Definitive Guide to Sprinter 170 Length: Dimensions, Fit & Use Cases

Sprinter 170: what the numbers mean — and why they matter for your build

The 170" wheelbase Sprinter is the workhorse long-wheelbase for people who want liveable interior space without moving into a full-sized RV. On paper the numbers look simple: a 170" wheelbase and roughly 14'3" (171") of cargo length on many cargo models. In practice, dimensions shift once you add insulation, floor systems, cabinetry, and the small-but-necessary bits that make a van livable. Below we walk through factory specs, Vansmith "as-built" measurements, garage and parking considerations, and layout options that the extra 26" over a 144" wheelbase opens up.

Explore our Sprinter 170 conversions

Quick OEM specs: exterior and factory interior numbers

OEM spec pages give the authoritative starting point. Typical 170 WB Sprinter cargo specs (varies by roof, 2500 vs 3500, and model year) include: wheelbase ~170", overall vehicle lengths in the 233–276" range depending on bumper and body configuration, cargo floor length around 171" (14.25 ft), max cargo width at panel line ~70", and between-wheel-well width ~56". Heights vary: the mid (standard) roof is roughly 75" interior on high-roof models and ~59" on mid-roof variants. We reference the Mercedes-Benz spec sheet for baseline numbers (OEM link nofollow).

Why Foundation builds matter for usable space

(External reference: Mercedes-Benz Vans official specs — nofollow)

Real-world usable interior dimensions after a Vansmith build

Every build subtracts a little from the factory number. Typical build accounting on a 170 WB with our composite floor, insulation, and panel system looks like this: 3/4" finished floor, +1/2–3/4" subfloor spacers in select zones, wall insulation + paneling ~1.5–2" per side, and ceiling finishes 3/4–1". That means the 171" factory cargo length becomes ~166–168" of clear usable floor length after build materials. Width between finished panels typically lands around 67" at the panel line (70" factory minus insulation/panels), and the wheel-well bump reduces usable width to ~56" inside the well area.

Suspension & payload upgrades are part of the conversation—payload affects what you can add without overloading the springs.

Garages, parking, and turning: will a 170 fit where you need it to?

Short answer: usually yes, but measure first. A high-roof 170 Sprinter often clears typical suburban garages if the garage depth is 20'+ and ceiling clearance is at least 8'4" (100"+). Many 170 builds choose the mid- or high-roof depending on standing-room priorities; a high-roof adds interior headroom but can complicate low residential garages and drive-throughs. Turning radius and maneuverability are livability considerations—170 WB adds length, which increases the turning circle and makes tight urban parking tougher than a 144 WB.

Wet-bath possibilities in a 170 improve drastically compared to 144: you can fit corner wet-baths or compact van showers without sacrificing a full-length bed.

Common layout options and what fits comfortably in 170 WB

The extra length unlocks layout flexibility. Four common, practical options we build and recommend:

• Full-length bed (side or cross) + rear garage: A transverse queen or full-length bed plus a rear storage/garage area for bikes/boards is a common 170 layout. With ~166" usable length you can run a 60–75" bed and still have a usable 40–60" garage space depending on cabinetry depth.
• Rear kitchen + mid bed: Place a galley at the rear doors and a fixed or sliding bed mid-van. This preserves a true full-height rear storage and makes cooking easier on long trips.
• Wet-bath + lounge: A corner wet-bath module (roughly 48"×30") becomes realistic, paired with a convertible lounge/bed in the front half of the living area.
• Mobile office + living area: Use the extra length for a proper desk/office area and a separate sleeping zone—ideal for digital nomads who need space to work comfortably.

Example quick dimensions: place a 72"×24" galley and you still have ~94" for living/bed zones; a 48" wet-bath leaves ~118" for bed/lounge. We often sketch CAD-style floor cuts during consultation to show exact clearances and door swing impacts.

Payload, suspension, and the practical trade-offs vs 144 WB

Why pick 170 over 144? The primary payoff is usable interior space: roughly 26" extra deck length — usually the difference between a compact bed and a full-length bed or between a cramped cassette toilet and a full wet-bath. Trade-offs: extra curb weight, slightly reduced maneuverability, potential garage/parking limitations, and sometimes a higher price or different payload rating. Payload matters: depending on 2500 vs 3500 chassis and single vs dual rear wheels, gross payload typically ranges 3,000–4,500 lbs. If your intended build materials and systems push you near payload limits, plan for suspension upgrades or air-ride kits to maintain ride quality and safety.

Heater installs, window fits, and other systems are also influenced by payload and roof choice; we review these during design so systems match chassis capability.

Design tips to maximize the 170’s advantages

Practical, experience-driven tips from Vansmith builders:

• Account for build-up early: set your usable-length expectation at factory-length minus ~3–6" for finished floors and panels.
• Think vertical: tall storage over the wheel wells preserves floor length while giving lots of storage volume.
• Modular wet-baths: if you want a shower but plan occasional stealth parking, consider a corner wet-bath with low-profile ventilation and water containment—less visual footprint, more functionality.
• Balance payload with materials: our lightweight composite panels aim to retain >3,000 lbs payload on many 170 builds—important if you want solar, domestics, and heavy gear.

Before you finalize a van purchase, measure the garages, driveways, and parking you expect to use. Bring those numbers to your builder—small choices like bumper type or roof accessories change where the van will fit.

Frequently Asked Questions