Mercedes Sprinter T1N 311 LWB, 2.1, 5 gear manual
This van is a 2005 T1N model Sprinter, with 2.1 engine, 5 gear manual box.
UPDATE: Price reduced to sell, and van now weighed (less than 2380kg dry, and approx 2480kg with full fuel and drinking water tanks).
The T1N is the older body Sprinter model, known for its reliable engine. These vans have a large following, particularly in the USA, which means there is a huge wealth of information online on fixing things if they ever go wrong. Sprintersource.com!
Mechanically, the van runs great and loves a long trip out. One you’re used to the dimensions it’s really quite good to drive. The van has a reverse camera, so parking is nice and easy.
All tyres are good (2 front tyres have been changed this spring, rear two are fairly new and have good tread).
I’ve recently fitted a new serpentine belt, and steering tracking was done in Spring.
All work advised on last MOT has been done.
Underbody was given an anti rust treatment in autumn ’21.
MOT until October 22.
The van has been repainted in places after work undertaken, but only really noticeable closer up.
Unfortunately the bottom of the driver’s door has rusted and will need some work – the 2 new panels can be bought on ebay for around £50 or less, and the welding work isn’t a huge job (approx. £250 -£300). I just haven’t had time to get this done this year, but happy to take it into account when negotiating a sale price.
Glowplug light shows briefly at start up – I’ve been told by a mechanic who investigated that there’s no sign of the plugs needing replacing, and the van is starting great. I only mention because I want to run an honest advert, and have no interest in hiding any issues, but I don’t believe this is an issue.
I bought this van back in 2017, and have been working on the conversion since. Much loved and the bringer of many adventures and many great memories, I haven’t been using it as much as it deserves over the past year or so, so with regret I’m saying goodbye.
The van has 5 seats with seatbelts – 3 in the cab, and 2 ambulance seats in the back bolted through the floor meeting DVLA requirements. I’ve kept the conversion minimalistic – there’s less to go wrong that way, but also there’s something nice about a simpler way of living when you’re away in the van! Don’t expect a wall mounted flat screen tv here! 😊
So, what does the van offer?
A minimalist, cosy build with recycled materials where possible. Built not bought – from the bed to the curtains. Lots of opportunity to put your personal stamp on the camper.
Loads of space! This is one of the larger vans out there, so plenty of room in the back for kids, dog, gear.
Large, pull out double bed that doubles up as a sofa during the day. The bed is not permanently fixed – we strap it down for safety but is easily removed for extra cargo space.
Lots of storage! Tons of space under the bed, but also a ceiling cabinet, above cab storage.
Worktop and sink, with foot pump Whale tap.
Large water tank under sink.
Cooker – no dangerous gas here, we have a much sought after 2 pan Dometic alcohol stove that can be stowed away under the kitchen cabinet, or taken outside in better weather.
Fire extinguisher included.
Dometic roof vent for air flow.
Low wattage LED lighting that runs off a power bank. Lasts ages, but also very simple to charge via USB from the cab or via a small solar panel when camping. Bonus of being able to charge your phones from the power bank too.
Sequoia Table Leg System – a packable table that can be taken down/put up in a few seconds. Mango wood table top.
Sliding window on drivers side.
Rear door safety step.
Fully insulated throughout – Kingspan style boarding on walls and ceiling, Dacron in the curved ceiling edges, and closed foam board/foil insulating the floor.
Toilet cubicle – we have a hidden toilet in the van that looks like a fancy storage box (see photos). This will fit most porta potty type loos, but we use a simple toilet tub with sawdust that works rather well.
Multiple storage nets.
DAB/CD/aux/USB stereo – speakers have been also upgraded.
When building this camper, I left the original cargo strapping points in the back. These are really useful when throwing stuff in the back, whether it’s your bikes or kayak for the camping trip, or when you’re moving house. To maximise utility, you can remove the bed and fit a whole heap of stuff in the back!
Levelling ramps and insulating window covers included.
The van is listed as not meeting DVLA standards to officially change the vehicle classification from panel van to camper van, but this is only because there’s no awning and because I chose not to fix the stove to the worktop – there’s more room for when you’re not cooking, and it’s nice to be able to take the stove outside if the weather is good. There’s been no issue with insurance – currently insured through Brentacre who were fully aware that it was a panel van being used as a camper. Insurance is similar price to our family car. With the many issues that DVLA have been presenting van converters over recent years, there are quite a few insurers who are happy to accomodate.
The van is located in south Lancaster. Give me a message and come take a look!
While I’ve listed as 2 berth due to pull out double bed in the rear, we have slept 4 in there when our kids were younger (cab bed, and hammock!).
Large, pull out double bed that doubles up as a sofa during the day. The bed is not permanently fixed – we strap it down for safety but is easily removed for extra cargo space. Loads of storage space under the bed too.
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.
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