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Install | B2 Carrier

Step-by-Step Installation of the B2 Carrier for a Sprinter Van

Step 1: Confirm Hinge Type

  1. Check for 180-degree hinges on your Sprinter Van. This is crucial as the B2 Carrier requires 180-degree hinges for mounting.
  2. If your Sprinter Van has 270-degree hinges, you’ll need to switch to 180-degree hinges. Owl Vans has a video tutorial on how to make this switch.

Step 2: Prepare the Door

  1. Remove the inner door panel of your Sprinter Van. Use a flathead screwdriver or interior trim removal tool to pop off the door panel, which is typically held in place by small rivets.
  2. Inspect the door for structural integrity. Ensure the internal support fins are glued properly to the door’s outer sheet metal. This is important for maintaining the strength of the door when the B2 Carrier is installed.
  3. If the fins are loose, apply glue (like the product suggested by Owl Vans) to secure them. This will prevent issues with your Sprinter Van’s door in the future.

Step 3: Gather Tools and Materials

Step 4: Mount the Inner Door Plates

  1. Install the inner door plates on the hinges of your Sprinter Van. These plates fit inside the hinges and serve as mounting points for the B2 Carrier.
    • Make sure the plate fits the contour of the hinge and the holes line up.
    • You’ll install these plates for both the top and bottom hinges of the Sprinter Van.

Step 5: Attach the Carrier to the Hinges

  1. Position the B2 Carrier on the hinges of your Sprinter Van. It’s recommended to have a friend help you hold the carrier, but you can do it solo if needed.
  2. Insert bolts through the top and bottom hinges to loosely attach the carrier to the door. Leave the bolts slightly loose so you can make adjustments later.
    • Make sure the carrier is aligned properly before tightening.
    • The bolts will pass through the inner door plates and secure the carrier to the Sprinter Van.

Step 6: Mark and Drill the Third Mounting Point

  1. Once the B2 Carrier is loosely attached, mark the location for the third mounting point, which is necessary for added stability.
  2. Remove the carrier from the door to drill the hole.
    • Use a 25/64" drill bit and drill a hole in the marked spot on your Sprinter Van’s door.
  3. Paint the drilled hole with rust prevention spray paint. Let it dry before continuing with the installation to prevent corrosion.

Step 7: Reinstall the Carrier

  1. Reattach the B2 Carrier to the hinges of your Sprinter Van, using the bolts and inner door plates.
  2. Install the third bolt in the newly drilled hole, using the gasket provided in the hardware kit. This gasket will sit between the carrier and the Sprinter Van’s door to prevent water intrusion and cushion the carrier.
    • Ensure the bolt passes through the gasket, door, and carrier.

Step 8: Tighten All Bolts

  1. Now that the carrier is in place, tighten all bolts securely.
    • Ensure that the carrier is aligned correctly and that it doesn’t sag. The proper alignment will keep the B2 Carrier from touching the Sprinter Van’s door directly.
  2. Apply red Loctite to the bolts if you do not plan on removing the carrier frequently. This will help keep the bolts from loosening over time.

Step 9: Install the Bike Rack Arms

  1. If your Sprinter Van will carry bikes, the next step is to install the bike rack arms.
    • The arms can be mounted at various heights, depending on your needs.
  2. Install the arms by attaching them to the pre-drilled holes on the B2 Carrier. Use the shorter bolts from the hardware kit for this step, and make sure everything is securely fastened.

Step 10: Reinstall the Inner Door Panel

  1. Once the carrier is securely mounted to your Sprinter Van, reinstall the inner door panel. Ensure all the rivets and clips are back in place for a clean, secure fit.

Step 11: Final Checks

  1. Check for alignment and make sure the B2 Carrier sits properly off the door of your Sprinter Van. You should have about half an inch of clearance between the carrier and the door.
  2. Test the carrier by opening and closing the door to ensure it operates smoothly and that the carrier is stable.

Maintenance Tips for Your Sprinter Van B2 Carrier:

  • Check the hinge bolts periodically to ensure they remain tight. This is especially important after the first few hundred miles and after off-road trips.
  • Clean and lubricate the moving parts as needed to keep your Sprinter Van's B2 Carrier functioning smoothly for years.

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