Big Bear Vans
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Big Bear Vans
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Expert Journal
RV Sprinter vans are popular across the RV world for layout conversions. Customization is what every van builder expects, and Sprinter vans provide plenty of room for flexibility and customized options. Along with the flexibility, investment in Sprinter van conversion layouts provides a good resale value compared to other vans.
Building the camper van layouts requires proper planning before beginning the process. Before designing the layouts, there are many questions that have to be answered for you to make a clear plan. Let’s look at those questions and have a clear plan for the conversions.
Section 3
✔️ Consider the number of travellers, your travel style and travel length.
✔️ Fix your priority.
✔️ Make a proper plan.
✔️ Start your conversion.
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The layout for a small camper van interior mostly consists of five components to make the camper van a habitable place. They include:
⚫ Sleeping space
⚫ Hangout space
⚫ Shower unit
⚫ Toilet
⚫ Kitchen
The space within the van can be divided based on priority and RV lifestyle.
Deep Dive

If you intend to use the camper van fulltime, then you need as many amenities as possible within the RV. You cannot compromise the basic facilities. Along with that, you need plenty of storage. If you have kids or pets, then you need more than one bed.
Deep Dive

If you just use your RV on weekends, you don’t need much storage. You can use that space for other purposes. You will need an external shower to rinse yourself from dirt from outdoor activities and more hangout space to spend time with your friends or family.
Deep Dive

Transforming your camper van into an office on wheels requires a customized camper van layout. Extra foldable tables for systems, a space to locate the projector and a screen, an internal shower to refresh from the workload, and a place for a coffee maker to make a quick coffee are the things that make the mobile office a comfy place.
Deep Dive

Living your RV life filled with adventure is great. But the conversion van floor plans should be planned to suit the lifestyle. All storage spaces should have a secure lock to prevent things from falling apart while riding. The camper van layout should have the space divided for sport gear.
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Having seen some of the different purposes for conversion van floor plans now is the time to see our sprinter van conversions with floor plans.
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A Sprinter van conversion floorplan designed to provide a fully functional space for a family of four. This conversion van provides a flexible power system to support the long ride along with the water resources required for living. The waterproof cushions let you ride without the worry of any spills. In addition to that, you have roof decking with an attached hammock to spend some time on the terrace. The Santa Monica layout provides you with a full pack at a reasonable price.

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Do you love your pet so much that you want to carry them wherever you go? Then, this small van interior layout is for you. This layout comes with a dedicated pet space. A pet couch, a separate refrigerator for your pet, and a tiny pet dinette space. You don’t have to lose your fun for the lack of space. You can carry your bike and store it over the roof where you have a bike carrier. This pet-friendly, well-insulated camper van layout is a perfect choice for you and your pet to enjoy the RV life.

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A camper van layout for a soul that wants a designer touch for their adventurous rides. This stunning layout comes with a fixed bed that can accommodate two individuals. You can be safe from bugs and mosquitoes with the bug net covered around the layout. If you wonder about the storage, then you will find it under the bed that can be accessed from the rear side and the kitchen. Reflect your style with the designer small camper van interior layout like Calabasas.

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Enjoy your RV life with the continental vibe without traveling to Europe with this Euro-centric layout. The layout has an entry welcomed by two leather upholsteries that can be extended as a sleeping space. The Euopean camper van layout comes with a fixed bed. There is also an under-the-bed garage for a mountain bike. Experience the classic Continental layout in the space-efficient camper van that has an organized interior and a shaded exterior with two awnings.
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The Sprinter van conversion layout exhibits a Boho-style with a touch of nature through bamboo finishes. This layout is designed exclusively to save space and increase functionality, exactly in line with our motto. Thus, it comes with a lot of cabinets and a hidden shower. Enjoy the warm floor even in winter with the heated timber floor. This free-spirited layout is upgraded with the double-glass window for added insulation. This bohemian-style sprinter van layout is perfect for a solo traveller or a minimalist couple

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This small camper van interior layout is specifically for low-roof sprinter van owners who are wondering about ways of building their conversion van. The Porto layout comes with decent storage, a separate bathroom, a functional kitchen, and a garage area to store things. Despite the small space, the layout is well planned for anyone to live comfortably. If you are looking for the layout plan for a low-roof van, then this is the conversion van floor plan that is practical and space efficient.

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If you wonder, how will you convert your passenger van with a lot of windows? Then get inspired with this layout. This small camper van interior layout is built within a passenger van with an added swivel double seat that can be folded when you need a flow of space. If you want a spacious shower, you can slide the toilet inside a cabin and have a clutter-free bath.

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Are you a serious bike rider who wants to carry your bike? Then, this unique Sprinter van floor plan is the perfect solution for you. With this conversion layout, you can carry not just one but up to three bikes and L-track to hold other tools that are favorites of motorcycle riders. Experience a thrilling RV life with this unique adventure-friendly Sprinter van conversion layout.

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If you are someone who loves to hang out in open space, then this small camper van interior layout is for you. This Sprinter van layout comes with a retractable patio where you can spend time with your family and friends. Not just that, you have the rooftop hammock to enjoy your blue sky with a coffee and an awning to sit under the shade if you don’t want to burn under the sun. Those who want to live a mutually connected life with this universe can live a happy life in this layout.

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The camper van layout planning needs to be different for varied numbers of travellers. A solo traveller needs less space than a family of four. That’s why it is important to consider the number of people who will be using the van when planning for Sprinter van conversion layouts. This helps to have a functional space customized for the usage of riders.
Deep Dive

RV world has its people spanning across all different kinds. From off-road adventurer to highway rider, from solo soul to fun groups, from family with kids to couple with pets, and so many unrestricted segments. Different segments of people are involved in varied range of activities. This includes skiing, cycling, outdoor cooking, and boondocking. These activities require tools like sports gear, a bicycle, a barbeque grill, and power resources. An organized spacing plan is required for the camper van layouts to adapt these materials.
Deep Dive

The duration of your travel is an important factor to consider for planning the Sprinter van conversion layouts. Some people limit using their camper van for weekend camping, while others spend their whole year in the camper van. Spending just the weekend requires less storage and less power source than living in the RV for the whole year. This information helps to divide the space as per the requirements.
Deep Dive

Traveling in the warmer areas doesn't require much insulation. Whereas colder areas require insulation for you to have a cozy trip. Without insulation, it is very difficult to withstand the biting colder climates. That’s why it is very essential to insulate the camper van before beginning the journey. So consider insulation as an important process to include in Sprinter van conversion.
Deep Dive

The expense for building camper van layouts can range from a few hundred dollars to a few thousand dollars. It depends on the person performing the conversion. If you want a pro to build your Sprinter van conversion layout, then your expense will be higher. But you can lay your back and get ready for the rides without any worry. If you want to build your camper van layout by yourself, the expense will be much lesser, and you will gain the firsthand experience and satisfaction of building your own camper van layout. The choice is yours to decide.
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With the above layouts, we hope that you’ve got some ideas on designing your Sprinter van. These layouts are just for your reference, and you can always mix and match the layout designs to your own taste. All the above layouts are built by Big Bear Vans. And that’s us. We are always waiting to help and guide you in your Sprinter van conversions. At Big Bear Vans, we bring your dream van into reality through our craftsmanship. Just schedule a call and get ready to ride your dream conversion van.
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Now that you have decided on other factors, it’s time to choose the base vehicle. Do not worry if you already have your Sprinter. It means you have one less job to complete. Just choose other factors mentioned in this blog according to the Sprinter you have. That’s it!
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There are four models of Sprinter vans on the market. They include the cargo van, crew van, passenger van, and cab chassis. However, people mostly consider cargo, crew, or passenger. While a crew or passenger van provides more seats, a cargo van offers flexibility and provides space for customized builds. If you are expecting complete freedom in dividing the space of your sprinter van’s conversion layout, then the cargo van is your best friend.
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Sprinter vans come in two sizes: a shorter 144-inch van and a longer 170-inch van. Choosing the wheelbase depends on the space required for the travelers. For solo and minimalist couples, a 144-inch wheelbase is enough. However, for a group or a family who needs more space, a 170-inch Sprinter van is the perfect choice.
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When it comes to roof size, you can choose between a standard and a high roof. Although you have just two options, you should go for a high roof if you want to stand inside your camper van. A high roof provides you enough space when you plan to install over-head storage and two layers of bed.
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Sprinter vans come in two different drivetrains. One is a 2-wheel drive, and the other is a 4-wheel drive. As per their name, in the 2-WD drivetrain, the engine sends power only to two tires, while in the 4-WD, the engine sends power to all four tires. Deciding the drivetrain depends on your riding style. If you just drive on the public road and park the van most of the time, then 2-WD is enough for you, as it is fuel efficient. However, if you want to feel the thrill of off-road adventurous rides, then 4-WD is your go-to option.
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Sprinter vans come in gasoline, diesel, and electric engines. Each of them serves a different purpose. Gas engines provide good power and acceleration for the vehicle. So they are ideal for people who go on rough terrain. They are also budget-friendly, but they are not fuel-efficient. They can easily pile up the fuel cost if you are riding longer distances. Diesel engines are a popular choice among those who expect fuel efficiency and durability. They last longer with proper maintenance. Despite their fuel efficiency, they need a few bucks often for maintenance. A diesel engine is ideal for someone who travels a longer distance. Electric engines are the latest addition. They are fuel-efficient and emit no pollution. But they are not fit for long drives or remote areas. Electric engines need to be charged often and don’t give much range. So you have to ride within the proximity of the charging station.
Deep Dive

Last but not least, the color of your Sprinter van plays a role in heat regulation. A darker shade absorbs heat in the summer, and a lighter shade reduces heat buildup in the winter. Having the darker shade Sprinter worsens the summer, and the lighter shade Sprinter worsens the winter. To avoid this, you can stay in the middle with neutral shades.
Before diving into the conclusion, let’s look at the common mistakes to avoid when building the layout.
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Everyone of us tends to make mistakes when building our first conversion van. But we came up with a few tips to prevent you from making those mistakes and save you some money and time. We believe these tips are practical and very easy for you to implement them. Let’s have a look at them, one by one.
Starting to build the van without a plan is like searching for a book store in a new city without Google Maps. Who wants to ride the whole city and enter numerous wrong lanes to find a book store while we have the handy Google Maps? Similar way, you don’t want to build the interior only to find out the insulation wool is not stuffed in the van. This is just an example. Mistakes like these cost you much more than you’ve estimated. To reduce these unnecessary costs, a proper plan is required before beginning the conversion.
Yeah, shelves in beautiful shapes and vibrant colours add aesthetic value to the interior. But when riding, things kept on those beautiful shelves are prone to trash cans. So always use the shelf with proper locks to hold the things in place while riding.
While designing the camper van conversion, do not forget to consider the weight load on the vehicle. Try to reduce the weight as much as possible to make it easy for your vehicle. Use lightweight materials while building the conversion van. The maximum load, also called payload capacity, depends on the specific van model. The payload capacity of Sprinter vans ranges from 3560 to 6812 lbs. As per the usage and other considerations, you need to plan the materials for the van to remain within the payload capacity.
When fixing the upper bed above the convertible benches, you should also take into account the size of the cushion. If not, the cushion adds extra height to the bench and the upper bed. This will reduce the flow of space in between the bench, the upper bed, and the van roof.
You’ll be appreciated for making abstract designs in painting but not in plumbing. So it is better not to express your creativity in laying plumbing lines. Keep it simple. In a way, it is easier when the time comes for plumbing service. This saves you a whole lot of time spent unraveling the mystery of plumbing lines.
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Building a conversion is not easy. But with the right plan and guidance, it is achievable. We hope our layout designs and precaution points will help you in designing your unique Sprinter van layout. We appreciate your effort in building the conversion van layout. Everything can be learnt with trial and error. For people out there who don’t want to spend unnecessary money and time trying to build the conversion van, Big Bear Vans is always there for you. We are just a call away!
Spread the knowledge with your fellow van-lifers.