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Install | VS30+ Sherpa (Passenger)

 

Step-by-Step Installation of the Passenger-Side Sherpa for a Sprinter Van

Step 1: Prepare Your Tools and Components

  • Make sure you have the Sherpa plate (aluminum, with a modular design to mount accessories).
  • You'll need the provided hardware, which includes stainless steel black oxide bolts, Nyloc nuts, washers, and a long stainless steel bolt for securing the Sherpa to your Sprinter Van’s door.

Step 2: Install the Hinge Brackets

  1. Attach the hinge brackets to the Sherpa plate:
    • Take the shorter stainless steel button-head bolts, washers, and Nyloc nuts.
    • Ensure the brackets are positioned so the angled part faces downhill toward the Sherpa plate. This angle will allow proper mounting on the Sprinter Van door.
    • Insert the bolts through the hinge brackets and loosely secure them with washers and Nyloc nuts. Leave them a little loose for later adjustments.

Step 3: Install the Hinge Plate on the Door

  1. Mount the hinge plate to the door of your Sprinter Van:
    • Take the hinge plate that looks like "owl eyes" and ensure that the holes on the plate face toward the taillight.
    • Use two bolts to secure the hinge plate to the door. This will align with the Sherpa plate when mounted.

Step 4: Remove the Interior Door Panel

  1. Remove the door panel from the inside of your Sprinter Van:
    • Use the provided orange trim tool to pop off the panel by creating a gap and gently pulling the panel away from the door. Be sure to pop the panel off by pulling straight out to avoid damage.
    • Remove any remaining clips or trim rings that hold the panel in place. If any clips break, extras are provided in your kit.

Step 5: Mount the Sherpa Plate to the Door

  1. Align and mount the Sherpa:
    • Use the black oxide washers and Nyloc nuts to secure the Sherpa to the hinge brackets that you previously installed on the door.
    • Start by securing one bolt on the top and one on the bottom. Tighten them enough to hold the Sherpa in place but leave room for adjustments.
    • Ensure the Sherpa plate is level and aligned with the Sprinter Van door. Make any necessary adjustments to ensure proper positioning.

Step 6: Drill Through the Door for the Bushing

  1. Locate the bushing hole on the Sherpa:
    • Identify the hole located at the far end of the Sherpa plate, just before the plate narrows. This is where the bushing will go.
  2. Drill the hole:
    • Place the bushing in the Sherpa’s hole, and drill through the door of your Sprinter Van where the bushing aligns.
    • Ensure that you drill through both the outer cosmetic sheet metal and the inner structural sheet metal for added strength. Aim for approximately 3.5 inches down from the bottom of the rear window.

Step 7: Paint the Exposed Metal

  1. Apply paint to the freshly drilled hole to prevent rust:
    • Use automotive paint, spray paint, or even nail polish to coat the exposed metal inside the drilled hole. This will protect the Sprinter Van from corrosion.

Step 8: Secure the Long Bolt and Bushing

  1. Insert the long stainless bolt through the Sherpa, the bushing, and the hole you drilled:
    • Apply anti-seize to the bolt threads to prevent galling (stainless steel bolts can seize up over time).
  2. Secure the bolt from the inside of the door:
    • Insert a washer and Nyloc nut on the inside of the door. Use an open-ended wrench to hold the nut in place while tightening the bolt from the outside with an Allen wrench.
    • Tighten until the bushing is slightly compressed, but not crushed.

Step 9: Final Adjustments

  1. Adjust the Sherpa to ensure proper alignment on your Sprinter Van:
    • Once the long bolt and hinges are loosely installed, make any necessary adjustments to level the Sherpa plate.
    • Tighten all bolts, including those on the hinge brackets, the bushing bolt, and any other hardware, ensuring everything is securely fastened.

Step 10: Reinstall the Interior Door Panel

  1. Replace the interior door panel by snapping it back into place:
    • Ensure that all clips are properly aligned and that the trim ring is securely in place around the door’s handle.

Final Checks:

  • Test the fit and operation of your Sprinter Van’s door to ensure it opens and closes smoothly with the Sherpa mounted.
  • Tighten all hardware securely after confirming everything is level and properly aligned.
  • Apply anti-seize to any stainless steel bolts and nuts that may need maintenance over time.

Mounting Accessories on the Sherpa:

Your Sherpa plate is now ready to mount various accessories, such as bike racks, boxes, fuel cans, and more. The modular design of the Sherpa allows you to customize your setup for all kinds of adventures with 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