There are many ways to shape the interior of a campervan to accommodate as many people as possible. So if you love family adventures, you can be sure to find a configuration that can accommodate even larger families. Take this vehicle as an example: it can accommodate and sleep six people inside.
What we have here is a 2021 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter with a 170″ wheelbase transformed into a handy tiny home on wheels. It was converted by Bo and Raiy, a couple known online as Bo Chuon Outdoors Van Build. They started out building their own camper and now share their DIY knowledge online for all to see.
As usual, I'll start the tour from the outside. As Bo said, this vehicle is a crew van, which means it has two windows on the sides and an extra bench seat inside. However, Bo has installed two additional windows on the sides for more light and better airflow inside.
On the passenger side, Bo has installed three aluminum steps (two on the sides and one in the rear) to facilitate access to the interior of the vehicle. Additionally, a Prime Design aluminum ladder is located in the rear.
Climb up to the roof and you’ll discover a FVC (Flatline Van Co.) roof rack that holds two solar panels, six spotlights, and a 42-inch (106-centimeter) light bar up front. Exterior lighting is no problem in this camper, as the pod lights and light bar provide 360-degree visibility at night. Other notable features on the roof include a Maxxair fan and a 12 VA/C.
Photo: YouTube Screenshot / Bo Chuon Outdoors Van Construction
Open the entrance and you will be greeted by an open and well-equipped living space. In addition, you will see that the interior has an open layout, which means that the cockpit is not separated by a wall.
Of course, if you want to travel safely with a family of six, you need some additional sturdy seats. This van has a three-person bench seat right in front as you enter, and a two-person bench seat further back. So, five people can sit here, while two more can sit up front (including the driver). The large bench also serves as a sleeping arrangement.
The driver's cab remained as it was, with the exception of two modifications. Bo installed swivel bases for the two seats, allowing them to be turned towards the passengers. He also installed an Espar diesel heater with automatic elevation adjustment under the passenger seat.
All the seats in this vehicle take up a lot of space, but Bo still found some room to store the essentials of van life. Behind the three-person bench, he designed the simplest kitchen, with a sink integrated into a 24-inch (61-centimeter) countertop, a small cabinet, and a 900-watt stainless steel microwave. Plus, there’s a large overhead shelf and three overhead cabinets for storage.
Photo: YouTube Screenshot / Bo Chuon Outdoors Van Construction
To keep the kids entertained or to kill time in the van, Bo installed a 24-inch flip-up smart TV. Next to it, you'll see the A/C mentioned earlier.
Behind the small kitchen counter, you will find the platform bathroom. It boasts waterproof walls that imitate wood, a shower with an acrylic tub, an LED ceiling light and a Nautilus self-cleaning shower door.
On the opposite side, Bo has designed a large counter that integrates a large Dometic CRX 110 refrigerator/freezer. In addition, a control panel on top allows you to operate all the vehicle's systems: it consists of light switches, a heating controller and a battery monitor.
Finally, the living/sleeping area occupies the rear of the cabin. Bo has devised a clever configuration that can accommodate the entire group of six during the day and comfortably accommodate them for sleeping at night.
Photo: YouTube Screenshot / Bo Chuon Outdoors Van Construction
Bo has installed two upper bunk beds of different sizes. The one on the passenger side is larger, measuring 75 x 25 inches (190 x 63 centimeters), while the other is 68 x 25 inches (172 x 63 centimeters).
They are mounted on the walls, but are also supported by straps attached to the ceiling via hooks that can hold up to 1,200 lbs (544 kg). The nice part is that they can be partially folded down to create extra space and to ensure you don’t bang your head on them.
Below, you will notice a U-shaped sofa and a huge revolving table in the center, mounted on one of the benches. It certainly offers enough space for six people to sit,
Transforming your living room into a bedroom is easy. All you have to do is remove the table top, attach it between the benches to connect them, and rearrange the cushions. Then, add some bedding and you’re ready to go. While I don’t know the exact dimensions, this bed appears to be queen-sized and can sleep up to three people.
Photo: YouTube Screenshot / Bo Chuon Outdoors Van Construction
As expected in this type of configuration, the bench seats house the utility system. The passenger bench hides the electrical system: its highlights are three 100Ah BattleBorn lithium batteries, a 3,000W inverter, a 30-amp solar charge controller, and a DC-DC charger.
Then, you can charge the batteries using solar power, the vehicle's alternator, or shore power. The opposite bench houses the fresh water tanks: one holds 20 gallons (75 liters), while the other can hold 15 gallons (56 liters).
The small kitchen I introduced earlier is not enough to cook meals for an entire family. It does not offer enough preparation space and does not have the equipment to cook.
That's why Bo came up with a different solution: a pull-out kitchen built into the rear bench. It features a two-burner propane stove/sink combo and offers a little extra storage.
Photo: YouTube Screenshot / Bo Chuon Outdoors Van Construction
Other notable features in the rear of this camper include some 240V and USB outlets and a tankless water heater connected to an outdoor shower.
All in all, Bo has made the most of the space available in this mobile home by creating an efficient and well-organized layout. While you won’t be able to live in this camper full-time as a family, it’s definitely suitable for weekend getaways or even week-long road trips where you can create memories that will last a lifetime.
