Vandelorean
MEET VANDELOREAN
Vandelorean is my take on the ultimate cycle-centric camper. I've taken a high roof MWB Mercedes Sprinter and created a unique interior design with an open galley layout to create maximum flexibility and flow. Its key design features allow it to convert from functional van to camper in mere minutes. Be you a travelling rider, racer (or even a freelance trailbuilder) – this van performs rather perfectly in all situations. This build is the result of hundreds of hours of research, design, review, revision, Youtubing and more than a few blind alleys that resulted in a changed approach to arrive at a build out that serves well as an everyday van and well as rider's holiday home. Below is an outline of the key design details.
NOTE: This vehicle is available for purchase.
BIKE RACKING DONE RIGHT
Key amongst the list of unique design details is the custom-made bike racking system. It allows you to vertically rack up to three bikes inside the van in seconds while still allowing ease of movement between side door and rear cabin. It is a little Tardis-like as the 3 bikes and 2 front wheels fit within a 900mm cavity with the remaining front wheel tucked inside the rear door. The rapid ratchet adjustment means bikes of different length are easy to accommodate and each fork mount has a keyed lock. A wall mounted QUAD AXS charger ensures electronic shifting is rarely the reason your ride gets cut short. (Note: This space would likely serve well as a place for a shower or shower/toilet should that be the priority. Neither option featured in my must-have list but their location were considered. In any case, it would be an option for those who do not bike).
STORAGE APLENTY
There are multiple storage options though out the van, so you can stay organised.
– There 2 x Large under bench shelves sufficient for stowing wheeled luggage without decanting. (this proves ideal should one decide to treat themselves to an AirBNB for a night.
– Lower bays for all manner of ride kit like foot wear, helmets, pumps, backpacks etc
– 3 x overhead compartments along RHS cabin for bedding and pantry
– 2 x oversize drawers for kitchen and pantry goods
– 2 x Side cupboards for water and cleaning goods
– Large overhead shelf above front seats
– 6 large zipped bags for all manner of cycling goodies
– Thong/flip flop storage bay adjacent sliding door step
– Generous storage in bins and compartments within the driver and passenger doors
– Overhead storage shelves above driver and passenger
WORK SURFACES
I like a generous amount of bench space and the interior design ensures there is sufficient space to prepare meals, make coffee, fill water bottles and organise your ride pack – all without feeling cramped – even when the bed is set up. The bed panel features a butterfly hinge and will also double as an extra bench when not in use as a bed (should the need arise for more bench). Counter surfaces are made from a rather expensive Ukrainian Birch Ply that features a durable white liner. exposed ply edge and sanded smooth. Atop the fridge there is also a full size cutting board for food prep.
THE BUTTERFLY BED
The bed base is a unique design in that it features a butterfly hinge spine that serves to halve the bed panel when not in use and also when stored. It just feels tidier and minimalist. The bed base hinges down and out to key in with both galley benches for full van width sleeping. The Ukrainian Birch Ply panels and full length stainless steel hinge become an excellent bridge across the void with next to no distortion. The mattress is made up of 4 sections custom designed to fold for ease of use, convenient storage and is constructed from a combination of high tech materials for maximum comfort and breathability. The mattress is quite comfy whilst being compact. When not in use, both bed and mattress fold and stow for maximum access.
INTERIOR SURFACES
The rear floor and partition wall 18mm Ukrainian Birch HexaPly with a durable black liner – the same material used for event flooring and road cases. Over this I've installed a comfortable all weather mat material that makes for a comfortable walking surface that manages dust and other walked-in detritus well and is incredibly easy to clean.
INSULATION, FANS, HEATING/COOLING & DUCTWORK
As part of the van build, special attention was devoted to insulating floor, walls and ceiling and doors to help moderate temperature. It also attenuates sound really well. Interior surfaces also feature 4 way fabric which further serves to reduce sound. The van is remarkably quiet when travelling. The cabinetry cleverly conceals a Truma Saphir Comfort RC reverse cycle air conditioning system - situated underneath the drawer units. I designed and manufactured custom-printed ductwork to ensure warm or cool gets air to where it is needed most while remaining all but invisible. The AC is operated by remote control – as too is the Maxxfan Deluxe with Rain Dome, Temperature Control and Power Lift. This unit does a great job of actively venting warm air to keep the interior cooler on hot days.
POWER SYSTEM 240V/12V
Vandelorean has a powerful custom-made battery and power management system concealed in the forward cabin. The design and implementation of this systems was guided by a highly experienced electrical engineer who specialises in mobile power systems across Australia. The system comprises;
- Battery = 608AH - LiFePO4 12.8V Battery Comprising 8 x EVE 304Ah LiFePO4 (LFP) 3.2V Cells
Genuine Grade A (Matched and batched)
1 x Heltec 4S 300A 3.2V BMS Connection Split Port
Charging Current: Max 100A Working Currrent: Max 300A
1 x Heltec Active Balancer 5A Active Balancer 4S Compact size:
Fully 3D modelled design with custom-fabricated Busbars and aluminium enclosure
Works compliant with AS/NZS 3000
- Shore Power Charger - Enerdrive 12V/60A 3 Bank Charger
Shore powerpoint and fuse block installed by certified electrician
- DC DC Charger - Renogy DCC50S
- Inverter - Renogy 2000W
- Solar - Roof connections already fitted and cable runs back to charger awaiting fitment of Yakima roof platform and an amount of solar. The need to install hasn't arisen as yet as the battery capacity enables numerous days without need for top up.
- 240V Outlets - Available at benchtop level on both sides and lower galley wall for power access at rear of van. Benchtop outlets also feature USB ports and a wireless fast charger on RHS.
- 12V Fuse block and cable runs to rear cabin for numerous light circuits and 12V accessories
APPLIANCES
Vandalorian is setup to power a range of 240V, 12V and other devices including;
- A generous 85L Fridge and Freezer (12V)
- LaPiccola Sara Espresso Machine (240V)
- Induction Cooktop Single (240V)
- Water tap (self contained battery and pump system charged by USB)
- Truma Saphir RC Comfort Plus Reverse Cycle AC
- MaxxAir Ceiling Fan
LIGHTING SYSTEM
There are numerous puck, pod and LED strip lighting throughout the vehicle – all dimmable at a touch.
- 12 puck style ceiling lights in rear cabin (two circuits of 6 each)
- LED step lights on sliding door
- LED Strip lighting in cupboards and drawers
- LED Strip lighting under galley benches
- LED Strip lighting in and under overhead cabinets
- The rear doors also feature 4 bright LED pods to make late night wrenching or night ride prep a reality.
DASH CAMERA RECORDING SYSTEM
The van is fitted with forward, cabin and rear facing cameras. When driving, all cameras record automatically to a storage card in the head unit – which also serves a live feed display. This display performs brilliantly and presents a panoramic view out the rear of the vehicle and features Starvis enhanced night vision. This system operates separately to the factory fitted reverse camera.
STEREO/CARPLAY SYSTEM
The van is fitted with an Alpine Halo 9” High-Res Audio Receiver head unit with Apple CarPlay, Door and ceiling mounted Alpine speakers and an Alpine 8" Compact Subwoofer Built-In Amplifier behind the driver's seat. A hands free microphone is positioned above the windscreen (driver's side) and a direct to head unit cable is mounted in the shelf above the windscreen for hands free phone calls (and charging).
RAPTOR PAINT
The van exterior is painted in two tone Raptor coat. Raptor is a durable, two-part (2K) polyurethane protective coating designed to resist impact, scratches, corrosion and UV fading. As someone who has spent many years coordinating trail building efforts in forests across Canberra my previous vans are testament to the damaging effects of branches against paintwork. Not with Raptor. It resists marks brilliantly and looks cool to boot.
TRAIL BUILDER FRIENDLY
As a trail builder of over 30 years now, I've been known to carry all manner of equipment into the forest. Vandelorean was designed to be the ultimate cycle-centric camper, but also as the ultimate trail tool and toy hauler. I think it wins because – even with the build out – it can still accommodate a Cormidi C40 400kg powered barrow, and electric wheel barrow and a cluster of trail tools with aplomb. I'm not aware of any campervan that can do that and still look great. Check out the final images!
