MY STORY
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I had the freedom to work remote. I wanted to use it while I could.
I was single. My social circle shifted with Covid. I wanted to relocate, but I wasn’t sure where.
I decided to take my life on the road so I could work anywhere while discovering new places.
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MY VANLIFE DREAM WAS BORN
I wanted a van that would allow me to:
-Travel full-time without feeling cramped or cluttered.
-Work on my laptop without hip, neck or back pain.
-Eat healthy no matter where I went.
-Explore different areas where I might live.
I put some things in storage. The rest I sold. I bought a brand new sprinter and hired a 5-star builder.
I lived vanlife full-time as a solo female traveler for 2 years.
What an adventure! I lived in a different place every day. I traveled cross country, up and down the coasts, found a new home and a new love <3
My travel chapter has ended. Maybe yours is just beginning?
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THIS VAN IS FOR YOU IF
You want to work remote.
-You have the freedom to work remote, and you want to take advantage of that while you still can. You spend a lot of time at your desk, so you need a pain-free, ergonomic workspace. This van has an adjustable height sit-stand desk with perch stool and large monitor. Plus, 2 other work areas (swivel table, lounge bed) for variety, or a guest. Escape the monotony of your routine and go live the dream!
You’re planning a travel phase.
-You’ve put aside time for extended travel. Whether 3 months or 2 years, you’ve dedicated the time and you want to do it right. This van has everything you need to live comfortably, full-time, long-term.
You don’t like cramped, cluttered vans.
-Most vans are packed tight because they’re only meant for short trips and weekends. The idea is you won’t be spending much time inside, so it doesn’t matter. But that’s too claustrophobic for long trips or full-time vanlife. This van has mid-length 170wb, high roof, and an open, spacious layout that you can breathe in.
You’re committed to eating healthy.
-If you have a special diet, or you’re just a damn good cook, you need a functional kitchen. Cook with ease: large 8.5’ counter, giant sink with mounted cutting board, and electric system that charges while you drive.
You like city and country.
-RVs are great for camping, but don’t travel well in the city. This stealth van blends into the best urban neighborhoods. Get the best of both worlds: between national park visits, pop into the fancy part of town, grab a cocktail, then simply go to bed in your parking space. No hotel, uber, or designated driver.
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SEE VIDEO
https://youtu.be/7BOBhtPT_-M
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SOLO FEMALE TRAVELER
https://youtu.be/iHjMj-k6h3c
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THE VAN
-2020 Mercedes Sprinter
-Warranty til 10/19/23 or 36k miles
-170 wheel base
-High roof
-4×4
-Diesel engine
-29K miles
-16 mpg
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THE BUILD
-Custom-made. 5-star builder Craft Autoworks in Reno
-Only 1 owner. Never rented.
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PARK ANYWHERE
-Total stealth: Park overnight anywhere a car can park
-Peace of mind: Avoid the stress of door knocks
-Rest easy: Discrete exterior passes for upscale work van
-In 2 years, I only got 1 knock, when I was being obvious
-Tip: Don’t park more than 1 night in the same spot
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CHARGE WHILE DRIVING
-Large battery bank for all-electric AC/DC system
-Recharges while you drive.
-If parked, full charge lasts 3 days with moderate use
-Does not require generator or engine running for electricity
-15-20 minutes drive per day was enough for my electrical needs.
-Note: heavy usage (AC all day, hair dryer) will drain battery faster
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PLUG IN
-Or, plug into any electrical outlet to recharge battery.
-Extension cord and adaptor included.
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SOLAR
-Detachable 200W solar panel
-Folds and stores under bed
-Set up outside and plug it in to charge van battery while boondocking
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2 SUNROOFS
-Provide natural light without compromising privacy
-Open for airflow. Built in bug screen
-Built in blinds to block light / heat from sun
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WHY NO WINDOWS?
I was very happy with my sunroofs. But anytime you are not in stealth mode, you can simply open the side and rear doors and you’ve got yourself 2 giant windows.
In stealth, windows compromise privacy, soundproofing both ways, heat insulation, make the van look like someone is living in it, and decrease your security by adding more entry points for break in.
As a solo female traveler, I felt very safe at night in my little metal box, knowing that a break in could only come from the cab, and I’d be awake, taser in hand, before anyone could get inside.
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RARE FEATURES
-Rare combination 170 wheel base plus 4×4
-Mercedes no longer makes 4×4 Sprinters!
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NO BUILD DELAY
-Don’t wait months on builder waitlists. Start your adventure now.
-New van build will depreciate 35-40% in 2-3 years. Ouch.
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GET MORE MILES
-Diesel engines last 300-500K miles
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TRAVEL IN COMFORT
-Lounge with a book: Bed rises at head and feet. Open the back door and take in the breeze.
-Lay back on the bench: It’s long and wide enough to sleep on. Swivel the monitor to face backwards, put some snacks on the table, and watch a movie.
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STRETCH OUT
-Stand tall: High roof allows over 6’ standing space
-More length: 170wb (mid length) is spacious but easily drivable / parkable
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TRAVEL IN LUXURY
-I am a designer. I chose every element for beauty AND durability
“I’ve seen a lot of builds, but this is the most beautiful.” -Staff member at Off Grid Adventure Vans
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DURABILITY
-Built to last: Top appliances and quality materials
-Formica cabinets will hurt you more than you hurt them. In 2 years, I’ve barely nicked them
-Suede walls highly stain resistant despite light color. I once spilled a bowl of soup on the wall. Cleaned off without a trace, miraculously.
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DESK
-No hip/back pain: Adjustable height sit-stand desk reduces chronic pain
-Eye-level monitor prevents computer neck
-Perch stool for better spinal posture
-Desktop: 32” x 23″
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INTERNET
-Weboost signal booster increases phone signal for better hotspot
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FRESH WATER
-22 gallon tank
-Want more? Option to add 2nd fresh water tank (not included) for 44 gallons total. -Space allocated and pipes set up. Just add tank.
-Water filter prevents plastic taste
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KITCHEN
-Giant 28” sink with hose sprayer
-Save water: Easily fits 2 wash bins for easy dishwashing
-Fridge with 2 compartments. Reduce temperature for freezer option.
-Butcher block counters easily restored with hand-sanding
-Electric induction cooktop stores in drawer, keeping counters clear
-22 gallon gray water tank
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HOT WATER
-Use water heater for dishes or bathing
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COMPOST TOILET
-Separates liquids and solids
-Dump liquid jug in any public toilet
-Peat moss in solids tank magically composts your poo
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POOP IN THE LIVING ROOM?
The toilet is in a pullout drawer in the living area. This was never a problem for me. If I had company, I would simply ask them to go for a walk, or step into cab behind curtain. But most of the time we were out and about and didn’t need to poop in the van.
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TABLE AND BENCH
-Lagun table moves in all directions for many positions
-Long, wide bench with cushions doubles as a spare bed (74” x 21”)
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BED
-6′ long x 4.5′ wide
-Discreet flares allow for 6’ bed height
-Bed lifts at head or feet for lounging, reading, laptop work
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BATHTUB?
-Climb in! Giant sink doubles as a bath
-Sink 28x16x10 with long flexible hose sprayer
-Max weight: 125lbs
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SHOWER
-While camping, use outdoor shower
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NO INDOOR SHOWER?
Indoor shower stalls make a van feel crowded. Plus, they can drain a lot of water. Fresh water refills can be hard to find and pricey. I found it easier and cheaper to shower at planet fitness. No gym nearby? I just wash up in the sink.
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STORAGE
-Travel safe: Strap track under bed allows stored items to be secured
-Additional storage space above the cab, plus cabinets and top shelves
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TV
-Connect monitor to your laptop for movie nights
-Monitor turns to face bench or bed
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KEEP WARM
-Heater runs off diesel (with engine off)
-Use space heater (electric, included) if plugged into power
-I used heater only if below 40
-Sunroofs warm van like a greenhouse when shades open
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KEEP COOL
-AC runs off battery (with engine off, no generator)
-Note: All day AC usage will drain the battery in a day, unless you recharge it
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DIMMER SWITCH
-Lighting adjustable for brightness and warm or cool
-Brighten up with high, cool lights for the workday
-Set the mood with low, warm light in the evening
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INCLUDES
-Leveling blocks
-Battery powered fan
-Filtered hose to fill fresh water
-Extension cord / adapter to plug into outlet or campsite
-Electric space heater (in addition to built in heater)
-Fire and co detector
-Double layer blackout thermal curtains
