Today’s featured project is based on a 2024 AWD Mercedes-Benz Sprinter with a 170″ wheelbase. It’s the work of Papago Vans, a Mesa, Arizona-based company with the mission of creating “custom adventure vans that fuel exploration and embrace the richness of existence.”
As always, let’s start the tour with the exterior. The vehicle rides on Black Rhino wheels wrapped in Nitto Ridge Grappler all-terrain tires. Since this rig is an AWD and already has a good wheel and tire combo for off-roading, Papago Vans took it to the next level by installing a Van Compass Stage 4.3 suspension kit. It comes with front and rear adjustable shocks, a rear mini leaf spring pack, and more.
At the front, there’s a CAtuned bumper complete with a Warn 12S winch and two D-ring attachment points. On the opposite side, you’ll find a spare tire carrier/ladder combo and another carrier with an aluminum storage box.
Many converters opt to install flares on premium camper vans – this one has them too. Flares, also known as pods or capsules, are designed to increase the van width to allow you to fit the bed inside an east to west arrangement instead of the standard north to south. This rig’s flares come with windows with sliding screens.
An FVC (Flatline Van Co.) ladder on the driver’s side offers quick and easy access to the roof. There, you’ll come across an FVC Safari rack holding a Nomadic awning, Morimoto perimeter lights, a front-facing 50-inch LED light bar, and 400 W solar panels.
Photo: YouTube Screenshot / Papago Vans
Other notable mods are power and water connections, Steelcraft side steps, and two T-Vent windows. Moreover, the side rocker panels were coated in a truck bed liner for an extra layer of protection.
Although the exterior looks great, the interior is where the magic happened. Step inside and you’ll be greeted by a bright, beautifully designed interior. It has an open layout, with no wall separating the driver’s cabin from the living space.
Regarding aesthetics, the customer opted for Addington Acacia flooring, white shiplap walls, a slatted American Oak ceiling with recessed LED light strips, and white laminated cabinetry.
The look is complemented by brown leather cabinet and drawer handles, dark blue cushion upholstery, and butcher block countertops.
Photo: YouTube Screenshot / Papago Vans
The front part of the living space is reserved for seating. First, the driver and passenger seats are mounted on swivel bases, so they can be turned around to face the back of the van.
Second, Papago Vans added a decently sized bench dead ahead of the entrance, complete with a mount for a Lagun table. The table is in reach from both front swiveled seats, and the bench hides a storage compartment inside of it.
Next to the bench, you’ll discover a large cabinet with a countertop. Above, there are two decently sized overhead cabinets – one hides a StarLink router and the other the “command center” for the utilities.
The latter includes a touchscreen display for monitoring and controlling the power system, charging points, and switches for the water dump, shower drain, freeze protection system, and water heater.
Photo: YouTube Screenshot / Papago Vans
The kitchen sits on the passenger side, by the sliding door – although it’s not that large, it packs all the essentials. It features a deep stainless steel sink with a rotating faucet, a flip-up table for additional counter space, and a microwave oven. A Maxxair vent fan draws out the smells and fumes from cooking.
This rig comes with one of the most sought-after camper van facilities: a bathroom, hidden behind a self-cleaning retractable door. It has a simple setup with a shower with a handheld wand, a ceiling light, and a portable toilet.
When you’re ready to go to sleep, a comfy arrangement awaits you in the rear part of the living space. The bedroom offers a queen-size bed, two large overhead cabinets, and charging points.
The space underneath the bedroom serves as a garage, just like in most vans with fixed bed arrangements. It’s accessible from both inside and outside the van.
Photo: YouTube Screenshot / Papago Vans
You get plenty of space in the garage to store bulkier items, even mountain bikes. To make it easier for you to load and unload your items, Papago Vans added two FVC pull-out trays. They’re attached to heavy-duty slides that can support up to 500 lb. (227 kg).
Two tall white boxes on the sides of the garage hold the bed platform and accommodate the utility systems. Power is on the left – the electrical system’s highlights are an 800 Ah SOK lithium battery bank and a 3,000 W inverter/charger.
You get three charging sources to keep the batteries topped off: solar power, shore power, and 100-amp DC-DC charging via the alternator while the vehicle’s engine is running.
On plumbing, the van is equipped with a 33-gallon (125-liter) freshwater tank, a Bosch electric water heater, an under-mounted greywater tank, and an outdoor shower connection.
Photo: YouTube Screenshot / Papago Vans
All in all, this bespoke conversion by Papago Vans blends superior off-grid capabilities with a high degree of comfort. Whether you want to live in it full-time or use it for weekend adventures, it has got you covered.
