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This Mercedes-Benz Sprinter has been transformed into a custom off-grid camper van built for roaming the desert — see inside 'Gayle'https://www.businessinsider.in/thelife/news/this-mercedes-benz-sprinter-has-been-transformed-into-a-custom-off-grid-camper-van-built-for-roaming-the-desert-x2014xa0see-inside-aposgayleapos/slidelist/75705428.cms2020-05-13T01:31:58+05:30

This Mercedes-Benz Sprinter has been transformed into a custom off-grid camper van built for roaming the desert — see inside 'Gayle'

Brittany ChangMay 13, 2020, 01:31 IST

To brighten up the interior, there are reading lights by the front driver and passenger seats, as well as light bars that run throughout the interior of the tiny home on wheels.

The mattress platform can also be manually leveled by using a hand crank.

... including the air compressor that allows him to inflate and deflate his tires according to the terrain.

The client also wanted specific aspects of the van to be manually operated …

Advanced RV also included a thermal blanket for colder nights.

… which is topped with a modified Purple mattress.

These battery systems are all stored underneath the bed in the mattress platform ...

But if the battery needs to be recharged by the alternator while the van isn't moving, management software can automatically start a "regeneration protocol" to run the engine and charge the system, according to Advanced RV.

… while the alternator can charge the van whenever the engine is in use.

The solar panels can plug into Gayle's power grid for direct charging …

This battery system can be charged with the alternator or the portable solar panels.

… as well as a 3,000-watt inverter onboard.

For example, there is a six-module lithium battery system that provides 828 amp hours ...

The van is capable of staying off-grid for several weeks by using several power sources that have been included in the build.

This loop then heats the interior of the tiny home, hot water, and water tanks to prevent it from freezing.

To provide warmth on a cold night or winter trip, Gayle is equipped with a diesel furnace that brings heat to the glycol loop system.

The bathroom and kitchen sources and discards its water in the insulated 36-gallon freshwater and grey water tanks.

There's also plenty of storage all throughout Gayle, including the open-concept cubbies, drawers on the kitchen unit, cabinets, and an aluminum over-cab storage.

The horizontal refrigerator across from the kitchen — and under the microwave — keeps food cold and fresh.

When the van doors are open, there's a fold-down table to allow for outdoor dining.

For cooking homemade meals, there's a portable induction cooktop that can be stored in the top drawer of the kitchen unit when it's not in use.

The sink is also layered: there's a wooden cutting board on the top, a drain insert in the middle, and a grill on the bottom.

The kitchen space comes with a countertop and sink that has both a traditional pull-out faucet, and a smaller filtered water spigot to provide drinking water on the go.

There's a panel inside of the bathroom that allows users to control the bathroom's vent, water pump, and lights.

Gayle's walled-off bathroom also holds the medicine cabinet and shower with extendable shower curtains.

The weight conservation theme also extends to the bathroom, which holds a composting toilet that eliminates the need for a black water tank.

There's also a side window with the same opening capabilities.

To enhance the van's insulation, Advanced RV took out the rear windows and replaced them with smaller awning-type windows that can open to let in fresh air.

And instead of a heavy air-conditioning unit, Advanced RV built in two fans that circulate the air.

This includes doorless cabinets, which was done by implementing what the company calls "open-concept cubbies."

In order to further the van's weight conservation, Advanced RV designed the camper van with lighter interior components.

Gayle is protected by a front bumper grille guard for rougher trips.

The lighter weight also allows the vehicle to better handle mud and sand, which is important for the client who's keen on traveling to remote locations.

According to Advanced RV's YouTube video tour of the Gayle build, a 2500 is easier to handle, especially in tight spaces with obstructions.

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