6 Minutes
The world of camper vans continues to evolve, and the latest custom build by Sequoia + Salt perfectly showcases how smart engineering and creativity can transform a small vehicle into a comfortable, inviting mobile home. For those who think a large, extended van is necessary for comfort and features, the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 144 AWD conversion stands as compelling evidence to the contrary. This project proves that limited space doesn't have to mean limited luxury.
About Sequoia + Salt: Custom Camper Van Specialists
Based in Farmingdale, New Jersey, Sequoia + Salt has become a prominent name in the custom camper world, known for their meticulously crafted builds like the iconic Heron. Their approach combines functionality, style, and smart use of every inch inside a van. The Sprinter 144 AWD is one of their latest standouts, blending robust off-road capabilities with a highly refined living experience.
Base Vehicle and Exterior Features
Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 144 AWD: The Foundation
The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 144 is renowned for its durability, all-terrain performance, and maneuverability. Its short wheelbase (144 inches) offers superior agility compared to longer vans, making it ideal for both city driving and exploring remote destinations. While some might consider the 144's compact length a challenge for camper conversions, Sequoia + Salt has proven otherwise.
Exterior Upgrades and Adventure-Ready Details
Sitting atop rugged black wheels and BFGoodrich KO3 all-terrain tires, the Sprinter is ready for diverse terrain. The van has been outfitted with popular flares, also called capsules, from Vanspeed. These capsules extend the van’s width toward the rear, maximizing interior space—essential for a comfortable camper configuration. Each capsule is finished with a Rhino liner, ensuring durability and weather protection, and features a window with a sliding screen for ventilation.
Sequoia + Salt fitted a rear-mounted spare tire carrier—a strategic move that frees up valuable underbody space for a sizable water tank, a common upgrade among premium van builds. On the roof, you’ll find a suite of off-grid enhancements: 400W solar panels, a Dometic RTX 2000 air conditioning unit, a Fiamma F80S awning for shaded outdoor living, and dual Maxxair rooftop vent fans. Additional running boards and windows on both sides enhance accessibility and interior brightness.
Step Inside: Interior Design and Layout
Clever Use of Space and Stunning Aesthetics
Inside, the Sprinter 144 AWD stuns with its open-concept layout. Sequoia + Salt’s design eliminates barriers between the cab and living space, giving an airier feel compared to typical compact camper vans. The visual appeal is elevated by a combination of white cabinetry, warm bamboo countertops and door panels, and a natural-finish pine shiplap ceiling. Blue Lonridge flooring and beige trim add subtle color and texture, creating a modern yet cozy atmosphere.
Despite the van’s compact dimensions, the interior boasts an impressive array of home-like features. Clever partitioning—using small wall panels rather than full walls—suggest zones for living, sleeping, and kitchen use, while keeping the space open and uncluttered.
All-in-One Wet Bath: Innovative and Hygienic
A major highlight directly opposite the entrance is a full wet bath, a feature rarely found in such compact vans. This well-equipped bathroom contains a shower with bamboo mat, a Nautilus self-cleaning retractable door, and a one-of-a-kind toilet system. Unlike the typical bench-hidden portable toilets, Sequoia + Salt has integrated a Wrappon PF1 in a pull-out drawer. This toilet uses heat-seal technology to lock away waste and odors for up to 30 days, combining practicality with cleanliness for off-grid trips.
Dual-Sided Kitchen: Style Meets Functionality
The kitchen spans both sides of the van, maximizing food prep and storage capacity. On one side, there’s a deep stainless steel sink with a pull-down faucet and bamboo cutting board cover. On the other, a drawer-style Isotherm refrigerator and single-burner induction cooktop make meal prep both efficient and enjoyable. Storage options abound, with overhead cabinets, multiple drawers, a pull-out spice rack, and a large under-sink compartment housing the Aqua-Hot heating system—providing both hot water and forced air heating for ultimate comfort in any season.
Intuitive Utility Control Hub
A state-of-the-art utility panel is integrated along the kitchen wall, placing all essential systems at your fingertips. This panel controls battery monitoring, inverter operation, Aqua-Hot system, dimmable lighting, and digital displays for water tank levels. There’s even a dedicated switch for one of the van’s most remarkable features—the elevator-style bed.
Ingenious Sleeping and Lounge Arrangements
Space-Saving Elevator Bed
The rear lounge area doubles as a flexible sleeping space, courtesy of the motorized elevator bed. Accessible at the push of a button, this bed drops down to reveal a 77-inch by 60-inch mattress. Foam inserts fill out the added width from the capsules, ensuring a full, restful night’s sleep. When not in use, the bed lifts to create a generous lounge below, complete with twin benches and a portable Lagun table—perfect for dining or relaxing with friends.
Should you need an extra bed, the benches connect quickly to form a spacious secondary sleeping platform. Overhead reading lights and a vent fan ensure comfort in all conditions.
Advanced Plumbing and Power Systems
Sequoia + Salt ensures year-round reliability with a robust plumbing setup: a 22-gallon (83-liter) freshwater tank, a 22-gallon grey water tank beneath the chassis, and a convenient outdoor shower port. The freshwater tank includes a hatch for easy cleaning, and an air-blow-out system guarantees freeze protection during winter storage.
Energy needs are covered with a 400Ah lithium battery bank and a 3,000W inverter/charger, offering simultaneous off-grid and shore power charging. Solar panels, the engine's DC-DC charger, and external hookups together provide unmatched flexibility for long-term overlanding or road-tripping.
Performance and Market Positioning
The base Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 144 AWD sets the standard in the adventure van market for premium quality, off-road control, and on-road comfort. Sequoia + Salt's expert modification elevates this platform, offering luxury amenities and superior design rarely matched in its segment. For buyers seeking a compact, agile camper without sacrificing comfort or technology, this build sits comfortably at the top tier.
Comparisons to Other Camper Vans
Compared to typical van conversions or even larger wheelbase rivals, the Sprinter 144 AWD by Sequoia + Salt maximizes every inch thanks to its unique capsule extensions, efficient interior layout, and state-of-the-art amenities. Where competitors might compromise on bathroom size, sleeping space, or off-grid capability, this Sprinter combines them all—with signature style and reliability.
Conclusion: Smart Camper Van Living, Without Sacrifice
Sequoia + Salt’s custom Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 144 AWD exemplifies how thoughtful design and high-quality components can transform compact vans into luxurious tiny homes on wheels. With impressive comfort, innovative features, and go-anywhere capability, this camper van is ideal for both full-time van-lifers and weekend adventurists. Experience freedom, style, and supreme functionality—no matter where the road takes you.
Source: autoevolution
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