We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again: Camper vans are the perfect RVs for beginners. They are easy to drive, go from off-road to city driving effortlessly, and are a more affordable and eco-friendly option than larger RVs.
Many campers are simply converted cargo or passenger vans. The Mercedes Sprinter is one of the most popular vans to get the conversion treatment, and Instagram is packed with DIY Sprinter transformations.
The Sprinter is spacious and versatile, which makes it a great choice for DIYers. While the idea of a completely custom camper can be appealing, the high price tag, timeline, and technical know-how involved will give pause to a lot of those dreaming of van life. Similarly, an off-the-line pre-converted camper can be even more expensive, and lacks any of the personal touches you might get from a do-it-yourself van.
So, is there a middle ground? Enter: DIY conversion kits! These kits are gaining popularity among the van life set, and for good reason: they are affordable, easy to install, and form a perfect compromise between a complete DIY and a turn-key camper off the lot.
There are a surprising number of kit companies out there, most of them offering a wide range of high-quality options. Here are 6 of the best kits to get your van road-ready in no time:
1. Adventure Wagon Sprinter Van Interior Kits
Adventure Wagon offers all-inclusive starter kits. Image courtesy of Adventure Wagon.
If you’re looking for the simplest way to upgrade your van, look no further than Adventure Wagon. Adventure Wagon is a Portland-based company offering simple, all-inclusive conversion kits.
Kits include everything from wiring for your electrical system to build-out components like shelving and countertops. Interior fabric comes in several color options, and insulation and a ceiling fan will keep you comfortable.
In addition to their state-of-the-art-kits, Adventure Wagon has several options available a la carte, including MOAB beds and cabinetry. And if you’d rather have someone do the installations for you, Adventure Wagon can get you set up with a certified installer.
Keep in mind that this is a basic kit outfitted with an L-track system that will allow you to add on additional necessary features, like a bed and kitchen appliances. While bare-bones, it’s a great basic system that is compatible with most other conversion kits and van components, making it the perfect place to start.
2. ZenVanz Complete Interior Conversion Kits
ZenVanz offers affordable, stylish conversion kits. Image courtesy of ZenVanz.
ZenVanz is another one-stop-shop conversion kit company offering beautiful, unique kits for the more aesthetically-minded van owner. Eco-friendly aluminum framing and bamboo panels create a sleek, stylish interior that’s very, well…Zen.
Aside from being easy on the eyes, these kits are flexible, versatile, and reversible. Pre-drilled components make installation a breeze, and parts are easily removed if you only want a part-time camper.
Some of the features the fully-loaded ZenVanz van conversion kit comes with include:
* kitchen with bamboo cabinets
* upper cabinets
* 3-panel bed system with bedside cabinets
* fold-out gear drying rack
* slide-out porta potty concealer
* Optional add-on bamboo ceiling slats, door panels, and wall panels
3. Esplori Vans Sprinter Interior Conversion Kit
Esplori aluminum conversion kit is lightweight and eco-friendly. Image courtesy of Esplori.
Esplori is yet-another Oregon-based van conversion company quickly making a name for themselves as lightweight and eco-friendly. With an eye to common customer concerns, Esplori is doing what they can to combat cost and availability concerns with their unique kits.
Composed entirely of aluminum, Esplori’s wall and ceiling panels are a full 40% lighter than other materials, which translates to a very healthy gas mileage. The kits are also fireproof, easy to clean, recyclable, and come in an array of color options.
The Esplori kit includes a complete wiring harness, lighting, a fan, insulation and charging outlets. Like many of the kits on this list, Esplori will install it for you if you’d rather not do it yourself.
4. Titan Vans DIY Sprinter Van Conversion Kits
Titan Vans’ Classic Interior Conversion Kit is designed for durability. Image via Titan Vans.
Titan Vans DIY Sprinter Van Conversion Kits are all in the name; they are the Titans of van conversion kits, offering high-end state-of-the-art products designed for a full-time life on the road.
Based in Boulder, Colorado,Titan Vans sells kits for the consummate DIYer, allowing for lots of customization. In addition to their own L-track system, the company also offers components like water tanks, wood and paper paneling, plumbing kits, kitchens, storage cabinets, and diesel heaters. A 300W solar panel makes off-grid living simple.
5. Alpine Van Works Van Interior Kits
Modular kits from Alpine Van Works are quick to install. Image via Alpine Van Works.
Need a Sprinter Van conversion in a hurry? Alpine Van Works offers a modular interior system designed to be installed in just one weekend.
There are eight different colors/patterns of wall and ceiling panels to choose from, and all components are pre-drilled to accommodate doors, stoppers, and lighting. The upholstered panels are engineered to fit into your Sprinter van’s stock holes,eliminating the need for new cuts. They also come with ⅛” foam backing for sound-proofing and comfort.
The kit also comes with two van-length L-tracks that will allow you to easily install cabinetry and beds, among other components.
The company also offers a floor kit for Sprinters that allows you to choose the type of floor you want and the company will then put together a custom kit for you with pre-cut sub flooring, flooring, and stainless steel trim. Alpine Vans prides itself on speed and ease of installation, and advertises that the floor system can be installed in under two hours.
Get the new 2023 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter & Metris Vans now at Mercedes-Benz of Littleton!
6. Wandervans
Wandervan kits are simple and affordable. Image via Totallyboise.com
Starting at justy $4,000, Boise-based company Wandervans offers kits that are not only some of the most affordable out there, but are also some of the quickest and easiest to install. All of their kits are designed to be installed in just EIGHT HOURS, making this possibly the best beginner kit on our list.
Wandervans lets you choose between a single tier full-sized bed layout or a double-tier option with two platform beds, with both layouts offering plenty of modular features to maximize space.
This is a very minimalist starter kit, but with such a low starting price tag, you’ll be able to choose from a long list of extra features to further customize your build, including sinks, fridges, heaters, roof racks, and shower systems.
Finding Your Van
You know you want to build your own custom Mercedes Sprinter Camper, but first things first: you’re going to need a van! And there’s no better place to start than Mercedes-Benz of Littleton.
Finding your van is the first step to building your dream camper. Mercedes-Benz of Littleton has a full inventory of all types of Sprinter vans, and is the top Sprinter dealer in the Denver-Metro area. Knowledgeable staff can help you find the right van to meet your #vanlife goals, and help you maintain it with approved parts to keep your van in top condition. Get ready for life on the road!
Connect with us
