Hey there! I’m John from Owl, back with the third edition of Sprinter Tips and Tricks. While these hacks are centered on Sprinter vans, they’re versatile enough to be applied to many adventure vehicles. Some are Sprinter-specific, but if you’ve got an off-road rig or adventure van, these ideas can still come in handy.

Let’s dive into a few tips and tricks to make your van adventures smoother.

1. The Shin Splitter Problem – And How to Fix It

If you’ve ever used a seat swivel in your van, you’re familiar with the painful shin-splitting experience when you walk into the sharp edges of those metal bases.

Solution:

• You can round off those sharp corners with a grinder. A flap disc grinder, which you can grab from Harbor Freight, works well for this. Just contour the upper edge and corners to remove the sharp points.
• Safety first! Make sure to wear safety goggles and keep a guard on the grinder while you’re at it.
• After smoothing out the edges, a quick coat of paint will keep the metal from rusting (flat or semi-gloss works well).

For an extra layer of protection, you can also install clear corner bumpers (the kind usually used for baby-proofing furniture). These little bumpers can save your shins and keep things safe for others walking around the van.

2. Reminder Hacks: Don’t Forget Your Gear!

It’s easy to drive away without unplugging your van from power, water, or even detaching things like Starlink equipment. Here’s a trick I learned from racing days:

The Slap Bracelet Hack:

• Use slap bracelets as reminders! Yes, those ‘90s slap bracelets are still useful. Write a reminder (like “Starlink” or “Power Hookup”) on them and slap them onto your steering wheel.
• When you’re ready to leave, the bracelet will remind you to check your setup before driving away.

You can find these bracelets on Amazon for cheap. Plus, they’re a fun throwback!

3. Show Off Your Patches: Headliner Display

Collect patches from your van adventures? Here’s a cool way to display them:

• The material on your van’s headliner is Velcro-compatible, so you can stick your patches right up there. Whether it’s patches from events, brands, or adventures, they’ll remind you of great memories while you’re on the road.

4. Leveling Made Simple: The Right Blocks for the Job

When camping on uneven ground, a level van makes all the difference for a good night’s sleep.

Why I Prefer Single-Person Leveling Blocks:

• Stacked blocks can be tricky and often require a second person to keep them in place.
• I recommend using single-person leveling blocks, like those from Camco. They’re easy to drive onto solo, with a wedge piece to hold them in place once you’ve achieved the right height.

Pro Tip:

• Install a bubble level on your dashboard. It’s easier to monitor while you’re driving the van onto the blocks. Mount it using 3M adhesive and a ball mount so you can quickly check your level as you park.

5. Bonus Tip: Left-Foot Braking for Precision Leveling

When parking your van onto leveling blocks:

• Try using your left foot on the brake while lightly pressing the gas with your right. This allows you to inch forward with more control, avoiding sudden boosts from the turbo.
• Once you’re in position, pull up on the parking brake before shifting into park to prevent any rollback.

OTHER TIPS

6. Test Your Jack Before Heading Out

One of the simplest but most overlooked checks: make sure your jack actually works before you need it. Many people assume that because it’s there, it will function perfectly when needed, but that’s not always the case. Take a moment to test it and ensure it pumps up properly. Better to know ahead of time than be caught in a situation where you need it and it fails.

7. Upgrade Your Jack’s Footprint

Standard jacks often have a narrow base, which can sink into soft ground, making it difficult to lift your vehicle. A high-lift jack base, which you can easily find on Amazon, offers a wider footprint, reducing the risk of sinking, especially on softer surfaces like sand or mud. You can even modify a jack base to fit your specific needs by cutting it with a grinder or jigsaw.

8. Enhancing Stability with Traction Boards

For even more stability, you can place the jack base on top of a traction board like a Maxtrax. The increased footprint will further reduce pounds per square inch, making it easier to lift your vehicle without worrying about the jack digging into the ground.

9. Protecting Your Differential

If you’re into off-roading, you know how vulnerable your vehicle’s rear differential can be. A rear differential skid plate is a must-have upgrade. Rather than relying solely on a differential cover, which offers limited protection, a skid plate provides more comprehensive defense against rocks and other obstacles that could damage this crucial part of your vehicle.

10. Be Environmentally Conscious

No matter how prepared you are, accidents happen. Fluid leaks can cause environmental damage, and we all want to protect our natural spaces. Keep a supply of doggy pee pads (sometimes called wee pads) in your van. These absorbent pads are waterproof and can be placed under a leak to contain fluids, preventing them from contaminating the environment.

11. Reducing Noise Inside Your Van

Van noise, especially from rattling metal items, can be a constant annoyance. Insulated cups and other metal objects are particularly noisy as they clink together while driving. A simple fix is to use rubber bracelets (remember the Livestrong bands?) to wrap around these items. The bands act as a buffer, eliminating the metal-on-metal contact that creates noise.

12. Optimizing Visibility with Rain-X

Rain-X is widely known for improving windshield visibility, but did you know you can also use it on your vehicle’s cameras? Applying Rain-X to your front and rear cameras helps keep them clear of grime and condensation, ensuring a better view even in rainy or muddy conditions. Just apply it the same way you would on your windshield: spray it on, let it haze over, and then wipe it clean.

13. Dealing with Dust Intrusion

Dust intrusion is inevitable when driving on dusty trails. Even with your doors and windows closed, dust can still seep into your van. Pay special attention to the gaps in your rear doors, where light (and therefore dust) can get in. Adding weather stripping to these gaps can significantly reduce the amount of dust that enters your van. It’s a simple, affordable solution that makes a big difference.

Conclusion

These tips and tricks are just a small selection from years of experience using adventure vans. Whether you’re prepping for a cross-country road trip or just want to make your daily driving smoother, incorporating these ideas can improve your van life significantly. 

FULL VIDEO

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More soon,
John Willenborg