If you have no experience building, building your own camper may seem like an impossible task. According to most of the van lifers I’ve written about, it’s really difficult but not impossible. With the right mindset, preparation, and research, you can definitely do it yourself. Today, I’m looking at the perfect example that demonstrates what I just said above: a camper built by a couple with zero DIY experience.
Meet Killian, Rosanna, and their full-time tiny home on wheels, a converted 2014 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter with a 170″ wheelbase. During the pandemic lockdown, they purchased this van and decided to convert it over the winter.
However, as is often the case, they couldn’t do it that quickly, mostly because they were complete novices at building things. This is something to keep in mind if you’re a beginner: not only do you have to put in the time to build, but you also have to learn how to do everything. Be prepared for a lot of mistakes along the way, which is by far the best way to learn.
It took them about three years to complete the project. They taught themselves how to do everything using YouTube videos. I would say that the time, money and energy they invested was definitely worth it – I think you will agree with me after taking a look at their setup.
As usual, I'll start the tour from the outside. The van is equipped with BFGoodrich all-terrain tires, which are useful for off-road driving and give the vehicle a more rugged look, especially when paired with black rims.
Photo: YouTube Screenshot / Jolene
The pair painted the Sprinter van with Raptor Liner, a waterproof coating that protects the vehicle from minor scratches and dents. Other notable exterior features include an LED light above the windshield and three solar panels on the roof with a total capacity of 480W.
Now, let's get in on the left side of the vehicle, as it is a right-hand drive van. The couple's goal with the interior conversion was to have the most spacious and bright space possible. They also wanted separate sleeping and seating areas, as well as a bathroom.
Upon entering, you will notice that the interior has a closed layout – from “Closed,” I mean the cockpit is separated from the living space by a wall. However, behind the passenger seat, Rosanna and Killian have created a pass-through door for easier access to the cockpit.
When they want more privacy or block out the light coming from the front of the van, they can pull a large curtain that closes off the passage. Also, above, you will notice a cubicle where the couple stores their bedding.
Photo: YouTube Screenshot / Jolene
The couple made several modifications to the cockpit. They removed the original seats and replaced them with two seats mounted on swivel bases. They also installed a pop-up ceiling and an aftermarket radio with Apple CarPlay.
Right in front of the entrance, you will discover the bathroom of the platform, surprisingly spacious. Also, I love its aesthetics: the walls have pink tiles and are partly covered with metal cover plates, and the shower is made of copper.
The bathroom has an open design, which means that two of its walls (the ones facing inward) do not reach the ceiling. A curtain attached to a rod high up will ensure that water does not splash around when you shower.
The bathroom fits perfectly with the rest of the interior design, which features tongue-and-groove wood throughout. Rosanna and Killian went for a classy look, creating a dark slatted ceiling with built-in LED lights, as well as custom slatted cabinets that run on both sides of the living space, from front to back. They’re paired with white walls with overlapping planks for a brighter look.
Photo: YouTube Screenshot / Jolene
The most distinctive aesthetic detail of this vehicle is the parquet floor made of real recycled oak wood, which matches superbly with the classy interior design. It is not a popular choice for van lifers, as it adds a lot of weight to the vehicles and is probably not waterproof.
Walk past the bathroom and you’ll find yourself in the kitchen, which is split into two parts. It features a deep round sink, a knife block, a three-burner stove/oven combo, and a decent-sized 60-liter fridge/freezer. Under the sink, the duo installed a Truma heating system, which provides both hot air and hot water.
Counter space on the driver’s side of the kitchen, where the oven and sink are located, is limited, so the couple designed a large work surface on the opposite side, which has enough space to prepare even the largest meals.
The rest of the kitchen space is taken up by a large cabinet, three drawers, and a pull-out pantry that offers plenty of storage. With ten cabinets (five on each side), you probably won't have any trouble carrying the essentials aboard this camper.
Photo: YouTube Screenshot / Jolene
The next and final part of the living space of this van is the lounge area in the back. It consists of a large U-shaped sofa with a huge oak table in the center. Of course, the lounge can be transformed into a large bed by removing the table leg, inserting the table top between the benches and rearranging the cushions.
Two windows, one on each side, let plenty of light into the bedroom. Other notable features include a Maxxair fan overhead and two USB charging points.
As with other RVs, you’ll find some of the utility systems housed in the living room benches. The power system is inside the passenger-side bench, and its highlights include a 216Ah lithium battery, a 1,200W inverter, a DC-DC charger, and a solar charge controller that connects to the roof’s solar panels. It’s not that powerful, but it provides enough juice to power the comforts of the vehicle.
The bench on the opposite side contains a 21-gallon (80-liter) fresh water tank. Additionally, all the water the couple uses in the sink and kitchen drains into a gray water tank mounted underneath.
Photo: YouTube Screenshot / Jolene
All in all, to be honest, this doesn’t look like it was built by inexperienced people: Rosanna and Killian have done a stellar job. Their mobile abode is cozy, homely, and spacious, and offers plenty of useful amenities that make full-time van living not only doable, but enjoyable.
What makes this project even more impressive is the budget it was built for. Rosanna and Killian bought the van for $10,000 (€9,159) and invested another $15,000 (€13,738) in its conversion. It’s a fantastic deal: they managed to keep costs down by thrifting and creatively upcycling items, like the sink, and using reclaimed wood for the floor and table.
