This Family-Friendly Camper Van: The Perfect Road Trip Companion for Six!

When it comes to planning a family road trip, comfort and practicality are key. If you’re seeking the perfect camper van that can comfortably house a family of six, look no further. This 2021 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, with a 170″ wheelbase, has been expertly converted into a tiny home on wheels, ensuring that your family can travel together without compromising on space or amenities.

A Home on Wheels: Introduction to the Family-Friendly Camper Van

Transforming a standard van into a livable space for six people is no small feat, but Bo and Raiy, the masterminds behind Bo Chuon Outdoors Van Build, have done just that. They started with a 2021 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and turned it into a practical, road trip-ready camper van, perfect for family adventures.

Exterior Features: Built for Adventure

The exterior of this camper van is designed with both functionality and style in mind. Originally a crew van with two windows, Bo added two more for increased natural light and better ventilation inside. To make entry and exit easier, three aluminum steps were installed on the passenger side, along with a Prime Design aluminum ladder at the rear, perfect for reaching the roof.

Roof Rack and Solar Power

The roof is more than just a shelter—it’s an integral part of this van’s design. Bo installed an FVC (Flatline Van Co.) roof rack that holds two solar panels, providing sustainable energy for off-grid adventures. The roof also features six spotlights and a 42-inch light bar, ensuring you have 360-degree visibility during nighttime excursions.

Interior Layout: A Space for Everyone

Stepping inside the van, you’ll find a thoughtfully designed interior that can comfortably seat and sleep a family of six. The open layout allows for easy movement, with no walls separating the driver’s cabin from the living space.

Seating Arrangements: Comfort and Safety Combined

The van features a three-person bench seat right as you enter, followed by a two-person bench seat further back. This setup allows five passengers to sit comfortably in the back, with two more seats available in the driver’s cabin, thanks to the swivel bases installed by Bo. These swivel seats not only enhance interaction but also make the most of the available space.

Kitchen Essentials: Compact but Functional

While space is limited, the kitchen area has been maximized for efficiency. Behind the three-person bench, there’s a small yet practical kitchen featuring a sink built into a 24-inch countertop, a small cabinet, and a stainless steel 900 W microwave. Additional storage is available via a headliner shelf and three overhead cabinets, perfect for stashing away kitchen essentials and snacks.

Entertainment on the Go

To keep everyone entertained during downtime, a 24-inch smart TV is installed, which can flip down when needed. It’s positioned next to the A/C unit, ensuring you stay cool while enjoying your favorite shows or movies.

Bathroom: Compact and Convenient

Despite the limited space, the van includes a full bathroom located just behind the kitchen counter. It features waterproof walls that mimic wood, adding a rustic touch. The shower comes with an acrylic pan, a ceiling LED light, and a Nautilus self-cleaning shower door, providing a clean and comfortable space for your hygiene needs.

Refrigeration and Control Panel: Keeping Things Cool and Under Control

Opposite the bathroom, Bo installed a large counter that houses a Dometic CRX 110 fridge/freezer. Above this, you’ll find a control panel that operates all the van’s systems, including light switches, the heater controller, and a battery monitor, ensuring that everything runs smoothly during your trip.

Sleeping Arrangements: Space for Everyone

At the rear of the van, the lounge area doubles as a sleeping space. Bo designed a setup that can seat the entire family during the day and transform into sleeping quarters at night.

Bunk Beds: Clever Use of Vertical Space

Two top bunk beds, each of different sizes, are mounted on the walls. The larger one on the passenger side measures 75 x 25 inches, while the smaller one is 68 x 25 inches. These bunks are supported by ceiling-mounted straps that can hold up to 1,200 pounds, ensuring they are safe and secure.

Lounge to Bedroom Conversion

Underneath the bunks is a U-shaped couch with a massive swivel table in the center, perfect for family meals or game nights. Converting this lounge into a bed is a simple process: remove the tabletop, attach it between the benches, rearrange the cushions, and you have a queen-sized bed ready to accommodate up to three people.

Utility Systems: Powered for Adventure

Electrical System: Reliable and Robust

The passenger-side bench houses the van’s electrical system, including three 100 Ah BattleBorn lithium batteries, a 3,000 W inverter, a 30-amp solar charge controller, and a DC-DC charger. These components allow the van to run on solar power, the vehicle’s alternator, or shore power, ensuring you’re never left without electricity.

Water System: Ample Supply for the Road

On the opposite side, the freshwater tanks are housed—one with a 20-gallon capacity and the other with a 15-gallon capacity. These provide enough water for a few days on the road, perfect for weekend getaways or longer road trips.

Slide-Out Kitchen: Cooking Made Easy

Recognizing the need for more cooking space, Bo created a slide-out kitchen integrated into the rear bench. This kitchen includes a sink and double-burner propane stove combo, along with extra storage space for cooking utensils and ingredients. It’s an ideal solution for preparing meals for the entire family without taking up too much interior space.

Additional Features: Everything You Need

The rear section of the van also includes several 240 V and USB outlets for charging devices, and a tankless water heater connected to an outdoor shower—perfect for rinsing off after a day of adventure.

Conclusion: The Perfect Family-Friendly Camper Van for Family Adventures

This road trip-ready camper van is the epitome of thoughtful design and functionality. Bo and Raiy have truly maximized every inch of space to create a mobile home that is perfect for family getaways. While it may not be suited for full-time living, it offers everything you need for weekend escapes or week-long road trips. From comfortable sleeping arrangements to a fully functional kitchen and bathroom, this van has it all, ensuring your family can travel together in comfort and style.

FAQs

How many people can this Family-Friendly camper van seat and sleep?

This Family-Friendly camper van can comfortably seat and sleep six people, making it perfect for family road trips.

Is the kitchen equipped for cooking full meals?

Yes, the van features both an interior kitchen and a slide-out kitchen with a sink and double-burner propane stove, allowing you to prepare full meals.

What power options are available in the van?

The van is equipped with a robust electrical system, including solar power, a vehicle alternator, and shore power options, ensuring you have reliable electricity wherever you go.

Can the van’s layout be customized?

The layout is highly functional as is, but minor modifications can be made to suit specific needs, especially regarding storage or seating arrangements.

Is this Family-Friendly camper van suitable for full-time living?

While it is ideal for extended trips, it might not offer enough space for full-time living, especially for a larger family.