Embarking on a life of travel and exploration has never been more appealing, and for many, the dream begins with finding the perfect mobile home. Like countless adventurers, I yearned to experience the open road and visit every National Park in the United States. Initially, I considered various options, from bulky RVs to simply relying on my SUV. The vision of a converted Mercedes Sprinter camper van was always in the back of my mind, offering a blend of maneuverability and comfort. However, back in 2017, locating a suitable converted Sprinter van for sale proved to be a real challenge. RVs didn’t quite match my travel style, and the market for pre-converted Sprinter vans was surprisingly sparse. So, I set off in my SUV, ready to embrace the nomadic life and keep my eyes peeled for the ideal van.
For six months, my SUV became my trusty companion as I traversed the country, immersing myself in the beauty of National Parks. Camping in a tent and juggling hotels and Airbnb stays became the norm. While the adventure was incredible, the logistical dance of finding accommodation after days spent exploring nature was tiring. During every spare moment, the search for a converted Sprinter van continued. I explored all the usual online marketplaces and conversion companies, hoping to find a van for sale that resonated with my vision. The Winnebago Revel, a 4×4 Mercedes Sprinter conversion, caught my eye, but with a hefty $115,000 price tag and a design that didn’t quite align with my needs, it wasn’t the right fit.
Fate intervened in January 2018 when I found myself in San Diego, after a detour through Mexico. From there, I decided to spend three months in Hawaii, exploring the islands and reconnecting with friends. Even amidst the stunning Hawaiian landscapes, the quest for a Mercedes Sprinter Camper Van For Sale persisted. Knowing that spring was approaching, the desire to get back on the road in a fully equipped van intensified. Luck was on my side. Just as my Hawaiian adventure was concluding, a newly converted Sprinter van appeared for sale in California, conveniently close to where I had left my SUV months prior. Without hesitation, I booked a flight, and within two days, I was the proud owner of my very own Mercedes Sprinter camper van.
Returning to San Diego, the real work began. For seven intense weeks, I dedicated over 300 hours to researching, sourcing parts, and upgrading my newly acquired van. Being 2,700 miles from my home in Miami Beach, without my familiar tools or belongings, presented a significant challenge. However, with the incredible support of friends and a mountain of Amazon deliveries, I successfully completed all the planned Mercedes Sprinter camper van upgrades. The day after my 41st birthday, I was back on the road, van life dream realized.
Through this immersive experience of researching and hands-on work, transforming a standard van into my ideal camper, my knowledge of Mercedes Sprinter camper vans has grown exponentially. I plan to share this wealth of information on this website, providing valuable content about Sprinter van conversions, essential parts, and practical tips for anyone considering full-time van living.
Since departing San Diego in my upgraded Mercedes Sprinter camper van on June 11th, 2018, I’ve explored an additional 15 National Parks and am currently journeying from Utah towards Wyoming. For a detailed itinerary of my travels, you can check out my blog post ‘Epic Road Trip to Visit 200+ National Parks in the USA & Canada’.
Adjusting to full-time van life took a few weeks, but for this extended 2-3 year road trip, it is undeniably the ultimate way to travel. Each morning brings a new and breathtaking view right outside my window. Everything I need is always with me, and I have the freedom to go wherever the road calls.
For real-time updates on my van life adventures, follow my stories and photos on Instagram. Thanks for joining the journey!
