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Install | Rear Storage Locker

Step-by-Step Instructions: Installing the Owl Vans Rear Storage Lockers on a Sprinter Van

This guide will walk you through the installation of the Owl Vans Rear Storage Lockers on a Sprinter Van.

1. Preparing the Backing Plate

  • Step 1.1: Tape the two pieces of the backing plate together. This will ensure that the template stays aligned when marking the cut lines.
  • Step 1.2: Place the assembled backing plate inside the designated location on the rear door of the Sprinter Van.
  • Step 1.3: Align the top of the backing plate with the door’s seam, ensuring it’s straight.
  • Step 1.4: Mark the perimeter and bolt hole locations using a Sharpie or marker. Be careful not to apply too much pressure, as this may move the template.

2. Drilling the Holes

  • Step 2.1: Select a drill bit that is slightly larger than the bolt size. This will give you a small margin for error when installing the bolts.
  • Step 2.2: Drill out the four corners of the marked perimeter for easy access when cutting the metal.

3. Cutting the Metal Panel

  • Step 3.1: Use an air-powered jigsaw, regular jigsaw, or cut-off disc to carefully cut along the perimeter of the marked area on the Sprinter Van’s rear door.
  • Step 3.2: Wear safety glasses and ensure a smooth and clean cut.

4. Cleaning and Painting

  • Step 4.1: Once the cut is complete, vacuum out the metal debris from inside the door panel.
  • Step 4.2: Use a center punch to create small dents in the sheet metal for the bolt holes to prevent the drill bit from slipping.
  • Step 4.3: Drill the bolt holes in the marked locations.
  • Step 4.4: Clean the surface and paint all cut edges and bare metal areas with Rustoleum or a similar rust-resistant paint to prevent rust formation. Allow it to dry completely.

5. Installing the Inner Bracket

  • Step 5.1: Remove the tape from the backing plate and place the inner bracket inside the cutout area on the Sprinter Van’s door.
  • Step 5.2: Align the holes of the bracket with the drilled bolt holes.

6. Installing the Bolts

  • Step 6.1: Begin by loosely inserting all the bolts through the bracket and the door panel.
  • Step 6.2: Once all the bolts are in place, tighten them evenly, but don’t overtighten them. It’s important to not snap the bolt heads off, so apply moderate pressure (5-7 lbs).

7. Adjusting for Door Closure

  • Step 7.1: If the door doesn’t close properly after installation, the bracket may be touching the edge of the door frame.
  • Step 7.2: Loosen the bracket and slide it slightly to one side to improve the fit.
  • Step 7.3: If necessary, trim a small portion of the door frame with a grinder or jigsaw to ensure the door closes fully. Be sure to repaint any exposed metal afterward.

8. Final Steps

  • Step 8.1: Vacuum out any dust or debris left inside the door panel from cutting and drilling.
  • Step 8.2: Check the door alignment one last time to ensure proper closure and adjust as needed.

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