The outdoor lifestyle, with the promise of supplying exciting days out and creating fond memories, has captivated the hearts of many modern individuals in search of freedom, tranquility, and a deeper connection with nature. For the outdoor enthusiasts willing to take the road less traveled, there is a new and exceptional van conversion built to enhance the thrill of their adventures.
Slim Chance is a custom Mercedes-Benz Sprinter camper conversion specifically designed with kiteboarders, wind chasers, and other outdoor sports enthusiasts in mind. It offers the perfect companion for both burgeoning adventurers and experienced explorers, having been designed not only to provide a comfortable living space on the go but also to haul the necessary gear to support those high-energy hobbies.
Built by Outside Van, a company founded in 2007 that has grown to become a leading name in the van conversion industry, the Slim Chance project was designed in collaboration with reputable outfits like Agile Off-Road and Naish USA, as well as professional kiteboarder Ewan Jaspan to create a high-caliber outdoor adventure vehicle. The name of the vehicle was carefully chosen, as "Slim Chance" refers to some kind of kiteboarding stunt.
While most motorhomes for life on the road are simply that - compact living spaces on wheels with a bed, kitchenette, and maybe a bathroom - Slim Chance is a different kind of rig that offers not only a comfortable place to sleep but also highly adaptable storage solutions for hauling gear.
Photo: Outside Van
This van conversion is based on a 2023 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 144 Chassis with all-wheel drive and features Agile Off-Road's RIP (Ride Improvement Package) Kit suspension upgrade with Fox Shocks to raise the ride height of the vehicle and get it ready for the increased weight from the added equipment and the performance characteristics of the new All-Wheel Drive system.
The Sprinter rides on Black Rhino Atlas Wheels shod in BFGoodrich ALL-TERRAIN T/A KO2 tires and was successfully tested for off-road performance in the Southern California desert. Other noteworthy aspects of the exterior of the van are the special outdoor-themed livery and the plethora of lighting products to ensure good visibility even in the most challenging conditions. Provided by Rigid Industries, these include a 50-inch light bar on the roof, SAE fog lights on the front brush bar, side lights, and rear lights.
When parked in the wilderness for extended periods of time, a built-in 960 Ah lithium battery takes care of the van conversion's electricity needs. A secondary alternator and a 140-watt solar panel on the roof will keep the battery pack charged.
When you have lots of gear and equipment to carry along, it might be difficult to keep everything organized, but the Slim Chance camper van solves the issue with modular and highly adaptable storage solutions that will help you keep the interior sorted out. A combination of an L-shaped track and MOLLE panels (Modular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment) mounted throughout the van allows you to configure the interior as you see fit to store as many items as possible.
Photo: Outside Van
A floor-mounted gear glider comes in handy for easy loading and unloading of larger equipment, and the floor of the van also has a drainage system for drying wet items. If the interior storage is not enough, a Yakima Skybox 12 container on the roof rack provides extra space for gear.
There is also a workbench and a Milwaukee tool kit that includes a power drill and backup batteries, a useful addition for simple repair of the equipment. An air compressor is also part of the package.
As you might imagine, packing so much gear and storage inside the van means there is little space left for creature comforts. However, Outside Van didn't neglect that aspect either. After a full day of kiteboarding, wakeboarding, surfing, fishing, mountain biking, or whatever else, adventures will need a good night's sleep, so the Slim Chance camper ensures they can unwind in comfort in a cleverly designed Murphy bed with memory foam cushions that folds down from the gear-holding wall.
For prepping delicious meals on the go, Slim Chance features a kitchenette with two bamboo islands. A folding panel connects them to create a larger counter space. In terms of appliances, the galley is equipped with a stainless-steel sink, an induction cooktop, a microwave, and a refrigerator. One of the islands has generous storage drawers that can accommodate plenty of cooking essentials.
The passenger-side island features a fold-out external work table that can be used as a workspace for those who need to get some work done on the go. Starlink satellite internet allows digital nomads to stay up to speed with their workload.
Photo: Outside Van
For a premium-level conversion, it was only natural for the builders to use high-quality materials. As such, the van boasts marine grade plywood floor with marine grade vinyl, while the walls and ceiling are made of mahogany luan plywood. 3M Thinsulate insulation is used throughout, and sound-deadening panels are applied for noise reduction.
This being a rig for adventurers, an outdoor shower was a must. The shower platform features teak wood inserts and an opaque curtain for privacy and attaches to the tow hitch.
With its impressive off-road capabilities, versatile storage, and comfortable amenities, Slim Chance is a fantastic van conversion that would certainly make the extreme lifestyle on the road much more comfortable, regardless of your outdoor hobby. The bad news is that the rig is presented as a concept, and the company has no plans of mass-producing it. However, the one-off van will be sold to a lucky adventurer when it completes its marketing mission.
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
Would you like AUTOEVOLUTION to send you notifications?
Google News