After more than fifteen years of building custom camper van conversions, Portland-based outfitter Outside Van decided to scale up from client-commissioned builds to production models ready for nationwide distribution. Last year, the company announced what it calls the "Model Series," which for now includes two ready-to-drive adventure camper vans, the Approach and the Syncline.
In this piece, we're going to focus on the Syncline model, a Class-B RV that was officially unveiled at the Florida RV SuperShow in Tampa back in January. This adventure-focused van conversion is based on the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 144 All-Wheel-Drive Chassis and is already available at dealerships across the US.
Officially founded in 2007, Outside Van is a true pioneer in the camper van conversion industry, with extensive experience in personalized Sprinter-based campers tailored to meet the needs of their clients and fulfill their dreams, whether for full-time living or off-grid adventures. Now, the outfitter has channeled all that experience into its new line of production models.
While Approach uses the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 170 as a base vehicle and can accommodate four people, the Syncline is based on the shorter Sprinter 144 and is more suitable for two adventurers. This rugged adventure van brings all the iconic features from the brand's custom shop and packs them into a unique, highly functional modular layout.
Photo: Outside Van
The AWD Sprinter chassis provides a reliable and durable foundation for the new Syncline, with a four-cylinder diesel engine capable of 208 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque. Just like its bigger sibling, the mass-produced van conversion is offered in Selenite Grey Metallic or Stone Grey with an Outside Van trademark wrap. It rides on 17-inch Black Rhino wheels wrapped in 265/70R17 BFGoodrich KO2 all-terrain tires and benefits from an upgraded suspension package to ensure off-road capability.
An aluminum side ladder offers access to the cargo roof rack with crossbars and attachment points, which is the perfect base for customizable rooftop gear storage. For extended off-grid journeys, the utility ladder can also be used as a platform for mounting items like fuel cans or MaxTrax Traction boards. Other exterior highlights include a Wingstep rear bumper, a full Rigid Industries exterior light package, and an 11' manual awning.
With an interior floorplan that focuses on openness, Syncline seats and sleeps two with comfortable captain's chairs up front and a fold-away bed at the rear. By using a series of modular components, Outside Van has managed to create a versatile, spacious interior for a liberating mobile living experience.
Photo: Outside Van
The Murphy-style bed is constructed on a platform built from lightweight aluminum and can easily be deployed and folded away thanks to gas-assisted struts. When the bed is stowed away, it makes room for a wide center aisle that runs through to the cockpit and allows adventurers to easily move around the van or store larger items like bikes or surfboards during travel.
The bed platform also serves as a storage platform for additional gear. Using a built-in Molle panel and L-Track cutouts on the underside of the bed, the company created an easily accessible "Gear Wall."
Moving towards the center of the van, we have a fully-featured kitchen block that occupies the area behind the driver's seat and an informal dining setup, with two bench seats across from each other and an adjustable swivel table for one or two diners. This configuration helps to greatly open up the passenger side entry and make the interior look less cramped.
Though compact, the kitchen is well-equipped for cooking on the road, with a stainless steel sink, an under-counter refrigerator/freezer, a built-in microwave, a plug-in induction cooktop, and various base and overhead storage cabinets. A small exterior slide-down table is attached to the back of the entryway bench seat and can be used for outdoor cooking.
A standout feature inside Syncline is what Outside Van calls the "hidden water box." This box, incorporated under the bench in the entryway, basically houses the bathroom facilities. It comes with an integrated floor drain, a shower sprayer, and a removable shower curtain.
Photo: Outside Van
The water box can also hold a portable cassette toilet, offering an ingenious way to have bathroom capabilities without a separate dedicated space inside the van. Both the kitchen and the hidden shower are fed by a 76-liter (20-gallon) freshwater tank by way of a hydronic interior/water heating system. An 83-liter (22-gallon) external grey water tank is also included, as is an exterior shower hookup with a hose and magnetic shower curtain.
The camper van's power needs are catered to by means of a solar power system that includes a 140-watt rooftop panel, a 13.2 kWh lithium-ion Volta battery, and a 3,200-watt inverter. The electrical package also includes shore power connections and a touchscreen/mobile management system.
Another neat feature that will certainly excite digital nomads is a dedicated router compartment that includes 120-V and USB connections and is ready for Starlink or other internet connectivity.
Apart from its appealing off-road and off-grid credentials, Outside Van's Syncline camper van also offers a fine-looking and comfortable interior, which makes it a great choice for anyone looking for a reliable adventure companion. That's it, if they can afford it, as the new production model comes with a hefty US$232,000 price tag.
After spending a few years as a copy editor, Ancuta decided to put down the eraser and pick up the writer's pencil. Her favorites subjects are unusual car designs, travel trailers and everything related to the great outdoors. Full profile
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