The 'Stern' Sprinter Rear Step - Sandy Vans

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Sandy Vans

The 'Stern' Sprinter Rear Step

Name: The 'Stern' Sprinter Rear Step
Brand: Sandy Vans
Price: 895.0 USD

$895.00

Product variants

Pickup available at Sandy Vans HQ

Usually ready in 2-4 days

Getting in and out of the rear of your Sprinter shouldn't be a workout. The Stern is Sandy Vans' purpose-built rear step — aluminum, powder coated, and designed to mount directly to the factory OEM hitch. It goes where it needs to, holds real weight, and looks like it shipped from the factory.

3/16" aluminum step plates — solid, no flex
Textured black powder coat finish
Mounts to factory OEM hitch only (aftermarket hitches not compatible)
No impact on MB rear proximity sensors
DIY install — watch the install video
Free shipping

Fits: Mercedes Sprinter 144", 170", and 170" EXT with factory OEM hitch.
2019 and newer: Bolt-on direct — 4 bolts, no drilling.
2007–2018: Factory hitch required; drilling 4 new holes in the hitch is required.
NVC3 Sprinter: Minor bracket modification needed — contact us before ordering.

See it on your van. Add the The 'Stern' Sprinter Rear Step to your build in our 3D Van Builder and preview it on a real Sprinter before you buy.

Product Details

The Sprinter sits high. That's part of the appeal — clearance, presence, the unmistakable profile. But get into a daily routine of loading and unloading at the rear doors and it gets old fast. Boards, coolers, gear bags, groceries: there's a moment every Sprinter owner knows where you're doing an awkward half-climb into the cargo bay wishing there was somewhere to put your foot.

The Stern is that somewhere. Sandy Vans built it as a purpose-made rear step for the Mercedes Sprinter — not a bolt-on universal step that almost fits, but a bracket-matched design that mounts directly to the factory OEM hitch. Low profile. Aluminum. Textured black powder coat. Four bolts for 2019 and newer models, and you're done.

3/16" aluminum step plates that handle real weight. Clean mounting with no hitch ball interference and no rack required. Your rear sensors stay fully functional. It looks factory because the attachment point is factory — the same hitch receiver your van shipped with.

Fitment & Compatibility

Fits: Mercedes Sprinter 144", 170", and 170" EXT (2019+ bolt-on; 2007–2018 with drilling)

Not compatible with: Aftermarket hitches

Not sure your build qualifies? Reach out to our team.

Specifications

Fits	2019+ Sprinter (bolt-on) \| 2007–2018 Sprinter (drilling required)
Hitch	Factory OEM only — aftermarket hitches not compatible
Material	Aluminum — rust-proof
Step plate	3/16" aluminum
Finish	Textured black powder coat
Rear sensors	No impact on MB proximity sensors
Install time	~1 hour
DIY	Yes

What's in the Box

Stern Rear Step (assembled)
Mounting hardware (4x bolts, washers, lock nuts)

Install Time1–1 hours

DIY FriendlyYes

Drilling Required2007–2018 only — 4 new holes in factory hitch (1/4" bit)

Pro InstallFree at SV HQ, San Diego

There's no printed manual for the Stern — the install is covered in the video below. Watch it once before you start.

Install video: Sandy Vans Stern Rear Step — Install

2019 and Newer Sprinters

Direct bolt-on. Position the step under the factory hitch receiver, align the 4 bracket holes, insert hardware, hand-tighten, confirm square, and fully tighten. No drilling, no cutting. About 30 minutes.

2007–2018 Sprinters

Same step, slightly more work. The factory hitch hole pattern on pre-2019 models doesn't match the Stern's brackets out of the box. Before mounting, you'll drill 4 new holes in the hitch receiver to match the bracket pattern — standard 1/4" drill bit, no cutting or welding required.

Mark the holes through the bracket with the step positioned where you want it. Remove the step, drill on a stable surface, clean up the edges, and reinstall. The video walks through the drilling step in detail.

NVC3 Sprinter

Requires a slight bracket modification. Reach out before ordering and we'll walk you through what's needed — contact@sandyvans.com or (619) 812-1903.

Free Professional Install

If you'd rather have Sandy Vans handle it, free professional installation is available at our San Diego shop. Call (619) 812-1903 to schedule.

▶ Watch the install video

See all Sandy Vans install videos & manuals →

How to Choose a Rear Step for Your Sprinter

A rear step seems like a simple add-on until you're comparing options and realize how much varies between them. Here's what actually matters.

1. Factory Hitch — Check This Before Anything Else

The Stern mounts to the factory OEM hitch receiver — full stop. This is not a universal clamp-on step or a bumper-mount design. If you have an aftermarket hitch, the bracket geometry won't match and the Stern won't work. If you're unsure whether your hitch is factory, look for an OEM part number stamped on the receiver tube, or call us before ordering.

2. What Year Is Your Van?

This determines how involved the install is:

2019 and newer: The Stern bolts directly to the factory hitch with no modification. Four bolts, done.
2007–2018: The factory hitch hole pattern is slightly different. You'll drill 4 new holes in the hitch to match the Stern's brackets. Same step, same hardware, one extra step before mounting.

3. NVC3 Sprinter

The NVC3 body-style Sprinter (the newer generation) has a slightly different hitch profile and requires a minor bracket adjustment. Contact us before ordering to confirm — we'll tell you exactly what's needed.

4. Aftermarket Hitch

The Stern does not work with aftermarket hitches. The brackets are engineered around the factory receiver — different aftermarket designs have different dimensions, hole patterns, and clearances that won't line up. If you've replaced your factory hitch, this is a hard no.

5. Rear Sensors

The Stern mounts below the bumper on the hitch receiver, away from the sensor cluster. MB rear proximity sensors function normally after installation — nothing is blocked, repositioned, or contacted.

6. Install Complexity

For 2019 and newer vans: this is one of the easiest van accessories you'll install. Four bolts, no drilling, no tools beyond a wrench. The install video is all you need.

For 2007–2018 vans: add one drilling step to the above. It's still DIY-friendly, but give yourself an extra 30 minutes and have a drill and 1/4" bit ready.

Pre-Order Checklist

Do you have the factory OEM hitch on your Sprinter? (Not aftermarket)
Is your van a 2007–2018 or 2019+ model? (Determines drilling requirement)
Do you have a NVC3 Sprinter? (Contact us before ordering)
If 2007–2018: do you have a drill and 1/4" bit?
Have you watched the install video? (https://youtu.be/GiEOybddn_8)

Why the Stern

Purpose-built mounting geometry that fits the factory hitch — no guesswork, no adapters. Aluminum step plates at 3/16" thickness. Textured black powder coat finish that holds up. Rear sensor safe. And free professional install means you don't have to do it yourself if you'd rather not. Call (619) 812-1903 or email contact@sandyvans.com before ordering if you have compatibility questions.

What year Sprinters does the Stern fit?

The Stern fits any Mercedes Sprinter 144", 170", or 170" EXT from 2007 onward — provided it has the factory OEM hitch. 2019 and newer models bolt directly on with 4 bolts, no drilling required. For 2007–2018 models, the factory hitch is a slightly different pattern: you'll need to drill new mounting holes in the hitch to match the Stern's bracket. The NVC3 Sprinter requires a slight bracket modification — reach out before ordering and we'll walk you through it.

Do I need the factory hitch — can I use an aftermarket hitch?

The factory OEM hitch is required. The Stern's mounting brackets are designed around the factory receiver geometry. Aftermarket hitches have different dimensions and mounting patterns, so the brackets won't line up correctly. If you're unsure whether your hitch is factory, it's stamped with an OEM part number on the receiver tube. Call us at (619) 812-1903 if you want to confirm before ordering.

My van is a 2007–2018 model. What does the drilling involve?

On 2007–2018 factory hitches, the mounting hole pattern doesn't match the Stern's brackets out of the box. You'll drill 4 new holes in the hitch receiver to match the bracket pattern — standard 1/4" bit, no cutting or welding required. We recommend marking through the bracket, removing it, drilling on a flat surface, and then reinstalling. Watch the install video for the full walkthrough: https://youtu.be/GiEOybddn_8

Is there a printed install manual?

No printed manual for the Stern. The install video covers everything: https://youtu.be/GiEOybddn_8 It's a 4-bolt mount for 2019+ models — straightforward enough that a video is all you need. For 2007–2018 models, the video also covers the drilling step. Questions? Call (619) 812-1903 or email contact@sandyvans.com.

Will the Stern affect my rear parking sensors?

No. The Stern mounts to the factory hitch receiver below the bumper — it doesn't block, reposition, or contact any of the MB rear proximity sensors. The sensors continue to function normally after installation.

Still have a question? Email the team and you'll get a real answer.