Prevent Bottom Shock Bracket Failure on your Sprinter Van

Why You Need Baja Brackets for Your Sprinter Van: A Case Study

Off-roading in a Sprinter Van is an exciting way to explore the rugged outdoors, but it also comes with some risks, especially if your van isn't fully equipped to handle the tough terrain. Today, we’re diving into a real-world example to show you why upgrading your Sprinter Van’s shock brackets with Baja brackets from Van Compass can save you from costly repairs down the road.

A Sprinter Van Story: When Off-Roading Gets Rough

Our friend Mark recently brought his Sprinter Van to Owl after a particularly rough off-road adventure. His van is already decked out with some fantastic gear, including an Owl ladder and Mojo wheels, making it ready for serious off-road fun. However, during his trip, Mark hit some rocks with his rear axle and bent the rear shock brackets—leaving them in need of serious repair.

The Damage: Why You Need to Protect Your Sprinter Van’s Rear Shock Brackets

When Mark hit those rocks, his Sprinter Van's rear shock brackets took a beating. The damage was significant, with one bracket almost completely snapped off the axle. Fortunately, Mark had already installed a differential cover, which protected his diff from further damage, but the shock brackets weren’t as lucky.

In situations like these, the rear shock brackets on a Sprinter Van are vulnerable to being bent or broken when hitting rocks or other obstacles. Once damaged, they can’t perform their job effectively, potentially leading to more expensive repairs and even compromising your van's off-road performance.

Enter the Baja Brackets from Van Compass

Mark’s story is a perfect example of why Baja brackets, specifically designed by Van Compass, are such a smart upgrade for any Sprinter Van owner who loves off-roading. These brackets are built to reinforce and protect your van’s rear shock brackets, ensuring they stay intact even when you hit tough terrain.

Van Compass offers a couple of variations, including the Baja and Baja S brackets, which add extra protection to the vulnerable parts of your van’s undercarriage. Though their naming conventions can be a bit confusing, the purpose is crystal clear: protect your Sprinter Van from serious off-road damage.

What Happens Without Baja Brackets?

Let’s take a closer look at what happened to Mark’s Sprinter Van without the Baja brackets. The bottom shock bracket on the van was bent to the point where it needed to be bent back into place before the Baja brackets could even be installed. On one side, the bracket was so damaged that it looked like it was ready to snap off completely. If Mark hadn’t brought his van in for repair, he could have been facing a much bigger issue down the line.

What Should Your Sprinter Van Look Like?

To better understand the importance of Baja brackets, we also checked out the rear shock brackets on a brand-new Sprinter Van that hadn’t experienced any off-road abuse. The difference was striking: the shock brackets were straight and perfectly aligned, which is exactly how they should look. By adding Baja brackets, you can maintain that alignment and avoid the bent, damaged brackets that Mark encountered.

Final Thoughts: Protect Your Sprinter Van with Baja Brackets

If you’re taking your Sprinter Van off-road, investing in Baja brackets from Van Compass is a no-brainer. They provide essential protection for your van’s rear shock brackets, ensuring that even if you hit rocks or other obstacles, your van will remain in good condition.

Don’t wait until your Sprinter Van’s rear shock brackets are bent or broken. Be proactive and upgrade your van with Baja brackets to ensure it’s ready for any adventure.

For more tips and upgrades for your Sprinter Van, visit Owl Vans, or reach out to our customer service team. And don’t forget to check out our YouTube channel for more van content!