If you've got the budget, a custom camper van is a much better option than a pre-built one since it can be molded to fit your needs. Recently, I discovered Sequoia + Salt Vans, a custom camper van builder. Today, I'd like to talk about one of its projects made this year.
Sequoia + Salt Vans is a Farmingdale, New Jersey-based company determined to bring its customers' camper van visions to life. One of its latest projects is the Heron, a conversion based on a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter with a 144" wheelbase. As its builder shared, this rig was expertly crafted to bring the client's dream of the ultimate beachside escape to life.
Like always, I'll start the tour with the vehicle's exterior. This Sprinter is AWD, so it can handle some off-roading. But to properly go off the beaten path, you need the right tires. Since the van will be driven on and off the road, the builders opted for a popular choice for camper vans: BFGoodrich KO2 all-terrain tires.
On the sides, you'll find running boards, which offer easier access to the van and a nice aesthetic look. Moreover, Sequoia + Salt Vans fitted Vanspeed capsules to increase the available bedroom space.
The last notable exterior features are a front bumper with a winch and an FVC (Flatline Van Co.) slim roof rack. The latter holds 400 W solar panels and a Fiamma F45S awning while still leaving room for a vent fan and a Dometic A/C. By the way, to get to the roof, you'll have to use a ladder mounted on the driver's side of the vehicle.
Photo: Sequoia + Salt Vans
Slide the door open, and you'll discover a bright and finely crafted interior, something we've been used to seeing in this company's projects.
This van's customer opted for a pretty common aesthetic: white cabinetry paired with various natural wood accents (such as the countertops), marine-grade flooring, and leather handles. It has a rustic feel but with a modern twist.
The good design continues beneath what we can see – Sequoia + Salt Vans made this rig four-season-ready by fitting eco-friendly Insulation for optimal temperature control.
You'll see that this van's interior has an open layout, meaning the driver's cabin isn't separated from the living space by a wall. While this setup is less private and insulated, it makes the interior feel roomier. What's more, the driver and passenger seats are mounted on swivel bases, so they can become part of the living space when turned around.
Photo: Sequoia + Salt Vans
Next, we have the seating area, which starts from right behind the driver's seat. It consists of two benches with a table in between. Above, you'll see two decently sized cabinets and a microwave.
Like in other camper vans, you can lower the table to the same height as the benches, connecting them into a small lounge that can double as a bed. Furthermore, the bench behind the driver's seat houses a cassette toilet on a heavy-duty slide.
On the opposite side, the space (including part of the entrance) is taken up by a kitchen. It's small but quite capable, featuring a deep sink with a cutting board cover, a retractable faucet, a built-in induction stove, and a 65-liter refrigerator.
Counterspace is limited, with the sink and stove taking up most of the countertop, but you can use a flip-up table if you need more real estate for meal prepping.
Photo: YouTube Screenshot / SequoiaSaltVans
Finally, the rear part of the living space is taken up by a tall fixed bedroom. It boasts a full-size memory foam mattress measuring 68 x 54 inches (172 x 137 centimeters). The builders devised cut-outs on both sides to be able to arrange the bed from side to side.
Other notable features are two reading lights, two overhead cabinets, and a control panel integrated into the kitchen. The latter consists of an inverter controller, a battery monitor, dimmable light switches, and USB outlets.
The entire space underneath the bed serves as a garage. It has a lovely rustic aesthetic with shiplap walls. Furthermore, boxes hide the utility systems on the sides of the garage. Plumbing is on the right. The system comprises a 20-gallon (75-liter) freshwater tank and a Timberline hydronic heating system.
Regarding power, the electrical system's highlights are a 660 Ah battery bank, a 3,000 W inverter, a 30-amp shore power hookup, and a solar charge controller connected to 400 W solar panels. This setup is powerful and efficient enough to sustain off-grid travel.
Photo: Sequoia + Salt Vans
All in all, the Heron is a cute and well-equipped tiny home on wheels. It has all the essentials to go off-road and off-grid and enjoy time closer to nature. Now, all that's left to discuss is pricing.
Sequoia + Salt Vans didn't share a quote for this rig. Since every can is custom, prices will differ depending on features and complexity. However, we know that the company charges between $10,000 and $50,000 (€9,599 and €47,994) - this rig is probably priced toward the end of this interval.
Starting out with a motorcycle permit just because he could get one two years earlier than a driver's license, Mircea keeps his passion for bikes (motor or no motor) alive to this day. His lifelong dream is to build his own custom camper van. Full profile
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