Featured Van: Nick and Martina’s 4x4 Mercedes Sprinter Campervan Conversion

Meet Nick, Martina, and their little one, Gina – a family who thrives on adventure. Whether biking through mountain trails, skiing down slopes, or hiking through forest paths, they’re all about living on the move. But when their family grew, so did their needs, and their trusty old van just couldn’t keep up. As experienced vanlifers, they were ready for an upgrade: a custom conversion that would better accommodate their expanding crew and all the gear that comes with it. Their vision? A one-stop adventure vehicle that’s functional, comfortable and stylish for their family outings, no matter where they go.

A few of our favourite things about this Mercedes Sprinter Conversion:

Aesthetic and Design:
Earthy, Calm, and Connected to Nature

When it came to the design of their new van, Nick and Martina wanted the space to reflect their love of the outdoors, with a design that felt grounded and calm. They opted for an earthy colour palette, combining warm, neutral tones with natural materials like bamboo. The bamboo flooring and benchtop nod to nature, creating a calming atmosphere for the family. To tie everything together, they incorporated the van’s exterior colours – a sleek tan and black combo into the details—black latches, tapware, and outlets with tan wall fabric and squabs. The van’s space is as serene as it is functional, reflecting the beauty of their adventures while keeping them connected to nature, even when they're off the trails.

Clever Storage Solutions for Adventure Gear

For Nick and Martina, it was crucial the van could accommodate all their adventure gear – especially their bikes. This meant finding smart, creative ways to maximize storage without sacrificing space or comfort. The solution? A spacious garage/cargo area that’s perfect for safely storing bikes when not in use. Whether they’re biking through the mountains or just taking a day trip, the garage allows them to easily store the bikes and other equipment when parked. When they’re on the move, the bikes are securely mounted on a bike rack on the back of the van. Inside the living area, overhead cupboards are cleverly installed to store all the essentials. They also added a convenient overhead shelf above the driver’s seats for easy access to smaller items, ensuring that nothing is ever far out of reach.

Custom Features Tailored for the Family’s Needs

Nick and Martina also wanted their van to grow with their family, making customisation key. A major consideration was making the van safe and comfortable for wee Gina, who still needs a car seat. The rear seats were custom-fitted with tethers, allowing them to accommodate both rear-facing and forward-facing car seats as Gina grows. Another thoughtful feature is the flip-up bench extension, which provides an extra workspace but can be tucked away when not in use. Our favourite feature is the retractable "bunk bed". This bed system pulls out when in use and folds back up into the ceiling, maximising overhead space when it’s not needed. It’s the perfect solution for ensuring their little one has a cozy place to sleep during trips, all without sacrificing valuable living space.

The Perfect Family Adventure Van

Nick, Martina, and Gina’s custom van conversion is a perfect blend of form and function, created to support their active, on-the-go lifestyle. The addition of thoughtful features like safe car seat tethers, clever storage solutions, and multipurpose furniture means they can easily pack up for a weekend getaway or a longer road trip without worrying about space or comfort. The earthy, nature-inspired aesthetic brings the outdoors in, making every trip feel like an extension of the natural world they love so much. Whether they’re on a mountain trail, at the ski resort, or parked at a remote campsite, this van is the ultimate home on wheels for a family that’s always chasing the next adventure.

If you’re interested in a custom campervan conversion, head over to our campervan conversions page to learn more.

Full spec list:

Interior

• Maxxfan deluxe ceiling intake/exhaust fan

• Dimmable LED ceiling and mood lighting

• 240V outlets

• 2x Reading lights

• Scanstrut fast-charge USB A&C outlet

• Custom upholstery for bed squabs

• Custom magnetic thermal curtains

• Split-style kitchen with garage access

• Bunk beds

• HPL laminate used for cabinet construction with bamboo benchtops

• Bamboo floor

• Fabric panelling with slat style ceiling cladding 

• RV labs latching handles on cupboards and drawers

• Custom overhead shelf

Safety

• Smoke detector

• Fire extinguisher

Exterior

• External shower

• Thule 6300 awning

• Fresh water connection

• Shore power inlet

Gallery & Living

• Stainless steel sink with Greens Astro II Tapware

• Shurflo 7.6L/PM water pump

• Dometic CD-30 30L fridge

• Portable twin burner induction hob

• BlackMOA cassette toilet on lockable drawer slides

• 50L gray and fresh water tank capacity

• Certified self-contained with green sticker regulations

• Heatport Diesel Heater

Power System

• Ecoflow Delta 2 Max integrated power system

• 2kWh (166Ah) battery capacity with 2400W inverter

• DC/DC alternator charging

• Shore power plug-in

• 300W solar panel array

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