Benefits of Installing Sliding Doors in Your Sprinter Van Partition

The Benefits of Installing Sliding Doors in Your Sprinter Van

Owning a Mercedes Sprinter van opens up a world of possibilities when it comes to customization and storage solutions. One popular upgrade for Sprinter vans is the installation of sliding door partitions, which allow you to separate the rear cargo area from the front cab.

Sliding door partitions offer several advantages for Sprinter van owners:

Increased Storage and Organization

Adding a sliding door partition to your Sprinter creates a distinct storage area in the rear of the van. This allows you to neatly organize tools, camping gear, construction materials, and other cargo. The partition provides a flat surface for mounting shelves, hooks, and other storage solutions. With the door closed, your gear remains securely in place and out of sight.

Customizable Access

Sliding doors give you quick and easy access between the front cabin and rear storage area. You don't have to exit the van to reach your gear. This saves time and effort when you need to grab tools or supplies. It also allows you to check on cargo without fully exposing the interior of your van.

Increased Comfort and Convenience

Partition doors keep the driver and passenger area physically separated from work tools, camping equipment, and other potentially messy cargo. This helps keep the cabin clean and comfortable. It also reduces noise from items shifting around in the back. With the partition shut, you can fully focus on driving without distractions from the rear.

Flexible Security

The ability to lock the sliding door partition adds an extra level of security in your Sprinter van. You can lock up tools and valuables in the back while leaving the van unattended. The door prevents access to the rear cargo area while allowing use of the front seats. This added peace of mind helps protect your investment in your Sprinter.

Temperature Control

Sliding door partitions allow you to control temperatures in the front and rear of your van independently. Closing the partition helps keep the cold in the rear while maintaining a comfortable climate up front. It also prevents engine heat from radiating into the back when parked. This temperature regulation keeps both passengers and cargo comfortable.

Types of Sliding Doors for Sprinter Vans

If you decide to install partition doors in your Sprinter van, you'll find several configuration options available:

Side Sliding Doors

The most common style is a side sliding door installed behind the front row of seats. These doors slide horizontally to open and close. Side sliding doors maximize the walk-through space when opened fully. They can slide and lock at any point to control access.

Rear Partition Doors

For larger cargo area access, some choose rear-mounted sliding doors. These doors mount to tracks on the ceiling and floor to slide vertically open. Vertical opening helps accommodate bulkier cargo. Rear sliding doors also work well with ladders or equipment mounted to the back doors.

Bi-Fold Partition Doors

Bi-fold partition doors operate similarly to closet doors. Multiple door panels fold open to allow complete access from front to rear. Folded up, bi-fold doors tuck neatly out of the way against the walls. This wide-open access works ideally in cargo vans used for delivery.

Swing-Out Partition Doors

Swing-out partitions utilize hinges to open and close. They swing firmly out of the way to open up the full width of the van. Swing-out doors latch securely when shut. The hinge side can mount to the driver or passenger side depending on preference.

Combination Partitions

For ultimate flexibility, some partitions combine multiple door styles. Combinations like bi-fold upper sections with sliding lower sections allow both vertical and horizontal access. Multi-part partitions also allow access from the rear doors and side door.

Important Considerations for Sliding Door Installation

To make sure your new Sprinter sliding doors operate smoothly, keep these installation tips in mind:

Measure Carefully

Take detailed measurements of the height, width, and contour of your van's interior. This ensures a custom fit with the optimal opening size. Poorly fitted doors will sag, jam, and fail prematurely.

Mind the Details

Pay close attention to small details like drains, wires, and trim that may interfere with slide tracks. Any obstructions should get re-routed before installing the door. This prevents damage and operational issues.

Reinforce Mounting Points

Use metal backing plates and extra fasteners when securing tracks and rollers to your van walls and ceiling. The partition door bears a lot of weight, so mounting points need reinforced for longevity.

Smooth the Surfaces

File down or pad any sharp edges along van side walls or the door tracks. Exposed metal can damage sliding door seals or the track over time leading to misalignment.

Lubricate Rollers and Tracks

Keep rollers lubricated and clear debris from tracks periodically to prevent damage, wear, and seizing. This basic maintenance ensures smooth operation.

Why Choose Sprinter Vans for Sliding Door Installs?

Mercedes Sprinter vans make an ideal choice for upgrading with sliding partition doors due to:

Spacious Cargo Dimensions

With multiple length options up to 266 inches, Sprinter vans offer cavernous rear space for cargo capacity. This allows the installation of large sliding doors that open up wide.

Tall Roof Heights

Even the standard Sprinter roof allows up to 6 feet 4 inches of interior height. This means partitions can accommodate doors up to 5 feet tall or more. The extra tall high-roof option adds even more space.

Durability and Longevity

Mercedes Sprinters provide a sturdy, long-lasting platform to install partition doors. Their rugged construction means the doors can operate smoothly for years before needing repair.

Customization Friendly

Sprinter vans come minimally outfitted from the factory. This blank canvas allows easy customization like partitioning without removing existing OEM equipment.

Resale Value

Adding sliding doors helps maintain resale value by keeping your Sprinter looking new. The versatility also appeals to future buyers and commercial owners.

Conclusion

Installing sliding partition doors allows Sprinter van owners to get the most out of their vans. With customizable access, security, storage, and convenience, slide doors are a valuable upgrade for many owners. Keeping installation tips in mind ensures your doors operate smoothly for miles to come.

FAQs

What are the main benefits of installing sliding doors in a Sprinter van?

The key benefits are increased storage and organization, easy access between the front and rear, enhanced comfort and convenience, flexible security, and independent temperature control between sections.

What types of sliding doors can I install in my Sprinter van?

Common options include side sliding, rear partition, bi-fold, swing-out, and combination doors with different opening styles.

What size sliding door makes sense for a Sprinter van?

Measure your van's interior height and width carefully. Look for a door size that maximizes open access but fits securely within your dimensions when closed.

How can I make sure my slide door partition operates smoothly?

Pay close attention to measurements, interior obstructions, mounting reinforcements, surface smoothing, and regular lubrication of rollers and tracks.