The Van Ad
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Project
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Quirky Campers Advert
Advert
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Vehicle Make and Model
2005 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2.2CDI 313 Diesel Manual MWB HR 129 BHP
Off-Grid Stealth Camper and Functional High-Roof Van
Year of First Registration
June 2005
Vehicle Type
Campervan
Base Vehicle Condition
Used
Fuel Type
Diesel
Transmission
Manual
Vehicle Length
5.75 meters
Vehicle Width
2.5 meters
Vehicle Height
2.75 meters
Current Mileage
219,000 miles
Belted Seats
3
Driving Side
Right-hand Drive
Births
2
Converter Type
Self build - Handcrafted Expert
Conversion Condition
Excellent
Vehicle Description
An exceptionally clean, solid, and well maintained 2005 Mk1 Sprinter, MOTed to May 2024 with no advisories. It may have one of the kindest lives of any Sprinter out there as single-drop delivery vehicle for an aerospace company, bought then by the mechanic who serviced it from new for his wife’s handcrafted bag company, before I became the third owner in 2019. Converted next to high standards [build pictures on my linked website ►], this unique design creates both a lightweight and fuel-efficient off-grid stealth camper and a fully functioning high-roof van. All interior components can be removed in 20 minutes with its shoring bar system.
There are some cosmetic blemishes, the sliding door being the most visible. Repair panels are widely available for a full cosmetic repair of the door, but our conscious choice has been to retain and protect the original structurally sound and functioning panels with Bilt Hamber products, and to embrace the scars. [We’ve all got them].
We have loved regular trips within the UK and the island of Ireland over the last few years and are now selling the Sprinter as we begin a house conversion here in the North of Ireland. The final purchase price can be adjusted for UK mainland buyers, taking into account ferry costings for pick up, or delivery by me.
All questions and viewings [in-person and on-video] of its many features are welcome. They include:
Rare Jasper Blue Bodywork
Flexible and Removable Internal Configuration
Sound Deadening and Two Stage Insulation
Ply Panelling
Dometic Micro Heki Rooflight
Removable Fabric Thermal Bulkhead
Magnetic Fabric Thermal Blinds
Three Piece Memory Foam Mattress
300W Monocrystalline Solar Panel
Twin 12V Marine Leisure Batteries
Controller and Inverter
Euro Stacking Container Storage
Portable Gas Stove and Heater
Portable Toilet
Dickies Rucksack Storage
Vango Pop Folding Chairs
Classic Bluetooth DAB & USB Tuner Stereo
Michelin Agilis Tyres on Black Steel Rims
Pre-dinged Passenger-side Sliding Door
Bed Description
The 3-piece memory foam mattress [with removable covers] lies on top of a 3-panel bed platform, allowing easy handling and storage when switching between configurations. The mattress pieces can be stacked and secured to the side of the bed platform and a 4th platform panel and foam piece drops into the lower track to create a bench and table. The bed can also be positioned in the higher track to maximise storage space beneath.
Conversion Description
I'm a qualified automotive designer and loved the opportunities this project offered, starting with the incredibly solid and well maintained Mk1 Mercedes Sprinter.
Utilising spring-loaded shoring bar poles and tracks from the haulage industry offered the advantages of flexible configuration with minimum weight. The foundation of the conversion was then sound deadening and insulating using Dodo thermal products: Silent Coat, Thermo Van Liner, Superliner and Thermofleece.
The permanent and heavy steel bulkhead was replaced with a bespoke removable fabric thermal piece, made in a durable cordura-type material with turnbutton fasteners and stich-in textile magnets to secure. The fabric bulkhead allows quick access to the driver and passenger cab, with the top half folding down to open the cab to the rear. Magnetic rear window blinds are matched, and a Dometic Micro Heki Rooflight provides daylight, ventilation and security, with its 28cm x 28cm opening guarding against entry through the roof.
The 300W solar panel, controller, inverter and two marine leisure batteries, were specked to provide twice the required energy needs for running an office set up of laptop, phone charging, tablet charging and lighting.
Keeping flexibility, all storage in the Sprinter is removable and non-permanent. The euro stacking storage boxes locate within floor-fixed tracks. This durable storage system offers multiple inter-stacking options that can be added to for bespoke needs. Dickies rucksacks fix into the wall tracks, providing lightweight and ease in carrying luggage between home and van. Water, toileting, cooking and heating and are all portable, utilising established options from the camping world, with the stove and heater running on standard gas cartridges.
We have loved our experiences with this fantastic vehicle, from inner-city stealth camping, off-grid wild camping and certified site camping, to transporting furniture, machinery and motorcycles. Keeping weight to a minimum has retained Mercedes' renowned performance and fuel economy, and the flexibility allows it to be both covert, snug and secure, then open, light-filled and invaluably functional.
Get in touch with any questions and queries and to arrange a viewing in-person and on-video.
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