5 Must Have Upgrades For Your Sprinter Van

### Summary

In this detailed video, John from Owl shares invaluable advice for Sprinter van owners, especially those just starting with their first Sprinter or considering serious modifications for off-road or extended travel adventures. Filmed in an undisclosed, picturesque camping spot near Moab, John discusses five critical upgrades that can transform a Sprinter van from merely functional to a highly optimized adventure vehicle. These upgrades focus less on flashy aesthetics and more on practical performance, durability, and convenience for long journeys off the beaten path.

The five key upgrades include: upgrading to an extended range fuel tank, enhancing the suspension system, installing an engine tuning device called a RennTech tune, adding external storage solutions, and installing skid plates with an emphasis on differential protection. John explains the reasoning behind each upgrade with a blend of technical insight and practical experience, highlighting how each affects the van’s function, safety, and user experience.

Extended fuel tanks address the common limitation of limited range, critical for long and remote travel, while an upgraded suspension system improves vehicle stability, comfort, and safety on rough or uneven terrain. The RennTech tuning device boosts engine performance, particularly in mountainous or high-altitude conditions where anemic factory settings can hamper driveability. Storage, often overlooked, is essential because the limited interior space is already occupied by vital living facilities. External storage boxes like Owl’s innovative Monster Box help keep dirty and bulky gear accessible without cluttering the interior. Lastly, skid plates, especially differential skid plates, provide crucial protection against costly damage during off-road excursions and even routine maintenance jacks, ensuring reliability in remote and rugged environments.

John wraps up by emphasizing that these upgrades may not be as visually striking as rooftop racks or winches but are fundamentally important to truly enjoy and trust your adventure van for serious overland travel.

### Highlights

- ⛽ Extended range fuel tanks significantly increase your van’s travel range for longer, remote excursions.
- 🚙 Upgraded suspension systems improve ride comfort, stability, and handling on rough terrain.
- ⚙️ The RennTech engine tune enhances power and boost, especially useful in mountainous or fully loaded conditions.
- 📦 External storage solutions like the Monster Box keep dirty gear outside, freeing up living space inside.
- 🛡️ Differential skid plates protect vital drivetrain components from costly off-road damage.
- 🔧 Proper maintenance and modifications prevent common issues like suspension collapse and differential fluid loss.
- 🌄 Practical upgrades matter more than flashy add-ons for serious adventure reliability.

### Key Insights

- ⛽ **Extended Fuel Tanks Are Essential for Long-Distance Reliability:** The factory fuel tank on Sprinter vans is often too small for extended trips, especially when running additional fuel-consuming accessories like diesel heaters. Upgrading to a 42-45 gallon tank allows adventurers to travel longer distances without refueling, which is vital in remote areas with sparse fuel availability. This simple modification saves both time and anxiety, increasing the vehicle’s self-sufficiency.

- 🚙 **Suspension Upgrades Address the Van’s Under-Sprung Nature:** The stock suspension on these vans isn’t designed to handle the extra weight from full conversions—such as beds, water tanks, and kitchen units—leading to a harsh, “wallowy” ride and compromised handling. Adding stronger springs and adjustable piggyback reservoir shocks significantly improves ride quality and stability. The adjustable shocks allow tuning for on-road comfort or off-road toughness, reducing sway and preventing the vehicle from constantly hitting its bump stops, which otherwise would degrade driving enjoyment and safety.

- ⚙️ **Engine Tuning via RennTech Unlocks Hidden Power:** Fully loaded Sprinter vans often feel sluggish, especially in mountainous terrain or at high altitudes where engine performance naturally decreases. The RenTech tuning device plugs into the OBD2 port and optimizes boost pressure and engine parameters, resulting in a noticeable power increase. This upgrade is quick and non-invasive but greatly enhances drivability, enabling the van to climb grades confidently while maintaining fuel efficiency.

- 📦 **External Storage is a Game-Changer for Organization and Cleanliness:** Despite the seemingly vast interior space, a fully built camper van quickly becomes cramped with essentials like a fridge, shower, bed, and cooking equipment. External storage solutions such as the innovative Monster Box provide a dedicated space for bulky, dirty, or recovery gear that doesn’t belong inside the living quarters. This not only maximizes interior space but also helps keep the van cleaner by confining mud, shoes, tools, and camping essentials outside.

- 🛡️ **Skid Plates, Especially for the Differential, Are Critical and Cheap Insurance:** The underside of a Sprinter van, especially the differential cover, is vulnerable during off-road driving. The differential’s design causes its cover to protrude slightly, making it susceptible to damage from rocks and debris. A damaged differential cover can lead to fluid leaks, resulting in severe, costly mechanical failures. Installing skid plates protects these vital components. Additionally, during maintenance like tire rotations, improper jacking can bend the differential cover and cause damage, so skid plates also protect against such avoidable issues.

- 🔧 **Maintaining Vehicle Integrity Requires Both Functional Upgrades and Proper Handling:** Besides aftermarket upgrades, understanding the unique designs and vulnerabilities of the Sprinter—such as how suspension springs can collapse or differential covers can be bent—is crucial. Educating oneself on proper maintenance techniques and use significantly prolongs vehicle life and prevents breakdowns in remote areas where help may be limited.

- 🌄 **Function Over Flash: Prioritize Practicality for True Adventure Readiness:** While roof racks, winches, and side steps are visually appealing, they do not fundamentally improve the van’s ability to get you to your destination and back safely. John’s five recommended upgrades focus on the core performance, durability, and usability of the van—critical for serious travelers who need a trustworthy vehicle that performs under diverse, rugged conditions. These “invisible” modifications greatly enhance the overall adventure experience.

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John’s professional and experience-driven guidance serves as an essential primer for anyone looking to optimize their Sprinter van for long-term travel, especially in off-road or isolated environments. Following the advice in this video ensures a more reliable, comfortable, and capable adventure vehicle.