The 8 Best Sprinter Skid Plates for Your Adventure Van

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 pack 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.