Off-Road Camper Van Conversion Can Seat and Sleep Six in a Cleverly Designed Living Space

What we have here is a 2023 AWD Mercedes-Benz Sprinter with a 170" wheelbase converted by ActiVan. This Reno, Nevada-based company specializes in Sprinter and Ford Transit conversions. I've previously written about one of its conversions and was impressed by its dark-themed aesthetic and numerous features.

ActiVan's conversions are all personalized according to the customer's requests. Moreover, the company has many floor plans available for both the long and short versions of the van models I mentioned above.

One of their newer creations is the Sprinter van, which I'm discussing today. It boasts a brand-new floor plan called Austin 170 – it's very similar to the Cypress 170 floor plan on the build I previously wrote about. So, let's take a look at it and see where the six people can fit in such a compact space.

As usual, I'll start the tour with the rig's exterior. You'll notice the vehicle is finished in light grey paint and is outfitted with various accessories. It rides on Black Rhino wheels wrapped in BFGoodrich KO2 all-terrain tires.

At the front, ActiVan installed a Backwoods bumper complete with two Baja Design LP6 lights and a 12,000-lb. (5,443 kg) Warn winch. Moreover, when you pull the main door handle, AMP Research side steps pop down automatically.

Next, at the rear, you'll discover an Owl Vans Sherpa carrier holding an aluminum box on the right side, while the left is occupied by an Expedition spare tire carrier from the same brand. Furthermore, a Backwoods ladder on the driver's side will lead you to the roof, where Activan fitted a Backwoods roof rack holding three 100 W solar panels, traction boards, and a Fiamma F45S awning.

Pop the main door open, and you'll be greeted by a beautiful and spacious interior. Regarding design, this unit's customers opted for white oak walls and ceiling with whitewash stain and black backer boards.

They're paired with vinyl plank flooring, with the look completed by black touches, including the seats, bathroom, and cabinets. Plenty of natural light shines inside through the van's big windows. However, after the sun sets, you can set the mood using dimmable lights installed under each overhead cabinet.

Moreover, you'll notice an open layout, as ActiVan didn't separate the driver's cabin from the living space – there's no way six people could've fit inside if they did that.

Dead ahead of the entrance, you'll discover the seating area. It comprises two captain's chairs complete with seatbelts, with plenty of room left in between them for walking, and a swivel table.

The driver's and passenger's seats can be swiveled around to face the van's inside, thus creating a spot where four people can sit and eat, play some board games, or more. Furthermore, the space is very well-lit due to the two large windows on the sides. Other notable features are two massive overhead cabinets and a spacious headliner shelf.

Walk deeper into the van, and you'll discover the kitchen on the passenger side. It's minimally equipped, featuring a deep sink, a fridge/freezer, and a single-burner induction stove, but it'll be nearly impossible to use it to prepare a meal for six people. Maybe you could use a large cooking pot to prepare an easier meal, but besides that, you don't really have a lot of prep area. However, you do get an overhead microwave.

Integrated into the side of the cabinet housing the microwave is the rig's control panel. It comprises an inverter controller, a Victron Digital Multi Control, four switches, and two gauges for the van's water tanks.

Opposite the kitchen, you'll discover a wet bathroom. It consists of a gold shower, a toilet, a teak floor, and walls finished in white subway tiles with grey grout.

And finally, the most distinctive part of this van is at the rear. ActiVan fitted a two-person bench seat that can be folded out into a twin-sized bed. Above it, a foldable platform can be used to create a short queen-size bed. I've never seen such a setup before.

So, technically, four people can sleep in the rear, although it will be a bit of a tight fit for two people to nap on the folded-out bench seat. Then, at the front, you can add mattresses on the two seats to create an additional sleeping arrangement for two people.

The left and right sides of the rear are occupied by two boxes holding the camper's utility systems. The power system's highlights are a 3,000 W Victron inverter/charger, 300 Ah BattleBorn lithium batteries, and a DC-DC charger.

Regarding plumbing, you get a 43-gallon (163-liter) freshwater tank, a 20-gallon (76-liter) greywater tank for the shower, and an 11-gallon (42-liter) greywater tank for the sink. While we're on the topic of utilities, you should know that this van is also equipped with a Nomadic A/C and a Bosch water heater.

All in all, ActiVan's camper can fit 6 people without making it feel too cramped and without the need for a rooftop tent. Regarding pricing, the company didn't share how much you'll have to dish out to get your hands on this rig. However, based on other creations from ActiVan, I'm fairly sure it's more than $200,000 (€185,190).