Sprinter Build: The Complete DIY Sprinter Conversion Manual

The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter has become the platform of choice for camper van conversions. Building one properly requires clear plans, accurate measurements, and a build sequence that works.

Built around the real-world conversion of a 2017 Sprinter 170, this manual draws on the experience of Ray Malone, a union carpenter and custom cabinetmaker with more than thirty years in the trade. The fourteen-month build provides the framework for every step in the guide.

The book follows the conversion step by step:

• Inspecting a used Sprinter before purchase, identifying mechanical issues, rust, and structural damage
• Measuring and planning the interior layout around wheel arches, wall ribs, and the roof curve
• Stripping and preparing the interior shell, sealing exposed metal and protecting the factory body
• Installing insulation and moisture control to manage temperature and condensation
• Running wiring, mounting batteries, and installing an off-grid electrical system with solar
• Installing fresh and grey water systems, including tanks, pumps, and fixtures
• Building and fitting custom cabinetry designed for the Sprinter's interior structure
• Completing the interior and preparing the van for life on the road

Each stage is explained in straightforward language and built around the Sprinter's specific structure, including rib spacing, wheel arches, roof curvature, and factory mounting points.

A detailed troubleshooting section addresses the problems that appear once a van is in use, from electrical faults to condensation and structural wear. An extensive appendix lists the tools, materials, hardware, and components required for a complete Sprinter conversion, making it easier to plan the build and source everything needed.

From first inspection to the first five hundred miles on the road, this book provides a complete working guide to building a Sprinter camper that is safe, durable, and ready for the long haul.