Unique Camper Van Layout Takes Modularity to the Next Level, You Can Build It Like a Lego

This build was done by New Way Van Life, a specialized van conversion company based in San Diego, California. The core design principles of New Way Van Life are flexibility and true modularity, something you'll soon see inside this rig.

The Sprinter 144" I'm discussing today features the company's River Runner layout, which stands out with a fresh "Flow-Through design," as the company calls it. However, this project comes with various add-ons the customer requested. Before we head inside, let me tell you more about the exterior accessories.

This rig was upgraded with a 2-inch suspension lift kit. Moreover, it rides on Black Rhino rims wrapped in 32-inch BFGoodrich Baja Champion all-terrain tires. Even though this base vehicle is not a 4x4, it can still handle some light off-roading. It even has a solution in case you get stuck - at the front, you'll discover two 9-inch Baja Design lights and a winch with tow hooks. Furthermore, on the passenger's side, the builders installed Van Speed steps.

You'll notice the last exterior accessories on the roof – New Way Van Life fitted a low-profile roof rack holding a wooden deck and walkable 325 W solar panels. Other notable features are exterior lights, a Maxxair fan, and a huge Houghton A/C unit.

Step inside, and you'll discover an open layout with an inviting atmosphere. As I mentioned earlier, the layout is designed to flow through. One important thing to know about this interior is that it's built on what the company calls the "SuperStructure Panel Kit" - it features durable, lightweight, pre-finished panels with aluminum extrusion profile and stainless steel hardware. Moreover, the frame and rails in this kit are also made using aluminum extrusion.

This panel kit allows you to design and build a custom interior and can even be modified afterward should you want to refresh your interior look and layout. Moreover, regarding design, the company uses Okume wood panels made with a marine-grade core and waterproof resin. Other notable features are custom upholstered accents.

Let's head inside. At the rear, New Way Van Life installed a modular bed system, one of the distinctive features of this rig. This lounge area/bedroom consists of two benches – each bench comes with flip-up extensions, allowing you to transform them into a big couch, what the builders call "The Relaxation Station."

One feature I haven't seen in any other camper van so far is a flip-down table. But it's not just any flip-down table - it's made from a glass panel mounted on an aluminum extrusion frame on the driver's side. This panel is supported by gas struts and, when flipped down, can serve as a spacious workbench.

What's more, there's another one next to it, covering another window. Because they're made of glass, when it's flipped up, they still allow sunlight to shine through and you to take in the views.

Moving on toward the front, you'll find two additional benches. In the unit we're checking out, one is occupied by a Dometic fridge/freezer box the customer wanted to fit. These two benches also have extensions – when you deploy all of the extensions in the rear part of the van, you can create a queen-size bed.

By the way, all the benches have storage spaces underneath. The other storage options in this rig come in the form of large overhead cabinets: three on the driver's side and two on the passenger's side. They all come with compression latches and lights, both inside and underneath.

Next, we have the kitchen, located on the passenger's side, by the door. It features a deep sink with an extendable faucet, a dual-burner induction stove, spacious drawers, and a water heater. Here's the cool thing with this setup: this kitchen is a stand-alone unit, meaning it can be dropped anywhere you want in the van. To make it like this, the company fitted it with a water heater, a 16-gallon (61-liter) tank, and a 12-gallon (45-liter) greywater tank.

On the opposite side, you'll notice a dinette area boasting a small bench and a sizeable table. This table can be dropped down, and the benches on both sides become connected, serving as an extra bedroom.

Although it doesn't look like it, this area also serves as a bathroom. That's because the bench hides a Wrappon toilet, and a stainless steel shower pan is also integrated into the floor. Furthermore, a considerable window beside the dinette area is also an emergency exit, as it can be opened all the way.

To shower, you'll have to flip up the floor panel, connect a shower head to a mixer integrated into the kitchen cabinet, attach it to the ceiling, and magnetize a curtain to the floor.

And finally, we've reached the driver's cabin. Notable features here are a passenger swivel seat, an Alpine Halo navigation system, an enormous headliner shelf, and some USB plugs and outlets.

The last thing I want to mention is the electrical system. In the rear driver-side corner bench, you'll find an EcoFlow power kit, a plug-and-play solution. This particular build comes with two 5 kWh batteries. Furthermore, the 325 W solar panels also keep the battery juiced up, and there's also the option of using a 30-amp shore power connection.

New Way Van Life's solution for the electrical system is also in line with its modular, flexible vision – the company fully integrated the EcoFlow power kits into the SuperStrcture Panel Kit via its "Plug and Play Wiring Harness." Long story short, the wiring provides a foundation that allows you to drop an electrical access panel and add an electrical connection wherever you need.

All in all, this is truly a modular van build that has all the creature comforts needed to go off the grid and enjoy a cozy mobile lifestyle. There's no limit to how you can create an interior with the Super Structure Panel Kit. I've seen many camper vans claiming to be modular, but this one really lives up to the promise.

Regarding pricing, a New Way Van conversion typically starts at $65,000 (€60,310), not including the base vehicle cost. As I mentioned, the one we checked out today had some add-ons, so its price is surely higher. You can find out more about New Way Van Life and its products and services on the company's website.