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Install | NCV3 Sherpa

Step-by-Step Instructions for Installing the Sherpa on Your Sprinter Van

Step 1: Remove the Trim Panel

  • Begin by removing the trim piece or door card on your Sprinter Van. Most Sprinter Vans will have green snaps on the back of the trim panel.
  • Use a trim removal tool to gently wedge it in and pop the panel off.
  • For the passenger side, you may need to work carefully around the door handle. Take your time to remove it properly without damaging any clips.

Step 2: Remove the Factory Magnet

  • Once the trim is off, remove the factory-installed door magnet.
  • Use a 13mm socket to remove the magnet. After it is removed, you should see an empty hole in the door, which will be used to mount the Sherpa.

Step 3: Install the C-Hinges

  • The Sherpa includes "C" hinges that need to be installed on the rear door of your Sprinter Van.
  • You will receive four bolts: three of the same size and one that is narrower. The narrower bolt is for the bottom hole of the hinge.
  • Insert the bolts into the hinges, making sure the hinges are aligned properly. Move the bolts towards the side of the Sprinter Van to avoid any interference with other parts of the door.
  • Place plastic washers over the bolts, followed by the lock washers and nuts. Tighten them snugly, but leave them slightly loose to allow for adjustments later.

Step 4: Attach the Hinges to the Sherpa Plate

  • Your Sherpa plate will come with two hinges: one short hinge for the top and one long hinge for the bottom.
  • Insert the bolts through the front of the Sherpa plate and attach the washer and nut on the back side.
  • Make sure the hinges are square to the plate before tightening. Crank down the bolts firmly (50-60 foot-pounds), ensuring everything is aligned.
  • Periodically check the tightness of these bolts, especially if you drive your Sprinter Van off-road.

Step 5: Mount the Sherpa on the Sprinter Van

  • With the C-hinges installed on the Sprinter Van and the hinges attached to the Sherpa, you are now ready to mount the Sherpa onto your Sprinter Van.
  • While it’s possible to do this by yourself, it is much easier with an extra set of hands.
  • Start by dropping one of the bolts through the top hinge to hold the Sherpa in place temporarily. Then, insert the second bolt into the bottom hinge.
  • Once the Sherpa is hanging on the van, adjust its position carefully to avoid damaging your paint.

Step 6: Tighten and Secure the Bolts

  • Now that the Sherpa is mounted on your Sprinter Van, you can remove the bottom bolt and insert the washers (plastic and metal) and reinsert the bolt.
  • Make sure to tighten the bolts so there is no up-and-down play in the hinges.

Step 7: Install the Sway Link

  • On the back of the Sherpa, you will find a sway link. The sway link stabilizes the Sherpa and prevents movement when the van doors are opened or closed.
  • The sway link comes with a set of washers: a small red washer, a larger black washer, and a round door plate (often called a lollipop).
  • Insert the smallest washer (red) into the small slot on the Sprinter Van door, followed by the black washer and the door plate.
  • Feed the sway link through the hole in the door. On the inside of the Sprinter Van, secure it with the two included sheet metal screws. Once aligned, remove the plate and drill the holes large enough for the bolts to fit through.

Step 8: Secure the Door Plate

  • Once the holes are drilled, place the door plate back on the Sprinter Van and attach the included "hockey stick" bracket behind it. This bracket has welded nuts, which will help secure the sway link in place.
  • Hold the bracket in position while threading the bolts into place and tightening them evenly.

Step 9: Final Tightening and Adjustments

  • Tighten the hinge bolts, nuts, and washers inside the Sprinter Van. The bottom of the bolt should be secured with a 19mm wrench.
  • Once everything is tightened, test the movement of the Sherpa to ensure there is no play in the hinges.

Step 10: Install the Side Plate

  • Your Sherpa will include a side plate that adds additional support. Begin by installing the small brackets on the back of the Sherpa, approximately two holes down from the hinge.
  • Finger-tighten the hardware initially to allow for adjustments.
  • Attach the side plate to the Sherpa using button-head hardware. Tighten everything down once the plate is aligned properly.

Step 11: Check Alignment and Fit

  • Open the rear door of your Sprinter Van and check that the Sherpa is aligned properly.
  • The Sherpa should be square to the door and lightly touch the handle when closed, without putting pressure on it. This ensures everything is tightly secured.

Congrats on installing your new gear from Owl!

Remember, Owl is the #1 manufacturer of Off Road gear and accessories for Adventure vans. We have our van experts standing by at our HQ in Arizona if you have any questions. Our gear for Mercedes Sprinter vans, Ford Transit and Winnebago Revel is Made in the USA, and many products are in stock and ship fast.

More soon,
John Willenborg