Couple's First Camper Van Is a Proper Home on Wheels With a Cozy and Roomy Interior

Meet Dayne and Jo and their self-converted mobile home, Luna, based on a 2018 Mercedes Benz Sprinter Van 2500 with a 144" wheelbase. Jo converted the van about five years ago and started traveling. A year later, she met Dayne, and they started sharing the home soon after.

As usual, I'll start the tour with the exterior. The van is finished in standard white paint and has no windows past the driver's cabin, which would've made it perfect for stealth camping. However, the couple fitted some exterior upgrades that might give away its "camper DNA," at least to a keen eye.

On the passenger side, you'll find a Stoked Adventure Outfitter ladder. Climb it, and you'll discover two 100 W solar panels at the rear, a fan, a WeBoost cell signal booster antenna, and a self-built solar shower.

The latter spans the entire length of the van and holds water. It's designed to be used in warm climates where the sun will heat up the water, which you can then use to warm yourself outside. Based on what I researched online, a DIY solar shower can get the water temperature up to a maximum of 111 degrees Fahrenheit (almost 44 degrees Celsius) on a 90-degree Fahrenheit (32-degree Celsius) day of full sun, which is more than enough for a shower during the summer.

Step inside, and a roomy, cleverly designed interior will greet you. Regarding looks, Dayne and Joe opted for a brighter aesthetic—that was almost a must due to the lack of windows. The design consists of grey and white cabinetry, a slatted wood ceiling, and white shiplap walls. A white subway tile backsplash with black grout and a countertop imitating white marble complete the look.

Before we peek at the living space, let me tell you more about the driver's cabin. Most camper vans have swivel seats, but this one has a double-seat bench instead of the passenger seat.

While this makes the interior feel slightly less spacious, it also offers much more storage space underneath its cushions. Dayne and Jo use the spot to store extra diesel in jerry cans and leveling blocks. There's also some space you can use behind the driver's seat to stuff some more items, as well as a sizeable headliner shelf.

Slide the main door open and you'll notice this van has a "partly open" layout. By that, I mean there's a wall (known as a bulkhead) separating the driver's cabin from the living space. However, the duo left an opening to be able to pass things through or quickly hop behind the wheel in an emergency without having to leave the van.

A surprisingly large shoe storage spot blocks part of the entrance. Straight ahead, the duo devised the kitchen. It features a small 12 V Dometic fridge/freezer, a built-in diesel-powered cooktop, a wine bottle holder under the fridge, and a large sink. Moreover, a fan above the kitchen ensures the fumes and smells from cooking will be vented out.

For storage, you can utilize an enormous overhead cabinet with multiple compartments, three drawers, and a cabinet underneath the sink. The latter houses the plumbing system, which consists of a 21-gallon (79-liter) freshwater tank and a 7-gallon (26-liter) greywater tank. Oh, and there's also a pee funnel.

You can also use a magnetic knife rack, a hanging fruit basket, and one of my favorite cheap hacks for van life: jars with caps screwed into a shelf above.

There's a decent amount of counter space available in the kitchen. However, a counter on the opposite side extends all the way to the rear and offers a lot more meal prep space, should you need it. If you lift its top panel or pull its side panel, you'll reveal extra storage spots and the rig's power system.

Initially, the van was equipped with a couple of AGM batteries, but they eventually died, so Dayne and Jo replaced them with a 200 Ah lithium-ion battery bank. Other notable components are a 1,500 W inverter, a solar charge controller, an alternator charger, and a shore power connection.

Finally, we have the lounge/bedroom area at the rear. You'll notice a large flip-down table, a couch, an overhead cabinet, and a bookshelf. Turning the couch into a bed is very straightforward – just pull a frame extension for support and pull the cushion. Do that, and you'll discover three cubbies, one of which is a laundry chute.

Dayne and Joe also created a garage under the bed. It has two storage spots: an open one to the right and a massive drawer.

Overall, this rig isn't luxurious, but it looks and feels like a home. It packs everything the couple needs to enjoy van life, and in the end, that's what matters.