Offroad Sprinter 4×4

A demonstrator that shows what we can do with a chassis. A base for motorhome, off-road and working vehicles that have to operate in rough terrain. Wading depth 900 mm (35 in) — with the engine able to be switched off and restarted in the water.

Axles

Both axles are lifted by 200 mm (7.9 in). At the rear by lowering the spring mounts front and back so the spring keeps its original parallel line to the road; the spring is packed by 40 mm and strengthened with an extra leaf.

At the front we reworked the axle beam — cut it and welded in 200 mm posts of the same gauge. Bracing struts were added to carry braking loads back into the chassis.

Track and load

Both axles are widened with 120 mm spacers to a design by VCA s.r.o., calculated for axle loads up to 3,500 kg (7,720 lb); ours carry 2,250 kg at the rear and 1,650 kg at the front.

The front axle runs a genuine Mercedes differential; half-shafts and hubs are genuine Mercedes parts.

Suspension

Front dampers are extended by 200 mm and sprung as a matched kit. Air bellows are fitted to the arms on both axles to add damping resistance off road.

Protection and racks

A stainless frame welded to the chassis protects the underside and is the lowest point of the vehicle. Stainless arches and box-section side steps stand 180 mm proud, with side marker LEDs built in — which is why the vehicle also runs mirrors rated for a 2.4 m width.

The frame continues back to the 3,500 kg tow hitch and doubles as the rear step. The roof carries front and rear light bars and a rack for stock up to 6 m long.

At the front there is a protection frame with an integrated work light and a 4.1 t winch in the bumper, hidden behind the number plate — which folds down and then takes 150 kg as a step for engine access.

Air system and interior

The vehicle has a compressed air circuit for the axle bellows and for reinflating tyres, with quick couplings including at the front doors; an electric compressor under the passenger seats holds 5.5–7.7 bar (80–112 psi), switched from the dashboard.

We removed the inner wheel arches in the load area, so two pallets fit side by side anywhere. An aluminium bulkhead with an opening window separates the cab. The interior is fully LED lit.