Stealthy Camper Van Cost Just $10K To Convert, Boasts Genius Layout and High-End Features

The beauty of a DIY build is that it typically costs less than a pre-built rig, and you can customize it to fit your exact needs. Today, we're looking at DualEx's budget-friendly camper van, a 2004 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter with 229,000 miles (368,540 km).

Before I tell you more about this vehicle, I'd like to point out that its creator managed to keep expenses as low as possible while still coming up with a cozy living space filled with high-end features. When I say "budget-friendly," I genuinely mean it – this camper van was built for less than $10,000 (€9,378). Of course, you'll have to add the cost of a base vehicle, but it's still an outstanding deal.

No exterior element hints toward the Sprinter being a camper, except for a small window on the side. It looks used, but nothing worse than what you'd expect – after all, the van is almost 20 years old.

As you step inside, you'll notice the contrast between the average-looking exterior and the finely crafted luxury interior. Let's start with the driver's cabin – it looks like the stock Sprinter cabin, only the owner added some features to make driving more accessible and enjoyable. For instance, he fitted a screen connected to cameras on both sides of the van to serve as a rearview mirror.

Insulation is essential to building out a camper van, especially if you're going to use it in colder environments. We can sometimes forget it since we can't see it directly.

You should always ensure the van you're building or buying is protected from the environment. In this regard, DualEx opted for an inch and a half of foam insulation for the floor, as well as a plywood subfloor, while the ceiling is protected by an inch and a half of batt insulation,

The passenger seat is a swivel seat, so it can be turned to face the inside of the van. For convenience, the owner built a desk that can be extended, where you can work or enjoy a meal. He installed a black-out curtain to separate the driver's cabin from the rest of the space. DualEx explains that you can really go full stealth mode inside this van - even with the lights on, curious onlookers won't be able to see anything past the black-out curtain.

If worse comes to worst and someone starts lurking around the van, there's a monitor right above the main sliding door that displays camera feed from around the vehicle, so you're able to check the van's surroundings constantly. Right next to the monitor are some light switches.

The desk drawer I mentioned earlier is integrated into the van's kitchen. That means that you can use it as an extra counter space. Furthermore, underneath the desk, you'll discover a refrigerator box.

The kitchen is a little small, but it's fitted with the essential equipment you need. There's a small sink with a drying rack and a two-burner stovetop complete with a backsplash cover. You even have a small trash can in a compartment by the main door.

For storage, there are three large overhead cabinets, as well as various other cabinets and drawers, one of which holds a propane tank. Moreover, DualEx put two 6-gallon (23-liter) grey water ranks underneath the sink.

The small details in camper vans are often overlooked, especially when dealing with layouts. For example, DualEx created a small coat rack and a shoe storage spot just by the door.

Moving deeper into the van, you'll discover a massive pantry with a closet beside it. Underneath them, there's a cabinet that houses the water and diesel heaters. A nice detail is that the diesel heater vent can be adjusted to blow heat in whichever direction you prefer.

On the opposite side, you'll notice the shower. I'm really fond of the shower door DualEx chose – in fact, he created it out of the scraps from the walnut he used for the cabinets and the ceiling. It slides open to reveal the wet bathroom, complete with a composting toilet the owner made himself. To shower, you have to connect a hose from the nearby water heater and use it in the bathroom.

The electrical system for the entire van was integrated into a closet – it features a 3,072 Wh battery bank connected to solar panels on the roof and a breaker panel.

You'll discover the bedroom/living space in the rear of the van. Unlike in many other camper van builds, this space isn't solely occupied by a bed. DualEx created what he calls the "entertainment area" with a small window in front, a couch, and overhead cabinets just like the ones in the kitchen.

Here's something you surely are not expecting: a hidden TV. Just press a button, and a large TV will come out of the counter. After all, this is a luxury van, so a TV was a must.

You can clearly see how much time was invested in developing this rig. It has a genius layout, and its design is simple yet aesthetically pleasing. Moreover, DualEx installed LED strips that run along the entire ceiling and a skylight that helps bring some of that natural light inside. It can be fully opened and comes with a bug screen and a black-out shade.

Everybody wants a good night's rest after a long day, and some people feel like they'll have to sacrifice comfort if they were to move in a van. Even though the couch is massive, it doesn't serve as a sleeping space. This is the plot twist where we get to witness the owner's craftsmanship and creativity.

You'll first have to remove the cushions to set up the bed. Did you see the wall behind the couch? Well, it's not a wall; it's the van's bed. Unlock it and let it come down. And there it is; you're ready to get into bed. You won't even have to change the mattress as there's one fitted on the bed.

The rear door can be opened to reveal the diesel fuel tank and the water fill. A water pump pulls the water all the way to the front of the van for the sink, shower, and heater.

DualEx explained that he got most of the products used in this build from Amazon. He is kind enough to share the complete Amazon product list, as well as free build plans from his recent projects, while a van build guide ebook is in the works. You can find these and more on DualEx's website.

This beautiful tiny home on wheels is currently for sale, although you'll have to contact DualEx for the exact information regarding the price. He said he wanted to let it go relatively cheap as it didn't cost him much to make it.