The USS SpaceGhost is a planetary exploration vehicle that was designed and built by Intergalactic Campervan to enable you to explore this strange world, to seek out new life and new civilizations, and to boldly go wherever it is you want to go.
The chassis of the USS SpaceGhost is a 2014 Mercedes Sprinter 170 2500. We use the Sprinter because it is such an incredibly solid platform. This van came to us with a little over 100,000 miles, but these should get a million miles with normal maintenance. That means you should still be able to circumnavigate the planet 36 times. The vehicle has been fully inspected and any issues addressed by Mercedes Benz of Kansas City. It carries a 3 yr/30,000 mile warranty on the emissions and related systems.
Additionally, it has been appraised at $125,000 by a certified appraiser, and it is currently insured at that amount. Copy of the appraisal available on request.
Let’s start with the exterior. We have kept the exterior modifications subtle on the SpaceGhost. We upgraded the suspension for a safe and comfortable ride with a Stage 2 kit from Van Compass. The suspension is tuned to the weight distribution of the completed campervan build. Line X has been applied on the lower third of the vehicle so that your off road adventures shouldn’t leave their mark. We have aluminum side steps and a hitch mounted rear step. We also added an electronic brake controller so that you can tow a vehicle or trailer safely. We added sliding vent windows from Motion Windows to the front quarterpanels and Mercedes glass to the back, and we installed three MaxxAir fans in the roof. You can’t have too many options for ventilation. We have plenty of additional storage with a large box on the back door and a full roof rack, both from Aluminess. We have 420 watts of solar mounted on the roof rack. These are walkable, flexible panels from Merlin, so that roof rack is completely free to use during transport. It also makes a great deck for sunsets and stargazing. We also have a WeBoost antenna mounted all the way in back on the roof rack to help keep you in touch when you are out exploring. The vehicle ladder is retractable and kept inside for security.
Moving inside the USS SpaceGhost you will find a comfortable and well appointed interior. We took our build inspiration from the marine world because boats are intended to handle whatever they encounter and last a lifetime. Unfortunately, we have found that’s not usually the approach in the RV world.
We used marine grade plywood everywhere it comes into contact with metal and anywhere that might get damp or wet. All of the framing is attached to the vehicle using high strength urethane adhesive and the framing in the ceiling and walls is further reinforced using rivnuts and screws. The vehicle is insulated using closed cell spray foam, and areas that need to remain accessible are insulated with rock wool. We also have a full set of insulated window coverings from the Wanderful Company. This results in what is essentially a giant Yeti cooler, keeping the outside outside and the inside however you want it.
Moving from stem to stern, the cockpit has an upgraded Pioneer head unit for wireless Apple Carplay and Android Auto, and we added bluetooth steering wheel controls. You can’t explore the galaxy without a proper soundtrack, and this generation of Sprinter comes stock with the worst head unit in human history. We added some CalTrend DuraPlus seat covers because Sprinter seats aren’t really adventure proof otherwise. There is an overhead shelf above and WeatherTech floor liners below. Both seats swivel around to become part of the cabin, giving you comfortable seating for 6-7 people. Immediately behind the front seats is an elevated foot rest that opens to reveal a storage compartment.
The cabin is finished in neutral colors with ample warm LED lighting throughout. The lighting is split into several zones with switches located conveniently where you need them to be. There are two mounting locations for Lagun table, so you can place that where you need it or stow it in the rear of the vehicle. There are 3 MaxxAir fans and a Sirocco fan so that you can move the air in, out, and around this cabin however you see fit. We used Lifeproof vinyl flooring for a rugged but warm finish on the floors, and there is ample storage throughout the cabin. All of the cabinet doors and drawers feature push lockable knobs so that they are secure on the road but easy to access.
On the driver’s side, the port side if we are continuing with the boat shtick, we have a couch that contains all of our major electrical components, the battery bank, the diesel heater, and some additional storage.
Speaking of the electrical system, this system is robust, and it follows a wiring diagram from Explorist.life. The USS SpaceGhost has 400ah of lithium batteries from BattleBorn. The battery bank is charged either by the Sprinter’s engine via a Victron DC/DC charger, by the sun via the 420 watts of solar through a Victron MPPT charge controller, or from shore power via the external 30amp socket through the Victron Multiplus 2000 watt inverter. It is monitored using the Victron BMV 712, so you can monitor and control everything using the Victron app on your phone. You should never be without power.
Moving right along, the back of the couch is a full-sized Murphy bed. This allows you to go from couch to bed mode in a few seconds, maximizing both your living and sleeping space without any hassle at all. In bed mode you have access to an additional 12v outlet and overhead lighting, and you have large vented windows on both sides of the bed.
Continuing on this side we have more storage. The fuse panel and control panels for the diesel heater, inverter, and battery monitor are mounted here. Toward the rear we have upper cabinets facing in and a large rearward facing cabinet for larger items like a foldable firepit, our Moonshade awning, chairs, etc.
Opposite the couch is the galley. The countertops are birch butcher block. The bench opens to reveal the larger side of a Dometic CFX 75. The 75 liter fridge is on heavy duty sliders so that you can access the smaller/freezer side. You can also use the top of the Dometic as additional seating. All of the cooking is electric. The drawer to the left of the farmhouse sink contains the induction cooktop and convection toaster oven. Behind the counter are 12v DC outlets, 110v GFI AC outlets, storage for small items and a patinaed magnet wall. It’s actually insulated behind this rustic looking sheet metal. So, don’t worry. That’s not the state of the van. It just looks cool. The switches to the right of the counter control the water heater, water pump, and the water tank valves. Need to dump the fresh water or grey water, just flip the switch. Inside the galley is storage, the water pump, and the 3L electric water heater. The USS SpaceGhost has 22 gallons of fresh water mounted internally and 25 gallons mounted under the vehicle.
To the rear of the galley is the large bathroom. This room has a self-cleaning retractable Nautilus door. The ceramic tile on the walls is mounted and finished with flexible acrylic grout to WEDI board, so it is waterproof, light weight, flexible and strong. The butcher block bench is coated in epoxy resin. The mixing valve enables you to set your temperature on the right and then control the flow of water with the knob on the left or with the shower head. This helps you to maximize your efficiency with water consumption. The shower pan is epoxied fiberglass. On the floor of the shower is a teak matt, and mounted to the matt is an Airhead composting toilet. The airhead can remain in place while you shower, but it can also be removed if you need more room in the shower or for cleaning. The MaxxAir fan here is perfect for venting that humid shower air right out of the vehicle.
At the rear of the vehicle, the stern if you will, is where we store the retractable ladder. There is also a large area for carrying whatever cargo you require for your adventure and retractable hooks hanging storage. On the starboard side is a small door that contains the outside shower and the fresh water fill. Inside this cabinet is storage for the water components and the valves for the outdoor shower.
As you can see, this is a campervan designed and built to enable you to explore this strange world, to seek out new life and new civilizations, and to boldly go wherever it is you want to go and to enjoy your destination in comfort and style.
