Calling all 144 Sprinter owners!!! Yes I’ve searched…

I have a 2020 cargo (no bench seat) 3.0 diesel. Seems like a great motor so far (17k miles), I have a few minor recalls I need to bring it in for. I can fit 3 full size bikes no problem when I go for a practice day. Might be harder with a crew but sounds like you'll be maxing out at 2 big bikes. But if you're bringing 3 bikes + 3+ people + everything you need for a race weekend it'll be tight I'm sure. Not impossible, you'll just have to be creative. Gear bags are easy, but stands, gas jugs, etc can be hard to pack efficiently.

If it's only sporadic,

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=ikMVZnG6zns

TM

I have looked at several editions of these vans… no way I would put a bike on the rail off the hitch, but that’s just me. First thing I told the salesman while looking these vans was “ if you could fit 2 full size MX bikes in the cargo area, you would sell everyone of them” he looked at me like I had 2 heads of course. I see several of these RV centers with these vans, being discounted now…. Too bad..I like the 144 wheelbase, the 170 looks huge…. 

Because you don't want it outside, or you don't think it's secure for travel, or secure from vandalism? Just curious.

The 3.0l diesel and 7 speed has been a very good combo for me, I’m nearing 50k miles in 14 months with nothing more than the standard A and B services done, + DEF. Oil changes every 20k miles is great. Averaging 20mpg, which is about 3mpg better than the 2.0l gas and 9 speed combo does for my coworker. 

I have a 144 crew, and I can fit 3 full sized bikes in there without taking out the bench. 

All of the above and I would be constantly worried about the bike falling off or getting rear ended… the whole purpose of a van is to enclose your possessions… IMO 

Get a Bolt In Industries shorty rack and 3 bikes, with gear, gas, stands and a toolbox is no problem.  I have a 2015 144 crew and put 3 full size bikes in all the time.  I do place the gear bags on the seats of the bikes when there are 3 of us and 3 bikes on board.

I had a 2011 144 crew and could do 3 bikes but didn't have the Bolt In rack.  I always angled the left side bike into the wall and pulled up from the footpeg, then a single tie from the handlebars down.  After that, the other 2 bikes are easy to fit but gearbags do have to be on the bench seat or bikes.  Later, I turned the seat around backwards and it made a great bench, opening up the cargo area but I rarely had more than two riders.  Keep up with the maintenance... I bought mine used and sold it after replacing several parts that were Mercedes-only (defined as 5X what it costs for any non-German brand).

I have the 170 and love it. The 144 will be tight. But, as stated, with creative packing you can do it.

Here's a picture of my 144 with 3 bikes in it. I use wheel chocks on the left and right, and then a lock and load in the middle. The bikes don't touch each other and I can unload/load in less than 5 minutes. 

I would say that big gear bags are a bad use of space. I keep stuff separate and I'm able to use the space way more efficiently. For instance, my helmet bag fits perfectly under the OEM bench. Its out of the way and its protected. I have an REI gear bag that has my pants, jersey, knee braces etc that also fits nicely under the bench, and then my boots just go in the back.

The van is still a work in progress but I'd like to add more storage high up on the sides.

I've had my Sprinter for 10 years now. I just love it. It's a 144 wb with one bench seat. Three bikes and all your crap will fit just fine. I added another bench for more seating. I can still fit one bike and all my race crap too. It is the best van I've ever owned. Sorry Ford and Chevy

I have a 144 Sprinter low roof and had it converted with a wall and a bench and can still get 3 bikes in. Its tight but I can get 3 bikes in plus everything I need.

Love my van 

Very nice!