Sprinter vans are among the most popular choices for camper van conversions, thanks to their reliability, ample space, and versatility. However, when deciding to convert a Sprinter van into a camper, you’ll encounter three primary configurations: Passenger, Cargo, and Crew. Each type has its advantages and disadvantages, which can significantly impact your conversion process, budget, and the overall functionality of your camper van.
This article will compare these three types of Sprinter vans to help you decide which is best for your camper van conversion.
1. Passenger Sprinter Van
Overview: The Passenger Sprinter van is designed primarily for transporting people. It comes with windows along both sides and seating installed from the factory, usually accommodating up to 12 to 15 passengers, depending on the van’s length.
Pros:
- Pre-installed Windows: The factory-installed windows make this van bright and airy, providing excellent views and natural light. This saves you time and money, as you won’t need to cut holes for windows or install additional lighting.
- Interior Finishing: Passenger vans come with finished interiors, including headliners, wall panels, and flooring. Depending on your build this can be a plus or a minus.
- Climate Control: Many passenger vans include factory-installed rear air conditioning and heat boosters which can improve comfort in the living space.
Cons:
- Windows Are Fixed: The existing windows can limit what you can attach to the walls and affect layout options for your camper conversion. They also aren’t vented.
- Higher Initial Cost: Passenger vans are typically more expensive than cargo or crew vans because they come with more options.
- Extra Removal Work: You’ll need to remove the extra seats and any interior paneling you don’t want, which creates extra work before you can start the build out.
Ideal For: The Passenger Sprinter is perfect if you want a camper van with lots of natural light and don’t mind working around pre-installed windows. It’s also great if you want a van that looks more like a finished vehicle right from the start. Added bonus: Passenger vans tend to be in better condition for the year and mileage than crew or cargo vans, so if you are planning on purchasing a used van keep an eye out for good condition passenger vans.
2. Cargo Sprinter Van
Overview: The Cargo Sprinter van is a blank slate designed for transporting goods. It comes with an empty interior, no windows on the sides, and typically only one row of seating for the driver and a passenger.
Pros:
- Complete Flexibility: The Cargo van offers a blank canvas for your design, allowing you to create a custom layout without the limitations of pre-installed windows or seats.
- Lower Initial Cost: Cargo vans are generally cheaper than passenger and crew vans because they are less equipped. They are the most common in the used market, too, so the deals can be good.
- Easier Insulation and Soundproofing: With no interior finishing to remove, you can easily install insulation, soundproofing, and your choice of wall paneling, making it easier to create a comfortable living environment.
Cons:
- Lack of Natural Light: The absence of windows means you’ll need to cut and install your own or rely more on artificial lighting, which can add time and cost to the conversion process.
- Bare Interior: You’ll need to install everything from insulation to wall and ceiling paneling, which can be time-consuming and require a higher upfront investment in materials and labor.
- Two Seat Maximum: Cargo vans are limited to 2 seats and you cannot add more safely unless you are a professional builder. This drastically limits the utility of the van since you can’t even use it to pick up some friends to go to lunch.
Ideal For: The Cargo Sprinter is the best choice if you want total freedom to design your camper’s layout and are comfortable doing more extensive interior work. It’s also great if privacy and stealth camping are priorities. However, these cargo van builds are pretty purpose-dedicated, so you better have another form of transportation if your needs vary.
3. Crew Sprinter Van
Overview: The Crew Sprinter van is a hybrid of the Cargo and Passenger versions. It comes with a second row of seats (usually for three passengers), windows on one side or both sides of the van near the seats, and a partially finished interior.
Pros:
- Best of Both Worlds: The Crew van combines the flexibility of a Cargo van with some of the comfort features of a Passenger van, like pre-installed windows and a finished headliner over the passenger section.
- Flexible Layout: With fewer windows and seats than the Passenger version, the Crew van offers more layout flexibility while still providing natural light and ventilation.
- Family-Friendly: The additional seating makes this a great option if you plan to travel with more than two people, such as with kids or friends.
Cons:
- Limited Living Space: The second row of seats takes up valuable space that could be used for your camper layout. You may need to remove these seats if they don’t fit your design.
- Higher Cost than Cargo Vans: Crew vans are generally more expensive than cargo vans due to the additional seats, windows, and partial finishing. They are also much less common and demand a premium in the used market.
- Some Layout Restrictions: The placement of windows and existing seats can still restrict your interior design, though less so than in the Passenger version.
Ideal For: The Crew Sprinter is ideal if you want to maximize your custom build but reserve the ability to carry more than two people. These can be hard to find, though, so be patient.
Which Sprinter Van Should You Choose for Your Camper Conversion?
- **Choose a Passenger Van if you value natural light, finished interiors, factory options are willing to work around fixed windows and remove extra seating.
- **Opt for a Cargo Van if you want a completely blank canvas, are budget-conscious, and don’t mind doing more work on the interior.
- **Select a Crew Van if you need a balance of flexibility, extra seating, and some comfort features, especially if traveling with more than two people.
Ultimately, your choice depends on your build priorities, budget, and what features will make your van fit your lifestyle. Each type of Sprinter van offers unique advantages that cater to different conversion styles and needs.
Happy van-building!
Visit idparts.com/sprinter for all your Sprinter supplies!