Cherished Dream of a Kiteboarder: Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Conversion Concept

The Sprinter Cargo Van is a popular option for customization when it comes to creating a motorhome. The Indy Auto Man team from Indianapolis is engaged in tailoring camper vans, and most of these vehicles serve as a place to cook and sleep on a long drive. In search of inspiration, they investigated a very special creation designed specifically for kiteboarders and foilers looking for a vehicle to carry their various gear.

Universal Van for Any Task

The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, a family of Daimler AG light trucks, was first introduced to the general public at the beginning of 1995 and has repeatedly won prizes at various exhibitions throughout its history.

The Sprinter family replaced the T1 series vans popular in those years, but the layout of the new model was not much different from its predecessors. It shares the classic layout: a load-bearing all-metal body, a longitudinal engine with a manual 5-speed gearbox, and a rear drive axle. The scheme of the front suspension is quite peculiar: independent but with an elastic element in the form of a transverse leaf spring, of course, with telescopic shock absorbers and an anti-roll bar.

Like the T1, the Sprinter light truck is designed for versatile use, from delivering building materials to comfortable passenger transportation. Today, it is one of the most beloved vans for those looking for an opportunity to bring their dreams to life and create a comfortable and affordable vehicle for their needs.

Concept for Kiteboarders

The Slim Chance van is based on the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 144 with all-wheel drive. The concept belongs to Outside Van, a professional kiteboarder Ewan Jaspan, and the team at the Naish outdoor equipment company. The name of the idea, Slim Chance, comes from a kiteboarding trick. The van is equipped with an advanced RIP Kit suspension from Agile Off-Road. It increases the ground clearance height and allows the owner to transport heavy additional equipment. The body can boast a lot of additional light: a 50-inch LED panel on the front roof, SAE fog lights on the front power ramp, side lights, and a pair of lights on the back, on the roof rack.

A 960 Ah lithium battery provides even when the power goes out, while a 140-watt solar panel on the roof and an additional alternator keeps working for the battery charge. Sports equipment takes up a lot of space, which is why the cabin has convertible storage solutions. L-shaped rails and modular panels for attaching MOLLE equipment will help you place things on the walls, and a glider panel on telescopic rails under the bottom will facilitate the unloading of bulky items and help dry wet clothes.

In addition to the roof rack, a Yakima Skybox 12 was installed on the roof, and the camper was equipped with a Milwaukee tool kit, which includes an electric drill with backup batteries and an air compressor. In this case, the side panels for attaching equipment transform into a folding bed with pillows made of polyurethane foam with a memory effect. A JL-Audio stereo system and a Starlink satellite internet terminal will provide a pleasant end to the day after active sports. The kitchenette, with folding panels and tables, is made of bamboo. Adding to the comfort is a 24-gallon fresh water tank, refrigerator, microwave, and induction hob.

The Slim Chance concept is a finished project, but the team that created it is not looking for mass production and will sell it to a customer who plans to use the Outside Van for marketing purposes. This vehicle is a great example of customization and inspiration for everyone looking for a perfect camper van. Adventure lovers in the Indiana are always welcome at Indy Auto Man to discuss ideas, choose a reliable used Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, and convert it into something mind blowing.