6 Best Reservoir Relocation Brackets For Tight Van Engine Bays

Pop the hood of a modern Sprinter or Transit van, and it quickly becomes apparent that the engine bay is a masterclass in spatial efficiency, leaving almost zero room for aftermarket upgrades. Those cramped quarters often trap vital coolant and power steering reservoirs in the way of essential gear like air compressors or secondary battery systems. Relocating these components is not merely a custom aesthetic choice; it is a mechanical necessity for anyone serious about off-grid capability and long-term vehicle maintenance.

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Agile Off Road Sprinter Bracket: Best for ARB

When an onboard air system is the primary goal, the Agile Off Road bracket stands as the premier choice. It is specifically engineered to clear the necessary real estate for an ARB twin compressor, making it the gold standard for those who prioritize tire inflation and pneumatic tool capability.

The design is laser-focused on fitment accuracy, ensuring that the factory reservoir snaps into place without the need for extensive modification. This precision significantly lowers the risk of vibration-related wear, a common failure point in poorly fitted aftermarket setups.

For the serious overlander who refuses to compromise on compressor performance, this bracket is the definitive solution. It bypasses the frustration of trial-and-error mounting, providing a secure, factory-integrated feel that holds up under heavy off-road use.

Van Compass Coolant & PS Kit: Top Choice

Van Compass approaches engine bay organization with a systems-engineering mindset, offering a comprehensive kit that addresses both coolant and power steering reservoirs simultaneously. This is the ideal solution for those who want a holistic, “do it once and be done” approach to under-hood clearance.

The build quality is substantial, utilizing powder-coated steel that resists the intense heat cycles inherent to a van engine. By moving both reservoirs to a dedicated bracket, the engine bay gains a clean, unobstructed path for secondary upgrades, such as high-output alternators or air horns.

This kit is the top choice for owners who demand long-term durability over the lowest possible price point. It represents a professional-grade upgrade that prioritizes structural integrity above all else, ensuring these vital fluids remain stable regardless of terrain.

Canyon Adventure Vans Bracket: Most Versatile

Flexibility is the hallmark of the Canyon Adventure Vans bracket, which excels in setups where space constraints vary significantly between builds. It provides a highly adaptable mounting plane, allowing for minor adjustments in position that can be the difference between a successful install and a clearance issue.

The design philosophy favors modularity, making it an excellent candidate for van builders who are integrating multiple aftermarket systems simultaneously. It handles the tension of repositioned hoses with grace, provided the installer carefully maps out the new routing path before bolting everything down.

If the engine bay layout is non-standard or crowded by custom intake components, this bracket offers the necessary breathing room to make the project work. It is a highly practical choice for the builder who values the ability to fine-tune placement during the assembly process.

FreedomVans Universal Mount: Best Budget Pick

The FreedomVans mount offers a no-frills, cost-effective way to solve the reservoir crowding dilemma without paying for unnecessary complexity. It serves as a straightforward bridge for those who have identified exactly where they need to shift their fluid tanks and simply need a secure anchor to get the job done.

While it lacks the specialized, integrated features of higher-end kits, it is built with solid materials that get the job done reliably. This bracket appeals primarily to the DIY enthusiast who is comfortable with minor fabrication or custom hose routing to accommodate the new mounting position.

For those on a strict budget who still demand a professional result, this is the most logical starting point. It provides a clean, secure mounting surface that keeps the engine bay organized without adding excessive weight or cost to the build.

Owl Vans Sherpa Plate: Premium Multi-Mount

The Sherpa plate is not just a bracket; it is an architectural foundation for the engine bay. Designed to work within the Owl Vans ecosystem, this mounting solution is ideal for those who plan to build out their van with high-end, modular components over several years.

Its strength lies in its versatility, offering multiple pre-drilled points that accommodate various reservoirs alongside secondary items like fuel filters or sensors. This is a premium investment, but it eliminates the need to replace smaller brackets as the van’s mission profile evolves from weekend trips to full-time remote living.

This product is for the owner who builds with the future in mind. If the goal is a fully optimized, high-performance engine bay where every inch is accounted for, the Sherpa plate provides the necessary scaffolding to make it a reality.

Flatline Van Co. Engine Shelf: Best for DIY

The Flatline Van Co. engine shelf approaches the problem by essentially creating a new, dedicated layer of space within the engine bay. It turns a cluttered, unusable area into a functional shelf, providing a mounting point that is entirely independent of the cramped factory frame.

This approach is perfect for builders who prefer a clean, organized look and want to keep all reservoir connections grouped neatly together. It minimizes the mess of dangling hoses and keeps vital maintenance points accessible, which is a major advantage during roadside repairs.

It is an excellent choice for those who want a structured, intuitive layout. By moving the reservoirs to a designated shelf, the engine bay becomes significantly easier to work on, turning a maintenance headache into a systematic, accessible process.

Why Relocate Your Engine Bay Reservoirs?

Relocating engine bay reservoirs is a mandatory step for anyone looking to add aftermarket components like secondary batteries, air compressors, or even auxiliary heating systems. The stock layout of most commercial vans is designed for specific factory hardware, leaving virtually no room for the equipment required for long-term van life.

Beyond the space gains, relocating these items allows for improved access during routine maintenance. When fluid tanks are tucked behind a secondary piece of gear, checking levels or topping off fluids becomes a major chore; when moved to a dedicated, visible bracket, these tasks become simple and fast.

Finally, managing the heat and vibration of an engine bay is critical. High-quality brackets hold these reservoirs in positions where they are shielded from excessive engine heat, preventing premature plastic degradation or fluid leaks.

Key Factors in Choosing the Right Bracket

• Material Strength: Always prioritize powder-coated steel or reinforced aluminum to ensure the bracket can withstand extreme temperature fluctuations and engine vibration.
• Hose Compatibility: Verify if the kit includes extended hoses or if a custom solution will be required to bridge the new distance between the reservoir and the engine.
• Mounting Points: Ensure the bracket utilizes existing factory holes rather than requiring you to drill into the chassis, which can invite rust and structural weakness.
• Ease of Access: Consider how the move impacts your ability to perform daily checks; the new position should never hide sight windows or filler caps.

Installation: Hoses Clamps and Fluid

Successful installation hinges on more than just the bracket itself; it requires careful attention to the hose routing. Use only high-heat-rated, reinforced automotive hoses, as standard hardware store tubing will fail quickly under the pressure and heat of an engine compartment.

When securing these new lines, always use high-quality constant-tension clamps to prevent leaks. Avoid standard worm-gear clamps, as they can cut into rubber hoses over time or lose their grip as the engine cycles through temperature changes.

Finally, bleed the system thoroughly after any reservoir move. Air pockets in power steering or coolant lines can cause catastrophic component failure, so take the time to follow the manufacturer’s specific bleeding procedure to the letter.

Checking Compatibility With Your Van Model

Never assume a bracket labeled for a “Sprinter” will fit every generation of that vehicle. Engine bay architecture often changes slightly between model years, and a bracket designed for a 2018 model may interfere with sensors or chassis bracing found in a 2023 version.

Always cross-reference the specific engine code and chassis year of the vehicle with the bracket manufacturer’s fitment guide. If a specific engine configuration—such as a 4-cylinder vs. a V6—is mentioned, it is critical to respect those distinctions.

When in doubt, physically inspect the proposed mounting area with a measuring tape. Compare the available clearance against the manufacturer’s technical drawings to ensure the new setup will not collide with the hood or other engine components when the van hits a bump.

Equipping a van for life on the road is a balancing act of space and capability, and the engine bay is where that reality is most apparent. By selecting the right reservoir relocation bracket, you are not just clearing room for new gear—you are investing in the long-term reliability of your vehicle’s most critical systems. Focus on quality materials and secure routing, and you will ensure that your build stays on the road for years to come.