Featured Van: Ultimate AWD MWB Mercedes Sprinter Custom Conversion
When it comes to on-the-road freedom, not all campervans are created equal. For one duo, previous campervan experiences left them disappointed and wanting more reliability, better craftsmanship, and a design tailored to their lifestyle. They took matters into their own hands and asked us to build something custom and reliable for them.
They wanted a campervan that looked and functioned perfectly. With an eye for the finer details, they wanted the same kind of premium functions you could find in a luxury home, just in their van. They also wanted a campervan layout that worked with their lifestyle and a power system that allowed them to go off-grid without worries.
At our first design meeting, they gave us a clear brief: "Make sure it looks gangster." And just like that, the 'Gangsta Van' project was born. By combining a brand-new All-Wheel Drive (AWD) Mercedes-Benz Sprinter with high-end interior textures and a rugged, fully blacked-out exterior catalogue, we created a mean, adventure-ready machine built to explore further afield in absolute luxury.
Here is how this Sprinter custom campervan conversion came together.
The base vehicle: a custom AWD 419 Mercedes Sprinter
The journey started by ordering a custom, factory-specced AWD 419 Mercedes Sprinter. One of the biggest advantages of buying a brand-new Sprinter for a campervan conversion is that the vehicle can be prepped from the factory specifically for its future life as a campervan.
We had an in-depth consultation session to map out the exact factory spec sheet. When the van landed in New Zealand, it arrived with factory-swivel seats, the perfect window placements, and an uplifted interior cab. Buying new saved thousands of dollars in third-party installation and extra certification costs for the swivel seats, plus secured a full manufacturer warranty and local service history—peace of mind for the owners.
Design & aesthetics: rugged exterior meets sleek, cosy interior
To bring the van to life, we needed a seamless integration between the Mercedes Selenite Grey exterior and a modern, high-contrast interior.
On the outside, our clients wanted a mean, rugged, and stealthy look. First up: an aggressive all-black exterior accessory and off-road wheel and tyre package. The matte and gloss black contrast with the dark grey paint, giving the van a commanding road presence.
Moving inside, that premium dark theme flows through with sleek blackout fittings and hardware. However, to ensure the living space still felt cosy, bright, and open, we balanced the dark tones with:
Oak-accented cabinetry to bring warmth and natural texture.
Narla Basalt upholstered cushions to bounce natural light around the living space.
Premium Staron Terrazzo benchtops, with subtle flecks of colour running through the kitchen workspace.
Mason Marble fabric upholstered walls. Because this was a fully custom build, the owners visited a Christchurch fabric supply store to hand-pick unique, premium wall textures that fit their personal style.
The layout: maximising comfort, seating, and flow
In our initial design workshops, we discussed how the campervan would be used day-to-day. The priority was lounging comfort during the day, effortless sleeping at night, and the ability to host friends.
The rear of the van features an expansive, open U-shaped lounge. We spent extra time engineering the ergonomics of the seating and selecting a premium-spec foam to maximise comfort for sitting, lounging, or sleeping. Crucially, this lounge integrates rear belted seats, meaning extra travellers can safely join the road trip. The seating layout is accessible through the side or the rear doors, converting fluidly into a social hub.
Luxury amenities & invisible storage
Inside, the kitchen features hot and cold running water and an electric Thetford cassette toilet for a luxe camping experience. To maximise internal living and storage space, we kept the fresh and grey water tanks out of sight by undermounting them beneath the chassis using a custom, heavy-duty bracketing system.
Ventilation: bringing the outdoors in
Natural light and uninterrupted views were high on the wishlist, but keeping bugs out was non-negotiable. So, we installed a specially imported, rigid sliding door bug screen. Unlike cheaper, magnetic mesh alternatives that flap in the wind, this premium screen offers a solid, practical, and long-lasting seal.
We paired this with high-spec Ranger campervan windows throughout the living area, featuring integrated, flush-pull blackout blinds and fly-screens for effortless climate and light control.
Off-grid electrical system: powered by REDARC
To achieve true off-grid independence without needing to plug into a crowded campsite, we installed a top-tier REDARC electronics management system.
Power System Breakdown:
Inverter: REDARC 3000W Pure Sine Wave
Battery Capacity: 400Ah Lithium House Batteries
Solar Input: 440W Bifacial Solar Panels
Charging: REDARC Trifecta (Solar, Alternator Smart Charging, & Shore Power)
The heart of the system is a massive 3000W REDARC inverter. This powerhouse easily manages heavy-draw household appliances, running the twin-burner induction cooktop, microwave, kettle, and hair dryers simultaneously, all powered directly from the 400Ah lithium battery bank.
To solve any anxieties around a flat vehicle battery in remote locations, the system includes REDARC’s ‘smart battery recovery.’ If the engine starter battery ever goes flat, the system can safely jump-start or charge the vehicle's main engine using power harvested from the roof's solar panels and house batteries.
The entire vehicle is brought under one digital umbrella. The REDARC RedVision touchscreen with a synchronised smartphone Bluetooth app allows the owners to monitor battery percentages, water tank capacities, and control all internal and zone lighting with a single tap.
All-season insulation & diesel heating
Because this van is a part-time adventure vehicle, the 440W of high-efficiency bifacial solar panels keep the lithium cells topped up when parked at home or off-grid for weeks. To ensure all-season comfort, the van underwent a comprehensive Car Builders 3-stage insulation process, topped with natural, antimicrobial Havelock wool batting. Combined with a premium diesel heater plumbed directly into the Sprinter’s main fuel tank, the interior stays toasty, even during mid-winter South Island escapes.
Exterior upgrades: partnering with Ori Works
With the demand for premium, rugged exterior van hardware in New Zealand, we partnered with Christchurch-based Ori Works to establish our core range of exterior products. Designed and manufactured here in Christchurch, this gear is fabricated specifically to withstand tough New Zealand conditions while offering practical, heavy-duty storage solutions.
This Sprinter campervan received the works from the catalogue:
Heavy-duty side steps: Easy access to the cab and living space.
Side-mounted ladder: Sleek and low-profile for roof access.
Modular roof rack system: Housing the solar array with a custom-integrated STEDI exterior lighting package for night visibility.
Rear wheel carrier & external storage box: Mounted directly to the rear doors to free up interior space. (not pictured)
Towbar: Bespoke Mercedes Sprinter towbar that integrates into the rear chassis lines and features a certified 2000kg towing capacity, integrated recovery points, and a wide rear step to make entering the rear lounge safe and easy.
Ready for the Next Adventure
The result is a striking, highly functional, and completely custom AWD Mercedes Sprinter that ticks every single box on the owners' wishlist. From the blacked-out exterior styling to the high-end interior textures and robust REDARC off-grid system, this campervan is a testament to what can be achieved in the Matt & Dan’s workshop.
Want your own custom campervan conversion? Whether you are looking for an off-grid Mercedes Sprinter conversion or a rugged AWD adventure machine, get in touch with our Christchurch team today to chat about our custom design and build services.
Spec List
INTERIOR
Split Style Kitchen
Walk through Bed and Living Area with U-Shape Pullouts
Combination of Plytech and Plymasters laminates used for cabinet construction
Staron Terrazzo - Custom Acrylic Benchtops
ABI Interiors Tapware and sinkware
Custom Upholstered Wall Panelling with custom real oak veneer slat ceiling.
Hard wearing Commercial grade flooring (Kiruma Grey)
Compression latching handles on cupboards and drawers
Massive Top storage cupboards
Wall + Ceiling Insulation
Powered Maxxfan fan ventilation
Dimmable LED ceiling and mood lighting (Premium Lighting Package)
240V outlets
Scanstrut TILE USB A&C outlets
Jabsco 7.6L/PM water pump
Dometic 80L NRX Fridge/Freezer
Hot water & air heater unit
150 fresh water tank
95L Grey water tank
Thetford Cassette Electric Toilet
Lagun table mount + additional mount
Van Made Gear Magnetic Curtains
Twin induction hob
Drop down Table for exterior use of the induction hob
Gimbal Fan
Custom curtains and seat squabs
Reading lights with USB Chargers
Certified self-contained with green sticker regulations
POWER SYSTEM
REDARC 3000W Power System
x2 REDARC 200ah batteries
Vehicle alternator charging
REDARC Redvision display with water tank monitoring
Shore power plug-in
440W solar
SAFETY
Smoke Detector
CO2 Detector
Fire Extinguisher
EXTERIOR
Fresh water connection
150L of fresh water - Undermounted
95L of Grey water - Undermounted
Ori Works Sprinter Roof Rack
Ori Works Sprinter Rear Door Tyre Carrier
Ori Works Sprinter Rear & Side Steps
Ori Works Sprinter Exterior storage box
Thule 5200 Omnistar Awning
Stedi exterior lighting
Aggressive over-sized off-road tyres
Exterior shower
Additional aluminium Ranger windows
