Mercedes Sprinter 310 SWB, 2013
My one-of-a-kind SWB Sprinter campervan is looking for a new home! She was originally a DPD delivery van, then converted by the previous owners for their surfing adventures. I’ve been living in it for a year on the farm where I work and it’s been a really tough choice to let her go, but I’m moving onto a narrowboat and my mooring spot can’t accommodate a van (even one as compact as this!) AVAILABLE FROM LATE OCTOBER 2024. VIEWINGS AVAILABLE NEAR HORSHAM, WEST SUSSEX. ANY INSPECTION WELCOME 🙂 OPEN TO NEGOTIATION ON PRICE, NEEDS A NEW HOME SOON!
There’s a recall on her for a minor repair which will be fixed before the van is available in late October.
Ultimately, this is a cosy, simple campervan, perfect for one person or a couple who don’t mind being in close quarters. If you’re looking for luxury, she’s probably not for you. But if you want an affordable, reliable, comfortable, no frills van with some potential for you to do your own work on it, she will be a great fit.
I want to give an honest account of this fabulous little van, because every self-build has its pros and cons, so I’ve separated the details into the Basics, the Good, the Not So Good, and the Good to Know. Please get in touch with any questions!
THE BASICS
– 177’197 miles, will go up slightly before sale
– Diesel engine, manual drive
– MOT valid until August 2025
– Thatcham category 2 immobiliser, professionally installed
– Diesel heater with auxiliary tank inside the van, professionally installed
– The electrical system is basic but powerful. 230W solar panel, Renogy lithium battery, Victron inverter.
– Large 12V Indel-B fridge
– Double bed
– Fully insulated with a combination of Kingspan board, Dodo superliner with rock wool, expanding foam in the tiny tricky areas, and Thermawrap as a final layer and vapour barrier
– Storage overhead, under the counter, and in the large boot area
THE GOOD
– Never failed an MOT. She passed this year with just a minor advisory about a frayed seatbelt. Sprinters are famously very reliable!
– Full service in October 2023, including a brand spanking new set of wheels (the best of the older set is kept in the boot area as a spare)
– Oodles of storage
– A smaller van is much easier to drive and park, I’ve absolutely loved being able to razz about so easily in my little house. Short wheelbase vans which are standing-height inside are pretty rare. If the idea of doing a 20-point turn to get into a parking space doesn’t sound good to you, SWB is the way to go!
– The electrical system has been fabulous. I’ve lived full time in this van since the dark days of February 2024, charging my phone every night, using my laptop regularly and running the fridge 24/7 and have never had any shortage of power.
– A mechanic friend helped install a Diesel heater which kept the cold and damp at bay all spring, a huge plus
– Thatcham Category 2 immobiliser means the van can only be started using a little fob kept on the keys (you’ll get a pair of these), excellent security and should save you money on your insurance.
THE NOT SO GOOD
– No service history from the previous owners. I just trusted the judgement of the couple who bought it from the DPD driver and trusted the reliability of Sprinters. Also the reputation which delivery companies have for servicing their vans.
– The passenger side door doesn’t lock automatically, needs to be opened and locked from the inside
– You need to check the coolant level manually before big journeys because the automatic sensor doesn’t work, but there’s nothing actually mechanically wrong with the cooling system.
THE GOOD TO KNOW
– The van has automatic fob-locks (AKA Dallas locks) from its DPD days which means it locks automatically. I’ve got used to it but can imagine some people wouldn’t be fans. Shouldn’t be too hard to find a garage to disable them.
The conversion is simple and effective. The double bed is sideways in the van up against the back doors, with plenty of storage underneath. There’s also storage shelves above the bed, and a countertop with drawers. I decided not to install a cooking/sink unit because I’ve been living on a farm in the van and using their kitchen, but there’s definitely space to install one if you wished. I hung curtains between the cab and the body for warmth and privacy, so you can access the cab easily from the back. The leisure battery is stored underneath the passenger seat.
The conversion was done by the couple I bought it from, who designed the space for their surfing adventures.There’s a space underneath the counter extending into the boot area where they put their surfboards (I’m presuming it fits 2 or more given they were both surfers). If you’re a surfer, this could be your dream van!
1 double bed,
The contact details for this vehicle are no longer available because it has either sold or the listing has expired.
Insurance options are available through our partner, Ripe Insurance.
Get tips, tricks, ideas and advice for your campervan conversion, with the ultimate Quirky Campers Conversion Guide.
