we design, build, and test them in the wild. You can trust that every solution is field-proven and engineered for real off-road adventure.

Upgrade your adventure. Trust the experts. Choose Owl.