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Enter ‘Darth Vandar’ AKA ‘Ben’. The last of German-made Mercedes Sprinters, the year 2017. This particular build is a gem for the Mercedes purist. This (German) build is ideal for any Sprinter 4×4 (144) enthusiast looking for an Adventure Van
The following information is a not-so-brief overview of how our ‘Ben’ became ‘Darth Vandar’. One Van’s journey to the Darkside, a custom and complete black-out package unlike any other Sprinter in the galaxy.
Darth Vandar has been sold.
Factory Specs
2017 4x4 V6 144L Crew
ECU Clone / Tune
Power (WHP) improvement over base model.
Ben’s potential has been fully unleashed with this performance tune and upgrade, a 43% improvement over dealer issued Sprinters. The Force is now strong with Ben, really strong.
Passing slowed vehicles comes very easily to Darth Vandar. After all it is a Mercedes, we ensured that it drive like one.
Torque (WTQ) improvement over base model.
Tires
Toyo Open Country MT LT 285/75 R16
The tires have given Ben quite the lift. Although the drive has not been modified with an aftermarket lift-kit. Ben drives and performs perfectly without the modification. It’s been a champ in poor weather and questionable terrain.
After all, it’s all about the tire.
Ben has 30281 original miles on the odometer, and only 15k +/- on the Toyo’s.
Matte Black Finish
Love it or leave it, Ben is Black AF.
We decided early on that the best way to protect the paint is to cover it all up. While the surface vinyl DOES have a slight patina due to the road, length of use, matte finish, and unavoidable use. The vinyl wrap life expectancy will soon come to an end.
Feel free to use it, pull it all off, or customize it to you. Aside from the gentle patina on the matte vinyl finish, the body and paint are in perfect untouched factory condition.
Step Side
Retractable steps are installed across all entry doors. Making it incredibly easy to climb in and out of this large vehicle. Includes custom driver length and passenger side running boards.
This configuration provides maximum clearance and convenience of entry.
Ben feels futuristic and was by far the most exciting upgrades we made to the build. A game changer due to height and size of this vehicle.
Whats inside?
With so many builds available on the market today. Adwag was the product we felt was the most affordable, scalable, and MODULAR. Important to note, the team is great to work with.
The criteria for this build, was that NOTHING was permanent. As needs change, so can the van. Most important look and feel ‘finished’.
*Riding in a stock MB CrewVan can be noisy and feel hollow.
When you’re not adventuring- you’d drive a sound dampened, insulated, and finely upholstered vehicle. The Mercedes experience.
For anyone looking for a versatile platform this is your build.
Bedroom Detail
Shortly after the Adwag installation we scoured the industry for personal bedding. We determined there were just no good options available in the market. So, we had our own custom bed made for us using ‘factory’ leather, 4-inch memory foam, and a removable (zip-on) pillow. This bed is super comfortable, offers plenty of support, and feels like any extraordinary home mattress.
We additionally dressed our set-up with a washable pillow top Queen mattress cover, giving it just the right amount of ‘squish’, and to also protect the leather. I would recommend doing the same.
The match and grain of this leather bed is almost identical to the factory seats and steering wheel. Essentially bringing all the materials together.
The bed is super easy to clean, sectionally unzips for smaller configurations, or tri-folds together when not in use. It serves as a perfect base layer for the day-to-day siestas without compromising that Mercedes aesthetic.
Bugwall
Don’t get bit… Ben comes with The BugWall.
Both sliding and rear doors come equipped with quality marine grade screen that will not only keep out all pesky insects, but will allow for maximum airflow during your adventure in the wild.
Slider-door unit comes with a (75/25) magnet ‘split-entry’. Allowing easy tear through entry/exit even when the door is even partially closed. Screens also provide a level of privacy, when its light out, it becomes difficult for passerby’s to see inside the occupied van.
‘Garage Door’ unit comes in really handy! Whether your storing expensive equipment underneath out of sight, or just trying to keep your bed dry. This unit closes up, and rolls out of sight in sections. So any configuration of screen vs marine canvas can be accomplished. Best of all, the upper rain fly has D-Rings to allow for use as a sun awning.
Dutch over at BugWall has been a dream to work with.
Extras
Temperature regulated LowE privacy covers by Strawfoot. Applied via magnet, these bad-ass window covers make the inside of this van darker than the inside of a coal mine.
This stealth look is maintained during every opportunity for security as well as to keep light and heat to a minimum.
www.strawfoothandmade.com/windowcovers
Want some fresh air? No worries…
These sliding ‘factory’ windows are retrofitted so that any passenger can stick their head out the window for a cool breeze. The sliding windows have 3 locking positions and close flush with surrounding glass.
*Standard configuration is fixed glass.
Ever thought the Sprinter needed another accessory to buy? I sure did.
Feast your eyes on the double-duty protection for your front fender flares. These are made of TPO plastic to match the factory panels in the rear.
No ‘Vandar’ is complete without breathable window blocks for air flow up front.
These ABS blocks offer a fresh air intake to the MaxxAir, give visor shade, and keeps the critters out.
You can even drive with them in place.
Maximize storage area with this custom headliner shelf by Shuksan. Steel fabricated and powder coated black. This shelf adds a ton of extra space you’ll need for all your gear.
This shelf maintains all driving visibility, has soft radius edges, and an L-track strip for additional connection points across entire front length.
The perfect addition to your camper set-up. This low profile Scopema swivel rides only 7/8″ high. This swivel rotates to the side as well as to face the rear.
Heavy duty construction gives this a smooth operation. Perfect to create extra space within the cabin.
Or turn your co-pilot around when they continue to pump their air brakes, or critique your driving.
A massive air tank provides maximum air flow for all your pneumatic needs.
This tank has multiple ports for additional uses. Included is an air port for ‘sweeping’ out the interior area or ‘blowing-up’ inflatable objects.
PSI 150-300
Powder coated black finish.
Don’t blow your temper, blow your horn. DarthVandar comes equipped with the ‘The Shocker XL’ and its name does NOT disappoint. This horn delivers locomotive sound at the touch of a button. The loudest possible available.
This horn is perfect when the stock horn just does not communicate your driving needs or intentions.
Our favorite pastime has been passing by golf courses showing off our ‘encouragement’. Always a laughter filled endeavor for miles to come.
This charcoal black Fiamma F80 provides ample shade and protection from the elements. This compact awning looks sleek up against the vehicle and is easy to operate via hand crank.
The awning stretches some 8 feet from the vehicle. Providing your own private camp.
Ben is equipped with a 24 inch HD Smartcast + Chromcast TV that folds up into the ceiling when not in use.
The Vizio APP has 100+ live stations standard, as well as your own preferred entertainment.
*SoundBar not included
The Prodigy electric brake controller supplies power to your tow vehicles brakes proportionally. This means your trailer brakes at the same time and same adjustable strength as your vehicle, even in reverse.
Designed to control 4 braking axles.
www.tekonsha.com/brake-control
Tow package set up for any number of uses. Whether you’re carrying loads to the dump or have an accessory dwelling in tow. Ben is capable for any configuration you have in mind.
Tow capacity is 5000 lbs.