Mercedes-Benz 519CDi 4x4 Camper Build - My Plans


The 519CDi

In late 2020 I ordered a Mercedes-Benz 519CDi 4x4 in a Long Wheel Base (LWB) and high roof van configuration with upgrades that included the flooring, wall linings, and the Camper Package that include the swivel seats, bigger alternator and a long range fuel tank and other upgrades.

The options list includes:

Genuine MERCEDES-BENZ fitted options

  • N23Z-Campervan Pack (this include swivel seats, 90 litre fuel tank and other stuff)
  • VA2-Floor to Roof Wood Trim
  • V43-Wooden Floor
  • ZG3-AWD oicw  "High & Low 4x4" Manual Gear Box
  • M60-14V/250 Alternator
  • ET4-Distronic Active Distance
Non-Genuine Dealer Fitted Accessories
  • Sliding Window In Door (AMBO TINT) 684.00
  • Towbar Suit Sprinter 2850.00

I bought this new as it comes with a 5 year, 250,000km warrantee and it is simply a beast of a van with 3.0litre V6 Turbo Diesel and 4x4 to allow some off road ability.

I also added an openable window in the left side sliding door with really dark Ambo Tint, a heavy duty tow bar and a Spacesaver Contra Double seat behind the driver which is the dining area and office, as I will be working remotely while travelling around Australia in the next few years.

Mercedes Benz are installing the seat.  This was due to arrive in early 2021, but COVID meant that it finally landed in Sydney 10 September 2021.



The landed price including the registration and insurance is going to be around the $115K mark.  Luke Montgomery, from Tynan's at Miranda has been great.  Luke sent the above picture 10 September 2021 - it has arrived!

Sketchup 

This is a link to the Sketchup Plans: https://3dwarehouse.sketchup.com/model/84333ca4-b050-41c3-b1ed-be30a1e50f39/Mercedes-Sprinter-V30-519CDi-LWB-High-Roof-4x4 

The fit-out that this blog will document is to be 8020 aluminium framing.  It going to be a little more complex than most fit-outs.  Rather ironically the delay in delivery has allowed me to put a lot more time into the 3D design.  

Nevertheless, I will not be making one cut until the van arrives because my SketchUp model is reasonable for ordering the 8020 but not accurate to the mm.

There are heaps of 8020 ripoff profiles and components out there, but I have stuck with the real US 8020 profiles and components.   

The US website (https://8020.net/) is the best place to start. You can download CAD components for all their profiles and parts and import them into your CAD system.

8020 - 40 Series and 25 Series

When ordering go to the Australian 8020 website (https://8020.com.au/) and if you get stuck ordering the very helpful Sydney based Akshay (akshay.butani@8020.com.au) can guide you.

This blog is going to be very detailed a step by step record of the whole process down to every bolt, washer and nut.

There will not be any Youtube clips, just a detailed step by step blog with heaps of links to every component in the build, NSW RMS Certification, registration, insurance, etc.....

Caution

The Mercedes Benz Australian-based engineer has also been great helping me get the right information, including critically the NO Drill areas.  

The Mercedes Benz Body and Equipment Guideline (BEG) Addendum Sprinter contains more detail about the areas you cannot drill into, but the devil is in the detail of the BEG, so don't go and modify your van without understanding the requirements.  

There are loading and fixing limitations for every element of the van.  When drilling new anchor point you must locate the components under and within the van so you don't drill through wiring or brake lines etc....  Be very careful.

Centre of Gravity - addendum-sprinter-my19-cog - is a must read, don't overload your roof and get everything that is heavy as low as possible and bolted to the floor (but not in no drill zones).



The 3D design is still a work in progress and I will continue to update it and add new versions of the 3D design to the SketchUp 3D warehouse as they are refined.  Keep you eye on the updates to the 3D design

Let the build begin.


Comments

  1. David C20 December 2021 at 22:53

    Thanks for creating this record of your build, I got the link to your site from Akshay @ 8020.net and was wondering if you are open to phone to phone or in person meetup. I'm in North Sydney and would love to come down to Cronulla see how things are progressing with your Van build.

    Dave

    ReplyDelete

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