Another awesome build from Cave Creek Custom Vans! This 2025 170 AWD high roof Sprinter 2500 was converted into a beautiful custom home on wheels. This is not a boring cookie cutter van built with cheap materials on an assembly line. We put our hearts into this one! We have used solid hardwoods such as hickory and maple, live edge floor to ceiling pieces, and top of the line subsystems, in a pass-through design that comes from builders who actually have lived in a van.
Mercedes Van
We solely build on the Mercedes Sprinter AWD chassis, it’s simply the best for conversions. This van has all the convenience and comfort packages including digital screen rear view mirror, 360 degree cameras, and all the other Sprinter upgrades offered by Mercedes.
Happijac Bed Lift System
The heart of our layout is the Happijac full sized bed lift that allows for a residential mattress rather than some 4 inch segmented pad. The chain drive system is bulletproof and is operated electrically (there is also a manual bypass mode). The bed is strong enough to be used at any height, not just in the fully lowered position like belt operated models. When the bed is not in use, it can be raised to the ceiling, opening up the van to a true pass-through layout utilizing the entire van for people’s movement; the back door becomes a second entrance. A bed lift also allows the space underneath to be used for living rather than inefficient ‘garage’ space. Live edge Acacia wood is used for the bed posts, which also creates the feel of separate ‘room’ areas of the van.
The Lounge
With this van, we built a lounge area with a couch under the bed lift. The L-shaped couch and seat can seat 5. The table can be removed or adjusted, which allows for the couch to be used as a single bed. The large cushions are hand built custom for this van by Dorleg Creations, a luxury furniture upholsterer we work with. The large sliding windows have built-in screens. The solid bamboo floor holds up much better than cheap vinyl flooring; you can even sand and refinish it down the road. A huge storage bin with a hinged top slides out from underneath the couch, and can be used as an outdoor table.
Bulkhead
We built a bulkhead separating the cab from the back of the van. There is a pass through window for access. We can enlarge the passage to accommodate daily use if desired.
Kitchen
The kitchen is nicer than most homes! The cabinetry is custom built in-house with solid Hickory and Maple. We use Blum under mount drawer slides and hinges throughout. The two matching countertops are solid 1 1/2″ thick hardwood. The sink is from Tec Vanlife, with their innovative faucet that lowers to allows for covering with not in use (and the 54″ faucet hose can be used outside the van). The fridge is lifted off the floor for better access, creating the perfect cubby for shoes and anything you want out of the way. . Lots of storage, with deep long drawers on full extension slides. The cabinet doors provide the extra storage for larger items while providing access to the mechanical systems and water tank.
Separating the kitchen from the rear bathroom is a Nautilus retractable shower door. The built-in shower pan is located in the middle of the waterproof bathroom, with a magnetized shower curtain. The Laveo dry flush toilet is simple, easy to use, and avoids the need for a black water tank. The bathroom has a second sink with a hands free faucet. The residential shower head is a low-flow 1.8 gpm, and has a long hose that allows for use outside the rear of the van. There are two drawers next to the toilet to hold toiletries, shower curtain, and various necessities. But there never seems to be enough storage, so we added rear door mounted storage from Van Essentials. The rear doors were sprayed with modified truck bed liner, making the doors waterproof, stain-proof, and all but indestructable. The bathroom floor is a one piece Lonseal material, ensuring a strong, waterproof floor. Last but not least is a massive skylight with built in screen and blackout shade. This way, you have plenty of light, and air flow (plus an emergency exit that hopefully you will never need).
Electrical
We use the no hassle, Ecoflow system. This 48-volt, all-in-one electric system is very easy to operate, and can be controlled with a smart phone. With a massive 5000 KWh battery (can easily upgrade to 10000 KWh), a built-in 3000 inverter, and a native 48-volt cable directly powering the 13,500 BTU A/C, the demands of the modern camper van are easily met. And with three sources of power (400 watt solar panel array on the roof, 30 amp shore power with a SafePlug connector, and alternator charging), keeping the batteries topped off is easy. We put A/C outlets throughout the van, and have run extra AC and DC circuits for future needs.
Plumbing
With all the beautiful wood in our vans, the last thing our clients want to experience is water damage. That is why we designed the plumbing system entirely in the bathroom next to the shower pan. So you avoid any problems should you ever have a leak, or an in-law that opens the drainage line to ‘see what it does’ (we all have one). Marine grade components, cleanly laid out, easily accessible, which can be repaired from parts from the closest hardware store. The van has a 33 gallon fresh water tank and 28 gallon grey water tank. We can add a second 20 gallon fresh water tank if desired.
Outside
As the pictures show, truck bed liner has been applied to the high wear area, (front grill, hood, rear bumper, side lower panels, wheels). The van comes with a rear step, side steps, and a rear wheel carrier. The roof rack is fully adjustable, and low profile. We are able to add any additional exterior add-ons such as winches, awnings, etc. We have learned that for every person who wants an inconspicuous low profile van, there is someone who wants two gas cans, orange tractions boards, and 3 shovels. Whatever you want to add, let’s do it!
Other appliances
The Deisel heater runs directly off the van’s diesel tank. Internet is provided by a mini-Starlink mounted on the roof. Induction cooktop that can be stored away when not in use and a microwave mounted up and out of the way round out the kitchen appliances.
Our warranty on this van.
This van has been used solely by Cave Creek Custom Vans and all milage is from being brought to van shows around the country. The original warranty on this van from Mercedes is still in effect and can be extended. All the work performed by Cave Creek Custom Vans is warrantied for 3 years from the purchase date. In addition, we provide complimentary annual checkups to help make sure everything is working right. Our support line is the same as our main number. If you need help, we are here.
If you like our work, but want us to build a van with a different layout, or want a pop top rather than a bed lift, reach out and we will make your van BTO. Likewise, if you like 98% of this van, but want a different kitchen wall covering, we can tweak the van for you. After all, we are Cave Creek Custom Vans!
