Sample Build

Detailed Description 

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Ready for a deep dive into the minutia of one of my vans?  Here is a detailed description and thorough run through of all the various systems and components in this specific van.

 

This Mercedes Sprinter conversion was thoughtfully designed, methodically engineered, and meticulously constructed to be the ultimate expression of a 144 length, off grid camper van. The high functioning utility of the various systems coupled with a gorgeous interior much more akin to a fine home than a typical RV set this van apart. With tons of useful storage in the fully custom, yet light weight cabinetry, a deluxe kitchen area with sink, cooktop, fridge, microwave and plenty of counter space, a queen size bed, expansive seating options, and an indoor convertible shower in the bench seat, this van truly has it all. The 36 gallons of fresh water, plus 6 more in the propane fired water heater, 400 watts of solar on the roof rack, 400ah of lithium battery, DC/DC charging by the van alternator, and low amp draw appliances and LED lighting, easily allow for extended periods of time off grid with the only real limit being your food supply and access to water.

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Meticulous attention to detail is clearly evident anywhere you look in this van. I am obsessive about quality in my builds and every detail is built to the highest standards, and not just the final finishes, but the “hidden” work as well. I am a former designer and builder of fine custom homes and condos, and I bring decades of building and design experience to my Sprinter conversions.

All work complies with Mercedes Benz issued Body and Equipment Guide for Upfitters.

There is an abundance of storage throughout the van - Overhead cabinets run the entire length of the drivers side of the van and up to the slider on the passenger side. A pullout pantry and huge drawer in the galley kitchen, another large drawer below the bench seat, plus a shoe storage cubby below the shower base complete the forward storage areas. A cavernous package tray above the drivers and passengers heads provides a ton of super useful additional storage space, as well as a mount for the included privacy curtain that covers the entire front passenger/drivers compartment. This curtain is very helpful for both ease of use for privacy, as well as heat control in the main cabin. There is an additional “hidden” storage well for less commonly used items in the blind corner of the bench seating area.

Access to all major plumbing and electrical connections for servicing has been designed into the cabinetry. Should you need to work on any of the systems, access has been provided to facilitate the work without major de-construction of the van interior.

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Interior Features:

Convertible shower in bench seat - Lift the lid, connect the shower curtain to clips on the ceiling, and shower away in private. One piece stainless steel shower pan and “Dumawall” waterproof shower wall tiles for a stylish, yet functional look, with zero grout to fail over time. Marine grade brass mixing valve and Kohler hand shower connection port.

“Vanspeed” fiberglass body extensions allow for “sideways”/ transverse sleeping in the rear of a Sprinter - a truly tremendous space savings while still allowing for a queen size bed. High quality slider windows with bug screens and magnetic, insulated, blackout window covers in both capsules.

Full custom baltic birch 1/2 inch cabinetry, with 3/4 inch doors on upper cabinets to allow for quality European style hinges. All casework is edge banded and painted with high quality enamel cabinet paint. Construction is pocket screws, glue, and stainless steel 90 degree corner braces for attachment, all of which provides for rock solid stability.

Stunning, hand selected vertical grain Douglas Fir ceiling and wall treatment. All transitions are finished with aluminum accent strips for a finished, professional look. Smith and Fong Plyboo bamboo counters, pullout drawer table and Lagun table. Lagun table mount on end of galley kitchen behind drivers seat for usage with the swivel seats as well as for additional counter/prep area. Additional Lagun table mount on the end of the shower base/seat for use with passenger swivel or outdoor usage.

Rubber “penny round” style waterproof flooring.
 


Caramel color leatherette upholstery on high density foam cushions.




Queen size high density foam with laminated memory foam topper mattress. Aluminum extrusion struts for bed platform supports.

Adhesive mat style high density sound deadening thru out. 3M thinsulate insulation thru out. Additional layer of Reflectix between wall paneling and insulation. Stays cool in the heat and warm and cozy in the winter.

Black quartz deep sink with removable stainless steel strainer in drain to help keep food debris out of the grey tank. Black swivel faucet. Countertop mounted soap dispenser.

Dometic two burner propane stove with heavy duty cast iron continuous grate. Push button igniter.

900 watt overhead microwave. Really handy for re- heating, cooking, and nachos!

Isotherm 2.3 CU 12v. Full Depth Marine Refrigerator - very low amp draw fridge with small freezer means ice cream while on the road! :). This fridge and its low power consumption coupled with its high efficiency and impressive capacity is a game changer.

All interior lights, including bed lights, are dimmable. Ceiling, toe kick and under cabinet lights are recessed in aluminum enclosures with clear diffusers for a clean, modern look.

Extensive Usb charging ports type A and C (12v and 110v) thru out the van. You will always have a charging source at hand wherever you are in the van

Velit 12 volt A.C. unit. Super high efficiency unit allows for true “off grid” A.C. without being plugged in to shore power.

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Cabinet mounted gauges/monitors/switches control panel for a clean, uncluttered interior.


Control panel includes:

- Victron Digital Multi Control GX panel for remote control of garage mounted Victron MultiPlus charger inverter.

- Victron BMV 712 smart/bluetooth battery monitor. Bluetooth enabled for app/tablet monitoring.

-  KUS marine grade water tank level gauge (and sender).

-  Suburban hot water heater on/off switch.

-  Mopeka propane tank level monitor.

-  On/off switch panel with circuit breakers for fridge, water pump, cabin heater and spare.

Dometic cassette toilet lives in shower base when not being used.

Maxxfan ceiling fan, with rain guard allow usage while it’s raining without leaks.

Suburban 6 gallon propane water heater for “always on” hot water in sink and rear exterior shower with zero burden on your batteries. This water heater allows for far greater freedom, compared to a hydronic or electric powered system, when it comes to extended time off grid in areas or times when you don't have good solar coverage. Water tank has been plumbed to allow for easy winterization of the van - the water tank can be isolated from the rest of the water system via brass ballcock valves to keep the potable antifreeze used in winterizing the water system from causing

damage to the water heater. Access is via large cabinet door below sink.


 


Diesel heater with wall mounted led controller and remote control, and vent in the toe kick of the bench seat base.

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Garage Features:

Huge garage designed for folks who want to bring all their toys along for the adventure! Inside, secure space for two (or three if you are careful) full size mountain bikes with front wheels removed, and/or tons of open space for whatever toys you travel with.

Expansive storage well/shelf above water tank - great for packs and duffels. Additional smaller storage cubby for more gear and general usage.

Propane cabinet with 10 lb. tank with Marshall Excelsior two stage regulator. Continuous stainless steel clad supply line from tank to water heater location where the supply line tees off to stove and water heater with additional stainless steel clad lines.

High quality marine, chrome mixing valve and stainless steel quick connector for rear shower head.

Electrical cabinet with bypass doors for easy access to battery and electrical components. Fully vented for proper air flow to electrical components.

Led tape light around ceiling perimeter. 12v charging port and 120v duplex outlet.

 

Electrical System:

Meticulously designed and assembled for ultimate function, safety, and efficiency. With 400 amp hours of lithium ion battery and 400 watts of high efficiency solar panels, coupled with a very low daily amp draw due to the high efficiency of the fridge, low draw led lighting, and propane for cooking/ water heating, this configuration easily allows for extended off grid time, even in cloudy conditions, and if the sun is out you likely won’t ever be limited for power.

Full suite of Victron Energy controllers:

Victron MultiPlus Compact 2000 watt inverter/ charger controller - (newest U.L. listed version) True sine wave inverter, battery charger, with adaptive charge technology, and fully automated and nearly instantaneous switching to shore power/house connection. Auto switching to inverter when shore power is interrupted or disconnected. This unit makes the electrical system operate perfectly without any daily user input - it figures out what is happening at any given moment and makes the appropriate connections to always maintain power where it is needed.

Smart Solar MPPT 100/30 solar controller. Bluetooth enabled for app/ tablet monitoring. Wired with inline circuit breaker for shut off if needed.

Victron Orion Tr smart 12/12-30 Isolated DC/DC charger. Allows safe charging of the house battery via the van’s engine alternator. Wired with inline circuit breaker for shut off if needed, in addition to midi fuse at Mercedes approved power tap connection. Bluetooth enabled for app/ tablet monitoring.

Victron BMV 712 smart shunt for battery monitor. Bluetooth enabled for app/tablet monitoring. 400ah lithium battery.





2x Newpowa 200 watt monocrystalline solar panels.

“Blue Sea” fuse panel and main fuse block. Individual circuits/fuses for cabin heater, water pump, fridge, fan, stove, water heater, ceiling lights, 12v. outlets, garage 12v. Fully labeled for reference. Wired with inline circuit breaker for shut off if needed

Marine grade master “on/off” cut off switch and circuit breakers.

All 12v. wiring is highest quality marine grade tinned copper wiring in appropriate gauges for the usage. All 120v. wiring is the proper, flexible SO cord in appropriate gauges for usage.

Oversized 4/0 welding cable for battery connections to inverter.

“Square D” 120v. circuit breaker panel - 30 amp shore power connection breaker

and tandem 20 amp breakers for 110v. outlets.

 

Plumbing:

Huge, 36 gallon “Northwest Conversions” fresh water tank. Allows space savings by placing over and around the wheel well, as well as improved handling when centered over rear axle and balanced by battery and electronics over opposite axle. Vented for proper function. Exterior side mounted,locking water fill for convenience and safety in case of over filling (it happens!) Tank drain with brass ballcock valve.

11 gallon “Northwest Conversions” dedicated grey water tank for shower, mounted under the van between the frame rails and slider door - does not protrude past the frame rails for no issues with clearance. Drain includes threaded fitting for attaching a hose to facilitate draining.

15 gallon grey water tank for sink mounted beneath van on drivers side - does not protrude past the frame rails for no issues with clearance. Drain includes threaded fitting for attaching a hose to facilitate draining.

Shurflo 4008 water pump with accumulator tank. Pump has been plumbed with upstream and downstream brass ballcock valves for easy servicing of the pump area and components should the need arise.

Full PEX plumbing for hot and cold supply. Sink drain includes a proper p-trap for isolation of gray water tank smells. All ballcock valves are brass for long term durability.

 

Exterior Features:

Fiama F45s retractable awning - a super solid awning made even easier to use with the included Fiama body mounts that allow super quick setup by attaching the support legs securely to the side of the van - no messing around with staking out the legs which is especially helpful on rocky ground or concrete (God forbid!)


BF Goodrich All Terrain TA KO3 radials.

Custom, aluminum roof rack with aluminum crossbars. Aluminum ladder for roof access via rear door. LED light bar on front of rack, and two Hella LED off road lights on custom aluminum bracket on front bumper.

Waterproof LED rack lighting above passenger door, drivers side, and rear facing for around camp use. Waterproof under step tape lighting at slider door for more subtle, but super useful down lighting. Each light individually switched.

Factory installed tow hitch. Includes factory wiring harness for towing.

All nuts, bolts, screws, washers, brackets, etc. in the van and outside, are stainless steel for long- term durability.