Best sprinter van conversion layouts for your next build
Choosing the right sprinter van conversion layouts is definitely often the almost all stressful part of the entire build process, mostly since you're trying to fit an entire house into about 60 to eighty square feet. It's a puzzle where every piece you add—like a shower or a larger fridge—means sacrificing something else, like a dedicated workspace or even more storage for the gear. I've spent method too much time scrolling through builds, as well as the one factor I've realized will be that there is definitely no "perfect" layout, only the one that fits how a person actually plan in order to use the van.
If you're just starting out, you're probably sense that mix of exhilaration and "oh simply no, what have We gotten myself into" energy. That's totally normal. The best way to thin things down will be to think regarding your "must-haves" versus your "nice-to-haves. " Do you really need a permanent bed since you hate making the bed every morning? Or perform you need the massive "garage" area underneath for hill bikes and surfboards? Let's break up some of the most common and effective ways to setup your Sprinter.
The classic back fixed bed layout
Probably the most popular of all sprinter van conversion layouts could be the fixed rear platform bed. You've certainly seen this one: the bed stays place in the back of the van, and underneath it is a massive storage area, usually the "garage. "
The attractiveness of this setup is simplicity. You don't have to shuffle cushions about every time you obtain tired. You simply get in. Plus, the particular garage is a godsend if you possess bulky gear. In the event that you're a mountain biker or the skier, this is nearly non-negotiable. You can slip your bikes best in there, keep them safe from the elements (and thieves), and still have plenty of room regarding your water reservoirs and electrical program on the sides.
The drawback? You lose lots of "living" floor room. Since the bed will take up the back third of the van permanently, your kitchen and seating region get pushed towards the front. Most people get this work simply by installing swivel seats on the driver and traveler chairs. It transforms the front from the van into the little lounge, making the most of every inch.
The convertible dinette approach
When you aren't having a ton of outdoor gear plus you value getting a "living room" feel, a transformable dinette layout could be more your velocity. In this set up, the rear of the particular van features two benches with a table in the middle. In the daytime, it's the great spot in order to eat, work upon a laptop, or spend time with friends. At night, you fall the table lower, move the backrest cushions into the particular center, and boom—you've got a bed.
I'll end up being honest, this layout is a little bit of the polarizing subject in the van lifestyle community. Some individuals love the sensation of openness it gives the van. It makes the space sense much bigger than this actually is. However, other people discover the daily task of "building" their particular bed to be a huge chore, particularly if you're tired after a lengthy day of walking or driving.
Another thing in order to consider is your storage. Without that "garage" space below a fixed bed, you have to get really creative with where a person put your heavy-duty items. Most of your storage will be tucked under the benches, which can end up being a bit of a pain in order to access if you're already sitting on them.
Prioritizing your kitchen and "galley"
For the foodies around, the cooking area is the cardiovascular of the van. When looking at sprinter van conversion layouts, you'll notice that will kitchen placement usually falls into two camps: the lengthy side-galley or the split kitchen.
The side-galley usually operates along the traveler side, partially preventing the sliding door. This gives you a wide range of of countertop space, which is a luxury within a van. If you plan on cooking real meals—not simply heating up cups of soup—you're likely to want that additional prep space.
On the particular flip side, some individuals prefer a split kitchen where the particular sink is upon one side and the stove is within the other. This produces a more open walkway through the center from the van. It feels less cramped, but you do lose some of that continuous table surface. Whatever you choose, be sure you believe about your fridge placement . Having this near the door is ideal for grabbing a cold drink through the outside without having to climb all the particular way in to the van.
The "wet bath" vs. no bathroom debate
This is the big one. Perform you put the shower along with a bathroom inside, or do you wing this? Including a full wet bath (a waterproof room with both a shower and a toilet) drastically changes your sprinter van conversion layouts. It requires up a huge chunk of true estate, usually right behind the driver's chair.
If you're planning on full-time living or investing lots of time in metropolitan areas where finding the shower is really a trouble, a wet shower is a game-changer. There's nothing like getting your own private bathroom. But keep in mind, it also means you require much larger water tanks plus a more complex plumbing system.
If you decide to miss the shower, you gain a massive quantity of storage or seating space. Many people compromise simply by putting a portable lavatory on a heavy-duty slide-out drawer inside the cabinet. It stays hidden when a person don't require it, but it's there for emergencies. For showering, you can usually use an outdoor bath from the back doorways or just get a gym membership.
Designing for the electronic nomad
In case you're working through the road, your own layout needs in order to reflect that. Working from a laptop on your knees will get old after regarding twenty minutes. Several modern sprinter van conversion layouts today include a dedicated workspace.
This is often as simple since a small flip-up table near the turning seats or simply because complex as being a dedicated desk area that replaces an area associated with the kitchen or perhaps a bench. If a person go with the set bed layout, some people make use of a "Lagun" table leg—it's the swiveling arm that can be transferred into dozens of positions. You can swing it in front of the bench seat or actually on the bed therefore you can work while propped facing the pillows. Just make sure you think about where your power outlets are going to become. You don't desire cables running almost all over the floor while you're attempting to meet the deadline.
Producing room for the family members (or pets)
Most Sprinters are usually built for a single or two people, but if you're bringing kids or a large dog together, things get interesting. For families, bunk beds are becoming a large trend in sprinter van conversion layouts. You can have a "master" bed on the particular bottom and a smaller bunk above it. It's tight, but it works.
If you have a dog, think about where their "spot" is. I've noticed some clever builds where the bottom part of a kitchen cabinet is left open up as a doggie crate, or there's a dedicated space underneath the bed for a dog bed. It keeps them out from under your feet while you're trying to move around the van.
Final thoughts upon choosing your layout
All in all, the particular best way in order to figure out what realy works for you is to get inside a van plus move around. In the event that you can, lease a conversion for the weekend. You'll rapidly realize if a person hate making the particular bed every early morning or in case you definitely need a microwave.
Don't feel like you have to the actual "standard" designs the truth is online. The entire point of the DIY conversion will be to make the particular space work intended for your life. Whether that means the huge gear garage area, a massive cooking area, or simply a simple, open space in order to drink coffee and appear at the mountains, the best sprinter van conversion layouts are the ones that make you experience at home the second you slide that will heavy side doorway shut. Spend some time along with the planning phase—it's much easier to move a wall on a bit of document than it is once the wood is already screwed into the ribs of the particular van.