The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter is, without a doubt, one of the most popular vehicles for camper conversions. It is reliable, offers excellent driving performance, and the all-wheel drive (AWD / 4x4) versions open up almost limitless possibilities for travelers to go off the beaten path. However, anyone who has faced the challenge of designing the interior of this vehicle is well aware of its biggest structural drawback: the side walls that taper upwards.
Unlike the Ducato, the standard Sprinter does not allow most adults to sleep comfortably widthwise. On the other hand, a traditional longitudinal bed can "absorb" up to half the length of the living space, forcing painful compromises regarding the layout of the kitchen, bathroom, or living area.
Fortunately, there is a game-changing solution: side extensions, also known as Sprinter-specific flares or body enlargements.
Problem: Limited width and the fight for every inch
In a camper van, every square inch counts. When designing the interior layout, you face the eternal dilemma:
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Longitudinal bed: Offers length comfort but drastically reduces space for the living area, cabinets, and a comfortable kitchen.
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Widthwise bed (factory width): In the Sprinter, this ends up meaning sleeping diagonally, rubbing or hitting your feet and head against the cold sheet metal or insulation, which completely ruins the pleasure of waking up in the morning in an idyllic setting.
For people over 1.75 m tall, a transverse bed in a standard Sprinter was practically unfeasible until now.
Solution: Side extensions and flares, that is, a bedroom without compromises
Installing these specific body enlargements or flares at the rear of the Sprinter is a true game-changer in the world of van life.
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You get the ideal width: These extensions allow you to increase the usable interior width at bed height by several centimeters (depending on the version). This is exactly what is needed for an adult to lie comfortably widthwise, achieving a full 190–200 cm of flat sleeping space.
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You completely change the camper layout: By moving the bed widthwise thanks to the flares, you reclaim precious space along the length of the van. You can design a spacious living area, a comfortable kitchen, and, under the bed itself, create a huge garage for bicycles, kitesurfing equipment, or camping gear.
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You maintain the factory profile and aesthetics: These modern enlargements are designed to integrate seamlessly with the Mercedes body line, without compromising aerodynamics and with an appearance that makes it look like the vehicle came off the assembly line that way.
Conclusion: Is it worth it?
If you plan to convert a Sprinter into a camper and don't want to sacrifice a comfortable, full-size bed for tight compromises, side extensions, flares, and enlargements are an investment that will completely transform the comfort of your travels. They allow you to combine the compact exterior dimensions of the vehicle with a spaciousness that could only be dreamed of in a classic van until now.
👉 Want to take the next step in your project? You can find the perfect extensions and flares for your Mercedes Sprinter by clicking here on this link.