Campervans are very fashionable nowadays among travel lovers and outdoor adventurers, but most converted vans come with interior layouts that only accommodate one or two people. Indeed, living space within a camper van is limited, but this does not mean larger groups or families cannot embark on road trips or other four-wheeled adventures together in such a vehicle.
Many families dream of having a home-away-from-home on wheels that can take them on memorable adventures. But while many families choose larger travel trailers, motorhomes, or RVs to turn their dream of exploring the world without leaving behind the comforts of home into reality, others prefer campervans due to their versatility and car-like maneuverability.
Singles or couples have a myriad of options to choose from when it comes to van conversions, but the builds suitable for family life on the road are few and far between. This makes designs like the North camper van from Safe + Sonder Vans special and worthy of our attention.
This campervan is based on a 2017 2WD Mercedes Benz Sprinter 170" Wheelbase with a silver paint finish on the outside and fitted with all-terrain tires. The rather unassuming exterior of the van looks pretty standard, with almost no hints of the fact that someone is living inside, which means it will seamlessly blend even in urban environments, allowing the owners to stealth camp if needed.
Photo: Safe + Sonder Vans
The real magic happens inside the van. With an ingenious layout and clever design choices, the North campervan can sit and sleep five people, which makes it perfect for families with kids who want to enjoy holidays, weekends, and leisure time together. It comes with five seatbelted seats at the front, allowing families to travel together in complete safety, and sleeping space for up to five people in a full-size rear bed, a space-saving bunk bed setup, and a separate Luno bed.
Crafted with functionality in mind, the interior doesn't disappoint in terms of aesthetics, either. The minimalist interior is surprisingly stylish and welcoming, making you feel at home from the moment you step inside. With creamy white walls and ceilings, white furniture with black hardware, and natural-colored floors and benchtops, the living space exudes a modern farmhouse vibe.
Obviously, considering the limited square footage inside the van, some compromises had to be made to accommodate an entire family. As such, the North does not have a proper dining or lounge area. However, the driver and passenger seats at the front are fitted on swivel mounts, and together with the passenger seats behind them, can create a comfortable seating group for several people.
Photo: Safe + Sonder Vans
Another casualty is the bathroom, which is completely absent, having been replaced by a portable cassette toilet and an outdoor shower.
The actual living space begins behind the rear passenger seat and comprises a compact yet functional kitchen, a fixed short queen bed in the rear of the van, two 60-inch (153-cm) long and 24-inch (60-cm) wide bunk beds, and ample storage space for all your family needs.
The kitchenette occupies the space next to the van's passenger sliding door and comes with custom cabinets and a flip-up counter that extends the meal prep area. A sink, a 3.7 Cu Ft. Dometic fridge and freezer tucked away under the rear bed, and a portable butane cooktop increase its functionality. Plenty of storage space for kitchen utensils and non-perishable food is available in the cabinetry.
Other storage options for your family's clothes and other personal belongings include a small cubby above the three-seat passenger seating, large drawers under and above the bunk beds, and four cabinets above the rear bed.
Photo: Safe + Sonder Vans
For enhanced comfort during your travels, North comes equipped with a 30-gallon fresh water tank, a SeaFlow water pump, and an EcoFlow 5kwh Power System that you can control via an easy-to-read touch screen.
Safe + Sonder Vans, the outfitter behind North, is based in Michigan and specializes in custom conversions, so each build is specifically tailored to the customer's needs and lifestyle. The team has extensive experience in the field, having completed over 40 builds, so they have the know-how to turn a regular van into the tiny home on wheels of your dreams.
Of course, the choice between a campervan and a motorhome depends on each family's personal circumstances and what they want to get out of their mobile home ownership. But this Sprinter-based van conversion proves that anything is possible in the realm of campervans with a bit of creativity and ingenuity.
For those who want to experience van life as a family, North is available for rent and ready to make your family vacation as comfortable and relaxing as possible. This unique build is also a great source of inspiration for folks who want to build their own rig to embrace a simple way of life.
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