Is Bigger Better? Why the Sprinter 170 Might Be the Perfect Fit for Your Van Build
Jumping into van life is a unique, personal, and ever-evolving journey. This is why it’s so important to find or design the perfect build that suits you and your needs. Many people starting their research into van life begin by looking at chassis size options. Deciding between a 144 and a 170 Mercedes Sprinter for your van build can be a daunting task, and the answer changes from person to person.
On a recent trip to document our new model van, Syncline, Cassidy, the newest member of our marketing team, had the chance to experience her first van life adventure. During the 10-day journey, Cassidy spent most of her time in Approach, our 170 model, and the remainder in Syncline, our brand-new 144 model.
In this edition of Trail Notes, Cassidy gives her first impressions as she discovered what it was like for a first-time van lifer to drive a 170 Sprinter, along with the pros and cons of each wheelbase.
Let’s assume you’ve already researched the different chassis sizes and are leaning towards the larger 170 because it meets all your lifestyle and family needs. However, you’re still hesitant about the driving experience. My advice? Set those worries aside and opt for the 170! Both AWD chassis are incredibly easy to drive; as long as you are conscious of some key differences between the chassis. Additionally, the on and off-road experience is seamless and both wheelbases are more than capable to get you where you need to go.
Chassis Similarities & Differences on the Road
Both chassis sizes feature steer by wire, making these vans easier to drive than my own Subaru. Each van is equipped with outstanding visibility, a 360-degree backup camera, and sensors all around, making it difficult to accidentally run into anything, even off-road. Highway driving feels very similar between the two chassis as well. The only time the 144 seemed to outperform the 170 was in narrow and crowded city streets and parking lots. But this shouldn’t deter you from the 170! At the end of the day, and as someone new to driving Sprinter vans, I would choose to drive and live in the 170. Keep reading to find out why!
Understanding Wheelbase Dimension
The numbers 144 and 170 refer to the distance in inches between the front and rear axles. Mercedes-Benz offers two different wheelbase dimensions: 144, 170. In addition, there is the 170 extended. The extended adds an extra 15 inches to the back of the 170 chassis shell, while still using the same wheel spacing as the smaller 170. While this sounds like a small difference, this is a noticeable amount of space, especially when you consider departure angles when driving in sharp terrain.
144 Wheelbase
The 144″ wheelbase is the shortest Sprinter van option, meaning it has the smallest amount of buildable space but is the most agile. This is the wheelbase that our model van Syncline is built on. The 144 is optimal for one or two people, and maybe a dog.
Bumper to bumper: 19′ 6″
Buildable space: 10.5′
High roof interior height: 6′ 4″
The good:
- AWD makes the van super easy to drive.
- Feels like driving an extra tall car.
- Excellent turning radius.
- Can park in normal parking spots.
- Added swivel seats in the front make the space feel much larger.
Things to consider:
- Felt cramped with my personal bags, extra media equipment, props, and a bike in the back. Most people won’t be hauling this much gear unless they’re on the road for a while, but it’s something to consider!
- Not enough space for more than two adults to comfortably hang out in. Below is behind the scenes of shooting Syncline, the four of us had to get nice and cozy for this one.
144 Key takeaway:
If traveling solo with just my dog, I could comfortably do full-time van life in a 144. Otherwise I would stick to week-long trips if traveling with multiple people!
170 Wheelbase
The 170″ Sprinter wheelbase, which our model van Approach is built on, offers about 3ft more interior space than the 144″ wheelbase. It remains manageable to drive and park in most places you’d take a 144. Although, the 170 is slightly too long for a standard parking space. Depending on the parking lot, you might need to park in a space meant for larger vehicles, or park over two parking spaces. Approach is perfect for two to four people, ideally a family, or just two people wanting a spacious and functional wheelbase.
Bumper to bumper: 22′ 10″
Buildable space length: 14′
Interior height: 6’4″
The good:
- Plenty of space and storage options.
- Comfortably fits multiple people for indoor activities. During our Syncline media shoot in Alabama Hills during a winter storm, the 170 was the perfect van for playing cards and waiting out the storm!
- The new AWD chassis is very easy to drive, just like the 144.
- Using the shower box in the 170 was effortless! Quick setup and teardown, with plenty of maneuvering space in the van, even with the shower deployed. Having a hot shower inside while off-grid in almost freezing temperatures felt like a luxury.
Things to consider:
- It’s a little more challenging to park in standard parking spots or navigate through small parking lots, though it is possible. I parked this rig in a Whole Foods parking lot, and those are notoriously small! It just requires a bit of patience and possibly a spotter to guide you.
- You must be more intentional with your turns and remember to swing wide!
- Extra attention is needed when off-roading due to the van’s length and height. However, confidence in this area quickly grows with more time spent off-grid.
170 Key Takeaways
Starting off, I won’t lie, I was a little nervous hitting the road, but man, am I thankful I got to spend most of our trip behind the wheel of our 170 model! Taking Approach off-roading in pouring rain, sliding through mud, braving the snow, and climbing over mountain passes was nothing short of an adventure. It was an eye-opener for me – if I can handle a 170 in these conditions, anyone can.
At the end of the day, the choice depends on how you’ll use your van and what features you desire. For instance, if you want a full aluminum interior shower, seating for four, and the ability to store bikes inside your van simultaneously, opt for a 170. If you’re a weekend warrior who loves off-roading, content with sleeping and seating for two, and you don’t plan on hosting many people inside the van, consider the 144. Both are capable vehicles with ample power and functionality.
This is a big decision, I get it. If you’re still unsure, our experts here at Outside Van specialize in designing the perfect van for your needs. If our model vans, Approach and Syncline, don’t seem like the perfect fit, reach out to our custom side. Taking your hobbies and lifestyle into account, our custom team will build the perfect adventure vehicle for you.
For some van conversion inspiration, check out Outside Van’s Van Gallery on our website! Here, you can filter by chassis size and discover your favorite features from each build, constructing the van of your dreams.
