I got a microbus delivery van in college, that I turned into a low key camper van and was hooked to this style of traveling ever since. I had it for almost 20 years and did the most amazing trips with the family in it – wonderful memories. I had to take a few years brake from van recreation, which gave me the opportunity to ponder.

This van had to be build as anything remotely close costed a fortune and never met all the needs. I found a 1 year old Mercedes Sprinter with 144” wheel base as a perfect base.

The dream van has to:

  1. A diesel and 2 wheel drive for good fuel efficiency, which can run a few 100,000 miles
  2. A short body, so I can use it as my only car
  3. A high roof to stand up and get some extra storage space
  4. Room for 2 people and all the toys, i.e. 2 windsurf boards with 4 sails, skis, bikes
  5. Change from living to sleeping within 30 sec and everything is easily accessible
  6. Stove, sink, refrigerator and queen sized bed are essential
  7. No shower (rivers are perfect), no AC, but heat ( I live in Montana)
  8. No extra medium i.e. gas, to conserve space and minimize required ventilation