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!

I am thinking of getting a 144, trying to fit a full size, plus three 85s. Can you put a full size bike in so that it sits over the wheel well more on the 144? I think this would give you more space... 

Not saying it’s impossible, but I think you’d have to get creative to fit a big bike and 3 85s in there. I love our 144 Crew for my son and I. Fits everything we need while not taking up too much space in the driveway or being cumbersome to park. 

If your not camping at the races, then the 144WB probably is fine. I bought a used 2012 170WB because I wanted a place to put a bed. Even with the wall up and a bed in front I still have room for three bikes and about 3 foot of space behind the bikes. Drives and rides great. Doesn't feel like the size it is. The only issue with the 170WB is parking. It takes up more than one space. I usually just park out from the stores and use 2 spaces. I love the long wheel base. Plenty of room and if I'm tired and don't want to unload I can leave the stuff in there locked up. Wouldn't have a PU truck ever again.

Thanks guys, I will daily drive it and it won’t be camped in so really want the 144. Right now it would be a 450, 85, E5, and E2; should work for 5-6 more years at least if people are getting 3 full size bikes in. If you put the wall right behind the crew seat, are you able to angle a full size bike so it basically sits on top of the wheel well?

Call Scott @boltiton I’ve been using his systems for 10yrs in 3 different Vans as well. I currently have a ‘23 144  std roof Sprinter. Whether MTB’s or Moto, it’s an Easy Trusted Well Made in the USA 🇺🇸 System.

I’m really wanting to get a 144 but need the full passenger one as I have a pile of kids and it would be used as a kid hauler more than a bike hauler. I’m the only one that rides moto but a few of them mountain bike too. I think it would be a super versatile solution. 

mercedes?

I’ve got 4 and a 144 Crew. I have a removable jump seat that goes up front so we can use it as a mobile locker room when it’s not hauling dirt bikes or bicycles. 

If you have a wall there is zero need for wheel chocks. Put the front wheel in a corner, turn the bars and run a strap over the seat to the foot peg.

Front works too.

Yeah I have 5 but one’s a senior this year so down to 4 soon. Really I just need two rows, not the full 3 rows of benches. Any idea if you can take the 4 seat and put it in the second row where the second 3 seat bench goes?  And how heavy are these seats? I had an express a few years ago that I used a passenger transit seat in and that thing was insanely heavy and a pain to remove. 

I agree. I love mine. I bought some land and have been doing a lot of work on it. That van has been perfect. I can load up all the tools I need, go do some work and if I have to go back to finish I can leave them in the van and lock it up. It's got just as much if not more room than a full size truck with a long bed. But the truck you always to load and unload. The van (and mine is a 3500 dually so it can handle a load) can do anything a truck can but being able to keep it loaded and my stuff locked up and out of the rain is the best. Same with my bikes. If I don't want to unload when I get home, I don't have to. It's glorious.

I am looking at a 2007 Mercedes Sprinter 2500, 144, 3.0 turbo diesel, v 6. 145k miles.

Texas vehicle.  Was used as a parts runner for an aviation company.

Floor rails, no seat. $8,900.

Older, but pre- DEF.

Private sale.

What do you guys think?