After becoming a hot trend on social media platforms, vanlife has gained increasingly more adopters all over the world. And though the reality of living and traveling in a vehicle might not be as glamorous as social media posts might let on, there is still a romantic lure to the idea of traveling to new, exciting locations, waking up to a different vista every day, and even going miles and miles away from civilization to enjoy peaceful meadows or an alpine lake in solitude with no other humans in sight.
Since this movement shows no signs of slowing down, camper van builders and outfitters are busy at work turning standard vans into functional homes on wheels. Today, we're going to explore a custom conversion built by Michigan-based Redpoint Vanture with a practical layout and modern appeal.
Based on a brand-new 2023 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter with a 144" wheelbase and a high roof, this beautiful van conversion is called Black Diamond. It is a two-berth camper aimed at folks who demand both adventure and sophistication and is designed to allow you to experience van life in style and comfort.
Finished in Steel Blue, the exterior of the van is rather unassuming but not exactly stealthy, as several elements are a telltale sign that someone might be living inside, such as the roof rack and the solar panels mounted on it, the bunk windows on both sides, and spare tire carrier at the back.
Inside, this modern van offers a balanced mix of sleek aesthetics and unmatched functionality. From the custom dark gray cabinetry with Redpoint Vanture's signature linoleum finish to the stylish butcher block counters and clever lighting system that really sets the mood, every inch of this van exudes style and craftsmanship. The dark color palette has gained this van the name "Black Diamond," but the ambiance is serene and inviting.
Photo: Redpoint Vanture
The wood panels on the ceilings and shiplap walls are painted black inside this skilfully crafted mobile home, but they are nicely contrasted by the premium LVP flooring in a much lighter tone. Similarly, the dark cabinetry is lit up by strategically placed LED strips, creating a cozy yet elegant atmosphere.
A well-thought-out layout, with a kitchen, dining area, hidden bathroom, cozy sleeping space, and a slide-out garage, makes great use of every available square inch, and as soon as you step inside, you'll notice the combination of modern design with high-end amenities.
The interior is completely open, with no solid wall separating the driver's cab from the actual living space, and the passenger's seat is installed on a swiveling mount to provide extra seating space. The refined baltic birch plywood cabinetry in the kitchen is beautifully complemented by a butcher block countertop on the driver's side, while a long bench with brown faux-leather cushions and a Lagun-style table occupy the opposite side.
In the small kitchen, aesthetics meet functionality with a Summit double-burner induction cooktop, a stainless steel sink, an 85L Isotherm refrigerator, and a microwave.
Photo: Redpoint Vanture
The large bench in the entryway has double functionality, as it conceals a shower and a slide-out portable toilet. Since this camper van is built on a 144-inch chassis, the designers had to come up with an ingenious solution to maximize space efficiency, so this hidden shower option ensures you can enjoy a refreshing shower whenever you need by simply pulling up the shower curtain. To use the portable toilet, you just have to slide it out from its dedicated compartment.
This entryway bench faces a smaller one neatly integrated between the kitchen and the rear bed to create a snug seating area. A pull-out table nested under the bed turns this area into a small dinette. Designed for durability and stability, this pull-out table is perfect for dining or working while enjoying your natural surroundings through the van's open doors.
For enhanced comfort and convenience on long-term journeys, the Black Diamond includes a full-size fixed bed at the rear that can easily be converted into a queen-size plus bed thanks to a pull-out section that extends above the dinette. Having such a large bed with a 4" high-density medium-firm foam mattress means you no longer have to compromise on comfort over space.
What's more, with 3M Thinsulate insulation, a Maxxair fan, Webasto Airtop 2000 gas heater, and Dometic 12V air conditioner, you’ll be comfortable no matter the weather.
Photo: Redpoint Vanture
A large rear garage underneath the bed with a huge slide-out tray for outdoor gear makes this build suitable for any type of adventure. It is spacious enough to fit a couple of bikes, and the slide-out tray makes packing and unpacking a breeze.
When it comes to off-grid capability, the Black Diamond comes well-prepared for setting up camp in the remote wilderness. It boasts a 300W solar system and 400Ah 12V lithium battery that will keep you powered up during your journeys. It is also equipped with a 30-gallon fresh water tank, a 28-gallon grey tank, and a Bosch 4-gallon water heater.
With a modern design, refined aesthetics, and practical amenities, the Black Diamond camper van could be used as either a full-time mobile home or a luxurious retreat during your outdoor explorations.
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
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