Mercedes Benz/izotermy Ti SPRINTER

The chassis carries the six-cylinder diesel engine of 2,987 cm³, at a gross weight of 3,500 kg. With a kerb weight of 3,040 kg, only a payload of about 460 kg remains – the insulated box body itself is considerably heavier than a plain panel-van body and so eats into the payload budget. The width of 2,550 mm exceeds the Sprinter's standard dimension, explained by the thicker, thermally insulating walls of such a body; the six wheels show the twin-tyred rear axle usual for this weight class, and the length of 7,300 mm a long body variant.

Insulated box bodies on a Sprinter base serve the transport of temperature-sensitive goods, such as food or pharmaceutical products, where the cold chain must be maintained; unlike a plain panel van, it is the insulating effect of the walls, not just the load volume, that determines suitability for the given use.

When buying such a vehicle second-hand, alongside the usual condition of the engine, EGR and particulate filter, what counts above all is the tightness of the insulated walls and doors, the condition of any refrigeration unit fitted, and the weight of the body relative to the remaining payload, which on such vehicles is modest from the outset.