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This airplane-inspired camper has a versatile interior that maximizes storage space

Posted on by angelo
This airplane-inspired camper has a versatile interior that maximizes storage space

After going through the difficult process of converting vans to campers, some people take pride in their work but wouldn’t do it again. On the other hand, others love it so much that they start their own van conversion business. That’s what Erik Lokken did when he launched Narrow Road Van Conversions. Today I’m visiting one of the company’s recently built mobile homes.

Narrow Road Van Conversions is based in Saint Paul, Minnesota, and specializes in converting commercial vans into custom tiny homes on wheels. The project I’m talking about today is based on a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 4×4 with a 144″ wheelbase, which is the shorter version of the Sprinter.

Before we get in, let me quickly tell you more about the exterior of this platform. And I say “quickly” because there are not many features to mention. The vehicle is finished in blue paint and is pretty much standard except for the rear side windows and a custom roof rack containing a front off-road headlight, side lights and three solar panels.

Slide open the main door and you will discover a bright and beautifully decorated interior. The customers of this van opted for white cabinets paired with laminate flooring and wood tones for the tables and counters.

You’ll also notice an open layout, meaning the driver’s cabin is not separated from the living space. Instead, a large curtain will provide more privacy and block light from entering the interior from the front of the van. Additionally, the passenger seat can swivel to face the living space.

This airplane-inspired camper has a versatile interior that maximizes storage space

Photo: YouTube screenshot / Erik Lokken

Just outside the entrance, you will discover the bathroom, located just behind the driver’s seat. It features stainless steel wall panels, a shower, Laveo portable toilet and a self-cleaning door.

Next we have the kitchen, which is divided into two parts. It features a butcher block countertop, a large refrigerator/freezer with cabinet above, and a deep stainless steel sink with a lid and filtered water faucet.

On the exterior part of the kitchen counter, the one seen from outside the van, Erik installed a decent-sized fold-down table that allows you to enjoy a meal or a drink outside. Additionally, underneath you will find a small shoe storage space.

There’s very little counter space, but Erik came up with two clever solutions. Counter part comes with an adjustable flip-up counter extension. Additionally, a massive swivel table at the rear of the interior can be perfectly positioned to serve as a long counter.

This airplane-inspired camper has a versatile interior that maximizes storage space

Photo: YouTube screenshot / Erik Lokken

In terms of storage, the kitchen does not offer much space, since it only has four drawers and a small cabinet. Overhead cabinets that start above the kitchen and end at the back of the van provide the most space.

These cabinets are the “inspired by airplanes” part of the van. They are positioned at an angle to prevent people from hitting their heads. Additionally, each cabinet has two sections inside. Personally, I also like the slightly different aesthetic they offer compared to standard straight cabinets.

The final part of the living space is the living room at the rear. It features a huge U-shaped sofa and the large swivel table I also mentioned earlier in the middle. This is also where you sleep, as the sofa can transform into a massive bed. It’s not that difficult to do: just remove the swivel table and its support, position it in the middle to connect all the parts of the sofa, rearrange the cushions and that’s it.

Since there is no garage space in this van, Erik installed the utility systems under the benches. Underneath the one on the passenger side of the interior, you’ll find a large fresh water tank, while the other bench houses a water heater and electrical system. The heater uses heat from the engine to warm the water, but can also run on electricity.

This airplane-inspired camper has a versatile interior that maximizes storage space

Photo: YouTube screenshot / Erik Lokken

This van is also equipped with a diesel heater under the passenger seat, a Maxxair fan above the kitchen and Dometic ceiling air conditioning.

Highlights of the electrical system are a 3,000W inverter/charger, two 270Ah batteries, a DC-DC charger that allows the system to charge while driving via the vehicle’s alternator, and a connected solar charge controller 525 W solar panels on the roof. . The only bench with storage space is the one at the back.

Open both rear doors of the van and you’ll discover a fairly rare feature, at least in this form. This is a huge custom table made up of two folding panels, supported by two legs that fold out when extended. When not in use, it fits neatly behind the back seat and a small latch prevents it from accidentally extending.

Other notable features in the rear are a water pump switch, an exterior shower, and an access panel to the passenger side bench seat.

This airplane-inspired camper has a versatile interior that maximizes storage space

Photo: YouTube screenshot / Erik Lokken

Overall, Narrow Road Van Conversions has succeeded in creating a comfortable and practical tiny house on wheels. I love its versatile design elements and ample seating.

Of course, you’re probably curious about how much it costs. Well, the company’s custom conversions can range from $32,000 (€29,664) for a more basic, budget-friendly project to $98,000 (€90,846) for a fully equipped mobile home. These quotes exclude the cost of base vehicles, which Narrow Road Van Conversions does not supply or provide.


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