Our van is a 2006 Dodge Sprinter 2500 with a 2.7 L inline 5-cylinder diesel engine producing 154 horsepower and 243 pound-feet of torque. It has a GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) of 8,550 lbs, a maximum payload of 2846 lbs, and the towing capacity is 5,000 lbs.
The model designation is T1N, which ran from 1994 to 2006 and it uses the OM647 engine. It has an electronically controlled 5-speed NAG1 transmission with a lock-up clutch in the torque converter.
The wheelbase of the van is 158″ (13' 2"). It is 263" (21' 11") long, 104" (8' 8") high, and 76" (6' 4") wide.
It takes diesel fuel with a capacity of 100 L. When the reserve light comes on there are 10.5 L remaining which is good for approximately 100 km. It is not a good practice to run this low as sediment in the tank may get sucked into the fuel system, damaging the injectors or pump [reference].
It has 16" wheels and rims. See here for more details.
The hitch is rated Class III and for this installation has a maximum tow weight of 5000 lbs and a maximum tongue weight of 500 lbs.
Sprinter-Wiki - https://sprinter-source.com/wiki/index.php/Sprinter
(See this section for details)
T1N Info - https://sprinterrevolution.com/knowledge-base/specs/sprinter-t1n
Service and Owner Manuals - http://www.diysprinter.co.uk/reference
The stock tire size on the 158” wheelbase is LT225/75R16/E. According to the Michelin site, the tires pressures are:
Front: 55 PSI
Rear: 80 PSI
To buy:
The front suspension consists of a single transversely mounted composite spring with shocks mounted near each front wheel. In some cases, the composite spring is known to sag over time. A steel replacement is available. (https://sprinter-source.com/wiki/index.php/Sprinter#Chassis)
Drain holes need to be cleaned regularly? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lYuQAoHpN9Y&ab_channel=RestlessSoul
E-Track: Amazon | Princess Auto | Home Depot | Canadian Tire
Portable Buddy Heater?: Amazon $138 | Bass Pro $130 (Sale) $150 Reg | Canadian Tire $150 | Home Hardware $150 | Sail $140 (10% vet discount)
Propane produces too much moisture (1 L per hour!). A 5 kW diesel heater is preferred for this application.
Battery (Main):
Canadian Tire (Motomaster Eliminator AGM Group Size 49 (H8/L5)), ($272, 850 CCA, 5-yr wty)
Costco (Energizer - Group H8-AGMAbsorbent Glass Mat) ($270, 900 CCA 5-yr wty)
Gas struts similar to this to lift the bed?
See also Princess Auto
Linear actuators similar to this to lift the bed?
Water pump
Tank heaters for water tanks and batteries
We have three Renogy 200 Watt 12 Volt monocrystalline solar panels for a total solar charging capacity of 600 Watts. The solar panels will be connected to a Renogy 50A DC-DC On-Board Battery Charger with MPPT. This battery charger can be used to charge the service (house) batteries from the solar panels or from the alternator of the vehicle.
When connecting to city water, use a pressure reducer such as this one
This water pump was recommended in a video and this website
Carry some "carry bags" for carrying the toilet cartridge to a public restroom to empty
Water filter?
Can be warmed with RV water tank heaters [video]
We have three Renogy Smart Lithium-Iron Phosphate Batteries rated at 12 Volt 100Ah for a total of 300Ah (3600Wh) of capacity.
12V devices to install:
reading lights, dimmable
LED strips, dimmable
garage lights
water pump
water heater?
fridge
fuse panel(s)
switch panel(s)
110V devices to install:
microwave oven
110V outlets
locations TBD
Here's what we bought.