The conversion is designed to be used for full time living but is also a great option for those looking to use it as a vacation or weekend getaway vehicle. As full time living was the primary purpose the interior was built with plenty of storage, ease of access/maintenance, and a modern/rustic tiny home finished feel. The exterior was left unassuming for safety and discretion when necessary; while the interior design was meticulously thought out to allow space but also the ability to access everything from inside. Practicality, ease of access, and easy future expandability were key aspects built into the design. All kept in a self contained system that allows you to wander wherever the adventure takes you. It is a completed build that is ready for adventure.
While it was designed for full time living I never was able to use it to its fullest. Due to my job, I never was able to take any grand trips or use it as intended. It became more of a weekend vehicle for me. As such the interior is very clean and looks basically like it did when it was first built. Now that life is moving in a different direction for me I am hoping to sell the van to someone who will continue the adventure.
Some Build features:
- Room for a 6’ 3” individual to stand up and sleep fully stretched out
- Professionally spray foam insulated on walls, ceiling, and floor. Provides great insulation as well as a vapor barrier
- Most materials are waterproof or water resistant making it easy to clean and no issue if you spill something accidentally.
- Two Maxx air fans in the roof for air circulation, venting, and cooling.
- Fixed bed that has storage underneath and can be expanded into the isle for 2 persons
- Storage under the bed
- Lagoon table that swings in front of the cabinet to form a desk/work area (also removable)
- Mounts for a tablet on the underside of the over bed cabinets. Nice for reading or movie watching while laying down.
- Fridge located by the side door to allow for access inside or outside. It is also removable if you want to set it outside during a get together or take it somewhere.
- Bug wall on the sliding door so that you can enjoy the evenings without itty bitty intruders
- Ample storage for necessities but also gear or hobby items (I stored all my climbing, backpacking, and mountaineering gear as well as hobby gear like art supplies and hobby tools)
- Gear closet is located near side door for easy access; both for gearing up and putting it away
- Plumbing all localized in the rear, under the sink, and easy to maintain. No need to worry about pipes in the wall freezing or things leaking out of sight.
- Water tanks are 7gal each so that they can be carried. This makes it much easier to find fillup locations, especially in the backcountry.
- Water tanks can be swapped by reaching behind the sink. No need to go outside.
- Custom butcher block countertops that are sealed and a stainless steel sink
- Jetboil base camp burner to allow for cooking inside or outside
- Electrical panel hidden in the decorative wall next to the bed and easy to access
- Bluetooth connection to check charge as well as component health.
- Cool and Warm dimmable lighting options on the ceiling and floor
- Composting toilet and sealed wet room. Can easily be converted to a shower but I never really found a need to do so.
- Space for a wood burning stove if one wanted to add it (I just never did).
- Space under the passenger seat for a diesel heater if one wanted to add it.
- Room for a water heater behind the bathroom if one wanted to add one.
- Has a removable electric heater and AC. Shore power must be connected for these to function.
- Shore power hookup on the driver side rear. Fits a standard extension cord.
- Starlink to get you internet no matter where you are
Overall it is a design that keeps it simple and efficient. It feels finished and comfortable, has everything you need accessible for living or travel, and is easy to maintain thanks to no overly complicated systems buried in the build. Systems are serviceable, simple, accessible, and have room for expansion.
The Details:
Plumbing:
- Three 7gal fresh water tanks and one 7gal grey
- Sediment filter
- 12v pump and pre pressure chamber
- Acuva UV filter
- All flexible tubing to prevent the possibility of cracked lines or freeze damage
Electrical:
- Renogy Rover 60A
- Bluetooth addon
- 5 Renogy 100w solar panels on roof
- 3 Renogy 100ah lithium batteries. Located under the bed and sectioned off for safety
- Renogy 3000w inverter
- Fuzebox
- 2 Cut-off switches. One for the panels and one for the batteries
- 2 individual (in line and replaceable) fuses for batteries and solar panels
- Grounded to frame
- 120v outlet with two USB ports near floor on decorative wall
- 120v power in the desk/TV area
Additional items:
- Starlink. Mounts to the roof and has a weather resistant sealed opening for the cable
- Dometic CFX3 45 Fridge
- Jetboil Base camp stove
- Natures Head Composting Toilet
- Bug Wall for side door installed (Zipper)
- Extra bug wall for side door (magnet version – brand new / never used)
- Fire extinguisher
- CO2 sensor
- Roof exit kit for Cubic mini wood stove (I never used it)
- Dewalt Battery Powered Vacuum
- All bedding and pillows shown
- First aid kit and cleaning supplies
- Set of plates, tableware, and cooking utensils
- Blackout covers for cab windows
The mechanical:
Mercedes Sprinter 2500 High top RWD V6 170wb
155,000 miles
The mileage may seem high, however; a lot of the work that pops up around this mileage has been taken care of. The van has been regularly serviced and systems that were worn or on their way out have been replaced. Most notably a brand new engine was put in at 122,000 miles (debris fell in during an intake manifold replacement and the engine was destroyed when run after), the rear axles and differential were replaced, and a new exhaust (engine to tailpipe, DPF and all) was put in this year. New BF Goodrich KO2 tires were put on this year too. Other work has been done as well for various things. All work was done professionally at Sun Motors in Mechanicsburg Pa. The van is refreshed and ready to go for its next adventure.
Two things to note: There is some wear on the driver side seat. It was like that when I purchased it and is more of a crease than anything. The seat is not falling apart or torn, just visually looks worn on the left side. Additionally there is a small chip in the windshield on the passenger side (stone on the highway). It was professionally sealed and hasn’t given me any trouble.
If you have any questions or are interested please let me know!
Van is located in Carlisle Pa
