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Custom Vans, News
Award winner at the Caravan Salon 2010
KETTERER CONTINENTAL
The luxury camper Ketterer Continental from Ketterer special vehicles received a caravaning design award 2010/2011: innovations for new mobility.
Looks perfect for a film star.
With this little bit of equipment you can either trasport horses, race cars or a rock-and-roll band.
I always like to have my options open.
http://www.ketterer-trucks.de/modelle/model/streamer.html
Looks perfect for a film star, too.
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Custom Vans, News
E-Vito taxi prototype technology
The companies involved in the electric taxi project are Zytek, Valence Technology, Penso and Mercedes-Benz UK will now take the electric drive Vito onto the street for trials . This prototype used as a taxi can go around 120 kilometers (75 miles) on a six-hour charge and seats six
Click read more to watch a clip that explains a little of the technology behind the prototype. Read more
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The emergency vehicle range of the star
I bet most of you haven’t paid any real attention to the emergency vehicles that pass us by from time to time. When we hear that siren and see that blue light we’re generally too busy getting out of the lane so they can get past.
Well, let me assure you there is a lot more to it than meets the eye as the emergency vehicles from the star prove. Click here to find out more…
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USA National Parks tour in a Sprinter
Daimler Vans USA has equipped Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Van to touring 50 U.S. national parks this summer as part of a 20,000-mile journey of discovery.
At the helm author and photographer Rob Wilson, with his wife Jan as co-pilot, the Sprinter Interstate 3500 model has been customized by Airstream to serve as a high-tech, fuel efficient and highly practical RV for the cross-country tour.
Not a bad job if you can get it
From the Rockies to the Everglades
The journey will start at Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado and move on through the southwest, and California heading up to the wilderness of Alaska. Back through the continental U.S., the Sprinter Interstate 3500 will cross the plains of the Midwest, ultimately arriving at Acadia National Park in Maine in late September. From there, a trip down the east coast ends at Mammoth Cave in Brownsville, Kentucky around November 27th. Sprinter Tour 2010 culminates in the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association’s National RV Show in Louisville, KY, November 30 – December 2nd a route 20,000-mile long.
You can follow the tour with digital and social media
at www.SprinterTour.com, this includes a Google Earth tour tracking feature as well as background information about the Tour.
Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Interstate 3500 — The Comforts of Home
Airstream, maker of the iconic “silver bullet” trailer, was founded in 1931 and is the oldest and most recognized RV brand in the world. Based in Jackson Center, OH, Airstream has fitted the Class-B Interstate 3500 with seating for eight people, a kitchen and bathroom as well as a bedroom for two, complete with a 19-inch flat-panel LCD TV, which can also serve as a daytime lounge area. Bucket seats in the cockpit can swivel to face a removable table that seats four at mealtime.
The galley features a convenient 1.2-cubic-foot convection-microwave oven and a stainless-steel two-burner cook top that’s flush-mounted under a glass cover. A 3.1-cubic-foot refrigerator is cooled by an AC/DC compressor that uses 90 percent less power than conventional models.
The Sprinter Interstate comes with a high-efficiency 13,500 BTU Carrier air conditioner that’s mounted on the roof, plus a 2.5-kilowatt Onan propane generator for those nights in the wilderness when power hookups aren’t available. Its 32-gallon fresh-water tank has a water heater for taking hot showers and washing dishes.
Although the Sprinter Interstate is less than 23 feet long and 80 inches wide, people up to 6′ 2″ can stand comfortably inside the cabin. For worry-free backing-up, the Interstate comes with a 5.5-inch LCD screen in the dash that displays the area behind the van whenever it’s in reverse. The Wilsons’ Sprinter has also been equipped with GPS navigation, a satellite TV-audio receiver and a special laptop with mobile wireless access.
A Fuel-Sipping High-Technology Diesel
The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Interstate is powered by a 3.0-liter V6 diesel that produces 154 horsepower and 280 lb.-ft. of torque from 1,200 to 2,400 rpm. Most important, the Sprinter engine gets 30 percent better fuel economy than a comparable gasoline engine. The Sprinter’s four-valve-per-cylinder diesel features centrally located piezo-electric injectors, CDI direct injection, a variable-nozzle turbocharger and exhaust gas recirculation. Building on this foundation of advanced engine design, the Sprinter engine incorporates an oxidizing catalytic converter and a maintenance-free particulate filter.
Source: Daimler AG
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A piece of art
As you all know I like travelling a lot. Last year I spent a few days in Provence, France to enjoy the ’savoir vivre’!
I had a quick look at the Jean-Paul Blanchere Foundation in the town of Apt. and what canI say, I was very impressed.
A piece of African Art is shown below.
This Renault Estafette, which was built between 1959-1981, seems to stand in the tradtion of African Road Transport. I tried to find out some more details concerning the artist, but I didn’t succeed.
Enjoy the pics. Even standing in front of the vehicle I was unable to capture all the small details…
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The transformation of a Mercedes Benz Sprinter
Taking brand a new stock Mercedes Benz Sprinter and adding four wheel drive with all the modifications needed for 44 inch tires – well – here is the first!
Pall Halldorsson is an ex rally driver and off-roading enthusiast. Working for the Icelandic Mercedes shop he got the crazy idea to see if this was possible.
Pall says managers from the Mercedes Benz cargo division in Germany have kept an eye on the work done. They haven’t made any serious objections even though the Sprinter now uses parts and equipment not usually found in the car.
Before the work begins this is just an ordinary 2007 Mercedes Benz Sprinter 318 CDI. The engine is a 3 liter V-6 diesel OM 642 DE30LA and delivers 184 hp. or135 kW and a torque of 400 Nm.
Its got an automatic transmission, seat suspension, heated front windshield, two heating systems and other nice features in a package that only weighs 2220 kg.
The rear has plenty of options for sheet metal cutting to make space for the larger tires.
VHF radio and NMT phone, GPS system and more are all installed separately.
The first lift to get started with the Sprinter project.
Everything under the van must GO!
The transmission is put into a housing from a Vito 4×4.
These things are not needed any longer.
An extensive rebuilt has to be done. New seats for the engine…
Seats for the front and rear coil spring suspension.
Four link suspension brackets and bars welded into place.
Pall even has to lift a part of the floor and cut out a support beam to make room for the transfer case and transmission.
Not much left on under-carriage.
Even the fuel tank is modified …
…and an extra 150 liter tank is added. The tanks are connected for filling…
…and these hoses are used to get the fuel back into the main tank.
A lot of work is to make the van capable of supporting the new axles by welding in strengthening bars where needed.
The custom built rear hitch…
…and the custom built front bumper bar with light brackets and a winch receiver.
All these pieces are poly-coated and fitted in place.
The sheet metal cutting is extensive.
Finally standing on all four wheels again, this time a LOT bigger. 44 inch Dick Cepec Fun County tires on custom modified and poly-coated 16.5×15 inch wheels.
The rims have a quick release valve.
Still more cutting needed in the front.
All the cutting needs to be rebuilt to bring strength back into the body.
A separate step for the sliding door entrance is added.
A Nissan Patrol steering box is fitted as well as a custom built steering arm.
In addition the steering box is drilled for a special steering jack.
The oil pan needs a little cutting to make space for the steering rod.
Hard to recognize the oil pan after the modifications.
The rear suspension in place before painting.
Rear driveshaft could be used with minor mods but a new front driveshaft is in place.
All brakes have to be installed and new brake lines fitted.
Rubber blocks for the new suspension with the proper brackets to hold in place that also serve as coil seats.
All shocks have new seats welded in place with poly-coated finish. Both upper…
..and lower.
Finished rear setup looks pretty impressive.
Front suspension. Coils front and rear.
Looks promising – although the fender flares are jet to be fitted.
The fender flares are Mitsubishi Pajero 44 inch and don’t seem to need that much modification to fit nicely.
The sliding door needs to move out to clear the tires and flares.
A new shifter for the transfer case.
Standing side by side with an unmodified Mercedes Benz Sprinter the difference is obvious.
The fender flares in place.
Only the front plastic sheeting needs to be shortened to make room for the flares.
As a final touch for the look, Pall finds a spoiler he can rebuild to fit the van.
With the spoiler painted and in place.
The speedometer sensor – hopefully it gives the right signal.
Custom built sidesteps have to be well supported.
Final touches are done with an extra strong glue from Würth.
Pall Halldorsson himself working on the Sprinter conversion.
After using the converted Sprinter for a while and asked about the fuel economy, Pall is pretty happy: “With an average of 16 liters/100 km I can’t complain”. Compared to the massive size and space the Sprinter offers as well as the tire size this is really surprising.
Crossing the glacial river Krossa is not too hard for the Sprinter. You can see how deep it is by the fact that the 44 inch tires are completely under water.
What does Pall see as the major pros of the final outcome: “The best thing is the size and relatively light weight due to the nonexistent frame leading to less fuel consumption. In addition it can carry a lot of gear and passengers when needed and it is easy to access.
Mercedes Benz Sprinter 44 Inch Modification:
| Make: | 2007 Mercedes Benz Sprinter 318 CDI |
| Weight: | 3.180 kg |
| Engine: | OM 642 DE30LA V-6, 184 hp, 135 kW 2987 cc. 400 Nm/1600-2600 rpm, Euro 4 |
| Transmission: | 5 step automatic |
| Transfer case: | Borg Warner 1345 |
| Extra transfer case: | New Process 205 |
| Axles: | Dana 60, reverse in front and full float rear |
| Gear ratio: | 5.13 |
| Lockers: | ARB air lockers front and rear |
| Tires: | Dick Cepek 44×15″ |
| Wheels: | 16.5×15″ |
| Fuel tanks: | 100 l standard + 150 liter extra tank |
| Suspension: | OME coils and shocks |
| Lift: | 10″ |
| Communications: | VHF radio and NMT phone |
| Navigation: | Garmin 130 |
| Additional equipment: | Laptop notebook, 220 v Inverter, Fini air pump, oil heater, heated windshield, extra battery, 180 A alternator, air horns, search light, auxiliary lights, marquise, electric step, suspended front seats, roof visor. |
| Modified by: | Páll, Siggi, Aron, Biggi, Benni, Ásii, Róbert, Ágúst, Halldór, Hilmar, Bjössi, Jói and othersJeppaþjónustan Breytir Jeppasmiðjan Ljónsstöðum |
Photos:
Pall Halldorsson and Sigursteinn Baldursson
Thrandur
4×4OffRoads.com
VHF radio and NMT phone, GPS system and more are all installed separately.
The first lift to get started with the Sprinter project.
Everything under the van must GO!
The transmission is put into a housing from a Vito 4×4.
These things are not needed any longer.
An extensive rebuilt has to be done. New seats for the engine…
Seats for the front and rear coil spring suspension.
Four link suspension brackets and bars welded into place.
Pall even has to lift a part of the floor and cut out a support beam to make room for the transfer case and transmission.
Not much left on under-carriage.
Even the fuel tank is modified …
…and an extra 150 liter tank is added. The tanks are connected for filling…
…and these hoses are used to get the fuel back into the main tank.
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…and what about Kimberlee Mitchell with it’s mobile office?
You need a van with the ability to give you just about any interior you could need, and an image that reflects your unique professionalism, we made it specifically for you. See how it works for Kimberlee Mitchell and her baby-proofing business.
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The S-Class van?
With the luxury of an S-Class and spaciousness to boot, what a wonderful combination!
Have you ever thought to yourself: “Although the S-Class is nice, I think I’d prefer a slightly more spacious method of transportation that features reclining leather seating, a mobile office, and wonderful ambient lighting?”
Of course you have, and that’s where the good people over at Becker Automotive Design come in. You see, they offer a conversion kit for the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter that transforms a typically dull commercial vehicle into what they call the “Becker Jet Van,” or a rolling Gulfstream if you will. The option list is extensive, but a few features owners can opt for include anything from wireless high speed internet access, a fax machine, refrigerator, reclining seats, lcd screens… the list goes on and on. One of the things most appealing to me was the fact that, assuming you’re not abnormally tall (which I’m not), the Becker Jet Van even offers its occupants stand up head room inside. Nice.
Of course, to enjoy the plush elegance of the Jet Van, you have to have the funds to back it up. Although pricing isn’t listed on Becker’s website, I can assure you it ain’t gonna be cheap. Oh the price of luxury.
You can view more photos of the Becker Jet Van below (click any to enlarge), and be sure to check out Becker’s website for even more pictures and a full list of available Sprinter configurations and options.
Source: emercedesbenz.com
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Van storage solutions
Check out this system.
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Car and van configuration
Car configurators are a current trend, practical and make it easier to pick the perfect car for yourself since you can try out all possible variations, inside and outside, before buying your car.
Sadly, not every manufacturer boasts a configurator – and there are even less for vans than for “normal” cars.
Here are a few:
Ford (with 3D view)
http://www.ford.co.uk/SBE/ConfigureYourVehicle/ConfigureyourVan/
Citroen Vans (simple):
http://www.citroen.co.uk/new-vans/van-configurator/
VW (only in Germany):
http://extern.volkswagen-nutzfahrzeuge.de/cc5/
Mercedes-Benz (only in Germany and for normal vehicles):
http://www.mercedes-benz.de/content/germany/mpc/mpc_germany_website/de/home_mpc/
Mercedes Germany has a configurator for vans, but you need to pick a model first before you can view it in 360°.
What do you think about car configurators? Do you know some that specifically cater to vans? Let us know what you know!
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Van or Vader?
What van would Darth Vader drive?
German Artist Nick Bötticher (don’t ask me how you pronounce that) gave us the answer! I reckon it has to be a citroen H-Van?
Source: http://www.vvork.com
What would Yoda drive then?
Answers welcome!
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Betina and Andrea in the Aicha des Gazelles Rally
We reported earlier on our gals from Daimler out there in Morroco with their Vito in the Rally Aicha des Gazelles
http://www.myvan.com/2010/03/15/a-viano-as-rally-car-two-women-take-it-to-morocco/
Well here’s what they are up against
Bettina and Andrea we wish you luck!
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The best Ice cream van ever!
Under the london eye a big surprise awaits!
Mercedes-Benz ice cream
And here’s one of yours truly testing one, just to make sure of course!
Sprinter flake 99
What have you seen around town?
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Vito black cab seen in town
The Vito black cab in action..
Vito taxi
Up against the old TX 4
Vito black cab
Taken at Trafalgar square.
Have you seen any?
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Maintenance Training…
Hi, can anyone help me find a course for basic Sprinter van maintenance please? I have a global trip soon, with my still to arrive Sprinter 319 motor home, and wish to prepare before leaving with some basic maintenance skills. I would appreciate any advice? Thanks to all…
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