I missed this post, nice build Russ - I think the Sprinter is about the best mid size vehicle going at the moment, Id love to have a 4x4 diesel model, but the initial price is still high even here in Canada and there are no used ones about yet.

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Cheers
Grif

'11 KTM 450 EXC
'09 Suzuki DR650
'00 Discovery Series 2 V8
'95 Defender 90 300 Tdi Overlander
http://gipperstravels.blogspot.ca

It looks brilliant, congratulations on your build!

Great build!

website/facebook with more pics? We have literally just come up with the idea of building a sprinter 4x4 with pop top, so I'd be VERY interested in seeing more

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Our website: tenhoope.net
Not all those who wander are lost. Usually, however, I am...

I'm afraid I'm a bit rubbish at keeping a build diary and don't have a Facebook account.

I'll rectify this though.

See my comments above re. the pop top. As its not the norm (in the UK anyway) I struggled to find one. In the end I went with pop top UK in Yorkshire who do a universal roof. Looking at T5 roofs I actually think one of those would fit OK, that expands your choice no end.

Its built with the idea thar we won't spend much time actually sat inside, apart from driving, so it has a permanent double bed (ikea mattress), loads of storage, a shower/toilet cubical and the rear is separated by a bulkhead so the "dirty" stuff is accessible by the back doors.

I wasn't sure about under floor stuff but it does have under floor water and gas/lpg tanks. Spare wheels are on the roof behind the pop top. It's not full length, which is not big deal.

If it had been a vw t5, for example, it would have been finished weeks ago. For example simple little things like the awning. There isn't an off the leg solution for a low roof Sprinter with a pop top.
Seats were a bit of a shock. Single passenger seats are rare and therefore expensive, I got one from Poland eventually. I started down the line of range rover p38 seats. They are a very close match and have the must have arm rests:-) but chickened out. I didn't trust my welding when it came to seat belt anchors!

I've had the engal fridge/freezer running full time and the 100w solar panel is keeping the battery charged fully.

I'll post some more photos here tomorrow.

For 2 people it seems the perfect size. Enough space inside and easy to drive on just about any road. It'll cruise all day long at 80mph if that's your thing and you can afford the diesel

Upsides.
They are a mechanically basic commercial vehicle.
Great parts support from mb.
Most service parts available from any motor factor
For a van impressive off road
For a pretty big vehicle good economy and refinement.

Downsides.
They like to rust, but not structurally.
Electronics. I've got a scangauge 2 which does the basics. Reads and re sets fault codes and acts as a trip computer. Gives basic engine readings, water temp, boost etc. If you want anything more mercedes star software is required. Not financially viable for an individual.

great info. We seem to think along similar lines, maybe we'll see you on the road someday.
give us a shout when in the Netherlands...

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Our website: tenhoope.net
Not all those who wander are lost. Usually, however, I am...

Very tempted to get a Sprinter

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Paul Driver
www.guesswhereweare.co.uk

I just realised..... "hi" from Jamie (me) from gwagonregister!