My DIY Camper Van Overview

Here you will find a list of parts and components used to covert my Sprinter van into a home on wheels. Detailed instructions regarding the van build process and nitty gritty are soon to come.

I purchased the van from a man in New York State, where I grew up.  He did a wonderful job installing the cedar siding, insulation, ceiling fan, and electrical system.  The rest was up to me.

The following list reflects the substantial amount of time that I spent researching products and designs for the build.  I settled on these items because they would best suit my top 3 van priorities: winterization, gear storage, and a high functioning kitchen.

Once the build began rolling, my mom, dad and I were firing on all cylinders to complete the van by the time the wind picked up in the Columbia River Gorge, where I would spend the summer kiteboarding.

Here are the main pieces to the Sprinter Van conversion puzzle:

Van:

• 2013 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500
• 170″ wheel base extended
• Grill Guard Bumper
• Side Door Window

Insulation:

Read more about insulation details here.

• Havelock Wool
• Reflectix
• Luon (Door panels)
• Cedar Tongue and Groove Paneling
• Laminate Tongue and Groove Flooring
• Rustoleum Chalk board Spray paint (Door Panels)

Kitchen:

• Sink
• Faucet/Soap Dispenser
• Water Pump
• Accumulator Tank
• Flame King 2 Burner Stove
• 11 Pound Propane Tank
• Propane Tank Hose/Regulator
• 12′ Cam Straps
• 1/2 Copper Sheet
• Repurposed White Pine Countertop
• Repurposed White Pine Shelving
• Beeswax/Walnut Oil Counter Finish
• Repurposed whicker baskets
• Repurposed Drawer Knobs
• Mom’s Retro Belts

Storage:

• 3/4″ plywood
• Bike Mount
• Ski Rack: 3/4″ PVC, steel flanges, threaded PVC adapters

Bed:

• 3/4″ plywood
• Repurposed White Pine Shelf
• Repurposed Wicker Baskets/Milk Crates
• 4″ Memory Foam Topper

Backup Camera

• Camera Compatible Radio
• Radio Installation Kit
• Radio Adapter Plug

Solar:

• Grape Solar 200 Watt Kit
• Dicor Self-Leveling Lap Sealant

Electrical:

• 12 Volt Battery
• Battery Monitor
• Power Converter
• 2000 Watt Inverter
• Fuse Block

Misc:

• Eberspacher Diesel Heater with High Altitude Kit
• Swivel Seat Base
• Pegboards
• Fire Extinguisher
• CO2 Detector
• Repurposed Wool Insulating Blanket/Curtain
• Ceiling Fan
• Lots of nuts, bolts, screws, and love

If you’re feeling inspired and ready to tackle on a van conversion of your own, be on the look out for more posts regarding each section in detail.