Transforming our 2025 AWD Sprinter Crew Van: Family Friendly Modular Adventure van on a budget and still feature rich to make camping and traveling a dream. **SOLD**

Affordable Campervan Conversions for Families

THIS VAN IS NOW JUST COMPLETED THIS WEEK AND AVAILABLE FOR SALE! Build cost for us with van was $131,000...we are selling it for $118,000. THIS VAN IS SOLD

Vans are getting super pricey these days. Just the van itself can cost a fortune, and typical builds are pushing $150-200k, especially with rear seating. So, how do you create a functional van for a family while focusing on pure ROI and staying on a budget?

We’re kicking things off with a brand-new 2025 AWD Crew Van in a stunning Silver Gray. It’s well-equipped, but here’s the kicker—these vans are in extreme shortage until spring 2026. Mercedes-Benz has limited options with seats; less than 1% of orders for 2026 will have them!

Van Specs: What We’re Working With

Here’s a quick rundown of our van specs:

• Model: 2025 AWD 144 High Roof Sprinter

• Color: Silver Gray

• Interior: Leatherette

• Packages: Comfort, Driver Convenience, Comfort Plus (with heated steering wheel), MBUX, and more!

  
  

Well equipped: Van Specs: 2025 AWD 144 high roof Sprinter. Silver Gray Color, leatherette, Comfort package, Driver convenience package, comfort plus package with heated steerign wheel, MBUX package, Smart Phone wireless charging, 115v socket, Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC, Heated windshield, Digital interior mirror, Extra keys, 3 button remote, Blind spot assist, active lane keeping assist, parking package with back up camera, Side guard assist, Bracket for aux alternator, closing assist sliding door...

Starting with the Basics

We’re starting with new OEM-look vented/slider windows in the rear. They come with a semi-open lock position feature, which is a game-changer. This allows you to keep the windows open but still locked. A fan is pretty useless without ventilation to get cooler air inside!

To improve handling in snow and dirt, we’re adding new LARGER Falken Wild Peak Tires, (265/75/16) including a spare. These tires are great for off-road traction and have excellent mileage wear. Just keep in mind, you’ll need to modify the front fender to accommodate larger tires. You can’t just bolt them on!

Getting In and Out

These vans are super high, making it tough to get in. So, we’re installing some Aluminess Recon Steps. They’re pet-friendly and have a nice width, giving a clean look. We’ll have them on both the driver and passenger sides.

Ventilation and Power

Next up, we’re installing a Max Air fan with a remote and 250W of solar on the factory rails. This will provide a second source of charging and ventilation for those hot days.

We’re also setting up a 224Ah DC-powered auxiliary power system. This will be charged by both the alternator and the solar system, allowing us to run a removable fridge, fan, and even a heater (if we add one later). DC outlets throughout the van will let us charge phones, laptops, and other electronics. This is a must-have!

The DC fuse panel we locate under the passenger seat for easy access. A circuit breaker not only protects circuits, but allow easy turn off on DC circuits if you need to work on them or add additional lines. The Espar D3 heater with high altitude adjustment keeps the van warm on those cold/wet/icy nights. We even leave room to add an amplifier in the future.

Keeping It Quiet

I can’t stand a loud van, so we’re using only top-notch materials. We’re going with Dynamat Extreme, which has no tar (unlike most options), and 3M Thinsulate. We’ll insulate and sound deaden not just the walls but also the doors. You can see in the photo how much material we’re using—this isn’t just a few patches. It makes a huge difference! This is an area that many take shortcuts on, only using insulation or inferior tar based sound deadening and even when using that just do a few patches.

Dynamat Extreme sound deadener- no tar based material here, 100% butyl.

Even the doors will get the royal treatment. We’re using high-quality sound deadening (Dynamat) and 3M Thinsulate.

Van going back together, headliner back in, wiring is being completed, underneath it all strategic materials are used to minimize exterior road noise, making huge difference, even compared to "other" insulated vans...we use 30% more product to get a superior result for those long drives. Also really helps with keeping the van warm on cold days and cool on those hot days.

Here is the finished van...the real work is done electrical, water, heat, outlets, lighting, fan...all that is left is bolt in cabinets and install the bed panels and flip up kit. It does not look like much, but in reality this is the majority of the work, really time consuming. Its like your remodel is done...counters, cabinets, flooring, electrical, gas, back splash...all is left is to install the appliances.

Notice the rear side windows allow excellent visibility so you can bring the outside in when camping! (and makes driving much easier)

An inside video overview...its what you don't see is the "real" work in transforming a van to the next level of comfort and functionality

Upgrading the Sound System

We’re upgrading the front speakers with an adapter kit from DIY Van. We’ll be using "DS" Kicker 6 1/2 inch speakers. They sound better with the stock radio compared to the CS model shown. You can see the difference in size and quality—it’s significant!

Adding rear speakers is a bit of a project. You’ll need to take the dash apart and run wires to the rear doors. It’s all factory-correct when done, but you’ll need to visit a dealer if you want to add rear fader control later. This is how you do it right—no shortcuts!

Front speakers are swapped out with larger quality ones and rears are added to improve sound. An amplifier and subwoofer would be the next level of upgrade for the future.

Storage Solutions

Most vans lack enough storage for a family. We’ll be installing Van Essentials semi-rigid removable cabinets. These provide tons of storage and won’t hurt your head if you bump into them!

You never have enough storage, right?

Flooring Upgrade

We’re also improving the flooring with high-end Interwoven Compass Luna Metro flooring. It’s cut and ready for installation. Special glue is used, and careful cutting of the material is needed. This flooring alone costs around $900! In addition, we have insulated the rear and front floor as well with our stage 1 insulation package. Cork used in rear and dynamat/closed cell foam in front.

Front floor insulation...yes it makes a difference even with the thick OEM insulated floor. Dynamat/Closed cell foam insulation, even over the battery cover on drivers side.

Seating Arrangements

With extended dual seat rails, we can fit two rows of seats inside the van, accommodating up to 8 people—even with the bed flipped up!

The Roost Vans Flip Up Bed

We’re installing a Roost Vans flip-up bed. It’s height adjustable up to 36 inches (perfect for clearing a mountain bike) and removable with just four bolts on each panel. We’ll also have a custom mattress specifically designed for this bed. A bed is a must-have for any campervan!

This van has the upgraded OEM Bench seat that reclines for more comfort. (like a coach seat on a plane)

Why a flip up bed and dual seat tracks are optimal for maximum Modularity in layout.

Dining Area

We’re adding a Lagun table with extended tracks and swivel seats. This creates a perfect dining area without taking up gear space. It’s a must-have!

There’s a huge amount of storage under the bed, and the custom mattress makes it super comfy.

Water System

We’re also installing a 22-gallon water tank under the van, keeping the interior open for gear. This is a want but can be easily added later.

22 gallon water tank under van keeps interior open for gear.

Detailed Video Overview

Final Thoughts

We’re excited about this transformation! The estimated build cost is around $35-40k, and we’re planning on some fantastic features MAXIMIZING ROI FUNCTIONALITY.

• Extended two-position seat rails

• Swivels

• Table

• Floor insulation

• Speaker upgrades (front/rear)

• Tires

• Fender modifications

• Water system

• Aluminess steps

• Roost flip-up bed with mattress

• Rear windows (vented/screened)

• Insulation/sound deadening

• Solar system

• Auxiliary DC AGM power system

• Multiple outlets/wiring

• Espar Diesel Heater with high altitude control so it works in the mountains

• Portable/removable/modular Iceco Fridge

  
  

So, stay tuned as we continue this journey. I can’t wait to share more updates with you!