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Install | Sherpa (Driver)

Step-by-Step Installation of Driver-Side Sherpa for a Sprinter Van

Step 1: Understand the Structure

  • The driver-side Sherpa for the Sprinter Van requires an additional arm due to the lack of internal structure in the driver-side door. The passenger-side Sherpa mounts more easily because the door has more support.
  • The driver-side Sherpa arm allows the Sherpa to span across the door and securely mount to the Sprinter Van.

Step 2: Prepare the Sherpa Arm

  1. Attach the Sherpa arm to the driver-side Sherpa using the provided hardware:
    • Use two chamfered bolts, two stainless black oxide washers, and two stainless black oxide Nyloc nuts to loosely attach the Sherpa arm.
    • Keep the bolts loose to allow for adjustments later.

Step 3: Install the Hinges on the Sherpa

  1. Install the hinges onto the Sherpa:
    • Use four 1-inch black oxide stainless bolts to attach the top and bottom hinges. Ensure the triangle-cut side of the top hinge faces the Sherpa.
    • Attach the bottom hinge in the same way. Both hinges should be loosely installed to allow for adjustments.

Step 4: Prepare to Drill the Door

  1. Use the raw steel template provided in the kit to mark the location for drilling the door of your Sprinter Van:
    • Align the template with the edge of the Sprinter Van door, ensuring it fits snugly along the door’s edge.
    • Mark the spot with a sharpie or pen to drill the hole for the Sherpa.

Step 5: Drill the Door

  1. Drill the initial hole through the Sprinter Van’s outer sheet metal:
    • Start by drilling through the outer cosmetic sheet metal and then through the stronger support panel behind it.
    • Use a 3/8-inch drill bit for this process. For cargo vans with additional interior panels, you may need to drill through both sides of the door.
  2. Widen the hole using the step bit provided:
    • Widen the outer hole so that the door plate (with its attached slug) fits securely through the hole.

Step 6: Apply Paint to Prevent Rust

  1. Protect the exposed metal from corrosion:
    • Use spray paint or automotive touch-up paint to coat the drilled hole, preventing rust from forming on your Sprinter Van.
    • For hard-to-reach areas, spray the paint into a bowl and apply it with a glove or q-tip to the inside and outside of the drilled hole.

Step 7: Install the Door Plate

  1. Install the door plate that will support the Sherpa on your Sprinter Van:
    • Clean the surface around the drilled hole with alcohol wipes or soapy water to ensure proper adhesion.
    • Peel the backing from the adhesive on the door plate and align it with the hole. Press firmly to secure the plate in place.

Step 8: Attach the Sherpa to the Sprinter Van

  1. Mount the Sherpa on the Sprinter Van:

    • Attach the Sherpa by inserting the provided bolts through the top and bottom hinges. Use the black oxide washers and Nyloc nuts to secure the Sherpa to the door.
    • Ensure the Sherpa arm lines up correctly with the hole you drilled earlier.

  2. Install the center bolt:

    • Insert the large stainless bolt through the Sherpa arm and into the strike plate on the Sprinter Van door.
    • Use the provided blue bushing and large washer to help secure the bolt in place. Tighten with a 9/16" wrench.
    • Ensure the bushing is slightly compressed but not crushed.

Step 9: Secure the Interior of the Door

  1. Install the inner washer and nut inside the door:

    • For most Sprinter Vans with rear access, you can easily reach through an opening near the wiper motor to secure the bolt. If you have a cargo van, you may need to drill an additional access hole.
    • Apply anti-seize to the bolt before securing the Nyloc nut to prevent galling.

  2. Tighten the bolt:

    • Hold the nut inside the door with an open-ended wrench while tightening the front with an Allen wrench. The bushing should slightly compress when the bolt is fully tightened.

Step 10: Final Adjustments

  1. Align the Sherpa on your Sprinter Van:
    • Adjust the positioning of the Sherpa to ensure it sits level and properly aligned with the door.
    • Tighten all the bolts securely, including the ones on the hinges and the center bolt, ensuring everything is properly fastened.

Step 11: Finish and Secure Everything

  1. Install the finishing plug:

    • Place the rubber plug into the access hole you drilled earlier to give the door a finished look.

  2. Double-check the tightness of all bolts and hardware to ensure the Sherpa is securely attached to your Sprinter Van.

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