Mercedes Sprinter 4×4 Campervan

When selling our A-Class Carthago in 2014, we knew our next motorhome was going to be something different. So, 9 years ago, in January 2015, we took a flight to the CMT Stuttgart Messe to choose our next new campervan. Yes, we were wanting a Mercedes Sprinter 4×4 Campervan and Germany was the only place to find one.

Nigel’s research was impressive, looking at endless overland type vehicles, initially wanting a Landrover Campervan. However, I wasn’t ready to make the giant leap from an A-Class to such a small vehicle.

After much deliberation, we made an agreement on a Mercedes Sprinter 4×4 Campervan, a good compromise which would last many years.

Why downsize from an A-Class Motorhome?

By the time 2014 came along, our motorhome adventures were taking us across Europe at every opportunity. We were on our 2nd motorhome after changing from touring caravans.

Although the Carthago was ideal for us at the time, the challenges of being unable to reach places were becoming a bit annoying. Despite putting off selling the Carthago, simply because it was immaculate inside and we couldn’t bring ourselves to part with it for a while, there came a point when we knew we just had to make the change.

Rewind to the Summer of 2012

The Summer of 2012 saw us traveling across Austria. This was the start of our “children flying the nest” era. In other words we could start to think about smaller motorhomes and potentially more travels than ever before.

Then a very important moment came along, which was to change our concept of vanlife travel and would determine the direction our life-long hobby was to take us in.

The photo of the majestic snow-capped Austrian Alps and dreamy lake is significant. Not only is it memorable because of the views, but this is where our journey to buying a Sprinter 4×4 campervan began.

The Idyllic Alpine Photo

You can’t see any clues in the idyllic Alpine photo, but after pulling over to check out this view, we spot our next crusade!

Stepping out the Carthago, Nigel looks through the binoculars across the super scenic lake at the mountains.

It’s then that he notices 2 overland campervans, parked across a stone track beside the water.

Quite simply it looks like the most idyllic parking spot imaginable and these 4×4 campers were able to access it.

As I focus on the tiny dots of the 2 off-road campers in the distance, I realise I can feel his sense of excitement too. At this point, I think we both know – we want one of those too!

The idyllic lakeside setting is where our dreams of finding the perfect off-road campervan begin, and soon, those dreams were becoming reality.

The search in Germany – Mercedes Sprinter 4×4 Campervan

Although it’s another 2 years before we put the Carthago for sale, the research begins straight away.

Starting at the Düsseldorf Show, we look at everything to find our perfect campervan.

This is where we first come across La Strada. This is a small German company specialising in quality, individual style panel van conversions. Back then, La Strada were still a family-type business, and their enthusiasm was enough for us to remember them.

Their conversions made a very good impression too. With cupboards and storage galore, carpet insulation lining all the walls and doors, Seitz windows and very sturdy cabinetry. They also used diesel heating, a compressor fridge, Froli springs under the mattress and solid fitments all round. These were all fitments that were on our list, as well as much more.

Everything about La Strada looked practical, long-wearing and most importantly – unique. In fact, their range of conversion on the Fiat Ducato was phenomenal. Being full of incredible storage solutions and excellent ideas. Above all, we felt they stood out from the rest.

Manufacturers building a 4×4 Campervan

Back then, there were very few panel van conversions, let alone those being on a 4×4. Remember this is over 10 years ago, when the motorhome industry was dominated by A-Class and Coachbuilts.

So when we sold our Carthago in 2014, our selection was down to just 3 manufacturers – all being German.

These 3 manufacturers were: CS Reismobile; HRZ and La Strada, and all built on the Mercedes Sprinter 4×4.

Although we were sort of willing to import a campervan ourselves, it wasn’t something we really wanted to do. Not only was it quite complicated, but also time consuming and daunting, and this was way before leaving the EU.

However, if that’s what we had to do, then we would. After months of research, we made detailed notes for importing a vehicle, in case it was the only way forward.

Luckily, there was one UK dealer for La Strada in Banbury. Unfortunately though, these didn’t keep a stock vehicle at all. Ultimately, this meant having to take a trip to Germany to see the La Strada Regent S 4×4 in the flesh.

A few weeks later, in January 2015, we took a trip to the Stuttgart Show, where not just La Strada, but all 3 manufacturers would be exhibiting.

Why we Chose La Strada

After 3 days of talks to CS, HRZ and La Strada, our decision was made.

First it’s worth mentioning the Stuttgart Show is huge! Ok, so not quite the size of Düsseldorf, but far bigger than anything we’d have in the UK. In other words it’s a brilliant way to see every manufacturer of any motorhome under one roof.

For us, although it was a really good manufacturer with helpful owners, HRZ was eliminated. This was simply because they didn’t have a Certificate of Conformity needed for import. Although they were in the process of applying for it at the time.

CS did have the COC, but the interior design wasn’t quite to our liking. If anything, it was a little old fashioned looking. Having said that, it looked a really good, solid conversion.

So, this left La Strada. Not only were the small team of staff, including Mario, the director superb to deal with, but everything on the Regent S 4×4 ticked our boxes.

So, we made the decision to order a La Strada and their one and only 4×4 campervan – the Regent S 4×4. At the show, we were able to chose the specification, colour schemes and extras but went back to England to seal a deal with their UK motorhome dealer.

Then all we had to do was wait. And, 10 months later our Regent S 4×4 was ready to pick up.

Has Anything Gone Wrong? Mercedes Sprinter 4×4 Campervan

9 years since ordering our Mercedes Sprinter 4×4 campervan, you have to ask the question – has anything gone wrong?

The simple answer is hardly anything. In fact, not only is it the longest we’ve ever kept any vehicle, including motorhomes, but it’s also the one we’ve had least go wrong on.

Mercedes side.

The Mercedes side has been pretty much faultless. Considering on our Fiat Ducato on the Carthago, we had numerous replacement parts of one kind or another.

However on the Mercedes Sprinter it’s been practically trouble-free:

1. An Emissions sensor failure in Italy when 2 years old. This failed during slow travel of around 20-25mph when driving narrow, winding roads around the Italian Lakes. The emissions engine light came on, because the emissions weren’t being burnt off quickly enough due to driving too slowly. The awful part was that the engine would go into limp mode as a result. After getting checked at Mercedes in Italy, a new sensor was fitted which eradicated the problem.

La Strada habitation side

Just like the Mercedes Sprinter side, there’s been hardly any issues with the La Strada side either.

1. I think the only thing we’ve had go wrong was the CBE control panel display. This is the panel you use to find battery charge, water tank levels, switch on mains for lights and power points etc.

La Strada were really good and sent us out a replacement in the post.

2. The only other failure was the side door fly screen, although it lasted about 5 years and wasn’t great from the start.

So, both things weren’t really La Strada issues at all.

To be honest, we’ve not had so much as a broken cupboard knob and everything looks as good today as it did the day we collected it.

How often do we use the actual 4×4?

The answer is hardly ever!

In fact, we can probably count the number of times we’ve switched to 4×4 mode, and these have been in relativity unexciting places!

1. Getting stuck in a muddy fields e.g at the Allrad Show in Germany.
2. Driving an uphill dirt track lake access in Spain and the odd similar track elsewhere in Europe.

Is Ground Clearance Useful?

The Mercedes Sprinter 4×4 has brilliant ground clearance and this, for us, is one aspect that would now be difficult to be without.

To put it mildly, I’d say it’s essential. Ground clearance makes our vanlife travels much easier having this peace of mind.

Were there any Adaptations on our Mercedes Sprinter 4×4 ?

No.

Our Mercedes Sprinter 4×4 is a Mercedes Benz factory van. So it’s exactly as it came out of the Mercedes Benz factory.

The only change are the BFG Goodrich Tyres, which were part of the optional extras on the Mercedes Sprinter list, but we had to economise.

However, just a few weeks after collecting our Sprinter, the original Winter Tyres were stabbed in Spain. This is how we came to end up with the BFG’s, replacing the stabbed tyres when it was just a few weeks old. An expensive inconvenience.

What engine and Gearbox?

It’s a 2.2 316 CDI Automatic.

What’s the Drive like?

Visibility is superb and the drive effortless. Being a narrower van than the Ducato and also having a length under 6m brings advantages too.

The Sprinter fits into a normal parking space which is useful.

Is it 3.5t?

Yes. This is beneficial for paying European tolls.

Is it Euro 6? Mercedes Sprinter 4×4 Campervan

Yes. It takes Ad Blue and falls into the compliant category for German and French emissions zones – at the moment.

Did we make the right decision?

9 years after ordering our La Strada Regent S 4×4, we have to say it was definitely the right decision.

Not only is the Mercedes Sprinter 4×4 a great van to drive and own, but it still looks like new. It’s eye-catching, practical, quite unique and brings very adaptable travels to those more out of the way places.

We’ve never missed having a big motorhome and if anything, in the future we may consider to downsize further.

Quite honestly, there’s nothing we can think of that we’d change. At the end of the day, the Mercedes Sprinter 4×4 is still the campervan for us! La Strada Regent S 4×4

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