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ide
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in
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e cking
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STARTERSTARTER
KIT
COPYRIGHT THE WAYWARD H
!
Hello and welcome to your van life
starter kit!
People love this van because of the options in length and height. Sprinters,
although made well, are a more expensive van for van life. It can be harder to find
parts when you’re traveling, and usually, you’ll need to get the Sprinter fixed at a
Mercedes dealership. MERCEDES SPRINTER VAN
However, Sprinters, with an efficient diesel engine, get way better gas mileage than
many vans on the market. They also come in
a 4WD option.
People love this van because of the options in length and height. Sprinters, although made
well,
Needarehelp
a more expensive
picking van for van life. It can be harder to find parts when you’re
the right
traveling,
Sprinter?and usually, you’ll need to get the Sprinter fixed at a Mercedes dealership.
However, Sprinters, with an efficient diesel engine, get way better gas mileage than many
Check out the Sprinter RV
vans on the market. They also come in a 4WD option.
Buyer’s Guide.
Need help picking the right Sprinter? Check out the Sprinter RV Buyer’s Guide.
People love this van because of the options in length and height. Sprinters, altho
Body Wheelbase
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Standard 144”
However, 132.9” with an 53.1”
Sprinters, 70.4”engine, Low
efficient diesel getRoof: Lowgas
way better and mileage t
67.7” High
vans on the market. They also come in a 4WD option.
High Roof:
79.1
Need help picking the right Sprinter? Check out the Sprinter RV Buyer’s Guid
Long 170” 173.6” 53.1” 70.4” 79.1” High Only
HEADING
MERCEDES SPRINTER VAN
Mercedes Metris Van
This van has only been in the North American market for a couple years. People
MERCEDES METRIS VAN
love that its cargo area is larger than competing vans, making it perfect for a van
build. One major downside is that it requires premium gas, so your fuel bill will go
up. Here are the two main lengths of cargo vans you can get. We’ll assume most
people won’t want the passenger van, as you’ll have to rip out the seats.
People love this van because of the options in length and height. Sprinters, although made
well, are a more expensive van for van life. It can be harder to find parts when you’re
traveling, and usually, you’ll need to get the Sprinter fixed at a Mercedes dealership.
However, Sprinters, with an efficient diesel engine, get way better gas mileage than many
Click here for more info
vans on the market. They also come in a 4WD option.
on the Mercedes Metris.
Need help picking the right Sprinter? Check out the Sprinter RV Buyer’s Guide.
This van has only been in the North American market for a couple years. Peo
cargo area is larger than competing vans, making it perfect for a van build. O
Body Wheelbase Interior Cargo Floor Interior Interior
downside is that it requires
Conversion
premium gas,
Width btwn
so your fuel
Conversion
bill will go up. Here are
Conversion
lengths of cargo vansWidth
you can get.wheels
We’ll assumeLength
most peopleHeight won’t want the
Standard
as you’ll126”
have to rip out the seats. 50”
66.3” 105.4” 55”
HEADING
MERCEDES SPRINTER VAN
Dodge Promaster
Promasters are much more affordable and easier to fix than Mercedes Sprinter
DODGE PROMASTER
vans. However, these vans do not come in 4WD.You can choose between a
standard and high roof cargo van, either with or without windows. Also, the Dodge
Promaster comes with a standard, medium, long and extended wheelbase, so
there are plenty of choices to fit your needs.People love the Promaster because
they can comfortably sleep across the width of the van.
People love this van because of the options in length and height. Sprinters, although made
well, are a more expensive van for van life. It can be harder to find parts when you’re
traveling, and usually, you’ll need to get the Sprinter fixed at a Mercedes dealership.
However, Sprinters, with an efficient diesel engine, get way better gas mileage than many
vans on the market. They also come in a 4WD option.
Click here for more info
on the
Need helpDodge
pickingPromaster.
the right Sprinter? Check out the Sprinter RV Buyer’s Guide.
Promasters are much more affordable and easier to fix than Mercedes S
Body Wheelbase Interior Interior Interior Roof
However, these vans do
Conversion
not come in 4WD.You
Conversion
can
Standing
choose between a st
roof cargo van, eitherWidth
with or without
Lengthwindows.Height
Also, the Dodge Promaste
Standardstandard, medium, long
118” 75.6”and extended
106.7” wheelbase,
66.3” so there are
Low plenty of
needs.People love the Promaster because they can comfortably sleep ac
Medium 136” 75.6” 122.8” Low Roof: Low and High
the van. 66.3”
High Roof:
77.1”
Click here for more info on the Dodge Promaster.
Medium 136” 75.6” 146” 77.1” High
HEADING
MERCEDES SPRINTER VAN
Dodge Promaster City
Looking for a smaller van? The Dodge Promaster City is a popular option for singles
or couples looking to be stealth. A small van gets better gas mileage than larger
vans, but you compromise space and the ability to stand up.Choose between cargo
DODGE PROMASTER CITY
and passenger van options with flexible seating and cargo arrangements. These
specs are for a cargo van - most likely what you’d be using for a conversion.
People love this van because of the options in length and height. Sprinters, although made
well, are a more expensive van for van life. It can be harder to find parts when you’re
traveling, and usually, you’ll need to get the Sprinter fixed at a Mercedes dealership.
However, Sprinters, with an efficient diesel engine, get way better gas mileage than many
vans on Click here for
the market. They also come in a 4WD option.
more info on the Dodge
Promaster
Need help City.
picking the right Sprinter? Check out the Sprinter RV Buyer’s Guide.
Body LookingWheelbase
for a smaller van? The Dodge Promaster
Interior Interior City isOverall
a popular
Height option fo
couples looking to be stealth. A small van
Conversion gets better gas mileage than larg
Conversion
Width Length
compromise space and the ability to stand up.Choose between cargo and p
Standard options with flexible seating
122.4” and cargo arrangements.
48.4” 87.2” These specs are for a
74.2”
most likely what you’d be using for a conversion.
HEADING
MERCEDES SPRINTER VAN
Ford Transit
People love this one due to the variety of length options, and the fact that it’s more
affordable to repair than the Mercedes Sprinter.Ford Transit vans have been 2WD
until 2020, when a 4WD version hits the market.The Ford Transit comes in both a
FORD
cargo and passenger van version. The benefit TRANSIT
of a passenger van are the windows,
but you’ll have to remove the seats for a van build.This van comes in regular, long
and extended body sizes. It also offers three roof heights: low, medium and high.
People love this van because of the options in length and height. Sprinters, although made
well, are a more expensive van for van life. It can be harder to find parts when you’re
traveling, and usually, you’ll need to get the Sprinter fixed at a Mercedes dealership.
However, Sprinters, with an efficient diesel engine, get way better gas mileage than many
vans on the market. They also come in a 4WD option.
Click here for more info
Needon thepicking
help Ford Transit.
the right Sprinter? Check out the Sprinter RV Buyer’s Guide.
People love this one due to the variety of length options, and the fact that it's more
Wheelbase Interior Interior Interior Roof
affordable to repair than the Mercedes Sprinter.Ford Transit vans have been 2WD unt
Conversion Conversion Standing
2020, when a 4WDWidthversion
at hits the market.The Ford
Length Transit comes in both a cargo an
Height
passenger van Wheels
version. The benefit of a passenger van are the windows, but you’ll hav
remove the seats for a van build.This van comes in regular, long and extended body s
Standard Body 129.9”
also offers three 54.8”
roof heights: low,115.9” Low: 56.9”
medium and high. Low,
Med: 72” Medium,
Click here for more info on the Ford Transit High: 81.5” High
HEADING
MERCEDES SPRINTER VAN
Ford Transit Connect
However, Sprinters, with an efficient diesel engine, get way better gas mileage than many
vans on the market. They also come in a 4WD option.
Click here for more info on
the help
Need Fordpicking
Transitthe
Connect.
right Sprinter? Check out the Sprinter RV Buyer’s Guide.
HEADING
MERCEDES SPRINTER VAN
Chevy Express
If you don’t care about a high-roof option, you can always put a pop-top in a Chevy,
or leave it as a cargo van for a little bit more stealth.Chevy Express vans come in
two sizes - a standard and extended wheelbase. You can also choose between a
CHEVY EXPRESS
cargo and a passenger version, but for these specs we’re focusing on cargo.
People love this van because of the options in length and height. Sprinters, although made
well, are a more expensive van for van life. It can be harder to find parts when you’re
traveling, and usually, you’ll need to get the Sprinter fixed at a Mercedes dealership.
However, Sprinters, with an efficient diesel engine, get way better gas mileage than many
vans on the market. They also come in a 4WD option.
Click here for more info
onhelp
Need the picking
Chevy the
Express.
right Sprinter? Check out the Sprinter RV Buyer’s Guide.
If you don’t care about a high-roof option, you can always put a pop-top in a Chevy
it asWheelbase Interior
a cargo van for a little InteriorExpress vans
bit more stealth.Chevy Interior
comeHeight
in two sizes
standard and extendedConversion
wheelbase. You can Conversion
also choose between a cargo and a pa
Width at Wheels Length
version, but for these specs we’re focusing on cargo.
Regular 135” 52.47” 126.75” 55.08”
HEADING
MERCEDES SPRINTER VAN
Nissan NV Cargo
I love these Nissan NVs, which are a bit smaller than the typical van you’d have
for van life. Another good stealth option. Nissan NV Cargo vans come in standard
and high roof options. You can also choose between a variety of versions and trim
styles, from the 1500, to 2500 to 3500. These vans also come with two engine
sizes: V6 and V8. NISSAN NV CARGO
People love this van because of the options in length and height. Sprinters, although made
well, are a more expensive van for van life. It can be harder to find parts when you’re
traveling, and usually, you’ll need to get the Sprinter fixed at a Mercedes dealership.
However, Sprinters, with an efficient diesel engine, get way better gas mileage than many
vans on the market. They also come in a 4WD option.
Click here for more info
on the
Need helpNissan
picking NV
the Cargo.
right Sprinter? Check out the Sprinter RV Buyer’s Guide.
HEADING
MERCEDES SPRINTER VAN
Nissan NV 200
NISSAN NV 200
The Nissan NV 200 is an affordable small van with great gas mileage, built for
easy maneuvering in a city. The van does fall short in cargo space compared to
the Metris, Ford Transit Connect and Promaster City. This little van also has less
power than its competitors with a 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine.
People love this van because of the options in length and height. Sprinters, although made
well, are a more expensive van for van life. It can be harder to find parts when you’re
traveling, and usually, you’ll need to get the Sprinter fixed at a Mercedes dealership.
However, Sprinters, with an efficient diesel engine, get way better gas mileage than many
vans on the market. They also come in a 4WD option.
Click here for more info
onhelp
Need the picking
Nissanthe
NVright
200.Sprinter? Check out the Sprinter RV Buyer’s Guide.
HEADING
MERCEDES SPRINTER VAN
Toyota Sienna Minivan
The Toyota Sienna minivan is growing in popularity amongst van lifers who are
looking for a van that’s small, stealth and easy to maneuver. This van gets an
TOYOTA SIENNA MINIVAN
astonishing 19 mpg in the city and 27 on the highway.Some van conversion
companies, such as Oasis Campervans, are using the Toyota Sienna. This is the
only new AWD minivan on the market, making it great for snow, rain, sand and
dirt roads.To convert this into a campervan, you’ll have to remove the passenger
seats.
People love this van because of the options in length and height. Sprinters, although made
well, are a more expensive van for van life. It can be harder to find parts when you’re
traveling, and usually, you’ll need to get the Sprinter fixed at a Mercedes dealership.
However, Sprinters, with an efficient diesel engine, get way better gas mileage than many
vans on the market. They also come in a 4WD option.
Click here for more info
Needonhelp
thepicking
Toyotathe
Sienna.
right Sprinter? Check out the Sprinter RV Buyer’s Guide.
The Toyota Sienna minivan is growing in popularity amongst van lifers who are
Wheelbase Overall Width Overall Length Headroom
van that’s small, stealth and easy to maneuver. This van gets an astonishing 1
uilt for easy
Standard city and 27119” 78.1”
on the highway.Some 200.6” companies, such
van conversion 40” as Oasis C
to the Metris, Fordare using the Toyota Sienna. This is the only new AWD minivan on the market,
han its competitors great for snow, rain, sand and dirt roads.To convert this into a campervan, you
remove the passenger seats.
HEADING
Van Buying Tips
MERCEDES SPRINTER VAN
Wondering where on earth to buy a campervan? There are tons of places out there
as van life becomes more and more common.
CRAIGSLIST
Craigslist is a great place to buy a van. You can set up alerts in multiple
cities for the type of van you want. This is how I found my Chevy Astro van!
People love this van because of the options in length and height. Sprinters, although made
FACEBOOK MARKETPLACE
well, are a more expensive van for van life. It can be harder to find parts when you’re
traveling, and usually, you’ll need to get the Sprinter fixed at a Mercedes dealership.
More and more people are using Facebook Marketplace to list vans.
Don’t just
However, Sprinters, stick
with to your own
an efficient city!engine,
diesel Browseget
nearby
waycities
betterorgas
even different
mileage than many
states for
vans on the market. thealso
They perfect van.
come in a 4WD option.
Need help picking the right Sprinter? Check out the Sprinter RV Buyer’s Guide.
FACEBOOK GROUPS
There are many Facebook groups out there selling vans. Search for Class
B campervans for sale or Class B campervans Buy/Sell/Trader. Or join a
Facebook group for the particular type of van you want.
FROM A DEALER
Some dealers are partnership with custom van build companies to offer
financing on campervans. After you know which type of van you want,
try searching for dealers that offer campervan conversions.
HEADING
DIY Van MERCEDES SPRINTERBOOK
DIY VAN CONVERSION VAN
• CHECK
CHECK OUTOUT THECONVERSION
THE CONVERSION SOURCEBOOK
SOURCEBOOK•
CHECK OUT THE CO
HEADING
Wiring Tutorials
Figuring out the wiring of your electrical, water and propane systems can be a
major pain if you’re not an electrician or into construction.
Luckily, my friends over at Far Out Ride have a ton of different wiring diagrams and
tutorials, plus van interior layout ideas.
WIRING TUTORIALS
This is the best resource I’ve found for doing the interior wiring of your van by
yourself.
Marianne even tells you where dump stations are near the campsites and gives
suggested itineraries. The books give details on the elevation, view, cell phone
service and how to get there. Plus, they won’t cost you more than a single night
in a campsite.
SOON YOU'LL BE
LIVING ON THE ROAD!
COPYRIGHT 2020 THE WAYWARD HOME