Introducing Matt, Erin, Amy, and Taylor and their mobile sanctuary known as “Vanilla.” This converted 2015 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 515 provides 10 square meters (108 square feet) of interior space. Unlike the majority of van dwellers I typically write about who reside in the United States, this family embarks on adventures throughout South Africa.
Before we delve into the details of their setup, let me share the cost of constructing this van. The couple reached out to a dealership to acquire this Sprinter van. After explaining their intentions for the vehicle, the dealership generously offered them a discount even greater than what the family had anticipated. They spent R380,000 (approximately $20,125) on the van. It’s worth noting that the “R” represents South African Rands.
Following the van acquisition, the couple invested around R140,000 ($7,414) into the conversion, bringing the total cost to R520,000 ($27,540). If you’re familiar with van conversions, you’ll know that $7.4K for a conversion is exceptionally low, especially for a DIY project. However, this resourceful family managed to minimize expenses by utilizing leftover materials from their house construction.
Let’s begin with the exterior features. This vehicle is coated in white with black lower panels and a vibrant yellow-orange stripe, adding a touch of color. At the back, you’ll find a rack holding two 3-kg (6.6-lb.) propane canisters, an outdoor shower, and two children’s bicycles.
On the passenger’s side (remember, this van is right-hand drive as it originated in South Africa), the couple installed a 3-meter (10-foot) awning attached to a roof rack. It’s worth mentioning that Matt crafted the awning and rack from scratch. Additionally, the roof rack accommodates three 110 W solar panels, a spare tire, and a storage box.
Open the sliding door, and you’ll be greeted by a cozy interior design. A floor-to-ceiling unit partially covers the entrance, housing a laundry basket, a “tech cupboard,” access to the electrical system, a water gauge, and a small shelf. Alongside are cabinets, drawers, and a spacious slide-out pantry.
Naturally, a full-time tiny home on wheels requires reliable utility systems. In this regard, this van is equipped with a robust power system, highlighted by a 210 Ah, 12 V battery connected to the 330 W solar panels on the roof. According to Matt, this setup provides enough power to last them 4-5 days. During the summer, they can even go indefinitely, thanks to ample sunlight and their minimal power consumption. Additionally, they have a shore power connection for visits to designated campsites.
To meet their plumbing needs, the family installed a water heater connected to a 65-liter (17-gallon) freshwater tank. The used water is directed to a separate 65-liter greywater tank.
Once you step inside, the initial area you will find is the lounge. It showcases a seating arrangement in the shape of an L, consisting of benches and two individual seats equipped with Isofix. Beneath these seats, you will discover storage spaces, while above them, three overhead cabinets provide additional storage options. A swivel-mounted TV completes the setup.
Within this lounge area, one of the benches cleverly conceals a toilet, which can be pulled out on a drawer slide. It is worth noting that the toilet’s design matches the overall aesthetic of the van, featuring a wooden seat. Additionally, there is extra storage space above the driver’s cabin on a shelf attached to the ceiling.
Another noteworthy feature is a nearby mount that allows for the attachment of a tabletop. This tabletop can be used for dining or working on a laptop. Furthermore, it can also be installed outside the van, providing versatility in its usage.
Moving on to the kitchen, it is divided into two sections. It offers a two-burner stove, a reasonably sized stainless steel sink with a extendable faucet, two spacious butcher block countertops, and a large 95-liter (25-gallon) dual-zone fridge/freezer housed within a drawer.
For storing kitchen essentials, the family utilizes various drawers and cabinets located underneath the countertops. Additionally, there are two substantial overhead cabinets, one on each side. The kitchen also features a skylight, wall-mounted spice racks, fruit baskets, a mirror, and a bread bin. The cabinetry in this area is highlighted by a blue color scheme and complemented by blue hexagon tile walls.
The final section of the interior is dedicated to the bedroom. Accessible through an arched entryway, this space adds a touch of beauty to the overall design. Privacy can be a challenge when traveling with children in a camper van, and in this particular case, the parents’ bed is situated directly below the kids’ beds, resulting in limited privacy.
The children’s sleeping arrangement consists of two drop-down beds mounted on the wall. These beds can be folded up to create additional space when not in use. As for the parents, they sleep on a custom-made double-sized mattress. The bedroom also includes two reading lights and two windows, one on each side.
A notable feature of the bedroom is its expandable frame, which allows for the creation of a king-size bed when extended. Additionally, the family has the option to attach a tent to the rear doors, enclosing the space at the back.
Underneath the bed, there is extra room that serves as a garage for storing various items such as skateboards, roller blades, snorkeling gear, and tools. Furthermore, the two rear doors are equipped with a shelf and a cubby, as well as an attachment for an outdoor shower.
Overall, this camper van provides a stunning haven for the entire family. It makes efficient use of every inch of space, boasts an appealing aesthetic, and most importantly, brings joy to the entire family. The best part is that this camper van was built at an affordable cost.
According to the Source autoevolution.com