Space planning that makes the 170 sing
The Sprinter 170 offers generous canvas and long sight lines. That extra wheelbase changes what is possible inside, especially when you want a true bedroom, a real workstation, or a bike capable garage. Before picking materials and gadgets, map the zones you actually use each day. Divide the van into entry, kitchen, lounge, sleep, and utility, then make every zone earn its space.
Sleeping concepts that free the floor
- Fixed bed over a garage: A queen platform placed high in the rear creates a cavern for bikes, totes, and water tanks. Keep bed height just above handlebar level to retain headroom.
- Convertible dinette: A forward dinette that drops into a bed works for two travelers who need a day lounge and nighttime berth. Add lagun style tables for quick reconfigures.
- Raised transverse with flares: Flares widen the sleep zone for sideways sleeping, saving front to back inches for a larger kitchen or a compact bath.
- Split bunks for families: Stacked bunks along one wall with a lower bunk that folds into a sofa gives seating by day and beds by night.
Water, galley, and bathroom without wasted inches
Kitchens in a 170 can be true galleys rather than token counters. Aim for safe work triangles and quick access to the sink, cooktop, fridge, and pantry. A 65 to 130 liter fridge fits well under counter. Keep the cooktop portable or induction so the counter doubles as prep.
Bath choices that fit the miles you drive
- Full wet bath: A fiberglass or composite pan with waterproof walls offers year round privacy. Size it just large enough to stand and turn, then integrate a niche for soap and a folding teak mat.
- Hidden shower: Use an overhead quick connect and a drain pan under a removable floor panel. This keeps the aisle clear while still allowing hot showers.
- Toilet strategy: Cassette or sealed portable units tuck into a drawer. A dedicated vented locker keeps odors in check. If space allows, a compact separating toilet reduces dump stops.
Off grid power and climate that actually last
Power plans should respect real loads, not sales sheet dreams. List devices, starting and running watts, and duty cycles. A Sprinter 170 can comfortably host a house bank sized for multi day boondocking with cooling and cooking covered.
Power sizing and charging paths
- Battery bank: Many long range builds run 300 to 600 amp hours of lithium at 12 volt. Bigger banks support induction cooking and limited air conditioning.
- Inverter charger: A 3000 watt inverter handles induction, outlets, and a microwave. Choose a model with clean sine output and strong surge performance.
- Charging: Combine roof solar with a smart DC to DC alternator charger. Shore power rounds it out for campground or home charging. Solar in the 300 to 600 watt range fits most roof plans around fans and racks.
Heating and cooling that keep you comfortable
- Heat: A diesel air heater sips fuel from the vehicle tank and dries the cabin. Place the outlet low to wash warm air over the floor.
- Cooling: High efficiency 12 volt air conditioning can maintain sleepable temps for a few hours on battery, more with shore or while driving. Shade and window covers reduce load, so treat insulation and radiant barriers as part of your climate system.
- Ventilation: Dual roof fans set to push pull move heat and cooking odors fast. Add screened slider windows for cross breeze without inviting bugs.
Storage and gear systems for tall cargo
The 170’s length shines when you carry big toys or bulky supplies. Think in layers: overhead cabinets for light items, mid level lockers for daily use, and a rear garage for heavy cargo. Tie down points and modular rails maintain order when plans change.
Garage, racks, and the rolling chassis
- Gear garage: Use L track or T slot rails along walls and floor. Add removable bulkheads to isolate bikes from soft goods. LED strip lighting under cabinets helps night loading.
- Exterior: A roof rack organizes solar, fans, and a low profile box. Side ladders aid access. An awning creates shade that makes camp feel bigger.
- Ride and stance: All terrain tires, a measured suspension tune, and quality shocks improve ride, reduce sway, and increase clearance. Stay within axle ratings and keep heavy items low and centered.
- Safety and serviceability: Keep weight in check, protect wiring with loom and grommets, label circuits, and mount fuses where you can reach them on the roadside. Plan service access for filters, pumps, and valves.
Materials and finishes that hold up
Choose finishes that clean easily and resist moisture. Marine grade plywood, closed cell insulation, and aluminum or powder coated steel structures age well. Inside cabinets, apply edge banding and soft close hardware to prevent rattle. On the floor, pick a one piece vinyl for easy cleaning. Use acoustic treatment under panels to quiet the cabin and make long drives less tiring.
Workflow tips before you commit to a plan
- Mock the layout with tape on the floor and cardboard boxes for volume. Walk the aisle, open imaginary doors, and try reaching storage.
- Put heavy tanks and batteries near the axle line to help handling. The 170 has space, but physics still apply.
- Run wiring and plumbing with future service in mind. Conduit and junction access save hours later.
- Measure the garage for your largest gear first. Bikes, boards, and bins define the rest of the space.
From ideas to a road ready build
When your list of Sprinter 170 build ideas becomes a real plan, experienced upfitters can translate that plan into a safe, reliable vehicle. A professional team will validate weight distribution, install certified electrical systems, and fabricate cabinetry that fits your specific gear. If you want a purpose built layout without guesswork, explore our Recreational vans and see what a refined platform looks like in practice.
Our shop designs and builds complete customs and focused upfits for travelers who need dependable systems and clean finishes. For a fully tailored approach that aligns to how you travel, review our Custom van builds page. If you prefer to start from a proven package that can be financed and then personalized, look at our Mainstream vans options to fast track your delivery.
Bring your wish list, your gear, and your timeline. We will map the layout, size the power, and build the storage to carry everything you need without clutter. The result is a quiet, capable Sprinter that stays comfortable off grid and effortless on the highway.
Tell us about your travel style and the gear you carry. We will translate your Sprinter 170 build ideas into a build plan with layouts, power specs, and a clear path to delivery. Submit the form to start your project today in Northwest Arkansas, then pick up your finished rig and head straight for the trails and rivers.
