Five Upgrades to Make Your Sprinter Go Further

March 31, 2025

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Rebecca Casey

From Pine Magazine
This article was originally published in Pine Magazine. Pine is a Yama publication featuring people, places and products that will ignite your inner adventurer.

A stock Sprinter is a solid foundation - but let's be real, it's just the starting point.

If you've found yourself rattling over washboard roads, desiring to venture deeper into the backcountry, or just having a hard time keeping your coffee inside the cup, the right upgrades can take your van from capable to unstoppable.

We've spent years fine-tuning Sprinters to let you go further - more terrain, more miles, and more of the adventures that fuel you. Along the way, we've learned exactly which upgrades pull their weight. These aren't just shiny add-ons (though we won't say no to a little fun); they're practical improvements that make a real difference when you're out there racking up miles.

So, if you're ready to dial in your ride, here's where we'd start.

1. Ride Improvement Package (RIP) Kit

Every Yama Van is built to go the distance - so naturally, a RIP Kit comes standard. Why? Because once a cargo van becomes a fully-loaded adventure vehicle, everything changes - especially how it handles. You've added weight, raised the center of gravity, and expanded its purpose from city errands to highway miles, rough forest service roads, and everything in between. The stock suspension just isn't designed for that.

We are huge fans of Agile Offroad's RIP Kit. It's a complete, ready-to-go suspension upgrade that takes the guesswork out of improving your Sprinter's performance both on and off road. The custom-tuned shocks absorb jolts and reduce the irritating stock-Sprinter sway, while upgraded coilovers and weight-tuned leaf springs keep the van level and composed, even under heavy loads. You'll also gain 2" of extra clearance, making uneven terrain less of a headache.

Key Features:
  • Upgraded Shocks and Struts: Custom-valved for stability, comfort, and durability.
  • Front Coilovers and Rear Leaf Springs: Better load distribution and improved suspension travel.
  • Optimized Damping: Absorbs harsh jolts and minimizes sway.
  • Increased Ride Height: Nearly 2" of added clearance for better off-road performance.

2. Air Locker

Getting out there means the terrain doesn't always play nice - deep sand, loose gravel, slick mud... and if you're in Canada like us? Go ahead and add snow, ice, and slush to the list. The Agile Offroad X ARB Air Locker is your best bet for staying in control when traction gets questionable.

With the push of a button, this rear differential upgrade engages a full axle lock, forcing both wheels to spin together for 100% torque distribution. This means no more one-wheel spinouts - just consistent, controlled traction across loose, uneven, and low-friction terrain. It's a simple solution that keeps your adventure moving forward instead of stuck in neutral.

Key Features:
  • ARB Rear Air Locking Differential: Proven reliability for off-road and all-weather traction.
  • New Ring & Pinion Gear Set: Available in 3.92, 4.18, and 4.36 gear ratios.
  • Agile Rear Differential Cover: Low-profile design for better clearance and protection.
  • REM-Polished Gears: Smooth operation and extended life span.
  • Requires Onboard Air Source: Compatible with the ARB Onboard Air Compressor or equivalent permanent setup.

3. Twin Compressor Onboard Air Kit

Off-roading without airing down your tires? Technically possible - but about as enjoyable as hiking in dress shoes. Lowering your tire pressure gives you better traction over sand, gravel, and rocky terrain, smoothing out the ride and helping you glide over obstacles instead of bouncing off them. It also cuts down on rattling and vibration that's not just noisy - it can lead to long-term wear and tear on your build, from loose bolts to stressed cabinetry.

But once you're back on pavement, those aired-down tires aren't doing you any favors - unless you have an Agile Offroad ARB Twin Compressor Onboard Air Kit. With this set up, you can air down for off-road performance and easily air back up before hitting the highway - no sketchy gas station air pumps required. It also comes in handy for inflating bike tires, paddleboards, and anything else that needs a little air. It's a compact, practical upgrade that saves time, protects your build, and keeps you rolling for the long haul.

Key Features:
  • ARB 12V Twin Compressor: Fast, reliable tire inflation with 100% duty cycle.
  • Engine Bay Mount: Powder-coated steel for a clean, secure install.
  • Front & Rear Air Sources: Quick-connect couplers under the hood and at the rear bumper.
  • High-Performance Breather Kit: Included for improved system performance.

4. 178L Extended Range Fuel Tank

Running out of gas is never part of the plan - but when you're deep in the desert or somewhere in Northern Ontario where the next station might be three hours away (if it still exists), that low fuel light starts feeling personal. The 178L Extended Range Fuel Tank is the cure for fuel anxiety, on or off the road. With nearly double the capacity of the stock tank, it can stretch your range beyond 1,000 km.

Beyond the extra mileage, having more fuel onboard also keeps your systems running. Many diesel-powered heaters won't operate once the tank drops below a certain level - so maintaining a higher fuel reserve means staying functional and comfortable in remote conditions. Whether you're crossing vast landscapes or just trying to dodge inflated highway fuel prices, this OEM replacement keeps you focused on the drive - not the next pit stop.

Key Features:
  • 178L Capacity: Almost twice the stock fuel capacity.
  • OEM Replacement Fit: Seamless integration with your existing system.
  • Built for Off-Grid Travel: Keeps you fuelled up through gas station dead zones.

5. Big Brake Upgrade

A fully loaded Sprinter isn't exactly light. And when you're winding through Rogers Pass or navigating the Coquihalla, you'll need more than just downshifting and a prayer. The roads that call - where the declines are steep, corners are tight, and wildlife doesn't wait for crosswalks - demand reliable braking power.

That's where the Agile Offroad X Alcon Big Brake Upgrade comes in. Larger, slotted rotors dissipate heat faster. Multi-piston calipers deliver stronger, more even clamping force. And high-performance brake pads keep your brakes sharp on long descents. The result? Shorter stopping distances, better pedal feel, and more peace of mind when the road gets wild.

Key Features:
  • Larger Two-Piece Rotors: Better cooling and longer pad life.
  • High-Friction Brake Pads: Optimized for weight, speed, and off-road conditions.
  • Zinc-Finished Iron Calipers: Military-grade durability built to last.
  • Advanced Heat Management: High-temp seals prevent brake fade.
  • Seamless ABS Integration: Works with your factory braking system.

Upgrade, Explore, Enjoy

A stock Sprinter is a great start, but the right upgrades turn it into a true go-anywhere, and stay-anywhere, machine. From smoothing out rough roads to gripping through tricky terrain and keeping you fuelled for the long haul, these mods do more than boost performance - they make every kilometer better. So go further, drive smarter, and most importantly, enjoy the ride.

Rebecca Casey

Sales & Marketing Coordinator at Yama Vans