It was a lengthy process, creating a mobile home, and we both know it can be overwhelming to even think about starting an identical project. But of course, it all started with research.

Why a Sprinter van?

In the beginning, a lot of research went into just what type of van to buy. There are tons of options out there, and each has it’s own advantages and disadvantages. The reason we went with the Freightliner Sprinter van was the combination of size, reliability and efficiency.

The size we bought (140” wheelbase) is about 18’ in length, which means it fits in a normal parking spot. We got the high roof version so we can stand up straight inside. The back of the van is around 5’x10’, which is pretty small, but we figured with good design we could make it work.

The van we bought was old, rusted and needed a good amount of TLC. It had 170,000 miles on it, but the engine was in great condition and showed none of the catastrophic issues seen in these vehicles. The best/worst of them—“black death”—is the biggest one to look out for. I would highly suggest researching on the free forums or buying a book on the vehicle you’re looking to buy.