This 2018 Mercedes Sprinter 170 van conversion features extensive Aluminess exterior upgrades including a front bumper, rear door-mounted storage boxes, side ladder, and perforated roof rack with an 80-inch open deck area behind the solar panels. The birch plywood interior includes bench seating, a fixed bed, and a kitchenette with two-burner propane cooktop, stainless steel sink, and Isotherm Cruise 130 fridge. The electrical system runs on three 100Ah BattleBorn lithium batteries with 400W of Renogy solar panels, Victron inverter/charger, and shore power capability. Additional features include an Espar diesel heater, Nature’s Head composting toilet, MaxxAir fan, and a pull-out bike storage platform in the garage area.
Sprinter with Aluminess Upgrades
Images via @thedesertcruiser
Bench Seating for Three
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Scenic Views from Seating Area
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Under-Counter Isotherm Fridge
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Two-Burner Propane Cooktop and Sink
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Pull-Out Bike Storage Platform
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Rooftop Deck Area
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Exterior Gear Storage Boxes
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Side Ladder to Roof
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Scenic Camping Setup
Images via @thedesertcruiser
Aluminess Front Bumper
Images via @thedesertcruiser
Mountain Camping Views
Images via @thedesertcruiser
Design Details
- Vehicle: 2018 Mercedes Sprinter V6 Diesel 170″ 2×4
- Mileage: 58,000 miles
- Fuel Economy: 16-19 mpg depending on terrain
- Tires: BFG All Terrain KO2 265/75/16 with full-size spare
- Exterior Upgrades: Aluminess front bumper, rear door boxes, side ladder, double loop perforated roof rack
- Roof: 4x100W Renogy solar panels, Fiamma F45s awning, 7-gallon Road Shower, WeBoost cell booster
- Rooftop Deck: 80 inches of open space behind solar panels
- Protection: Line-X sprayed over rocker panels and lower body
- Interior Construction: 3B Baltic Birch plywood, 1/4″ cedar T&G ceiling, 1/2″ pine shiplap walls
- Floor: Raised on 1x2s with 1″ Poly Iso foam insulation, vinyl sheet flooring
- Kitchen: 2-burner propane stove, Ruvati bar sink, Isotherm Cruise 130 AC/DC fridge
- Water: Six 5.3-gallon Scepter military water cans, 5.3-gallon grey water jug
- Bathroom: Nature’s Head composting toilet (inside couch)
- Sleeping: Full XL bed (full width, queen length) with storage
- Seating: Passenger swivel seat, bench seating, Sunbrella cushions
- Heating: Espar S2D2 diesel heater (tested to 11,500 ft elevation)
- Ventilation: MaxxAir fan above kitchen, CRL windows (awning and fixed)
- Electrical: 3x100Ah BattleBorn lithium batteries, Victron 2000W inverter/charger, Victron MPPT 100/30 solar controller, Victron Orion DC-DC 30A charger
- Garage: 500-lb drawer slide platform for 4 bikes with Rocky Mount mounts, fixed shelves, water can storage
- Extras: Bug screen for slider door, XPLR Outfitters window covers for all windows, dual zone light dimmer
- Availability: Contact seller for current availability
Lessons from This Build
- Aluminess Upgrades Add Utility and Protection: A coordinated exterior package of bumper, ladder, storage boxes, and roof rack transforms a stock Sprinter into an expedition-capable vehicle with accessible gear storage
- Rooftop Deck Creates Additional Living Space: Dedicating 80 inches of open roof rack behind solar panels provides a relaxation area for stargazing and scenic viewing that costs no interior square footage
- Pull-Out Bike Storage Simplifies Active Lifestyles: A 500-pound drawer slide platform that rolls out from the garage area makes loading and unloading bikes effortless compared to roof or rear-mounted racks
- Lithium Batteries Enable True Off-Grid Capability: Three 100Ah BattleBorn batteries paired with 400W of solar and a Victron system provides reliable power for extended boondocking without generator dependence
- Espar Diesel Heaters Work at High Altitude: A diesel heater that functions reliably at 11,500 feet elevation proves critical for four-season van life in mountainous regions
Learn More
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Alex
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