Don’t Miss these TOP 5 features in a Sprinter Van Build

There are many ways to plan and accomplish a sprinter van build, and it can be very overwhelming. In this article we are going to highlight the top 5 components, we’re thrilled we incorporated, and share why we recommend them in every sprinter van build. Each of the five components may not have much in common however each of them bring a unique value, sometimes overlooked, that is critical when trying to build out a high-quality sprinter van.

Bug Nets

There’s a few things we learned over the course of building Summit, our sprinter van. One key piece is to use experts when you’re dealing with fabric. We chose to get our bug nets from The Bug Wall, and they are simply the best on the market. Being incredibly easy to install, all you need is squeeze it in the gasket, and you have a high-quality bug prevention system. But you may ask what makes The Bug Wall our top choice?

The primary reason is this bug net has considered all different use cases. It has magnets down the middle for easy entry and exit, it can be rolled up when you don’t need it temporarily, or it can be completely removed from its zippers if you don’t need it for an extended period.

You don’t want to miss a high-quality bug net in your sprinter van build because your most precious resource will be space. Having bug nets is the difference between opening up your doors and being immersed in your destination, versus keeping your doors shut and adding to the claustrophobia.

High-Quality Spring Mattress

As we get older (we’re in our early thirties), we value a good night’s rest more and more. Why should your van have worse sleep than a traditional home? We sent our custom dimensions to Custom Mattress Makers, a small mattress company in Southwest Florida, and they created a perfect fitting spring mattress. With our layout, we practically have a queen bed in our van and we sleep great.

If the layout in your sprinter van build doesn’t fit the “fixed bed layout” that we have, then you can also have custom made cushions from Custom Mattress Makers with very high-quality foam. There isn’t a reason to skimp on your sleep in your sprinter van build.

Reliable Water Filtration System

We lived on a boat before self-converting our sprinter van for our full-time home, so we knew a reliable water filtration system was key. You never knew what quality of water would come out of any hose. We had some friends fill up at a small marina in Missouri and the water came out brown! We think the Guzzle Stealth 5 is the best option for a few reasons.

1. It has two forms of filtration: a carbon filter and UV filtering.
2. It is extremely low-maintenance. The carbon filter lasts six months, and the UV filter should never need to be changed.
3. It is very low power. On our Cerbo GX, we can barely see an amperage draw when it’s running.
4. It is very small, making placement in your tiny home simple.

Window Covers and Insulation

High-quality window covers should not be overlooked. We’ve had many friends attempt to DIY window covers, and it is extremely complicated. Most even end up purchasing them after a few months of frustration on the road with their DIY versions. Let us save you some time by recommending purchasing the full window cover set from The Wanderful. We’ve tried two other window cover companies, and The Wanderful has, hands down, the best window covers on the market. The precision and their magnets ensure each window is covered completely, blacking out the van. You might wonder how important this is, and there are two main reasons – privacy and insulation.

Most people will insulate the walls and doors of their van (we used 3M Thinsulate), but windows are a huge source of heat loss or gain! High-quality window covers help mitigate this.

At night or in the early morning, whether or not you plan to stealth camp, you don’t want people to have a perfect view into your home. A sense of privacy is core to making a Sprinter van build feel more like a home instead of a van. High-quality window covers are essential.

Wakespeed and Secondary Alternator

Last on our list is a secondary alternator and a Wakespeed alternator regulator. Previously, if you wanted to boondock, you needed to either install or carry with you a generator. Then you became “that person” who is loud and disturbing all the guests (people and animals) in the campground from their peaceful camping experience. With a Wakespeed and secondary alternator, you basically turn your engine into a generator. Coupled with a high amount of battery storage, you won’t need a generator again!

In our sprinter van build, we have a very high electrical draw. We love to cook and have a two-burner induction stovetop, a large fridge and freezer, and a Breville smart oven. With our Wakespeed and secondary alternator, we’re topped off whenever we drive. It really is that simple. If we were to ever do another van build, including a secondary alternator and a Wakespeed alternator regulator would be first on our list to include in that build!

FAQ

Let us know if you have any questions or other sprinter van build components that we should add to this list!