Mercedes Sprinter Van Converted into Camper with Motorcycle Inside

[@rosslukeman]

Get the Ultimate Van Power Cheat Sheet: www.rosslukeman.com/vanpower

[@robcreel4257]

Finally, a conversion for someone who rides a motorcycle. That's been on my mind for quite some time. Thanks for posting this!

[@VanGoWanderlust]

Me too..... been looking at toy haulers, but would prefer a class B or C with motorcycle storage.

[@garrysceppa7508]

@@a64738 can you post a video I’m thinking of doing the same .

[@k-mac5511]

@@a64738would love to see your conversion or learn more about it.

[@lgexz]

Best build I've seen so far after watching hundreds of van life videos. I needed ideas for a single motorcycle storage in a van conversion and this one has the most efficient use of space that doesn't make it feel claustrophobic. Great placement of the sink that doubles as a shower. I'll probably use a 2-piece shikibuton than a leather cushion for the bed/seat. Very well-thought-out and awesome work! Practical, minimal and future proof.

[@iwaswrongabouteveryhthing]

I love that your mum helped you, this is the difference between a van that is already done when you buy it compared to something which has a loved one's energy put into the build. Love the van

[@rosslukeman]

Thank you!

[@damienwhitfield2423]

I got a lot of great new ideas on how I would build my camper van in future. The sink that can also be used as a shower, the pull out bed, and the tie down points are definitely something I would do in my future build. Thanks for sharing your awesome van!. 👍👏👏

[@rosslukeman]

Thanks Damien, good to hear you got some useful ideas from the video! Good luck with your future build!

[@nilsivanson4161]

Love your design and how you double the drinking water as a shower. Brilliant.

[@Japhill75]

Such a neat job. Loads of firsts in this and I have watched loads of vids. Now having a sink and being able to use it as a shower in that spot really spiked my interest.👍👍👍

[@KevinColussi]

So good, I watched it 3 times! Classy, clean and functional... Only thing I would do is swap microwave with induction burner & motorcycle w/ mountain bike, long board and skis... This is the best build I have seen for me to date... Really nice, great work and thanks for sharing!

[@jniemec]

I plan on traveling solo with a motorcycle and mountain bike and this is a great alternative to a toy hauler! Saved!

[@reygonzales7264]

Wow that really turned out great. The faucet idea is pretty cool. The fridge on top 👍. Everyone has it on the floor. The 1'1\2" radius on the doors looks cool. The pull out bed with the two sided mattress. The color is awesome. Pretty much it all looks great. This is one of the best designs around.

[@alexapostolos]

Rey Gonzales thanks Rey! I actually regret the fridge idea- with such a small space, I want more stuff- I would prefer a fridge you open from the top, because you can get more stuff in there.

[@FilAmGabe]

Nice van Alex. It came out really well. I am very happy you were able to squeeze in a motorcycle in that awesome build. Thumbs up for this video and thumbs up for all of the people involved.

[@michaeloloughlinsr.7809]

Great job thank god for mom

[@elvislvr33]

Alex, this is absolutely amazing! I am so jealous of your freedom and minimalistic lifestyle. Great job man. Really fantastic work!

[@alexapostolos]

Thank you Denaya!

[@TopshelfJunior]

That pull out bed was sick !!!

[@rosslukeman]

Thank you!

[@yebzy]

Love the build, also shout-out to mom, she seems like a great person

[@rosslukeman]

Glad you liked the build, thanks for tuning in! And yes, she was a great person and helped us a lot!

[@herkko61]

Very nicely built camper van. I need to get my motorcycle with me as well. A lot of good ideas here, thanks.

[@rosslukeman]

Thanks! Glad you got some ideas from this build, it was something a little different.

[@vanlife_unlimited7259]

Beautiful van! Nice idea, it looks like so more space without furnitures at both sides!

[@philsil1304]

Great ideas (hammock and the swivel tap for instance). Very professional looking build

[@carlpoblete977]

A man cave on wheels!!! Awesome 😎 dudes!!!

[@gamure]

Man what a great build. Looks awesome!!

[@NewAgeDIY]

Nice setup 👍. I have a question on battery packs. Not sure if anyone has committed on this before. Did you change over to Lithium Iron Phosphate battery (LiFeP04) I understand that they are particularly suitable for camper vans

[@alexapostolos]

Dale Marcell I have not- my set up works great for me unless I want to run my a/c for long periods- just depends on your situation- price, weight, needs/wants

[@TariAkpodiete]

it's always nice to see the bed done differently. on this same channel, there was a murphy bed, and now this. with the murphy, i thought there was a lack of storage although i liked the concept. on this side bed style, there's tons of storage. and of course, i loved that a motorbike fit in. i've been especially looking at that sort of thing. thought i might have to somehow have it outside up on the back, or even the front.

[@alexapostolos]

Tari Akpodiete I agree with the thought on storage- with the pull out bed you have designated storage.

[@alexapostolos]

Tari Akpodiete I wanted the motorcycle inside- that was my plan A and it worked, but yes, you can also get a rack for the rear end and that was plan B

[@TariAkpodiete]

Alex Apostolos > I’d rather not put my electric motorcycle-style scooter on a rack outside, but that said, could you point me in the direction of such a rack? I’ve only seen ones for bicycles. I’ve also been thinking about a 3/4 the back width bed, so room for storage under but room for my scooter besides it. That’s a setup I’ve seen nowhere. My main issue/concern is thieves trying to make off with it

[@kgsmf]

This is pretty cool. Why did you opt against using a trailer hitch? Can you provide links or samples of the D-rings and mounts used? Was it mounted through the metal floor of the van?

[@alexapostolos]

Koytoy G I wanted to be more stealth. The recessed D rings are screwed into the wood floor and the recessed hardware for the removable wheel chock are bolted through the metal floor.

[@johnwitt586]

Great job! So many cool ideas! Thank you for sharing! 👍

[@carolesea]

Cool conversion! Just fits the person using it. That's what I like about the conversions...only what is needed!

[@alexapostolos]

Carole Lee ya, a nice empty shell to create whatever space you want.

[@johnkraemer5505]

Very nice work! I like the van a lot! Thank you for sharing!

[@bbundridge]

This is spot on to what I'd like to do for a motovan. What's the build time for something like this?

[@alexapostolos]

I paid Ross approx 600 hours and I was there helping pretty much the entire time.

[@davevisse]

Great van build. I'd like to copy it down to the last detail. I'd love one of these. Did you ever get the top deck installed up top? I would like to see that. Sounds awesome for watching races or just hanging out and taking in the view.

[@alexapostolos]

No deck yet- I’m thinking I’d like to take off one of the solar panels and install a storage tote up top amongst other things- awning, electrical step for sliding door and passenger; might just get a whole new roof rack

[@marshakaehler7859]

THIS IS A GREAT MAN CAVE LOVE THE HAMMOCK

[@n.w.aicecube5713]

nice conversion

[@xyz-g3w6b]

That hammock idea was brilliant! You could do away with an actual bed altogether and not have to park your DRZ out in the cold at nite ;-)

[@alexapostolos]

toxicat the bed pulls out right to the bike, so it doesn’t need to go outside. And I haven’t figured out the hammock yet- not comfortable enough for long periods- hurts the backside of my knees, because they’re fully opened and I don’t like them hanging off either.

[@ashk789]

Love love everything about this van

[@garrysceppa7508]

Ross , had a question I own a Harley road glide love that build from video it doesn’t look like a touring bike would fit in there I’m sure there are other options if so could you make a video of that if you have them . Thanks .

[@rosslukeman]

Thanks for the suggestion Garry, this happens to be the only van I've done with a motorcycle in it. For the Road Glide it would probably need the full width of the van (no cabinets on one side like we did). I would just get a longer van so the motorcycle can have its own space in the rear. The Sprinter in the video was the shortest wheelbase model, but there are two longer vans they make, the 170 and 170 EXT.

[@garrysceppa7508]

@@rosslukeman thank you for that

[@miguel--rush]

Muy buena CAMPER..Gracias!! Desde Argentina..Saludos..!

[@paulinhaferreira9848]

A very beautiful minimalistic van...❤ Congrats, guys! 👏👏👏👏👏

[@altabs7173]

Awesome build

[@weiyoungong6458]

Hi! Great build! Do you think a larger adventure bike (like a KTM 1090 ) can fit into the space ? And does the bike have to be rolled out of the van for you to utilize the space ?

[@alexapostolos]

Wei Young Ong just depends on what you build around it. Your bike would be tighter, because it’s wider. I like to cut my bars down a little to help with getting by the bike. You have to measure everything- the van dimensions, the bike, what else you want in the van- does it work for you? It’s actually very simple when you take the time to measure everything, then you can see what you have left.

[@jacobmitchell3788]

We’re are the tools and gas for the dirt bike go? Like spark plugs, tires, grips, etc.

[@alexapostolos]

Jake Mitchell no extra gas on board right now, I have a collection going in a tool box of tools- it’s more of a street bike, but I use it for the dirt also.

[@motofreak2772]

@@alexapostolos anything you'd want to change now that youve had it a while?

[@josmoify]

his "mom" build everything !

[@alexapostolos]

Yup, she’s a badass

[@spencermoon1371]

nice job guys real neat!

[@Canal-gi8di]

Thank for all those idea, do you have some about mpg ??

[@alexapostolos]

Marc D I’ve drivin a lot in cities and across country upto 85mph consistently and I’m getting high 15-low 19mpg. Cities looks around 16-17, 70mph is approx 17-19

[@tkirk3660]

How long can you run the AC without shore power?

[@rrhopewell]

Nice set up.

[@kinggadget2691]

Cool van. New drinking game - drink every time he says "nice".

[@Swimdeep]

Nicely done. Well-outfitted van. Is there a way to partition the cab area from the rest of the van? Re: Heat/cooling losses and privacy issues. Thanks.

[@alexapostolos]

Hope Springs-A-Turtle yes, I now have a window cover that snaps to the upper cabinet and both walls and drapes down to the floor- it has a hole cut out for the heater vent and works very well.

[@Swimdeep]

Alex Apostolos My concerns are always about privacy/stealth which is why I asked. As a solo woman, It’s important to me to have no light “leakage.” Happy motoring!🌿

[@kushpaladin]

awesome. i'm having a little battle inside my head on whether to build a motovan, or just get a Cummins diesel truck that can tow 12,000 pounds. the problem for me with a sprinter van is they can only tow 7,500 pounds. so if you plan to expand with a tiny home trailer you are somewhat limited, unless you have a spare $20,000 lying around for another vehicle purchase

[@rosslukeman]

Hey there, thanks for tuning in! It sounds like you've got your key numbers figured out. If you need to tow over 7500 pounds then I guess it would be the Cummins diesel you need. I rarely see a Sprinter van towing anything. In my mind, that IS the tiny home, and wouldn't be pulling one. Good luck with the decision and thanks again for stopping by!

[@samlatter847]

Awesome van mate done a great job can you sleep on the bed with the bike in the van still ?

[@rosslukeman]

Thanks Sam! Yes the bed was designed to extend out just shy of hitting the bike's front wheel.

[@coratheexplorer1824]

In general your van is nice and tidy

[@TheAuntieX]

Great job! Thanks for posting! Where did you get the upper cabinets? Are they shelves, also like the front, where you added the fronts? Thanks in advance.

[@alexapostolos]

AnnT Ross built them- shaped them to the walls of the van.

[@nicholascherry5962]

Nice setup man. I want the same style build so I can take my supersport with me everywhere! Do you think you could'vt fit 4 panels if you moved the 2 parallel panels 3-4 inches back and moved the A/C further up?

[@alexapostolos]

I’m not sure, but personally solar is overrated for a van; you get your bulk charging from your alternator. If I was to do it again, or to redesign the roof rack, I’d only have one, or two panels.

[@maristeniosouza5543]

Muito bom! Adorei. Excelente projeto. Abraço para vocês. Gostei da apresentação de vocês.

[@angelabay-jespersen6205]

Cool build although the kitchen is a little small for my tastes I’m sure its big enough for Alex. What did you use for insulation and did you insulate all around including the floor and roof? Also, I noticed that while his mom made window coverings there appears to be nothing to block the front of the van from the rear at night when you have the lights on or was that hidden away somewhere? Also what kind of lighting did you use?

[@alexapostolos]

I used a polyurethane spray kit I got from Home Depot, then covered that with a denim with tin foil on the outside, then taped to try to create a vapor barrier.

[@alexapostolos]

I used a polyurethane spray kit I got from Home Depot, then covered that with a denim with tin foil on the outside, then taped to try to create a vapor barrier.

[@alexapostolos]

I don’t believe the front cover was made yet, but she built me a very nice cover that snaps to the cabinet up front and goes down the sides with a break in the middle, but overlaps for blackout.

[@alexapostolos]

Led puck lights on a grid with dimmer switches

[@mohdfiruzbinali2368]

Nice setup! Hi there iam from Malaysia!

[@jimmysulio88]

Nice set up how much spend that conversation, ,

[@richardmorrison2686]

Very nice , home base for cycle trips , this is what I need .

[@rosslukeman]

Glad you got some ideas from this van, it was a pretty cool design! Thanks for tuning in-

[@DoverAthletic10]

I was envisioning a layout like this and then this video shows up in my recommendations. You did an amazing job! Any issue with having so much weight distributed to one side on the van? Any known concerns with sleeping about all that electrical equipment?

[@rosslukeman]

Hi Ben, the motorcycle is in there most of the time and is several hundred pounds, so the weight is more balanced than it would appear from this tour. No issues sleeping over the electrical equipment for Alex. Some people have EMF sensitivity and want to put shields over some of the items, but I myself and my students I've worked with have not had issues with this.

[@Lucky_Logan]

This is pretty much exactly what my idea was when I do come across the time to do this. I do have goals I want to tour the country for a few months and take at least 1 of my bikes with me. Of course there was a DRZ. It was meant to be. I’ve had 3 DRZ’s so it’s a sign lmao 😂🤣 but honestly I couldn’t afford 1 of these Mercedes vans

[@lingdatang669]

2000w inverter charges the roof AC (Coleman Polar Cub)

[@1klouisek]

Wonderful job. Congrats.

[@PBunsee]

Does having all the cupboards (and hence, most of the weight) on one side of the van cause any problems?

[@alexapostolos]

Cabinets on both sides, motorcycle on passenger side, fresh water and batteries on drivers side. I have a commercial drivers license and I feel I’m good to go.

[@choppergeeza]

Eerrrr......stoked.....eeerrrr! Nice van .

[@manteamihai]

How much u guys put in the build ? I wanna do one for myself and my moto

[@alexapostolos]

CrazyRomaniac approx $10,000 for parts/supplies.

[@TAZH2010]

Checkout cycle cruzas bugout Moto van

[@Neworldisordered]

Fantastic!!

[@StephenSPR]

hey guys, she's a beauty! I'm contemplating getting a 2015+ Ford Transit with super high roof and putting an elevating bed over a motorcycle garage space in the back. Do you have something like that in yours? I couldn't tell from the video. I'm still figuring out if there'd be enough room to sleep comfortably over a bike, maybe with the mirrors removed. Thanks for any advice you may have.

[@StephenSPR]

Thanks for the reply! I'll take some measurements and see if it'll work. My babe is a 2014 BMW NineT R1200, not very tall with the mirrors off. I always miss having her with me when I'm on the road, I have a VW T5 California Beach in Switzerland. Love your videos, will use for inspiration!

[@znomad8258]

Steve Russo I think you're looking for this kzbin.info/www/bejne/gneVdqtvnqtgf6s

[@StephenSPR]

thanks... nice layout, I see several things I can take from it

[@quiltedbyhanna]

Did you use the denim/foil like you did with your van from the online series?

[@alexapostolos]

Hanna Geller we did.

[@TerrydeAlaska]

I'd like to know how you made the inlaid cabinet doors? Did you use a router with a template or just trace a pattern and use a jig saw? Were they cut from one piece or was the doors cut from a separate piece. Thanks.

[@mycustomsprinter117]

How did you make the template and what size cutter did you use? I would really like to make some cabinets like yours.

[@mycustomsprinter117]

Thanks, I will give it a try.

[@dmwi1549]

Slick setup!

[@777steelerfan]

Love it ❤️❤️, very well done

[@starlamorgan9776]

Great job guys 💘

[@19blondmoshhead95]

darn this just gave me all kinds of great ideas thanks gents

[@alexapostolos]

Great to hear! That was my intent.

[@HD_rat]

How did you connect up the electrical??

[@alexapostolos]

Rosa Aliza www.rosslukeman.com/

[@kittadyne]

Fit a motorcycle in a short sprinter, good job!

[@ConnorFXDB]

for those looking for the ladder its from Aluminess. Had to google several variations cuz I wasnt sure what he said. Dig the video yall! Just got my van recently and starting the motovan conversion! www.aluminess.com/ford/transit-van/ladder/

[@alexapostolos]

ConnorFXDB congrats!

[@kathrynwitte3398]

Looks great, would have reversed the fridge and closet, could use more fridge space (the taller dorm-style!) and less closet with all your high cabinetry. The only thing you'd need to find another place for would be shoes, though you could stick them inside the sofa bed or install wall hooks behind the motorcycle. I doubt you need space for "pots and pans" since you don't have a hob.

[@alexapostolos]

Shoes are on the floor in the closet.

[@alexapostolos]

What’s a “hob”? Pots and pans are in the deep drawer in the middle right hand side of the vanity

[@jniemec]

A hob is a brit word for a stove burner

[@kathrynwitte3398]

Two_Wheeled_Adventure some Americans use it too! 🥴

[@mycustomsprinter117]

The van looks great, I am going to use some of your ideas in my van. What did you use for the side panels? It looks like you used 1/8" plywood and stained it.

[@swsd403]

My Custom Mercedes Sprinter Van hi

[@BuzzMediaUS]

Where are you guys located? I might need your help in a van conversion.

[@alexapostolos]

I’ve been hanging out in the so cal area- Ventura.

[@MunkeeMedia]

would have thought SOAD toured together, nice to see they pimp-out their own travel vans.

[@felixxmu1967]

Nice Build, but doesn´t the single-sided Installation affect the Driving? Loadbalancing between left & right? Lot of heavy stuff/electronics + the Driver all on the same Side ...if there ist no co-driver and Motobike onboard. Would love to hear about practical use over time... great Finishing overall. Thanks for sharing!

[@alexapostolos]

Felixx Mü so 12 gal water tank, batteries on the drivers side- motorcycle on passenger side. I can definitely feel the difference when the motorcycle is in, or out of the van. Drives nice either way though.

[@cristim5620]

the empty van weights 6000lbs and can carry 2550lbs more. the difference between left and right is about 500lbs without the bike. it should not be a significant difference.

[@sschiemann]

It is incredible to see you take a thought and make it into your reality!! I love you Al........;-} ( BTW--The van turned out BEAUTIFUL)

[@alexapostolos]

Thank you uncle Sean!

[@mattdesmondwashere]

Everything turned out really nice. ;-P

[@jayteddy7270]

What is the model number of the sprinter?

[@alexapostolos]

144”wb crew

[@JaDem148]

Is that bike a DRZ 400?

[@alexapostolos]

Yup, the supermoto version

[@JaDem148]

@@alexapostolos Hmmm.... been recently wondering about something like that working out. Thanks. I fancy myself more of an "S" guy. Getting it clean and dry must bee a wee bit of a challenge. No?

[@werewolfjcb9876]

But man you have to unload the bike for sleeping in the van?? Don't you think the platform should be higher ? Apart from that nice build and excellent use of storage 👍🏻👍🏻

[@rosslukeman]

Glad you like the build! To answer your question the bed was designed to fully extend with the motorcycle still in there.

[@LovingAtlanta]

👍Nice build out. Thanks for sharing. 🤗💞😔

[@BDK27970]

Can the AC run on solar alone?

[@alexapostolos]

B K no. I do have enough amperage though, because I have three batteries, but it’s only estimated at 30-45 min of run time. Solar doesn’t give an awful lot of power, just mainly keeps the batteries topped of from minimal use, like from my fridge and lights.

[@BDK27970]

@@alexapostolos Thanks for that. Its looking more and more like I'll probably have to find an off grid alternative to A.C....bums me out. Texas heat is unpleasant.

[@alexapostolos]

B K because it’s so expensive?

[@BDK27970]

@@alexapostolos No, it's because I don't know how to generate enough power to run it all night, after work.

[@alexapostolos]

B K I know if I leave a window uncovered and let the sunlight in, it warms the van very much. Theirs a guy I follow that has some old Tesla batteries and he’s claiming he can run his for approx 7-8 hrs at around 70 degrees. Also, Roadtrek has that auto start that starts when the batteries get low, then shuts off when charged.

[@chomama77]

That dude really likes the doors in there lol

[@alexapostolos]

chomama77 ya, I wasn’t very comfortable talking about the van in that setting.

[@chomama77]

Alex Apostolos no worries bud. Did better then I likely would of. Just noticed you keep referring to the doors.

[@jamesmac2513]

Im not sure if i could tour without a mc..

[@jacke1862]

What did this cost?

[@alexapostolos]

$60-$65,000 total

[@rosslukeman]

Not bad!

[@Lucky_Logan]

But for real, your parents are awesome for doing all of those designs and things. My parents would be the same way. It’s a great build

[@festol1]

Want one.

[@alexapostolos]

Fábio it’s awesome:-)

[@jacobdial3914]

Could you build me one

[@DoktorWahrheit]

hehe saugeil, hängematte und moped im van, hab ich auch vor. zuzuglich Arbeitsplatz und etwas grösserer Küche

[@dougmoench9233]

Perfect simplicity. Want. Bad. How much?

[@alexapostolos]

I think I’m under $60,000

[@unchained20000000]

The real question is can the bed be used while the motorcycle is still strapped in the van

[@rosslukeman]

Definitely! The bed was designed to be extended while the motorcycle is mounted in the van.

[@ZenZoneASMR-o2p]

Great info

[@JavaMonsterification]

"Came out really nice" lol

[@rosslukeman]

I don't get it

[@Steve-yu6pq]

mom for the win

[@rambolambo5754]

nice

[@EnglertRacing96]

Wow you fit an entire tractor in there.... (dig at drz)

[@mr.dirtbiker7176]

Tell me when you sell it 😂😂