Ok, before we get into this let’s get an understanding of the playing field we are talking about here. The Mercedes Benz Sprinter Van has taken the adventure van culture by storm. I’d even go as far to say that they have made the industry mainstream, bringing van lifers all over the world to the surface of pop culture. The MB Sprinter has become the van of choice when you’re building out an adventure van, and they aren’t cheap. So, when I say build your Sprinter out on a budget, we start above 65k just to get in the game.
I have been fortunate enough to be a part of a lot of awesome off-road builds in my day. Those builds have almost all been Jeeps, so when it came to building out a van…what did I know? I knew I wanted it to be simple. I knew I wanted it to be tough enough to hold up to my lifestyle. And I knew enough to know when I am looking at quality products that will easily meet my expectations.
Lost Hiway Customs is a brand that offers quality, aluminum components that are easy to install and built to last. Building a van that can roadtrip is one thing, but building a van that can tackle the trails is entirely something different. Lost Hiway put their decades of off-road experience into the design and manufacturing of their components so people can rest easy that their van will hold up on and off road.
Taking a look at their basic interior set up you will find everything you need to enjoy the amenities of an easy weekend of camping. From their bed system to their pedestal sink your van will be comfortable and well equipped. Their interior components have plenty of storage, latch securely, and is easy to keep clean. All very important to the camper that loves that “off the beaten path” experience. Here is a list of the Lost Hiway components that make up my Sprinter interior.
Tall Fender Box Set – $5500.00 (bed system)
Pedestal Cabinet – $950.00 (this is also one half of the extended bed kit)
Pedestal Galley – $1200.00 (this is the second half of the extended bed kit)
Toilet Box – $450.00
Step Well Trim/StepcCubby Kit – $295.00
Rear Lower Door Panels w/Molly Panels – $475.00
28 inch Overhead Storage Cabinet w/Bamboo doors – $475.00
52 inch Overhead Storage Cabinet w/Bamboo Doors – $725.00
We need to add in the rest of what it took to build out the interior. Water tank, lighting, refrigerator, shower (out of the back of the Sprinter), pump, and the Goal Zero 6000x unit that powers everything. Let’s round it out as an additional, soft $9000.00 bucks.
I know, I know, there’s more to do right? However…purchasing a Sprinter for about 70k, then installing a full interior from Lost Hiway, plus some extras for an additional 20k-ish gets you an adventure ready van for under 100k. Of course that doesn’t mean you’re done, there’s so many fun things to add still! At least you can slow down, build the rest of your adventure van out piece by piece over time without missing out on the fun.
Ready to start planning your build? head on over to LOSTHIWAY and get shopping.
Rob Spencer
photos by Kevin Warn