When converting a campervan, you should choose the most efficient layout possible. This becomes even more important when dealing with shorter versions of vans, such as the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, which has a 144-inch wheelbase. Today I'm checking out a conversion based on this model that boasts a truly modular interior.
The build was done by New Way Van Life, a van conversion specialist based in San Diego, California. New Way Van Life's core design principles are flexibility and true modularity, which is immediately evident within this rig.
The Sprinter 144-inch I'm discussing today features the company's River Runner layout and stands out with a fresh design. “Flow-through design” As the company calls it. However, this project comes with various add-ons requested by customers. Before we get inside, let's discuss the exterior accessories in detail.
This rig was upgraded with a 2-inch suspension lift kit. Additionally, the 32-inch he rides on Black Rhino rims wrapped in BFGoodrich Baja Champion all-terrain tires. This base vehicle is not four-wheel drive, but is capable of light off-road driving. We also have solutions if you get stuck. Up front are two 9-inch Baja Design lights and a winch with tow hook. Additionally, a van speed step was installed on the passenger side.
Photo: YouTube Screenshot / New Way Van Life
You'll notice the last exterior accessory on the roof – the New Way Van Life is fitted with a low-profile roof rack that holds a wooden deck and a walkable 325W solar panel. Other notable features are outdoor lights, Maxxair fans, and a huge Houghton A/C unit.
Step inside and you'll find an open layout with a cozy atmosphere. As I mentioned earlier, the layout is designed to flow. One of the important things to know about this interior is that it's built on what the company calls. “Super Structure Panel Kit” – Features durable, lightweight pre-finished panels with aluminum extrusion profiles and stainless steel hardware. The frame and rails of this kit also use extruded aluminum.
This panel kit allows you to design and build a custom interior, and can even be changed later if you want to refresh the look and layout of your interior. In addition, in terms of design, Okume wood panels are used that use marine-grade core material and waterproof resin. Other notable features are custom upholstered accents.
Photo: YouTube Screenshot / New Way Van Life
Let's go inside. At the rear, New Way Vanlife installed a modular bed system, which is one of the features of this rig. This lounge area/bedroom consists of two benches, each of which comes with a flip-up extension that the builder says can be converted into a large sofa. “Relaxation Station”.
One feature not found on other campers so far is the flip-down table. However, this is not just a flip-up table; it has a glass panel attached to an extruded aluminum frame on the driver's side. This panel is supported by gas columns and can be folded down to create a spacious workbench.
And there's another one next to it, covering another window. It's made of glass, so even if you flip it up, the sun's rays will come in and you can enjoy the view.
Photo: YouTube Screenshot / New Way Van Life
Continue forward and you'll see two more benches. The unit we are checking out has one of his Dometic refrigerator/freezer boxes that the customer wanted installed. These two benches also have extensions. All extensions can be expanded to the rear of the van to create a queen-sized bed.
By the way, there is storage space under every bench. Additional storage options for this rig come in the form of a large overhead cabinet. There are 3 on the driver's side and 2 on the passenger's side. These all have compression latches and lights both inside and below.
Secondly, the kitchen is on the passenger side, near the door. Features a deep sink with extendable faucet, two-burner induction hob, spacious drawers, and water heater. The great thing about this setup is that this kitchen is a separate unit so you can place it anywhere in the van. To accomplish this, the company installed a water heater, a 16-gallon (61-liter) tank, and a 12-gallon (45-liter) gray water tank.
Photo: YouTube Screenshot / New Way Van Life
On the other side, you'll notice a dinette area with a small bench and a large table. When this table is folded down, the benches on both sides are connected and can be used as an additional bedroom.
Although it doesn't look like it, this area also doubles as a toilet. That's because the bench hides a Wrappon toilet, and a stainless steel shower pan is also built into the floor. Additionally, the large window next to the dinette can be fully opened, so it also functions as an emergency exit.
To take a shower, you need to flip up the floor panel, connect the shower head to a mixer built into the kitchen cabinet, attach it to the ceiling, and magnetize the curtain to the floor.
Photo: YouTube Screenshot / New Way Van Life
Finally, we arrive at the driver's cabin. Notable features here include a swivel passenger seat, an Alpine Halo navigation system, a huge headliner shelf, and several USB plugs and outlets.
The last thing I want to mention is the electrical system. The rear driver's side corner bench features the EcoFlow Power Kit, a plug-and-play solution.This particular build comes with two 5's kWh battery. Additionally, a 325W solar panel also keeps the battery charged, and there's also an option to use a 30-amp shore power connection.
New Way Van Life's electrical system solutions are also consistent with its modular and flexible vision. The company has fully integrated the EcoFlow power kit into the SuperStructure panel kit. “Plug and play wiring harness”. Simply put, wiring provides a foundation from which electrical distribution access panels can be removed and electrical connections added where needed.
Photo: YouTube Screenshot / New Way Van Life
All in all, this is truly a modular van, with all the comforts you need to enjoy a comfortable mobile lifestyle off the grid. There are no limits to how you can create your interior with the Super Structure Panel Kit. I've seen many campers that claim to be modular, and this one truly lives up to that promise.
In terms of pricing, New Way Van conversions typically start at $65,000 (€60,310), not including base vehicle costs. As I mentioned earlier, the one I checked today included several add-ons, so the price is definitely higher. For more information about New Way Van Life and its products and services, please visit their website.
