We tried ROCK CRAWLING our Sprinter Vans, This is what happened - Living The Van Life
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- Опубликовано: 5 окт 2024
- Rock crawling in a Sprinter van presents a unique set of challenges, pushing both vehicle and driver to the limits. The sheer size and weight of a Sprinter van make maneuvering through rugged rock formations a formidable task. With limited ground clearance, the van faces the risk of getting high-centered or damaged on uneven surfaces.
The extended wheelbase amplifies the challenge, demanding precision in navigation to avoid getting stuck in tight spots. The van's suspension, designed for on-road comfort, may struggle to absorb the harsh impacts of rocks, putting additional stress on the vehicle components.
Unlike traditional off-road vehicles, the Sprinter's proportions can hinder visibility, making it crucial for the driver to rely heavily on skill and intuition. Traction becomes a constant concern, especially on steep inclines and jagged rocks, where maintaining control becomes a delicate dance between throttle, brake, and steering.
While the allure of conquering rock obstacles in a Sprinter van is undeniable, the inherent challenges emphasize the need for careful planning, skillful execution, and perhaps some vehicle modifications to enhance off-road capabilities. Rock crawling in a Sprinter is an adventure that tests the limits of both man and machine, demanding a blend of finesse and brawn to navigate the unforgiving terrain.
Embark on a leisurely Saturday afternoon adventure with John from Agile Off Road as we explore the desert terrains around Anza Borrego in Southern California with two 144” wheelbase Sprinter vans. In this video, we compare the performance of one van equipped with a stock transfer case and another featuring an aftermarket Atlas transfer case. Join us for a laid-back yet insightful journey, witnessing firsthand how these different setups handle challenging off-road terrains.
As we navigate through rocky paths and uneven surfaces, John from Agile Off Road helps provide valuable commentary, offering expert insights into the practical differences in traction, control, and overall off-road capabilities. This technical dive into Sprinter van modifications gives you a close look at the impact the upgraded transfer case has on a Sprinter’s offroad capability.
Whether you're a seasoned off-road enthusiast or simply curious about enhancing your own vehicle, this video provides a relaxed yet informative exploration. Join us for an enjoyable Saturday afternoon as we showcase the differences between these two transfer case setups, uncovering the nuances that can make your off-road adventures even more exhilarating.
I applaud you for such a diverse range of adventures.
Thank you very much.
I took my van through a box canyon in Arizona in 2019. It was flat but steep walled and narrow. We still talk about that trip. Much respect that you attempted this; you have great confidence in your sprinter. It got the job done. 👍
Thanks for watching! Much appreciated! Keep on truckin!
@@LivingTheVanLife If you install a manual transmission from a European Sprinter 4x4, your van will turn into a monster for rock climbing. Comparing the manual gearbox to the 7G-Tronic automatic - it has a shorter first gear. Take a look at my European Sprinter 4x4, where I tackle a vertical ascent diagonally, playing with the clutch: ruclips.net/video/tR78PeuRU2U/видео.htmlsi=DGv-6EPn-FX-90LC. I have a stock Sprinter 4x4 without lockers, and the engine is a smaller 2.1-liter 4-cylinder diesel. Hello from Kazakhstan!
@@mady777kz just watched Deadliest Roads in Kazakhstan crazy weather and insane few hundred semi truck traffic jam in the snow storm!
Thanks for sharing. I've always been impressed with the capabilities of my 4x4 Sprinter, but a lower low range or rear locker would be very beneficial. I also switched from a side ladder to a rear ladder and found it better in every way especially on tight terrain, narrow trails and roads such as during winter storms when the roads narrow and passing plows come very close, and I've found no downside to the rear ladder when I really thought the side ladder improved access, I found it really doesn't and yet so much safer. John @ Agile, , time to give a rear ladder a try.
What a difference a transfer case makes. Very nice , my stomach was getting into knots while watching this , and I don't think I would have the nuts to take it there solo even with all the accessories.
YOU TWO must be the first and only sprinter vans ever through that part of that trail. CONGRATS
Gotta love the scars on John’s van.
I am unbelievably happy Chad ACTUALLY uses his sprinter the way intended. Too many mall crawlers/trailer queens out there. It reminds me of a neighbor of mine who has a Geländewagen and drives it HARRRRD, and TOWS with it.
Having a similar low (3ish:1) range and locking center transfer case with lockers front and rear in my Sprinter 3500 dually; I would say the 3:1 is my first course of action before engaging the lockers in most cases. Slowing everything down, less rocking etc., and keeping in the torque curve. And it's not just for rock crawling like Moab (although it was great there), It's great in general off-road in the Sierra or any uneven terrain, especially where you might encounter steps on steep inclines.
People may not know, that the front and rear lockers on super heavy vans need to be used sparingly and intermittently to keep driveline binding to a minimum. My heavy Sprinter is very different than when I drove buggies, and the sheer weight adds more traction and driveline bind when the lockers are engaged.
Also, carrying a heavy-duty ratchet strap to use around the circumference of your tire, ratcheting really tight makes getting the bead back on much easier.
Our two favorite guys out and about!
You guys amaze me. I'm so impressed. Glad I had my van upgraded by AIR and met the team. Great people!
I'd love to see a 170 with your off-road mechanical set up try out some of these trails.
I’d like to see that as well.
I’ll head down to Agile with my 170 4x4 if John wants to test his new stuff on my beast. 👍
That Sprinter Van has become damn near unstoppable. It’s awesome!
Your sprinter van was already a beast...now this just makes it an EPIC Beast ...keep on truckin' and thanks for sharing Chad!!
Awesome video as always Chad. You always push your Sprinter Van to it's limits more and more. But you and your friends are slowly transforming Sprinters Vans into the ultimate adventure vehicle.
Love that you actually go wild places in this thing. Keep up the good work and hopefully I get a glimpse of this truck at hammers!
I really like your adventures YOU ROCK 👍🏾💪🏾💪🏾
Those running boards certainly protect your van Chad ! John’s has a few battle scars and dents along the lower edges ?!
Noticed the dings as well.
I love these technical off road van videos. My dream to do some of this and it’s slowly becoming a reality. 🤜🤛
Hopefully soon Agile will get the atlas worked out for the masses, such a great set up, lockers and a real transfer case for the sprinter! Great vid's thanks for making these.
Yes, can't wait to make the official roll out announcement, so close!!
@@Agileoffroadcan’t wait for the debut. Will it be a 2-speed transfer case?
@@OldExodus when we finalize the product we will let you know more!
Chad your the “BEST” no one hey does what you do! Please go back to Canada this summer and show us the towns/people, Also in the future go to Greenland.🤗🇺🇸🇨🇦 Michigan
Great Video Chad .Very well explained and demonstration off the Atlas T Case .Just love you 4 legged spotter at one stage .
Nice man lol! Wish I was wheeling with you guys on this one. I used to build Suzuki Samurais up and wheel the crap outta them, but there's something ridiculously fun about wheeling your house around, maybe because it's something you're not supposed to do😂
Insanity, my anxiety level was way up. Chad always goes maximum level or broke.
Reminded me of back in my jr high days when I'd squeeze into my jeans and had to zip them with pilars. Whew!! 😂
I always said that things should serve our purposes and passions !!!
This was more then intresting, exiting and adventures !!!👍
Chad pushing the limits with the Westfalia and now with the Sprinter van! Nice.
This is incredible.
Chad! You're in my part of the world! Glad you got to warm up here.
Cheers!
Great video Chad! Love it! Please keep it up!
Another Excellent Adventure with Chad!
Thats actually really impressive considering how heavy that van is. very nice addition.
Great fun Chad! Love your Blenders! my go to..
Ufffffffffffffffff que adrenalina pura, mucho stresssssssss mucho sudor eres un gran conductor y feliz año, me encantan tus experiencias
Hoping that In a few years after building enough of these things that go up to space I can make enough money to get me a sprinter. Chad you have inspired me ! Happy new year
Bro isn't skipping a beat with the next upload following that epic marathon of arctic content. Let's go!! 2024 is off to a sick start :D
Absolutely love the tech and wheeling vids Chad! Agile is doing some awesome work with these Sprinters.
Thanks for the great video as always, Chad!!!!!
Very capable, did not expect that.
Would love to see 'inside the van' video image as well while crawling😅. Did all the travel gear and fluids survive?
Nice vidio! Thank you
Two BAD ASS drivers and Vans. Don
I haven't been at that park since the 60s .. . groovy .. is totally cool ,, thanks for sharing, Something to consider. I was in auto repair for years.. but not a tire shop . ... but they make a belt that tightens up that you put around the outside of the tire circumference ... and tighten it up as you add the air .. the belt brings the bead to the rim equally .. might make a nice road thing to carry.. I wonder if a ratchet strap would work..
Excelente el vídeo, hermoso paisaje, están lindas las sprinter saludos desde Córdoba, Argentina 😊
Very nice vans and offroad 🤘👌
Gee, that was a quick trip back from Alaska!
He was in Alaska 11 months ago. Doesn’t that that long to drive back 😂
CHADS IN THE HOUSE !! Happy New Year Chad 🎉🎉 Men n.their toys 😂😂
Thats good driving skills alongwith knowledge of overcoming the obstacles very nice 👌
This is awesome, but y'all crazy!
Wow super van..
That's CRAZY 😮💪👏
Is there a finished look around the twin sticks inside yet?
Definitely capable but at 10k lbs that's a lot of stress on equipment.... you'll definitely find out the weakest link.
My guess front axles and cv joints.
Think I'd swap out the OEM rear axle for a Dana 60 or better.
Sway bar link disconnects would help in those types of trails even if it's a couple of inches.
I am from India and I love your content and your way of life
Amazing dear, I appreciate your hard work
Cheers 🥂
You're the man, Chad. Next up, offroading the Darien Gap?
Loved This Video Chad !! Very Good Driving Skills. Keep It Up.
You guys are nuts. I love it
Last week you were on your way back from Dead Horse now your in the desert. I hope you have more to show on Alaska
The Iveco Daily 4x4 van would be ideal for these type of terrein
Did I miss the ride home from deadhorse, I like the cold stuff ?
No. You didn’t miss anything. Saturdays are when I release Arctic footage. Today is Wednesday.
Absolutely amazing videos 🥳
Espectacular video viendo como las mejoras que le realizaste a tu Sorenter Mercedes Benz jala muy bien, felicidades tienes una súper camioneta todo terreno y más poderosa que nunca en el viaje al Ártico, saludos desde México 🇲🇽🇲🇽🇲🇽
Nice see this is that 25% my promaster can't do that I was talking about🤣🍻
Your brave Chad, I do not know if i would do that with my home! I take that back i was in a few storms at sea! But they were not planned!! Capt wilkus
Great video. Very impressive. Loved watching it🥰
Really interesting seeing REAR diff lock and lower ratio comparison 😊
Thanks for watching!
Since you primarily go solo, perhaps installing cams in the wheel wells so you can see where your tires needs to be.
Loved this video! Thanks to both you and John for taking your vans through those obstacles and showing what the difference is between the lockers and transfer case. I’m setting my appointment asap and head to Santee for the lockers. BTW, Chad, what size tires are you running and they look like BFG`s? Anza Borrego is one of our favorite places to go! Beautiful area with fantastic trails and scenery. Though think I’ll skip the Jeep trail you guys were on;)
Thank you for watching
Great content....thanks a bunch.
Looks Rubicon ready. 😜😎🙏🏻
Impressed with those vans. Didn’t respect them to perform that well. 👍
Stickers and more importantly Stickers stickers and more importantly Stickers
Your mercedes sprinter is a beast nice work
that's pretty wild
Super cool to see these vans go where the jeeps and tacos go
As we get older it gets scarier for all of us. an elderly client on once told me that and she was right
Amazing. But you probably burn your clutch specialy the second sprinter
These are automatic transmissions.
I’ve been waiting years to see a sprinter do this!
Hahaha. Here ya go!
Hell yeah Chad, I can’t wait to get out there on the trails. Your videos are an inspiration not just to get outside, but to get way out there. Any chance you’ll get more hoodies in soon? Thanks homie.
Thank you so much for watching. And thanks for the kind words. Cheers!
I see you used Dawn dish soap Platinum spray, good stuff.
Amazing stuff! Is it the Atlas transfer case that allows you to get true 4x4 with 50% front / 50% rear, or is it the fact that your van is a later model? Can you give us a full rundown of your upgrades?
I see another channel you can make after watching this video. 4×4 Sprinter Van life!
Doesn’t really apply in your situation but have been off roading jeeps in the sand for 30 years. We air down to 4-6 psi. Rule number one, never steer harder than absolutely necessary. Bead locks work miracles. Just my two cents.
Is John from San Diego? I think i seen him at somewhere in Vista. 🤙🏽 safe travels
I need this Van!
Do you upgrade the drive shafts and u-joints at all? With that low range adding that much extra torque I would think would stress the hell out of the stock equipment.
Correct. It’s an aftermarket drive shaft
Very cool!
umm im not sure id push my very capable 4runner thru some of that bro LOL
They need to write you in the American history books for the first man with an off-road home van!
Hahaha. ❤️
4.1.2567❤❤สุรักษ์❤❤THE❤❤FC❤❤
Happy New Year Chad wow you do some crazy shit with that van loved the video stay safe
I’m confused, is that Van a 4x4? I had no idea those vans had 4 wheel drive. That’s awesome,
Great vid Chad
$100K and rock climbing it. I would'nt.
Nah!
Gotta love the limited travel!
I thought the exact same thing 😮
You know I've always been a dreamer (spent my life running round)
And it's so hard to change
Can't seem to settle down
But the dreams I've seen lately
Keep on turning out and burning out and turning out the same
So put me on a highway
Show me a sign
Take it to the limit
One more time
33% maximum torque is transferred to the front wheels in the V6 diesel "4x4". The Atlas Transfer Case "fixes" this. With the Atlas engaged, torque is split 50/50 front to rear. Wonder how the front axles will tolerate this over time. It may be tolerated well due to removal of drive train shock loading that the high ratio Atlas transfercase allows.
Your buddy could use some sliders 🤔
As always' great video. What's your reason for going to a 285/75/17. I've run that size on a RAM but thought you previoisly had 35s.
Would you rather have running boards that are flexible or rigid, or electric foldaway steps?
I thought in the beginning of the Alaska voyage you said you would drive farthest north right away then take your time traveling back stopping at places along the way. So where is the rest of the Alaska voyage?
I don’t think he’s been in the Arctic since last February. Keep watching!
@@peggyderosa2720 I believe his last several videos were in the arctic.
I was looking for the return trip from Prudhoe Bay videos too.
@@GuitarJams-zs7yf The last episodes released on the channel, yes, but not the latest episodes filmed.
@@chrisdaniel1339 Yes! Keep watching!
Very nice video, guess my ram ProMaster will not make it😂!
Correct me if I'm wrong, but in using the Atlas case you've lost the ability to do full-time 4wd, right? My 2018 was spec'd with matching F/R diff ratios, so I'm taking a slightly different route in adapting a modern case that has 2WD, fulltime 4WD high (48/52 differential torque-biased-drive) and 4WD locked, and l4WD low locked options. Should be fun, if it works out. The stock 1.4 ratio Oberaigner built is just silly.
Maybe consider starting fluid / light to inflate
Great video as always.
Question, why did you change the old wheels for these new Agile Offroad ones? The old ones looked sick. Do these new ones have any technical advantage or is it just a sponsor thing?