Say Goodbye to Shin Injuries: Custom 3D Print Bumper Cover for Your Roadtrek Sprinter Swivel Seat Release Lever.

If you’ve got a Sprinter Roadtrek van, you know how great it is for road trips and adventures. But let’s be real: that metal swivel seat release lever can be a real pain—literally! Those sharp edges are notorious for catching shins and causing some pretty nasty bruises. Luckily, there’s an easy fix: a custom 3D printed bumper cover. Let’s dive into why this simple addition can make a world of difference!

The Dreaded Swivel Seat Release Lever

We’ve all been there. You’re hopping in or out of your van, and BAM! That metal lever gets you right on the shin. Ouch! It’s a common complaint among older Sprinter Roadtrek owners, and it’s especially concerning if you’ve got little ones or pets. The last thing you want is for someone to get hurt just trying to get comfy in the van.

Custom 3D-Printed Flip Cover for ScanGauge 3 Monitor

If you're like me, you love having all your vehicle’s critical information right at your fingertips. The ScanGauge 3 monitor is an incredible tool for monitoring everything from fuel efficiency to engine performance. But, as with any tech device, keeping it safe from accidental bumps, dust buildup, and potential theft is essential. That’s where a custom 3D-printed flip cover comes in.

Why a Flip Cover?

While the ScanGauge 3 is durable, adding an extra layer of protection is always a smart move, especially if you're frequently on the road. Whether you're into RVing, off-roading, or daily commuting, your dashboard can be a busy space. A flip cover can protect the screen from scratches, sun glare, dust, and—importantly—help deter theft.

Transitioning to LiFePO4 Batteries in my Campervan/ Class B RV: A Major Upgrade

After many years of reliable service, my AGM batteries have finally reached the end of their life. While they still work, their capacity has drastically decreased. So, I decided it was time for an upgrade and made the big leap to LiFePO4 (lithium iron phosphate) batteries. This was no small decision, as switching to lithium required significant rewiring of my RV. Lithium batteries can't withstand the extreme heat under the hood where the AGMs were located.

The biggest challenge was finding space for the new batteries, as there was technically no available room in the RV. I considered installing them in the generator’s spot but chose to keep the LP generator for emergency power, as I value redundancy. In the end, I opted to install the lithium batteries inside the RV to protect them from the elements and extreme temperatures.

Wiring Android Head Unit to Coach Batteries

To utilize the Android head unit without starting the engine or depleting the chassis battery (when used with the ignition set to ACC), I rewired the Android head unit to operate off the coach batteries. It's a great way to enjoy streaming media like YouTube, Netflix, Spotify, etc. when parked or relaxing at the campground using the upgraded Android head unit's larger screen. It's also an excellent way to get the navigation started to our destination before starting the engine. A dash switch is installed to toggle the power of the head unit between ignition only and always on. A simple wiring modification and the addition of an automotive relay are all that is required. This is how I did it.

Installing Dash Accessory Fuse Block Powered by Coach Battery

 

I generally draw power from the battery disconnect relay post, but this is inconvenient because it necessitates removing the driver seat every time I need to power something. Installing a fuse block powered by coach batteries under the dash is the simplest approach to future-proof any aftermarket additions.

Finding a suitable placement for the fuse block is not as simple as you might assume; there is barely enough space beneath the dash to put a good-sized fuse block. You could place one over the dash plastic trims, but that would look unprofessional.