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Install | Solo Bumper

Step-by-Step Installation of the Owl Solo Bumper for a Sprinter Van

Step 1: Gather Tools and Materials

Step 2: Prepare the Sprinter Van

  1. Locate the top two bolts on the front of your Sprinter Van (near the grille):

    • On some Sprinter Vans, there may be plastic caps covering these bolts, which you can pry off using a flathead screwdriver.
    • Remove these two bolts. You will not need them again, so they can be discarded.

  2. Remove the lower bolts:

    • Underneath the front bumper of the Sprinter Van, there are two additional bolts. These will be used to secure the bottom of the bumper brackets.
    • Use a 13 mm socket to remove these bolts. Keep them loose for now as they will be adjusted later.

Step 3: Install the Upper Brackets

  1. Attach the upper brackets:
    • These brackets will align with the upper bolts you removed earlier. Using the hardware from the kit, loosely attach the upper brackets to the Sprinter Van.
    • Make sure to keep the bolts loose for easier adjustments later.

Step 4: Install the Sensor Wiring

  1. Access the sensors:

    • The Sprinter Van’s parking sensors will need to be relocated to the new bumper.
    • Locate the sensor wiring harness that runs from one side of the Sprinter Van to the other. Unclip the sensor connectors by pressing down on the tabs and pulling them out gently.

  2. Relocate the center sensors:

    • Remove the center sensors from the factory bumper and prepare to install them into the Owl Solo Bumper.
    • The sensor mounts on the new bumper will align with the factory sensors. Simply snap them into place, ensuring that the tabs secure the sensors tightly.

  3. Adjust the fog light wiring (if applicable):

    • If your Sprinter Van has factory fog lights, ensure the wiring is fed through to the new bumper by carefully routing it out from the existing plastic housing.

Step 5: Install the Lower Brackets

  1. Attach the lower brackets:
    • Using the hardware provided, attach the lower brackets to the lower mounting points on the Sprinter Van. Use a 13 mm socket or wrench for this step.
    • Keep the bolts loose at this stage for final adjustments later.

Step 6: Install the Owl Solo Bumper

  1. Mount the bumper:

    • With the brackets in place, align the Owl Solo Bumper with the mounting points on your Sprinter Van.
    • Use the provided stainless steel black oxide bolts to secure the bumper to the upper and lower brackets.
    • Hand-tighten the bolts to ensure everything is aligned correctly.

  2. Check the sensor alignment:

    • Make sure the parking sensors are properly seated and facing the correct direction.
    • The sensor clips should snap securely into place in the bumper’s sensor mounts.

Step 7: Secure the Wiring

  1. Run the wiring harness:
    • Once the sensors and fog lights (if applicable) are in place, run the wiring harness behind the bumper.
    • Use zip ties to secure the harness to prevent it from sagging or getting caught on any moving parts.
    • If needed, drill a small hole in the underside of the bumper using the step bit to help route the wiring neatly back into the Sprinter Van.

Step 8: Tighten All Bolts

  1. Final tightening:

    • Once the bumper is properly aligned and the sensor wiring is secure, begin tightening all bolts.
    • Start with the upper brackets and then move to the lower brackets. Make sure everything is securely fastened.

  2. Check for fit and finish:

    • Ensure the bumper sits flush with the front of the Sprinter Van. Adjust any brackets if necessary to achieve the correct alignment.

Step 9: Test the Sensors

  1. Test the parking sensors:
    • After installation, test the parking sensors to ensure they are functioning properly and that there are no false readings.
    • If the sensors seem off, check the wiring connections and ensure that the sensors are aligned correctly.

Step 10: Optional: Install Additional Accessories

  1. Mount lights or accessories (optional):
    • The Owl Solo Bumper is designed to accommodate lights and other accessories. If desired, you can use the pre-drilled holes on the bumper to mount additional lights, such as round LED lights or light bars.

Final Checks:

  • Ensure the radar and camera are unobstructed:
    • Make sure the bumper does not interfere with the Sprinter Van’s radar for adaptive cruise control or any front-mounted camera.
  • Check for snugness of all hardware:
    • Recheck all bolts to ensure everything is tight and secure before taking the Sprinter Van for a drive.

 

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