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Inside the Ultimate 2023 AWD Sprinter 144 Camper Build

Hey everybody, Matt here from AVC! Today, we’re taking you on a complete tour of our latest project Sprinter—the custom 144 AWD build we’ve been building step-by-step on the channel. From rugged exterior upgrades to a cozy, highly functional custom living area packed with smart tech, here is the full breakdown of how this ultimate adventure van came together.

1. The Vehicle & Exterior Setup

The base platform for this build is a 2023 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter high-roof with a 144" wheelbase, powered by the diesel all-wheel-drive powertrain.

  • Tire Setup: Falken Wildpeak AT-4W in the stock size (245/75-16). We opted to stick with factory tire sizing to keep all speedometer and mileage calibration 100% precise while eliminating any possibility of tire rub. Since many future owners end up choosing aftermarket 17-inch wheels or suspension lifts down the road, this offers a clean slate that drives beautifully right out of the gate.

  • Body Flares & Windows: The van features a factory picture window in the driver front. In the back, we added side capsules wrapped in a Matte Anthracite vinyl with CRL 1033 slider windows. Sprinter walls taper inward, so punching out the sides with capsules is essential if you want to sleep east-west comfortably.

  • Water Tanks: Underneath the van, we placed a 20-gallon fresh water tank in the rear spare tire location (filled from inside the van) and an 11-gallon passenger-side undermount gray water tank for the sink and shower.

  • Roof Layout: Up top sits a Velit 2000r 48V AC unit, a 200W solar panel, and a MaxxFan Deluxe vent fan.

2. Interior Materials & Color Palette

When selecting interior finishes, we curated a clean, warm, and highly practical color scheme designed to handle real outdoor use:

  • Ceiling: Solid Plyboo bamboo plywood with a water-based satin finish.

  • Walls & Trim: AVC Rig felt wall kit in 'Woolen' (dark gray) paired with pre-upholstered GoCode Heather trim pieces to perfectly match factory Sprinter plastics.

  • Flooring: 2Tec2 woven vinyl flooring in 'Moon Rock'—a blend of light tan, brown, and gray that hides dirt effortlessly and cleans up fast.

  • Cabinetry: Lightweight aluminum cabinets powder-coated in RAL 9010 (Warm White) for a crisp, bright look without looking clinical.

  • Countertops: Wilsonart solid surface in 'French Mélange Blue' with aggregate flecks that add a vibrant touch of color.

  • Seating & Bedding: Custom bench upholstered in Navy Blue Olympus vinyl, paired with a pilot test mattress from CVHQ.

3. Cab & Front Lounge Area

Up front, the audio experience received a massive upgrade with an Eton 6-piece speaker kit that replaces all factory dash and door speakers. Both driver and passenger seats feature factory swivel bases to turn the front cab into part of the living space. Overhead, we integrated a lightweight, sewn Radius Outfitters over-cab shelf with a convenient center notch that prevents head bumps when moving around.

Directly behind the driver seat sits a cozy seating bench, ideal for hanging out with the sliding door open. Below this bench is a massive shoe and gear storage drawer designed to keep dirty boots and heavy items off the floor.

Modular Seating & Hidden Infrastructure

Inside the side entry door, there is dedicated space for a toilet (designed for either a Dometic 972 or a powered 12V Wrappon Sunny unit). If you need extra passenger seating, the entire bench assembly can be removed. Underneath the subfloor system, we integrated structural anchor plates to drop in a 2-person folding JMG seat—instantly transforming this rig from a 2-person lounge into a 4-seater van.

4. Kitchenette & Indoor Shower Innovation

We designed a split kitchenette setup across the midsection of the van:

  • Driver-Side Galley: Generous prep space, a deep soft-close silverware/utensil drawer, and an IndelB 130L 12V stainless fridge/freezer.

  • Passenger-Side Station: A deep stainless-steel sink with a pull-out dual-spray hot/cold faucet. It includes a smart divider insert that prevents water splatters onto the mattress adjacent to it.

The standout highlight of the kitchenette is the integrated GoCode Fold Shower built right into the sink cabinet. The assembly folds down smoothly, allowing you to clip up a full-length curtain and take a hot indoor shower anywhere. The MaxxFan Deluxe is positioned directly above to pull steam and moisture straight out of the vehicle.

5. Rear Bedroom & Upper Storage

Thanks to the exterior side capsules, the rear sleeping quarters host an expansive 76" long by 66" wide bed (nearly queen size).

  • Climate Control: Velit 2000r 48V rooftop air conditioner directly overhead for hot summer nights.

  • Ventilation & Lighting: Dual slider bunk windows for passive airflow, plus dedicated "his and hers" reading lights under the overhead bins.

  • Storage & Microwave: A full bank of overhead storage cabinets featuring soft-close hardware and a built-in microwave for quick meal prep.

6. Smart Controls & Electrical System

Central management of the entire van is handled by a ROAM IQ control center with a touchscreen interface. It offers full monitoring and control of power metrics, solar output, internal temperatures, Espar heating, lighting, and weather data. It also supports remote access over Wi-Fi or Starlink—meaning you can switch on the AC while hiking or precool the fridge from home.

One-Touch Lighting Scenes:

  • Evening Mode: Dims ambient lights and sets under-cabinet RGB LEDs to a warm yellow hue.

  • Stargazing Mode: Switches all interior lighting to deep red to preserve night vision.

  • Goodnight Mode: Master kill switch that turns off all lights at once.

7. Garage, Power Off-Grid, & Heating Utilities

Around back, the garage bay houses a powerhouse electrical and plumbing system:

  • Power System: Bluetti RV Solar 50 system (5,000Wh / 48V battery setup) with expandable capacity up to 10,000Wh. Accessible fuse panels and breakers are tucked neatly behind a protective door.

  • Smart Hydronic Heating: An Espar diesel furnace paired with a Pundmann water heater featuring an integrated air heat exchanger. Excess heat from cabin heating automatically maintains hot water without consuming additional battery power.

  • Utility Features: Floor-mounted L-track cargo rails, open gear storage cubbies, a rear Tetravan quick-connect hot/cold spray shower, and a GoCode water fill port.

Is This Van Ready for Your Next Adventure?

This completed 2023 AWD Sprinter 144 build is officially for sale! Check out the listing link on Van Life Trader to see current availability, pricing, and full technical specifications. Drop your questions in the comments below, and don't forget to like and subscribe to follow along with our next project build!

Find the full video tour here! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J0uBSlgvBcw

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