Do you dream of ultimate freedom? Waking up in places where no one else goes, overlooking a mountain lake or a deserted beach? Converting a Mercedes Sprinter into a camper van is increasingly becoming the holy grail for adventurers. It’s no coincidence that the Sprinter is the undisputed favorite among both adventurous DIYers and professional camper van builders worldwide.
But where do you start? Converting a bus is a complex project that requires planning, craftsmanship, and knowledge of increasingly strict regulations. We’ll walk you through the entire process: from choosing the right chassis to the RDW interior requirements and the reality of a truly self-sufficient camper.
Why We (and You) Choose the Mercedes Sprinter
Ask our team in Krimpen aan den IJssel or any camper van builder in the Netherlands: for a serious adventure vehicle, the Sprinter is the best and most versatile platform—whether as an expedition vehicle or for sporty weekend getaways. This is especially true when you consider the Mercedes Sprinter 4x4 (with the powerful 319 4x4 engine that we use for our “Beast”).
Reliability: Mercedes engines and powertrains are known for their long service life. It’s no coincidence that we are an official partner of Mercedes-Benz and supply new buses—custom-configured specifically for us—directly from the factory.
Rugged: The chassis sits high on its suspension, giving you much-needed ground clearance and thus significantly reducing the risk of getting stuck or sustaining damage. In addition, the overall rigidity of the body ensures that the interior remains undamaged.
Comfort: Comfortable seats, a clear view of the road, and all the features of a luxury passenger car, such as MBUX and “Mercedes Me.”
Global Service: Whether you're in Norway or Morocco, parts are available everywhere.
Do It Yourself or Hire a Builder? (The Reality)
This is the biggest question for any adventurer. Converting a Mercedes Sprinter into a camper van is a project that takes hundreds of hours. Let’s take an honest look at the two options.
Route A: The DIY Camper
It’s incredibly rewarding—you can build it exactly the way you want. However, it’s also a project that’s often underestimated in terms of time and technical skill. You’ll be a plumber, electrician, carpenter, and vehicle inspection expert all rolled into one.
Diving deep into all aspects of the project is essential so you can ultimately enjoy your favorite vacation destinations without a care in the world.
Workspace, time, and YouTube are your best friends. Here’s a quick guide to help you get started.
Layout: Once you’ve chosen the vehicle, the next decisions you’ll need to make are about the layout and configuration. In our setup, the indoor/outdoor kitchen is a must for the onboard chef. Cook indoors when necessary, and outdoors whenever possible. The bed is also a key factor. The width of our bed is made possible by installing “flares.” This creates an extra 14 cm of width, leaving you with plenty of interior space.
Our modular system also makes it possible to sleep lengthwise, but Pinterest is full of other great ideas!Insulation: At Overland Campers, we use a combination of Armaflex and natural sheep’s wool. Armaflex prevents condensation, and sheep’s wool regulates humidity like no other material—plus, it’s easy to work with.
Weight: This is the pitfall of every project. Many campers exceed the 3,500-kg limit with just a little cargo. General tip: keep your interior light and spacious!
By using materials wisely, we managed to keep the standard built-in weight under 450 kg.Technology: A well-designed and safe technical installation is essential for a worry-free adventure. Do you see the electrical work as a challenge? Great, go for it! Otherwise, it’s better to outsource this. Especially if you really want to go off-grid, the quality of the installation is crucial for its (fire) safety!
Accessories: Want to get started on your own? We offer high-quality accessories such as a roof rack, rear door carriers, or a drawer system. Everything is modular, so it can be customized exactly to suit your adventures and hobbies. Please note: Our complete interiors and kitchen modules are exclusive to “Overland” and are not available for separate purchase.
Option B: Having the RV Built (Overland Campers)
Do you want the adventure, but not the months-long renovation in a cramped shed? Then come to us. We offer three clear options:
The Scout: You provide the van (new or used), and we’ll handle the entire custom conversion. (Starting at €62,500)
The Nomad: A new Mercedes Sprinter 317 RWD, perfect for those who want to travel long distances in comfort.
The Beast: Our top-of-the-line model. A new Mercedes Sprinter 319 4x4 camper that can handle absolutely any terrain.
Off-Grid & Technology (What Should You Keep in Mind?)
By 2026, "hooking up to a power outlet" at a campground will be a thing of the past. You'll want to be able to camp off-grid.
Power: Forget the old lead-acid batteries. We install a 460AH lithium battery with Victron Energy accessories as standard. This will keep you off-grid for at least 4 days, including your lights, refrigerator, a cup of coffee, and a meal on the induction cooktop. If the sun shines all day, or if you drive for an hour, you’ll be able to stay off-grid for another day.
Heating/hot water. A reliable system is essential. We install an Aquahot “hydronic system” that connects directly to the Sprinter’s diesel tank. This ensures you’ll always have a hot shower and warm feet. That’s right—underfloor heating is an option that makes your winter adventures even more comfortable. It’s not electric but connected to the hydronic system, so it doesn’t draw power from your household battery.
RDW, Vehicle Tax, and BPM
One of the most frequently searched topics remains the cost, the quarter-rate, and “the rules.”
For the quarter-rate—or, as it’s called these days, the half-rate—it’s crucial that your vehicle’s configuration meets the tax requirements of the Tax and Customs Administration (which are stricter than the RDW requirements!). If you’re doing this on your own, you’ll find all the details on their websites.
Our facilities meet all the requirements for the following as standard:
Official RV registration with the RDW.
The reduced rate for motor vehicle tax (MRB).
The BPM tax return (we handle the entire process).
A company vehicle. (Under certain conditions and with certain options, it is possible to continue driving your Sprinter for business purposes.)
Tip: Are you buying a commercial van from someone? Keep in mind that if you convert it into a camper (yellow license plate), you’ll still have to pay the remaining BPM amount.
How much does it cost to convert a vehicle into an RV?
Let's be transparent about the costs.
A professional conversion of your own van (Scout) starts at around €62,500 with us.
Are you looking for a brand-new vehicle that includes a van (Nomad or Beast)? Then you should expect an investment starting at €145,000 ( including VAT and BPM).
That’s a serious investment, but quality comes at a price—there’s a reason you chose the Mercedes Sprinter. We build on those qualities to turn it into a high-quality, fully equipped, and rugged expedition vehicle that will take you on adventures without compromise!
Your journey starts here
Building a camper van isn't the end goal—it's the beginning of your story. Whether you dream of visiting the North Cape in winter or the desert in summer.
Are you curious about how we work? Our process always starts simply: with a cup of coffee. We’d love to invite you to our workshop in Krimpen aan den IJssel to feel the materials and see our projects.
Ready to make your dream a reality? Check out our models here or make an appointment right away.