Mango Vans Converts A Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Into A K9 Transporter
Giancarlo Perlas February 4, 2024The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter may not have the blings present in the luxury vehicles of the three-pointed star marque, but it stands out from the pack due to its versatility and customizability. Recently, Mango Vans unlocked a special-purpose build for the auto, which turns it into a mobile off-grid base tailored for transporting professionally trained K9 units.
Rigid Exterior
The Miami-based conversion company, Mango Vans, transformed the Sprinter’s exterior into a rugged, blacked-out, 4×4 marvel. The 144″ wheelbase Sprinter boasts Owl Vans Talon bronze rims clad in BFGoodrich KO2 all-terrain tires, ensuring it’s ready for off-road adventures.
The front showcases an Owl Vans Pismo bumper with a Warn winch, adding both functionality and aesthetics. The rear features an Owl Vans ladder/spare tire carrier and a Sherpa carrier, showcasing Mango Vans’ attention to detail.
Off-Grid Capability
Elevating the off-grid experience, the rooftop hosts a BajaRack carrying a Fiamma F45S awning, a StarLikk antenna, and front lights. Mango Vans also integrated a Houghton A/C unit, complementing the factory rear A/C.
The 180-degree opening rear doors, equipped with reinforced hinges, prevent stored items from colliding with the van’s sides. Mango Vans has seamlessly combined functionality with a sleek, black aesthetic.
Minimalist Interior
Stepping inside, the interior continues the dark aesthetic with an open layout. Mango Vans prioritizes practicality, especially considering the unique requirement of accommodating K9 units. The galley, with its Acacia live-edge butcher block countertop and black ceramic sink, offers the essentials.
Three large overhead cabinets provide ample storage, while a StarLink router and power supply find a home in the sizable cabinet above the bed.
Control Center and Kitchen Details
Between the overhead cabinets, the rig’s control center houses essential elements such as a heater controller, outlets, inverter controller, and various switches for lights. Two cabinets under the countertop include a decently sized fridge/freezer, with added features like two outlets, a USB plug, and light switches.
Mango Vans cleverly balances simplicity with functionality, catering to the practical needs of a mobile lifestyle.
Bedroom and Kennel Space
The living space primarily centers around the Adventure Wagon MOAB bed mounted on L-Traks, providing flexibility for adjusting height. Beneath the bed lies a versatile garage accessible from both inside and outside, specifically designed to house two kennels for K9 units.
Mango Vans has effectively utilized every inch of space, ensuring comfort and functionality coexist seamlessly.
Off-Grid Electrical System
Emphasizing off-grid capabilities, Mango Vans installed the electrical system on the left side of the garage. Equipped with a Victron MultiPlus inverter/charger and BattleBorn batteries, the system promises ample power, even capable of running the A/C for several hours.
While the typical solar panels found on RV conversions nowadays are evidently absent, Mango Vans has tailored the power setup to meet the specific needs of this unique Sprinter conversion.
Powertrain
There’s no mention of any power upgrades in this special-purpose Sprinter, so there shouldn’t be any boost in it. Regardless, its gasoline-fed engine is already capable of 188 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. All these are distributed via a nine-speed automatic transmission to an all-wheel-drive system.
Price of the Mango Vans Mercedes-Benz Sprinter K9 Transporter
More information about this specific Mercedes-Benz Sprinter build can be found on the tuner’s official website. From what we learned, the pricing starts at around $65,000.
