2021 Mercedes Sprinter Off-Road Full-Time Build “Serenity”

Are you looking for a full-time, four-season, off-road capable camper van? Do you know that clearance is way more important than 4WD when taking a van off road? From remote campsites in the desert to below-zero Canadian ice climbing, Serenity (https://firefly.fandom.com/wiki/Serenity) served as my home for over a year. I’m transitioning out of full-time #vanlife and she’s ready for a new crew. Here are some of the highlights of this fantastically capable van.

Professional Zero-Wood Build

Built in 2022 by Mesa Overland, there is no structural wood in this van. All the framing is welded and painted steel (20% heavier than aluminum but stronger). All the wall and floor panels are aluminum composite. Adhesives were used over screws wherever possible. This means a strong, low-to-no-maintenance build that doesn’t start to squeak like a bucket of mice after a couple years of jostling on dirt roads.

Off-Road Capability

Serenity has a 2” VanCompass lift with 33” tires (the max size for a Sprinter) and upgraded Black Rhino wheels. With a long wheelbase and tall body, vans like this will never be as capable as trucks or Jeeps, so 4WD is overkill, except in deep snow. But high clearance lets you roll over obstacles and maximize breakover/approach/departure angles, much more critical navigating trails. Do you really want to pay $30-40k more for something you might use 0.1% of the time? I didn’t and never regretted it.

Full-Time Features

With insane amounts of storage for a 144” van, I fit skis, alpine climbing gear, ice climbing gear, summer and winter clothing, food for weeks, and water for even longer. I could have even added a mountain bike or two under the bed. In -11*F, I was toasty from the diesel heater while making a pizza in the oven and streaming a movie over the integrated Starlink. When I threw an 8-hour desert dance party with two huge subwoofers, lighting, two DJ’s equipment, and Starlink running the whole time, I barely got below 60% battery and fully recharged from solar the next day.

Specs and Features

2021 Mercedes Sprinter 2500 High Roof 144”

26,000 miles

Blind Spot Assist

360* camera

Heated seats

Adaptive cruise control

Navigation

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto

Black Rhino upgraded wheels

32” 285/70/17 All Terrain tires

2” Van Compass Striker Suspension Lift

Owl Vans Explorer Ladder and Tire Carrier

Flatline Van Company Standard Roof Rack

Starlink Roof Mount with integrated wiring

Zero structural wood

Strong and lightweight welded furniture

Composite wall, ceiling, and floor panels for low thermal transfer

Thinsulate wall and ceiling insulation

Rattle trap soundproofing

Sunbrella high strength fabric on walls and ceiling panels

Side flares to accommodate an RV queen bed (75” long)

Front passenger and driver swivel seats

Lagun table and mount

2x Maxx Air vent fans

Van Life insulated window covers for all windows

Upgraded speakers and added subwoofer

2x200ah lithium batteries

Victron MultiPlus II 3000W inverter

Victron SmartSolar 100 | 50 charge controller 50a

Victron Orion-Tr Smart 12 | 12 – 30 alternator charger 30a

500W solar

Insulated marine wiring throughout

Autoterm Air 2D diesel heater

Autoterm Flow 5D diesel coolant heater for engine preheating and potable water heating

Isotherm Cruise 130 Fridge/Freezer

Greystone Gas Stove / Oven (great for pizza and cookies)

Oversized sink for easy cleanup

30 gallon fresh water

7 gallon gray water

Outdoor shower hookup

Hot/cold water at sink and shower

Huge under bed storage has 38” clearance to fit mountain bikes

Ski storage passthrough under cabinets