HAVING TROUBLE LOOKING UNDER THE HOOD?
HAVING TROUBLE LOOKING UNDER THE HOOD?
If you have ever tried to lift the hood of your Sprinter van, you may have had an unpleasant experience due to the sheer weight of the hood and the height at which you need to reach just to get it properly propped. This can make even simple maintenance tasks frustrating and time-consuming.
Here at The Buildout Shop, we are all about making your van life experience smoother, safer, and more enjoyable. We take pride in equipping, educating, and assisting you throughout every stage of your van life journey. Today, we’re focused on helping you gain easier, safer access whenever you need to look under the hood.
Let us introduce you to a Hood Strut Kit—a simple upgrade that makes a big difference.
WHAT IS A HOOD STRUT KIT?
A hood strut kit replaces your factory hood prop with heavy-duty gas-charged struts. Instead of wrestling with a heavy hood and awkward prop rod, this kit allows you to effortlessly open and support your hood with ease.
Once installed, all you need to do is pop the hood and push up—no balancing, no struggle, no second guessing. Installation takes under 10 minutes and can be completed with one other person, making this one of the easiest and most rewarding upgrades for Sprinter owners.
WHY THIS UPGRADE MATTERS FOR VAN OWNERS
Sprinter vans are taller, heavier, and built differently than standard vehicles. That means routine checks can feel like a chore. A hood strut kit not only improves convenience but also adds safety by keeping the hood securely open while you work.
REASONS YOU’LL BE LOOKING UNDER THE HOOD
As a Sprinter van owner, you’ll likely be under the hood more often than someone driving a typical vehicle. Common reasons include:
- Refilling DEF fluid every few thousand miles
- Topping off windshield washer fluid
- Performing oil changes
- Checking fluids before long road trips
- Diagnosing warning lights or engine-related issues
This upgrade makes all of these routine tasks faster and far less frustrating.
WHAT’S INCLUDED WITH THE KIT:
- 2 Heavy-Duty Gas Charged Struts
- 4 Stainless Steel Mounting Brackets (2 upper, 2 lower)
- All necessary hardware and step-by-step instructions

Everything you need for a clean, secure install is included—no extra trips to the hardware store.
INSTALLATION OVERVIEW
This kit is designed to be completely bolt-on with no drilling required.
Tools needed:
- 10mm socket or wrench
- 13mm socket or wrench
- 13mm wrench
With basic hand tools and minimal effort, you’ll have a professional-grade upgrade installed in minutes.
IDEAL FOR:
- Daily drivers
- Camper van builds
- Overland and off-road vans
- DIY van builders
- Anyone tired of fighting their hood
Whether your van is fully built out or still a work in progress, this is a functional upgrade you’ll appreciate every time you pop the hood.
PRODUCT LINK
(Search “Hood Strut Kit” on The Buildout Shop to find the correct fit for your Sprinter)
If you have any questions about this kit or need help selecting the right gear for your van build, feel free to reach out via the chat box on our site or give us a call Monday–Friday, 9am–5pm PST at (732)895-6222
Hope to see you out on the road!
Safe & Happy Travels