The BEST Factory Spec For Mercedes Sprinter Vans

Your Sprinter build doesn’t start in the shop: it starts on the factory order sheet. The right factory spec can save you thousands, shave hundreds of pounds, and unlock a cleaner, more capable camper van before a single cabinet or wall panel is installed. In this guide, we’re breaking down the best way to spec a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter from day one: what to prioritize, what to skip, and how to future-proof your van for a lightweight, warranty-safe, fully custom off-grid build that’s engineered to go farther and explore longer.

The Best Factory Spec for Mercdes Sprinter Vans

You're looking to build the highest-performance camper van conversion possible, but that starts before your builder even takes possession of your van chassis. These are the best configurations to improve your every day driving experience as well as creating the best foundation possible for your premium camper van build.

Initial Considerations for Sprinter Vans

To start, we always order the newest available model year Sprinter van in either a 144 or 170 wheelbase chassis. Ordering the newest model year ensures that you get access to all the latest safety systems, drive train updates, and software improvements direct from the manufacturer. Which size you order is entirely up to you: the 144 is ideal for maneuverability and city driving, while the 170 is your best choice for maximizing your interior space.

For camper van conversions, we also highly recommend the 2500 (non-dually) with the high output diesel motor. This ensures that your wheel wells do not encroach into your interior space and that you also have the highest-traction, highest-power chassis available from the factory.

Speccing for Maximum Safety

Mercedes Benz Drive Assist Package

Safety is a non-negotiable, especially when you're carrying the extra weight of a camper van buildout. That's why we order every Mercedes Sprinter chassis with the "Drive Assist Package" and DISTRONIC Adaptive Cruise Control.

These systems use radar to automatically manage speed and maintain a safe following distance in changing traffic conditions. On long highway days, this dramatically reduces driver fatigue by smoothing out acceleration and braking, especially in stop-and-go or variable traffic. The result is a calmer, more controlled driving experience that improves safety, preserves focus, and makes covering serious miles feel effortless.

Digital Rear View Mirror

With every Off Highway Van, we spec the digital rear view mirror from the Mercedes factory. This mirror uses a roof mounted camera to give you a crystal clear view of what's behind your vehicle at all times. Day or night, good weather or bad, this is a major safety upgrade for any camper van conversion.

Parking Package + 360 Cam

On top of this upgrade, we also spec our Sprinter van chassis with the parking package which includes the full 360 degree camera essential for safe maneuvering in tight spaces. Parking has never been easier than having a bird's eye view of your van.

ESP: Electronic Stability Program

Every Sprinter van we order includes ESP—the Electronic Stability Program because control and confidence matter just as much as capability. ESP actively enhances traction and braking in changing road conditions, helping maintain stability during sudden maneuvers, high crosswinds, slick surfaces, and uneven terrain.

Speccing for Comfort + Usability

Swivel Seat Package

The swivel seat package from Mercedes-Benz transforms the front driver and passenger seats into a true extension of your living space. Installed directly from the factory, it preserves proper safety systems and full airbag integration while creating a seamless transition between cockpit and cabin. Once the build is complete, the ability to rotate those seats unlocks a more open, functional interior, increasing usable space for dining, working, and relaxing without adding weight or complexity.

MBUX Infotainment Package + Sirius XM

The MBUX Infotainment Package creates a modern command center in the cockpit, with intuitive touchscreen controls, voice assistance, built-in navigation, and seamless CarPlay integration. We also include SiriusXM because many of the routes our customers travel extend far beyond cell service and traditional radio coverage. Satellite radio delivers reliable entertainment and critical weather information wherever the road leads, keeping you informed and connected even when you are truly off the grid.

Heated Steering Wheel

The heated steering wheel is a game-changer for cold-weather van life. When temperatures drop, keeping your hands warm isn’t just about comfort: it’s about maintaining precise connection and confident control mile after mile. On early-morning starts, high-altitude passes, or winter storm drives, it keeps fatigue down and focus up, so you stay fully engaged with the road no matter the conditions.

Towing Package + Factory Hitch

Even if you never plan to tow, the factory trailer hitch is still a smart addition. It opens the door to bike racks, cargo carriers, and future flexibility as your needs evolve. Ordering it from the factory is also far more cost effective than adding it aftermarket, with cleaner integration and no compromises to safety or fitment down the road.

High-Roof Option

One of the most important and often overlooked decisions when speccing a Mercedes Sprinter for a camper van build is the roof. We always choose the high-roof configuration because true standing height is critical to long-term comfort and daily usability. It transforms how the space functions, allowing for better layouts, easier movement, and a more livable interior that supports life on the road year after year.

Warranties + More

Extended Mercedes Benz Factory Warranty

At Off Highway Van, we build vans intended to last. That's why we offer the Mercedes Benz Extended Warranty with every camper van we engineer. This warranty protects your investment by covering major components for 5 years and 100,000 miles (a major upgrade from most builders offering either 1 or 3-year warranties).

40,000 Mile Pre-Paid Maintenance Package

The last thing on your mind when you purchase a camper van should be scheduling and paying for service. That's why we offer a pre-paid Mercedes Benz maintenance package that covers your first A + B service (equivalent to 40,000 miles of coverage). This ensures your van remains in peak condition without having to worry about servicing it yourself.

Lifetime Craftsmanship Warranty: Standard

When you combine all of the options above you already have a safe, comfortable, bulletproof foundation for your camper van conversion. We take it one step further. With every Off Highway Van build, you get access to our Lifetime Craftsmanship Warranty. This gives you access to the most reliable camper van on the market, backed by an unmatched warranty.

Nothing Random About Our Spec

All these factory options are not chosen at random. They are a highly-vetted list of options based on over a decade of building, testing, and refining our van builds in real environments. The result? A Mercedes Benz chassis that aligns perfectly with Off Highway Van's mission of building the lightest, highest-performing, most durable camper vans on the market designed for every day drivability and backcountry reliability.

Start Your Off Highway Van Build

Speccing your Sprinter the right way from the factory sets the foundation for everything that follows: performance, weight, warranty protection, and how far your van can truly take you. When every option is chosen with purpose, the result isn’t just a camper van, it’s a precision-engineered platform built around your lifestyle and the places you want to explore.

If you’re ready to turn the right factory spec into a fully bespoke off-grid build, our design team is ready to bring it to life. Start your Off Highway Van build today and build it right from the very first mile.