I converted a Mercedes van into a tiny home – there’s a bed and hot plate but people notice my banana hammock first
A DIY-SAVVY nomad has revealed how he transformed a Mercedes Sprinter van into a modern living space.
He said it took him less than two months to perfect his tiny home.
He took to Reddit’s Pics forum to share a snap of the interior of his converted van.
VANTASTIC
Posting under the handle Dbarou1, he revealed the project was completed in preparation for traveling for work.
“I spent about 13k and did the whole project myself,” he said.
“I knew next to nothing before beginning and through reading books/watching YouTube videos/just plain figuring things out, I was able to finish this build in about two and a half months.
“If you’d like to see more you can see my Instagram @danielbarousse for a more comprehensive look.”
The Redditor said the amount didn’t include the cost of his one-year-old van which had 12,000 miles on it at the time of purchase.
Mercedes Sprinter vans are priced from $49,900 when bought new.
He revealed the essential gadgets that were bought for his life on the road.
“I’m using a Dometic CRX-65 S refrigerator,” he said.
“It’s a really energy-efficient 12v fridge with a Danvoss compressor which are known to be some of the best in the industry.
“I have 300w of solar panels on the roof of the van That power every aspect of my electrical.”
A photograph of the tiny home shows lots of storage solutions, a bed, and a cooking area.
He didn’t reveal where he showers or uses a toilet.
Is it legal to live in a van?
According to Buy or Sell Campers, laws regarding sleeping in a vehicle vary by state and city.
Vanlifers should research the area they are planning to stay, as well as laws related to hygiene and waste disposal.
Campsites, rest areas, and Walmart parking lots are among popular places to park.
FINISHING TOUCHES
Thousands of people up-voted the post and took to the comment section amazed by the van conversion.
“You have one of the nicest sprinter conversions I’ve ever seen. Great job,” one person wrote.
“It is beautiful,” another said.
“The only suggestion I have is that you might want some sort of curtain or screen between your cooking area and your bed because if you cook anything there your bed will get mucky.
“Bed cabinets were a thing in Brittany and Cornwall for a long time, and are extremely cozy.”
Among the top commenters was one person whose eyes were drawn to an unexpected feature.
“Is that a banana hammock hanging under the cabinets?” they wrote. “‘You wanna go back to my van and see my banana hammock?’”
The nomad was amused by the comment and confirmed that’s what the item was.
“At first glance, I thought that it was a basketball hoop,” another said.