Deluxe Custom Camper Van Features Stunning Design, Premium Utilities, and Cozy Dog Den

Sarah and her husky Rue live full-time in an AWD Ford Transit 350 with a 148" wheelbase. The camper was developed by Drifter Vans, a group of Detroit natives passionate about creating superior conversions. Just as the company describes, "The Drifter story is one that melds construction and travel, with the team bringing a deep passion for both."

The company has different models they can develop depending on the type of vehicle targeted. Sarah opted for "The Nomadik" for her Transit van. Before we take a look at the myriad of features you can find on her van, you probably want to know about pricing. The Nomadik model starts at $97,500 (€89,227), and that's without the base vehicle. Let's see what you'll get for that – I'll start with the exterior.

Drifter Vans installed a window on the sliding door, a passenger side window, and two rear ones. On the roof, you'll discover 350 W solar panels, a Fiama awning, and a 12 V A/C. Sarah explained that the A/C is essential considering she lives with her husky – it can run for more than 24 hours off-grid via the 10-kW power system.

Most off-grid builds I've recently covered have equipment that allows Internet access at all times. A popular choice is Starlink, which comes with an antenna and a router. Sarah also has a Starlink as well as a WeBoost cell phone signal booster.

Other notable exterior features include running boards, some power outlets, and a water connection. The fact that this Transit is a 4x4 enables Sarah to go off the beaten path easily, but she plans on making some extra modifications that will make the rig even more off-road ready, such as all-terrain tires and a suspension lift.

As soon as you open the sliding door, you'll notice this isn't your run-off-the-mill conversion – the design was tastefully chosen, and everything has a premium finish. Sarah collaborated with Drifter Vans' designers to create what we see here.

The countertop occupies part of the entrance. There's also a fold-down table that Sarah uses to cook outside. Under it, there's a small storage area with some hooks and a leather basket nearby. What I like is that the entire entrance can be covered with a zipped mosquito net, as well as one covering the rear doors. Moreover, each window has a magnetic cover, so Sarah can enjoy all the privacy she needs or block sunlight from coming in if she needs to.

Another feature you don't often see in a camper van is a sliding wall separating the driver's cabin from the rest of the interior. Typically, van lifers opt for curtains, but Sarah and Drifter Vans installed a proper wall that completely blocks off prying eyes and light while also providing insulation.

In most of the vans I've seen, the bathroom is located toward the center of the interior. In Sarah's setup, it's right behind the driver's seat. I'm fond of the eye-catching custom design she chose for the door instead of going for the typical sliding door. Inside the wet bathroom, you'll notice white marble tiled walls, a tiny toilet, and a water-saving shower head.

Let's move on to the kitchen. It features an Isotherm drawer fridge, an overhead microwave, butcher block countertops, a deep sink, and various white cabinetry paired with golden handles. You'll notice there isn't any integrated stovetop – instead, Sarah uses a portable stove connected to a small propane canister to maximize the available counter space. The drawer fridge also makes it easier to get stuff from inside of it since you just open the drawer from the side and grab what you need.

The kitchen wall integrates the van's light and water pump switches, some outlets, and a control panel for the heater. What's more, you'll notice some minor design elements that make the space feel like a home, such as small plants and even a ukulele on an overhead shelf. To the right, there's the EcoFlow touchscreen panel that displays the charge, available time, input, output, and more.

There are some other storage spaces beside the kitchen cabinets and drawers. Sarah uses overhead cabinets to store all sorts of stuff.

Moving deeper in the van, you'll find the "lounge area," complete with two small cushions and a swivel table. That's where Sarah can enjoy a nice meal, work, or spend some time with a guest. Drifter Vans devised a platform under the table so Sarah's feet can reach the floor when she's sitting, doubling as shoe storage. Furthermore, the space can be turned into an extra bed so a guest can spend the night inside the van.

And the last interior area is the bedroom. It features a full-size bed, a bunk window on the passenger side, a Maxxair fan on the ceiling, and two dimmable 12 V lights on the driver's side wall, complete with USB ports. Instead of occupying lots of space with a conventional TV, Sarah installed an iPad holder. Furthermore, she added some custom artwork on the bedroom wall - it depicts a mountain in British Columbia that Sarah was about to climb when she got the text from Drifter Vans saying they found this van.

Amazingly, Rue, her husky, has its own bedroom underneath her bed. It features a cushion, a non-spill water bowl, a tiny fan, and a Waggle pet monitor. This device is constantly connected to a USB port so Sarah can monitor the temperature of the dog's space. Quite a cozy spot, isn't it?

Behind Rue's dog den and under Sarah's bed, you'll find the garage, accessible from the rear. It provides a lot of storage for all her outdoor gear and houses the electrical and water systems, as well as an outdoor shower. The van is equipped with a 42-gallon (159-liter) freshwater tank and a 20-gallon (76-liter) grey water tank, which Sarah says is more than enough for her needs.

Overall, this is a fantastic deluxe conversion – Drifter Vans and Sarah integrated all the amenities necessary for living full-time on the road. Indeed, it's an expensive setup, but you get a great bang for the buck.