Amazing short Sprinter camper van built for disabled vet

By Cheri Sicard
In the video below, we join our favorite RV builder channel, DualEx Builds [818K subscribers, 55M views]. We watch as this master craftsman builds a camper van for a disabled veteran client. As with all DualEx’s builds, this one features superb design and craftsmanship. This man has serious skills and a well-outfitted shop to implement them.

This is the first camper van DualEx has built for someone other than himself and his friends, despite being constantly asked. He hopes it will be the first of many, as he is finally in a space and place to be able to do so. He was happy that, as a veteran himself, his first commercial build was for a disabled vet.

A short-wheelbase Mercedes Sprinter van serves as the base of this build. The client wanted something similar to the van that DualEx built for himself. However, the problem was the short-base van was about 6 feet shorter. But DualEx always loves a challenge!

DualEx began by tearing everything out of the van and installing the subfloor, before turning his attention to the outside and installing windows, vents, and solar panels. Since he had to wire the solar panels anyway, it only made sense to wire the entire van at the same time. To do that, he first had to install the interior framing. Before building the van’s final electrical box, he installed insulation, wall paneling, and ceiling.

After all that, and there was a lot to the wood-paneled interiors, he wired everything together to make sure all the electrical appliances worked. They did. He enclosed the wiring under a bench, which also forms the base for the camper van’s Murphy-style bed. As the bed is the largest item in the van, installing it at this point helped determine where the rest of the camper van’s components would go.

Next, it was time to build the shower, then the kitchen cabinets, before focusing on the plumbing. Because the space is so small, DualEx was not able to fit a kitchen sink into the kitchen cabinet. However, he used extra space behind the shower to create a dishwashing station on the opposite side of the van. And as the van is so small, everything is close. He finished the kitchen with a stylish laminated black countertop.

As the client wanted an outdoor entertainment center, DualEx came up with an innovative TV mount that allows it to be used inside the van or out.

At this point, the bulk of the build was done, but there were still a lot of small details left.  He started the process of tackling these by working on the trim. He built a small swivel table that utilizes the van’s passenger seat to create a workspace. The project was finished after installing the new mattress and upholstery.

As with most of DualEx’s builds, this one features a sleek, contemporary interior look.

What do think of this innovative van build? Leave your comments below.

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