Many people dream of living a nomadic lifestyle, longing for carefree time on the road, watching the landscape change, and spending tranquil evenings in the middle of nature. The idea that a vehicle can serve as your "mobile home" and take you anywhere you want to go is so exciting for many, which explains the ever-growing popularity of vanlife traveling.
If you're considering taking the plunge and embarking on your van life adventure, there are countless professional conversion companies across the country to build your dream camper van. One of them is Papago Vans in Mesa, Arizona, a van outfitter specializing in designing and building custom adventure vans that will unlock unforgettable adventures. Whether you're looking for off-road capabilities, luxury interiors, or a fully equipped home on wheels, they can turn your vision into reality.
The latest conversion completed by the expert team is the Summit Overlander, a dependable two-story camper van with a rugged exterior and a welcoming, comfortable interior. Built on a sturdy Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 170 AWD chassis, this van conversion is designed for any kind of adventure. With high-end off-road and off-grid capabilities, it can tackle difficult terrain and enables self-sufficient travel.
Meticulously designed to be a true rolling home, the Summit Overlander perfectly captures the essence of van life, enabling minimalist living with a tinge of elegance and luxury thrown into the mix. It is ideally suited for a couple but offers sleeping space for four people in a convertible double bed at the rear and a spacious pop-top tent on the roof.
Photo: Papago Vans
On the outside, this custom camper van catches the eye with a rugged, bold appearance. Various exterior upgrades turn the regular Sprinter into an off-road beast ready for any adventure. Thanks to an Agile RIP lift kit, all-terrain wheels wrapped in Black Rhino Matte Black Arsenal rims, and a CA Tuned front bumper equipped with black D-rings and a Warn 12s winch, it can confidently traverse any terrain.
Other noteworthy exterior features include a 52" light bar and exterior perimeter lighting that ensure excellent visibility in any condition and various accessories at the rear that enhance storage and utility. These include an Owl Vans bike carrier, a Lost Saguaro tire carrier, and an Owl's Monster box, which holds 8.8. cubic feet of gear.
Stepping inside, you'll instantly notice the team at Papago Vans has masterfully orchestrated the van's interior to maximize the use of space and offer all the comforts of home. Thanks to a thoughtful layout conceived with versatility in mind, inside this camper, you'll find a rear seating/dining area that turns into a cozy space to sleep after a day of exploration, a kitchen equipped with everything you need to cook daily meals on the road, basic bathroom facilities, and storage solutions for all your essentials.
Photo: Papago Vans
And because this is a four-berth van, it can transport the same number of people in complete safety. The outfitter added a front-end center jump seat and an extra captain's chair behind the driver's seat to bring the total number of seatbelted seats to four. The rear seat comes with an adjustable Lagun table, offering a great spot for working on the road. Above the driver's cab, they installed a headliner shelf with a privacy curtain on it.
The center of the van is occupied by the kitchen on one side and the bathroom on the other. The cooking area might be small but offers plenty of functionality, with a double-burner induction cooktop, an undermount stainless steel sink, a microwave, and an Isotherm Cruise fridge/freezer. It also boasts a very stylish and refined look, with an acacia butcher block countertop, tiled backsplash, and discreet under-cabinet lighting. A counter extension adds some extra space for meal prep, and an extra cabinet next to the bathroom provides additional storage space.
The indoor shower also exudes elegant vibes with its tiled walls and black fixtures. A built-in cupboard inside the shower holds a Lavio dry flush toilet mounted on heavy-duty slides. For more convenience on the road, the van also has a rear outdoor shower, alongside a 20-gallon water tank and a 4-gallon hot water heater.
Photo: Papago Vans
The rear of the Summit Overlander is a versatile space that acts as a seating and dining area during the day and a bedroom during the night. The built-in benches come with custom cushions, and the table drops down to complete the bed setup. Body flares with opening windows have been installed on both sides, and a 24" smart TV on a swivel mount will provide entertainment when the grim weather forces you to spend time inside.
The pop-top roof accommodates two more people in a double bed, turning this van into a two-story mobile habitat. It can be accessed via a telescopic ladder via a hatch and is a true haven of relaxation with a comfy mattress and windows all around for fantastic views.
Photo: Papago Vans
What's more, the van is equipped with premium off-grid features for complete freedom in remote locations. Power comes from a robust 400W solar system and an 800Ah Lithium Iron battery, coupled with a 50Amp DC-DC/solar charger combo, a 3000W pure sine wave inverter, and multiple 110V outlets. For climate control, you get a Maxxair Deluxe fan, a roof-mounted AC, and an Espar diesel heater, so if you can't resist the allure of far-flung destinations, you can rest assured this home on wheels will keep you comfortable no matter where the road leads.
Pricing for Papago Vans' builds depends on the features and customizations chosen by the client, but to give you an idea about the cost, the Summit Overlander was in the ballpark of $170K, including the van.
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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