Video summary
I Can’t Believe How Much Fits In This Sprinter
Main summary
Key takeaways
Sprinter van design & lifestyle tips (organization + comfort)
- Prioritized easy access: storage is designed so you can reach essentials without moving lots of items.
- Curtains/blinds lower so everything has “its place,” enabling daily routines without relocating belongings:
- You can use the bathroom without moving stuff.
- You can shower without clearing the area.
- Morning/evening routine:
- After lowering blinds, they raise them as part of a daily rhythm.
- Maximized living space:
- Large headroom and an interior layout that supports standing and moving easily.
- Modular TV/storage/sleep zones so the van feels open at different times of day.
- “Diner” setup:
- A built-in pull-out dining table/area for eating, cards, and relaxing—including breakfast while watching the outdoors when it’s too cold to go outside.
Travel highlights & notable build features
- Vehicle: Mercedes Sprinter (2023), extended to 170, tall/high-roof, and all-wheel drive (4x4)—ideal for New Zealand’s winding roads and off-the-way destinations.
- Naming story:
- Initially called “Julie” (play on “twin wheels”).
- Renamed to “Iceberg” after Iceberg roses, connected to their love of swimming in cold water and health-minded routines.
- Interior built for extreme conditions:
- Frequent use of cold-water swimming (down to -9°C) with warm recovery systems.
- Safety/backup systems:
- Includes an extinguisher/fire blanket.
- Tools and emergency/maintenance access compartments are integrated throughout the build.
Health & cold-water routine (cold recovery)
- Cold swimming culture:
- They swim in sea/river/lakes/waterfalls, and even some showers are cold (with hot water elsewhere).
- Cold exposure is framed as “for health reasons.”
- Comfort recovery features:
- Heated towel rails and under-floor heating in the shower area (plus heating pads under tanks).
- Heated/extra-warm “toasty feet” setups (heating outlets near the couch and in the shower zone).
Kitchen & cooking setup
- Cooking station highlights:
- A pull-out table that can host an induction cooker (socket built nearby).
- Designed for serving plates directly, and for quick “barbecue-style” setups.
- Insect control:
- A zip-up insect screen system helps keep bugs out when cooking/venting.
- Dishwashing convenience:
- A six-section Midea dishwasher, used 2–3 times per day (they emphasize it as “this is glamping”).
- Sink design:
- Double sink: one large for washing, one smaller for hands/rinsing tasks.
- Coffee:
- Espresso machine/coffee setup integrated into cabinet space.
- Aromatherapy:
- Organic aromatherapy oils and small supplies kept within easy reach.
- Food/phone storage:
- A dedicated phone area for recipes and quick reference.
Bathroom & water systems (extreme-climate plumbing)
- Compost toilet:
- Separate composting toilet and urine separation system with a 20-gallon urine tank.
- Water capacities (as stated):
- 60 gallons fresh water (~230 liters)
- 62 gallons gray water (~237 liters)
- Urine tank: 20 gallons (~75 liters)
- Heating strategy:
- Tanks are separated so that in very cold areas, they can use inside tanks, while external tanks have heating elements.
- Heating pads under the shower floor and in external tank areas.
- Shower design:
- Opposite door panels help reduce leaks; shower head is kept inside when closed.
- Includes a small niche for practical tasks (e.g., shaving).
Electrical/solar & tech highlights (off-grid capability)
- Power system overview:
- 3000W MultiPlus inverter/charger
- Three 330Ah lithium batteries
- Solar charge controllers and DC charging while driving
- Solar:
- Total stated solar: 645W across roof panels (including hood solar panels and roof SunPower panels).
- Panels described as shade tolerant.
- Monitoring & control:
- A “command center” (Victron-related) shows water levels, waste, and charging loads in/out.
- Multiple connectivity points: USB-C, USB-A, standard outlets, plus TV/conditioning controls.
- Climate control:
- Diesel heater controller and an air conditioning unit.
- Exterior cameras/lighting:
- Multiple cameras (including panoramic/side/rear views) and extensive outdoor lighting.
Storage & “must-haves” for full-time van living
- Extensive labeled compartments and drawer systems for clothes, electronics, kitchenware, and personal items.
- “Under-sink high alert” design:
- Plumbing access visible through a hatch; they emphasize living on alert for water/electric issues.
- Dedicated storage for small daily items:
- Cleaning wipes, tissues, remotes, glasses-care supplies.
- External storage & gear:
- BBQ table/storage system, outdoor shower, MaxTrax accessories, and a dedicated bike rack area (repurposed after selling electric bikes).
Outdoor & adventure gear
- Outdoor shower:
- Hidden behind/outside storage; used for rinsing after swimming.
- Leveling system:
- Marvey hydraulic leveling mentioned for stability.
- Awning:
- Fiamma awning (4.5 m).
- BBQ/utility table:
- Specialized “Sold on Adventure” MaxTrax-style holder/table used multiple times daily.
- Roof rack:
- Custom rack due to fiberglass extra-high roof limitations; engineered legs for safe load support.
- Exterior cameras + doorbell camera:
- For views, monitoring, and capturing “cute smiles.”
- Safety/water filtration:
- Three-stage ClearSource water filter routes all water (shower/sink/outside faucet) through it.
Notable locations, products, and speakers
- People/speakers: Kelly and Louise (New Zealand accents), plus Jared (RV tour channel host).
- Van/model: Mercedes Sprinter 2023, extended 170, 4x4; van named Iceberg.
- Products/brands mentioned:
- Dometic fridge/freezer
- Victron power system
- MultiPlus inverter/charger
- SunPower solar panels
- Midea dishwasher
- ClearSource filter
- Reolink cameras
- Marvey hydraulic leveling
- Fiamma awning
- Mission 4x4 (Australia)
- Van Essentials (caps/vent components)
- MaxTrax
- Cascadia 4x4 spotlights / solar hood panels
- Tools/gear:
- “Ridge Line” insect screen
- Outdoor BBQ table/holder
- Ranger skylight
- Sirocco fan
- Isotemp 40L hot water system