Embarking on a life of adventure and exploration often starts with finding the perfect vehicle. For me, the dream of visiting every National Park in the United States led me down a path of discovery, ultimately landing me in a Mercedes Sprinter camper van. My initial plan in August 2017 was simple: hit the road from Miami Beach, Florida, in my SUV and embrace the nomadic lifestyle. The goal was an epic road trip, but the vehicle was still up for debate. Should I invest in a full-sized RV, opt for a converted Mercedes Sprinter camper van, or simply rely on my trusty SUV? Bulky RVs didn’t align with my vision of nimble travel, and at the time, finding converted Sprinter vans for sale seemed like searching for a mirage. So, I set off in my SUV, ready for anything.
For six months, I traversed the country, experiencing the highs and lows of SUV camping. While the National Parks were breathtaking, the logistics were often challenging. Daily life involved juggling park visits with the need to find hotels or set up camp with my tent. The search for the ideal converted Sprinter van continued in the background. I explored all the usual online marketplaces and dealerships, hoping to stumble upon the perfect model. The Winnebago Revel, a 4×4 Mercedes Sprinter conversion, caught my eye, but the hefty $115,000 price tag and certain design aspects didn’t quite match my needs or budget.
Alt text: Vibrant sunset over Utah landscape viewed from inside a Mercedes Sprinter camper van, highlighting the adventurous lifestyle.
In January 2018, my travels took me to San Diego, and then onward to the Hawaiian Islands for three months of hiking and island exploration. Even in paradise, the quest for a Mercedes Sprinter camper van for sale remained. Spring was approaching, and the call of the open road was getting stronger. As luck would have it, timing aligned perfectly. Just as my Hawaiian sojourn was ending, a newly converted Sprinter van appeared for sale in California, conveniently close to where I had left my SUV months prior. A flight to California later, and I was the proud owner of my very own Mercedes Sprinter camper van.
The next seven weeks were a whirlwind of activity in San Diego. Over 300 hours were dedicated to researching, sourcing parts, and upgrading the van to perfectly suit my needs. Being 2,700 miles from my Miami Beach home, without my usual tools and resources, presented a significant challenge. However, with the help of friends and a steady stream of Amazon deliveries, I successfully completed all the Mercedes Sprinter camper van upgrades. The van was road-ready just in time for my 41st birthday, marking the start of a new chapter.
This intensive hands-on experience, from the initial search for a Mercedes Sprinter camper van for sale to the extensive upgrade process, has provided me with a wealth of knowledge. I’ve learned more about Sprinter van conversions than I ever anticipated. Moving forward, I plan to share this knowledge, creating content focused on Sprinter camper van conversions, essential parts, and valuable tips for anyone considering full-time van life.
Alt text: Breathtaking panoramic view of Zion National Park captured from the open doors of a converted Mercedes Sprinter camper van parked at a campsite.
Since leaving San Diego in my upgraded Mercedes Sprinter camper van on June 11th, 2018, I’ve explored an additional 15 National Parks and am currently traveling from Utah towards Wyoming. For those interested in following my journey, check out my blog post detailing my ‘Epic Road Trip to Visit 200+ National Parks in the USA & Canada’.
Transitioning to full-time van life took a few weeks to adjust to, but for this extended 2-3 year road trip, it’s undeniably the ultimate way to travel. Each morning brings a new and inspiring view right outside my window. Everything I need is always within reach, and I have complete freedom to chart my own course.
For real-time updates on my adventures, follow my stories and photos on Instagram. Thanks for joining the ride!
