Sprinter 144 vs 170 wheelbase | Which one is best for a Van Conversion?
Debating a Mercedes Sprinter 144 vs 170 wheelbase? Not sure if you’ll need the extra length the Sprinter 170” wheelbase provides? Or maybe you think the 144 Sprinter will be too short for your needs…
We’re breaking down the differences between the 144” Sprinter Van vs the 170” Sprinter Van and which one is best for a van conversion.
144” vs 170” Sprinter – Parking & Driving
Many argue that the 170” Sprinter Van is much harder to park than the 144” wheelbase Sprinter Van. Speaking from experience after living in a 170” wheelbase Sprinter van for 2 years, we would say that’s not the case at all!
The 170” Sprinter still fits in a normal parking space as long as you pull all the way in. You can also fit in a parking spot even more if you back in since the back end can hang over the curb/sidewalk more than the front end can.
Both have similar maneuverability when it comes to driving, but we encourage you to test drive both and see what size feels better for you!
THINKING ABOUT VAN LIFE?
Grab your copy of the Van Build Starter Guide to learn what important steps you need to take first when it comes to building out your own van conversion.
144” vs 170” Sprinter – Interior Space
Overall the 170” Sprinter has an additional 3.5 feet of interior space compared to the 144” Sprinter. This is huge when it comes to van life!
If you’re planning on doing van life with a partner and/or kids, we highly recommend sticking with the 170” wheelbase Sprinter Van. This will allow you to fit in everything you want in your van conversion like a full bathroom, large kitchen, dresser/closet, ample cabinetry storage, etc.
Here are the dimensions of the 144 Sprinter:
all dimensions are listed in inches
Overall Length = 233.3"
Overall Height = 105.9"
Interior Standing Height = 77.8"
Interior Cargo Length = 137.4"
Interior Width = 70.1"
Gross Vehicle Weight = 8,550 lbs
Towing Capacity = 5,000 lbs
Payload = 3,436 lbs
Now here are the dimensions for the 170” Sprinter Van:
Overall Length = 274.1"
Overall Height = 105.8"
Interior Standing Height = 77.8"
Interior Cargo Length = 178.2"
Interior Width = 70.1"
Gross Vehicle Weight = 8,550 lbs
Towing Capacity = 5,000 lbs
Payload = 3,105 lbs
