Storage Doors

[Machba]

I have a Freightliner Sprinter I want to put a storage area below a bed and be able to access this area from the sides of the vehicle. So, I want to add "Utility" type doors in the sides of the van walls to allow access to this area. I haven't seen any other mod of this type and I'm wondering if there is a reason. Is there a reason I can't or wouldn't be able to do this?

I realize it would require some cutting, a lot of welding, and I would have to frame the doors properly while maintaining the structural integrity of the body. I'm having a hard time believing I'm the first one to want to do this and, if not the first one, then why can't I find an example of this?

[BBQ]

Originally Posted by Machba

I have a Freightliner Sprinter I want to put a storage area below a bed and be able to access this area from the sides of the vehicle. So, I want to add "Utility" type doors in the sides of the van walls to allow access to this area. I haven't seen any other mod of this type and I'm wondering if there is a reason. Is there a reason I can't or wouldn't be able to do this?

I realize it would require some cutting, a lot of welding, and I would have to frame the doors properly while maintaining the structural integrity of the body. I'm having a hard time believing I'm the first one to want to do this and, if not the first one, then why can't I find an example of this?

You do not see upfitters do it because Mercedes Benz is very strict about opening holes in the vehicle, both outside and inside. They dictate how many holes you can cut, where you can cut them, and what max size they are.

If your vehicle is out of warranty, you can certainly do it. Just make sure you are not disturbing any structural surfaces.

ps. structural surfaces include the strusses and beams and cross members. They can also be flat surfaces. Check with knowledgeable people before you cut.

[avanti]

Originally Posted by BBQ

If your vehicle is out of warranty, you can certainly do it. Just make sure you are not disturbing any structural surfaces.

Warranty has nothing to do with it. Modifications to your vehicle do not affect any manufacturer's warranty in the US, by federal law. Now, if your modification actually CAUSES damage (and the OEM can prove it), then that's on you.

[Machba]

Originally Posted by BBQ

Just make sure you are not disturbing any structural surfaces.

ps. structural surfaces include the strusses and beams and cross members. They can also be flat surfaces. Check with knowledgeable people before you cut.

Thanks for the helpful info. However, I absolutely plan to "disturb structural surfaces" and relocate and rebuild them. My plan is to move existing cross beam up about a foot and will have to relocate vertical frame sections to door frame edges. When done, the parts will all be there, just not in the same spot. Vehicle is long out of warranty and paid for.

[BBQ]

Originally Posted by BBQ

If your vehicle is out of warranty, you can certainly do it. Just make sure you are not disturbing any structural surfaces.

Originally Posted by avanti

Warranty has nothing to do with it. Modifications to your vehicle do not affect any manufacturer's warranty in the US, by federal law. Now, if your modification actually CAUSES damage (and the OEM can prove it), then that's on you.

You are talking from both sides of your mouth.

[avanti]

Originally Posted by BBQ

You are talking from both sides of your mouth.

I don't understand.

I will try again, though:
You have to be careful not to break your van with your modifications.
If you do break it, it is on you whether you are on warranty or not.
If you do not break it, you are fine whether you are on warranty or not.

Therefore, it makes no difference whether or not your warranty has expired. Proper modifications have no effect on warranties.

Better?