--- title: "These ‘Backpacks’ for Cargo Vans Look Like a Google Street View Glitch" date: "2025-01-27" modified: "2025-01-27" authors: - name: "Chris Tsui" job_title: "Contributor" link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/chris-tsui" url: "https://www.thedrive.com/news/these-backpacks-for-cargo-vans-look-like-a-google-street-view-glitch" categories: - "News" tags: - "Van" --- # These ‘Backpacks’ for Cargo Vans Look Like a Google Street View Glitch ![]() *Auto Elite* What do you do when you want a bit more storage space from your [Mercedes]() Sprinter van but don't want to ruin the tail-end aesthetics? You get a backpack for your van, that's what. That's not a cutesy description I've just come up with to describe this aftermarket, extra trunk thing. Manufacturer Auto Elite actually describes this on its website as a "backpack fiberglass trunk." It's exactly what it sounds like, as the add-on attaches to the back of your Sprinter and serves as additional storage space separate from the cab. What makes it look a bit odd is its insistence on preserving the vehicle's rear-end design—functional lights, backup camera, and all. ![]() ![]() ![]() It's 88 inches high and 19 inches deep, and comes standard paint-matched to Mercedes' Jet Black. If you'd like it in another color, there's a surcharge and a 14-day lead time. An aftermarket 7.0-inch monitor for the new backup camera is included, as are the necessary modifications to the rear door hinge and taillight wiring. Professional installation is "*highly recommended,*" emphasis theirs. Arguably, though, the most interesting result is that it makes your Sprinter look like it's giving birth to another Sprinter: ![]() Or perhaps it's more like somebody [wearing a mask of their own face](). Anywho, what would you put in your Sprinter's backpack? I can see this being used as a sort of backup, additional baggage area for airport hotel shuttles, or a place to store stuff (food?) you don't want mixing with your main cargo, for whatever reason. Or more likely, it's a way for businesses to append extra storage space to a van without having to reconfigure whatever custom setup they already have inside the main cab. https://youtu.be/2l1axKGuTc8?si=teueIA2Wj20eIfMz In any case, it seems like there's an aftermarket accessory out there for everything, no matter how odd it might look. *Got a tip or question for the author? You can reach him here: chris.tsui@thedrive.com* ## Author Chris Tsui is *The Drive*'s former Reviews Editor and current freelance automotive journalist. He's based in Toronto. ### Author social links [Instagram]()