Mercedes Sprinter LWB 2019
Full van history can be found her – https://car-check.co.uk/check/KL68AKG
Body work is generally in good condition other than a dent we discovered on the top right of the van and also a dent along the side of the van near the top (where it scraped on a ferry).
Next MOT due September.
Overview
Seeing as we knew we were going to live in the van, we wanted it to feel like a luxury mini apartment on wheels. So we maximised space where possible (including building an extension to add more floor space) and included high end detailing such as posh cabinet handles, hidden wiring and Lick paints.
🪑 Seating:
The camper van (a.k.a. Betty) has three belted seats in the front, including the driver, all with headrests. We test drove a number of different vans before purchasing and found the Mercedes Sprinter 2019 model to be super comfy, and a huge upgrade from earlier models (mainly dashboard set up and comfort).
🛋️ Living Space:
We lived in the van for 8 months so spent a lot of time there working, eating and relaxing after a day of adventures.
* Insulation + sound proofing – we fully sound proofed and insulated the van using a combination of eco-friendly wool, foam like material and dodo sound deadening.
* Windows – we added two extra side windows and two additional windows at the back to add more natural light.
* Skylight – We also added a Mini Heki skylight above the bed in case we wanted more ventilation or cooling down at night.
* Seating – The main living area is spacious enough to seat up to six people (two 2m benches), but it’s most comfortable for four.
* Storage
* The overhead storage cupboards were built with a 6 foot 5 human in mind so there is plenty of head space when seated to make sure you don’t bang your head!
* We also built a really sleek over head storage space in the cab above your head which honestly looks like it’s always been there. We used it to store the duvet, pillows and spare bedding.
* Plus the benches offer plenty of storage inside.
* Dimmable ceiling and under cabinet lighting.
* Curtains – We also added two sets of curtains in the van. Firstly, a light set at the back so if it’s a warm day then you can keep the doors open but still have some privacy. Secondly a black out pair from John Lewis at the front of the van to make it feel homely and also for security. We found it really nice to be able to close off the cab and make it feel more like an apartment than a van.
* Black out window covers – To ensure a good nights sleep we also made black out window covers for the four windows, which are easily attached with built in magnets, no faffing around.
* Outdoor awning – we also added a detachable awning should you wish to extend your living space when outside on the passenger side where the door opening is.
⚡ Electrical Setup:
When designing the van, it was really important to us to be able to live both in cities and also out in the wild. So the design gives you the freedom to explore without relying on campsites or external power sources to recharge. We went premium with our electrics set up to ensure sustainable, off-grid living.
* Lithium Battery: We went super premium and opted for the Foster Drift V1 280Ah LiFePO4 battery. For context, Lithium batteries are higher energy density, longer lifespan, faster charging, and lighter weight compared to traditional lead-acid or AGM batteries
* 3 Solar Panels: A robust solar panel system consisting of 175W Monocrystalline Victron Energy BlueSolar panels to charge the battery.
* DC-DC charger: The battery charges while driving and can last up to 4 days on a full charge without any additional driving and assuming zero sunlight (Victron Energy Orion-Tr Smart 12/12-30A charger).
* Outlets: There are four 3-pin plug sockets suitable for powering laptops, phones, and small appliances. Two on one of the benches and two next to the counter top. Please note the maximum wattage is 200W.
* Inverter: Equipped with an inverter to efficiently power your devices and appliances (Victron Energy Phoenix Inverter).
🍽️ Kitchen:
We lived in this van full-time, so a fully functioning and practical kitchen was a must! It’s equipped with everything you need to cook delicious meals on the go:
* Fridge – we wanted the van to feel like a proper home so purchased a fridge that was about £700 at the time (Dometic CRE80 12v compressor fridge). It opens like a door like a fridge in a home (rather than like a cooler) and has a little freezer section at the top. We love our food so picked a larger, more spacious option.
* 4-hob gas burner (the same as one you’d have in a home).
* Omni oven pan which allows you to cook and bake oven-style dishes, right on the hob (cost and space saver!)
* Storage – lots of drawers, cupboards and also overhead cupboards offering SO much space. We honestly had too much storage in the end! We also added hidden locks to the drawers to ensure they didn’t open whilst driving. Much more aesthetically pleasing than adding bolts to the outside!
* Running water and sink with pull out tap for easy cleaning (this was a game changer).
* Fan – we also installed a fan in the kitchen area for ventilation, as well as a window which you can open on the hob side of the van.
* Water tanks – we never wanted to be short on water so installed a large 65 litre fresh water tank and an 18 litre grey water tank under the sink. The fresh water tank can be refilled either by unscrewing the cap on the top or there is easy access with a hose via the back of the van.
* We added a retractable ‘cocktail’ table near the side door of the van that can be used for your drinks and food when outside.
* Room separators – we also added some raised sections of the walls to separate the sleeping and kitchen spaces (as much as you can in a van anyway!)
🚿 Bathroom Facilities:
We wanted to ensure we had the option to go to the toilet and freshen up if desired so we installed:
* Outdoor Instant Hot Water Shower: Enjoy a hot shower outdoors, heated by a gas water heater. We made a shower curtain that you can hang across the doors for extra privacy – attaches using magnets that we added.
* Toilet: There’s a composting toilet tucked under the cushion at the front of the living space. It’s fixed in place and easy to use. We had a no. 1 only policy (unless emergencies!), but it’s totally functional for both so up to you. The wee tank is 12 litres so pretty large!
* Water Supply: Running cold water is available at the sink for washing up.
🔥 Heating + Gas:
The campervan is equipped with a gas heater, ensuring you stay cosy – even in the mountains.
* 55 Litre LPG gas tank – we’re still only about half way through this, despite living in it for 8 months!
* Propex HS2000 Gas Heater conveniently located under the sofa section and is simple to use.
* Thermostat included to adjust to your desired temperature.
🔐 Security:
* Alarm – we always felt safe in the van but we added an extra alarm system for additional safety.
* Reversing camera – we added a reversing camera to the back of the vehicle to make parking easier. We’re pretty proud of how we managed to hide the majority of the wiring for this as it was quite a task to retro-fit!
📖 Conversion Story:
Betty started life as a second-hand delivery van before Olivia and I decided to transform her into our dream home on wheels. In her previous life she was delivering items such as doors, long distances – meaning that she was rarely stopping and usually on the motorway. We learn this makes a huge difference in the health of the van so just wanted to highlight :).
Over the course of six months at the end of 2023, we poured our hearts into converting her, carefully designing every detail to make her both functional and cosy.
After completing the conversion, we hit the road and lived in Betty full-time for eight months, traveling through Europe – predominantly Spain. She was the perfect companion for exploring new places and making memories. Now back in London for work, we’re excited to share Betty so she can continue her adventures and create new memories with others.
👫 About the Owners:
We’re Olivia and Elliot, a pair of outdoor enthusiasts who share a love for adventure and the great outdoors. Our van life journey began with a dream to spend more time doing what we love – travelling, trail running, and being by the sea.
Living in a van gave us the freedom to wake up with a different view every day, explore incredible places, and embrace a simpler way of life. Betty was our home for eight unforgettable months as we traveled through Europe.
Elliot is 6ft 5″ so we had to create a big bed! Our campervan sleeps two people comfortably in a king-size bed (dimensions: approximately 150cm wide and 200cm long).
As well as needing a long and comfy bed(!) we wanted to ensure that it was super practical. We personally wanted to be able to properly access (and be able to walk through) the van from the back door as well as the side. So we opted for a versatile table bed which offered maximum flexibility, with two living options.
* Sleep mode: Bed permanently out for a nice cosy environment. We’d often do this when we had long days driving or if we just fancied a chill day.
* Day time mode: Transforms into two spacious sofa seats and a full-size dining table, creating a versatile living area perfect for relaxing or enjoying meals.
We also got the cushions professionally made after seeing so many dodgy ones ourselves and reading about how difficult it was to get a professional finish online (costing £600 at a discounted rate). This consists of four 2m length cushions which lay down next to each other, fit tightly together to form the king size bed. We wanted the bed to feel premium yet practical, so we chose the following materials:
* Mattress – medium foam density
* Cushion covering – malvern oyster, zip, washable
* Plus wadding – makes the cushions look nicer and rounded rather than rectangular finish
Although you can turn off the lights from bed, we wanted some additional lighting so added two ‘bedside lights’ which can swivel around and are easily rechargeable.
The contact details for this vehicle are no longer available because it has either sold or the listing has expired.
Insurance options are available through our partner, Ripe Insurance.
Get tips, tricks, ideas and advice for your campervan conversion, with the ultimate Quirky Campers Conversion Guide.
