Deluxe Sprinter Camper Van Features a Cleverly Arranged Layout With an Elevator Bed

Before we go into detail, I'd like to ask your opinion on this topic – is it fair for van converters, especially specialized companies, to copy an existing camper van? I won't take any sides since I can understand both perspectives – I think things aren't as black-and-white as they may seem initially. Here's what I mean.

On the one hand, individuals and companies post their camper vans to promote their services and showcase their expertise and craftsmanship. They also serve as inspiration for people looking to make their own mobile home.

On the other hand, we're talking about someone's artistic vision—you might say it's not fair to skip the design process and simply copy an awesome build you've found online. Moreover, you could think of it as with tattoos - a tattoo artist copying somebody's work line by line is generally considered a disrespectful move in the industry. It might be a far-fetched comparison, but you understand what I mean.

I think most people would say that, as a specialized conversion company, copying a project and then putting it up for sale is a poor-taste move. It would make it even worse if the company didn't give credit to the original builder.

Put ourselves in a company's shoes. What if a customer interested in a custom build came up to you saying they wanted a copy of an existing build? Are you supposed to refuse? Or say you can only do it if you change things up?

Anyway, I don't want to say that copying another project is right or wrong. What I explained above is just some food for thought. Let me know what you think in the comment section at the end of the article. Now, let's get on with the van tour.

The rig I'm checking out today is based on a 2024 AWD Mercedes-Benz Sprinter with a 170" wheelbase. Its creator is Beachside Custom Vans, a specialized van conversion company based in Atlantic Beach, Florida.

The inspiration for this project is the "Concrete Oasis" van, a stunning tiny home on wheels I wrote about late last year. I won't go about studying the similarities between the two, as it's not the focus of this article, but I will add some photos of it in the gallery so you see for yourself how much they look alike.

I could tell that the "Concrete Oasis" van inspired the rig I'm checking out today, but most people probably would've missed that. So, Beachside Custom Vans shared in the description of the presentation video that they took inspiration from that build.

As usual, I'll start the tour with the exterior. This rig was upgraded with a Van Compass Stage 3 suspension kit consisting of Falcon Monotube front and rear shock, a rear mini leaf spring pack, and front Sumo Springs. Moreover, it rides on BFGoodrich KO2 tires.

Beachside Custom Vans installed two full-size AMA windows with half sliders, one on each side of the vehicle. On the passenger side, you'll notice a Backwoods Adventure Mods ladder.

Up top, you'll discover a roof rack from the same manufacturer holding a Starlink and a Fiamma F45 electric awning. I also expected to see some solar panels, but I guess the customer didn't want any. Finally, at the rear, you'll find an Off-Grid Fabrications spare tire carrier and Baja Design lights above.

Pop the main door open, and you'll be greeted by a stunning interior blending concrete with dark wood tones. Beachside Custom Vans used SmartCret micro concrete for the walls and Lonseal luxury marine vinyl planks for the floor. What's more, the van has a closed layout, meaning the driver's cabin is separated from the living space by a partition wall with a door - typically, van converters make this modification to make the living space feel more like a home, as you can't constantly see the steering wheel, reminding you you're in a vehicle.

The first area you'll be in as you enter is the lounge. It consists of an L-shaped couch and a sizeable swivel table. Underneath the part of the couch next to the driver's side, you'll find the electrical system.

Its highlights are 800 Ah batteries, a 3,000 W inverter, a dual alternator, a Lynx distributor, and a BMS (battery management system), all hooked up to a Cerbo GX unit, which lets you control the power system. Another notable component is a Mid City Engineering auto-start, which allows you to start the vehicle's engine remotely. Moreover, a fan will turn on when the temperature inside the bench is too high.

The wood slates with integrated LED lights above don't make up the ceiling – in fact, they're the lower part of an elevator bed, which comes with a custom trimmed queen-size mattress.

At the touch of a button, you can lower the bed to your desired height. Even though elevator beds are a pricier option compared to other types of beds, they're a space-saving solution. Furthermore, the actual ceiling has the same slatted design and integrates a Maxxair fan.

Next up, we have the kitchen, which is split into two parts. It features two butcher block countertops, cabinetry made using walnut plywood, a deep sink, a dual-burner induction stove, an overhead 3-in-1 convection oven/air fryer/microwave, and a Dometic fridge/freezer. Moreover, a cabinet underneath the sink houses a water heater and a UV water filter.

Regarding kitchen storage, there's a pull-out pantry, four drawers, and two overhead cabinets with epoxy inserts. You'll also notice a hanging closet with two drawers underneath, perfect for storing clothes. Above, there's a 12 V Marbu A/C.

The rear part of the van is taken up by the bathroom. Just like the kitchen, it's split in two. On the right side, Beachside Custom Vans fitted a full shower and more storage space in the form of a large closet. The company also added a curtain to make sure you don't splash water on the closet.

By the way, a 30-gallon (114-liter) tank connected to a 4-gallon (15-liter) Bosch heater provides water inside this rig, and it ends up in a 28-gallon (106-liter) under-mounted greywater tank.

On the opposite side, you'll discover a pull-out dry-flush toilet mounted on heavy-duty drawer slides, as well as a garage area that doubles as a laundry/gear storage spot.

All in all, despite taking inspiration from another van, Beachside Custom Vans did a stellar job with this off-grid and off-road-capable tiny home on wheels. It boasts an exceptional power system, a clean and cozy living space, and, most importantly, all the creature comforts one needs to enjoy a mobile lifestyle.

"What about its price?" you might be wondering. Well, the company didn't share a quote for this custom conversion, but we do know that a full custom build generally costs $75,000 (€69,653) and takes about six to ten weeks to complete.

Beachside Custom Vans has a wide portfolio of custom builds. Moreover, it deals with various vans, such as the popular Ram ProMasters and Ford Transits, but specializes in Mercedes-Benz Sprinters.