Electrical contractor Trig Hales hit upon a novel solution to the challenge of working and staying away from base during lockdowns – he commissioned a stunning Mercedes-Benz motorhome, as a COVID-secure alternative to staying in a hotel or B&B.
So pleased is Trig with his new Sprinter that he has vowed to continue using it as a luxurious ‘home from home’, irrespective of any pandemic-related restrictions.
The 519 CDI model was supplied by Mercedes-Benz Vans Dartford, together with a 516 CDI van in the livery of Essex Electrical Services, the Purfleet-based business that Trig established in 1993.
Both vehicles have 5.0-tonne gross weights and employ rear-wheel drive – the Sprinter range also includes variants in which the front wheels are driven, as well as well-established 4x4s for off-road applications.
The motorhome is powered by a 3.0-litre V6 that transmits its 190hp output to the road via a smooth-shifting, seven-speed 7G-TRONIC PLUS automatic transmission. The van’s fuel-efficient 2.1-litre four-cylinder engine produces 163hp and is paired with a six-speed manual gearbox.
The extra-long L4 519 CDI underwent luxurious Sport Tourer conversion by leading specialist SC Sporthomes, of Torfaen, near Pontypool. Smartly finished in metallic silver-grey, it will sleep four and features living accommodation and a galley with oven, grill and fridge, as well as a shower and toilet.
The vehicle’s exhaustive specification includes a solar panel and gel battery, air-conditioning, central heating, extended waste and water tanks, on board air compressor, jump start points, CCTV, a high-grade entertainment system with TVs in the living area and rear bedroom, and matching leather upholstery throughout.
The medium-length L2, high-roofed H2 516 CDI is fitted out as a mobile workshop, complete with compressor, invertor power, split charging and work benches. It has been allocated to Fleet Maintenance Engineer, Steve Muggleton.
