Comfort Matches Capability for Overlanding Van Owners

December 8, 2020April 28, 2023 Jack McCoy 0 Comments Ford Transit, Mercedes Sprinter, Overlanding, RAM ProMaster, Surco

The allure of packing up the car and getting out of Dodge for an extended stay in The Great Outdoors has never been stronger. Even before 2020 dramatically changed American travel habits—and perhaps for good—the industries catering to outdoor wanderers already were thriving.

The global adventure tourism market—which includes camping, hiking, mountain biking, kayaking, and rafting—is forecast to grow in value from $586 billion in 2019 to $1.63 trillion in 2026, according to Allied Global Insights.

And the legion of devoted overlanders is also growing.

While there’s not an existing metric to track the total number of overlanders, the Overland Expo West can provide some indication. Trade show attendance swelled from 5,000 in 2015 to more than 22,000 in 2019. And its virtual shows during 2020, thanks to COVID—well, they didn’t skip a beat, said co-owners Lindsay Hubley and Jessica Kirchner.

Of course, one of the biggest stories this year is how the RV industry is booming. An estimated 507,200 RVs are expected to be shipped in 2021. That’s a 19.5% increase over 2020, which would make it the best RV sales year on record, according to the RV Industry Association.

#VanLife

The sheer variety of cars, SUVs, trucks, and RVs capable of ushering adventurers to their favorite outdoor spots is bewildering. Instead of deciding which vehicle best suits their lifestyle, some consumers elect to mold a vehicle around their specific interests. This group of travelers, primarily van owners, popularly ascribe to the #VanLife hashtag to showcase their unique conversions and let their passion flags fly.

Toyota Tacomas and Jeep Wranglers may define the overlanding segment, but true long haulers know the best way to survive weeks and months on the road is within the voluminous embrace of a custom cargo van. And automakers are listening, providing new van models that are more off-road capable than ever before, while exuding unique features catering to customization.

These three vans in particular—offered by Ford, Mercedes-Benz, and RAM—are among overlanders’ top choices to embark on #VanLife adventures.

Ford Transit

The 2021 Transit is Ford’s personal love letter to overlanders and van lifers.

After years of rumors, the Transit finally began offering an all-wheel drive option last year. This move officially brought Ford head-to-head with the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, previously the only industry-leading van to offer 4×4 capability from the factory. Ford has upped the ante in 2021.

More than half of all motorhomes sold in the U.S. are built on Ford chassis. Leveraging that experience, Ford is now offering three distinct packages for the 2021 Transit: the updated Transit Motorhome Prep Package for cutaway, the new RV Prep Package for cargo van, and a new Adventure Prep Package for cargo or crew van.

Speaking of adventure prep… For those planning to roam on two-wheels when they set up camp, consider opting for some exterior bike storage. This heavy-duty steel Swing-Away Bike Rack from Surco fits 2-inch or 1.25-inch receivers and swings completely out of the way for maximum rear access. Transports up to 3 or 4 bikes, depending on model. *Photo: Surco*

The RV Prep Package includes driver-assist features, including a side-sensing system and Adaptive Cruise Control, as well as a heavy-duty trailer tow offering so RV-ers can bring along bikes or other toys. Exterior enhancements include front fog lamps to help light up dark country roads. Inside, four-way manual swivel driver and passenger seats are standard, as is an eight-speaker sound system.

The Adventure Prep Package bundles together popular camper van options including all-wheel drive, 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6, 3.73:1 limited-slip differential rear axle, heavy-duty front axle and privacy glass. Driver-assist features include Adaptive Cruise Control, reverse and side-sensing systems, and Blind Spot Information System. Standard technology includes an 8-inch color touch screen with SYNC 3 and dual USB ports, power point and dual absorbent glass mat batteries.

Mercedes-Benz Sprinter

The Sprinter van is built on one of the most popular chassis among Class B motorhome manufacturers. The handling, comfort, and capability offered by the Sprinter have been considered class-leading for so long, that a huge benefit for new owners is a very well-developed market of DIY conversion starter kits and accessories for customization.

The 3-liter diesel engine promises low fuel consumption for the van segment—with gas mileage averaging somewhere between the mid-teens and low 20s per gallon—while delivering 190 hp and 324 lb-ft torque at 1600 to 2600 rpm. The 9-speed automatic torque converter transmission contributes to the van’s agile handling.

Surco ladder featured on a 2016 Mercedes Sprinter van — Head on over to the adventure blog *Live Like Pete* and follow along with the host’s 2016 Mercedes Sprinter van build. Pictured here is the Surco Van Ladder he added for easier roof access. According to Pete, Surco’s prices couldn’t be beat and the brand’s product has held up great since he installed it in July 2019. “The ladder has been very secure and solid when climbing up and down,” he said. “There is zero flex in the ladder or the door. I weigh just over 200 pounds and it easily supports me.” *Photos: Live Like Pete*

Mercedes pays plenty of attention to cockpit comfort and control. The huge 10.25-inch HD display provides flawless navigation and live traffic information. Plus, personal points of interest can also be added via a USB interface. Other optional cockpit features include a smartphone holder with a USB charging function, cupholder inserts in the center console, and even clothes hooks on the partition.

Adding a van ladder, like this one from Surco, makes accessing roof top tents safe and easy. *Photo: Surco Instagram*

With a Mercedes PRO account, Sprinter owners can also enjoy the multimedia system’s Wi-Fi hotspot to easily connect mobile devices.

The Sprinter is a star when it comes to safety.

With such a large broadside, the Crosswind Assist feature comes in handy during strong wind gusts, which the system detects before helping the driver to stay on course. At speeds over 50 mph, it corrects the vehicle’s course with automatic braking intervention on the wheels on the side of the vehicle facing the wind.

Other safety features include Blind Spot Assist, Traffic Sign Assist, lane keeping, top-view park assist and distance regulation, which controls the van’s speed and limits it to a pre-selected distance from the vehicle in front.

RAM ProMaster

Without a 4×4 option, it’s starting to feel like the front-wheel-drive ProMaster is a larger step behind its rivals for the love and affection of overlanding customers. Regardless, the van remains a top choice for conversions thanks to it having the widest cargo area in its segment, a low floor height, and 90-degree sidewalls.

The van is also an absolute beast when towing.

The full-size Ram ProMaster features a 30% increase in towing capacity, now up to 6,800 pounds. A new trailer-tow package is available, adding a Class IV receiver hitch with four- and seven-pin wiring harness.

Also new for 2021, and making its debut on an FCA vehicle, is a class-exclusive digital rearview mirror option, replacing the traditional rearview mirror with a 9.2-inch wide LCD monitor.

#Vanlife encourages customization. This clever van owner wanted a flat base for his Surco Safari Rack (original version pictured to the right). So, he installed water and UV-resistant IKEA flooring tiles. That’s what we call ingenuity! *Photos: AstroSafariVans and Surco*

Crosswind Assist is now standard equipment on all 2021 Ram ProMaster models and helps the driver keep the vehicle stable, even when wind gusts attempt to push the vehicle off course.

ProMaster available safety options include including Blind-spot Monitoring with Rear Cross Path detection, Forward Collision Warning with Emergency Brake Assist and Ambient/Courtesy Lights.

The 2021 Ram ProMaster is available in 18 different wheelbase and roof height configurations and features the 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine paired with a proven six-speed automatic transmission.

Surco, Inc.

The products you see highlighted throughout this article are those of Surco, an aftermarket manufacturer with more than 30 years of experience producing high-quality accessories for the automotive and recreation markets. From roof racks to bike carriers and hitch expanders to basket racks, the company’s products are innovative, sturdy, and thoughtfully designed with wanderers in mind. To learn more about Surco and its product lineup, visit http://www.surcoinc.com/.