SIERRA THE SPRINTER
Whether you’re wanting to go camping in the heart of the Grampians or hide away near a snowy sierra lookout, this Medium Wheelbase Mercedes Sprinter is ready for it.
The van’s interior is designed for peace and comfort, like a quiet morning tucked away in the high sierras. It features three layers of soundproofing and insulation to keep the noise out and the warmth in. The ceiling and wall linings are made from lightweight Australian hardwood with a black shiplap finish, left natural with a clear coat and trimmed with dark grey Car Builders stretch carpet. Lighting is thoughtful and layered, with two zones of downlights, a chrome reading light near the bed and subtle LED strips tucked under the overhead cabinets.
The floor is covered in a durable, waterproof chicory-toned linings, including aluminium trims to handle the wear and tear of mountain boots and gear. Ventilation and climate control are handled by a roof vent with remote control, a compact fan in the bed area, and an efficient air conditioning system. Diesel heating and hot water systems ensure comfort through frosty alpine mornings. A second vent in the shower keeps moisture at bay.
The van’s electrical system is built for off-grid adventures. A fixed solar panel feeds into 400Ah of lithium batteries, which powers a robust 3000-watt inverter with a 100-amp charger, protected by a full suite of circuit breakers and safety systems. A licensed electrician fits everything off to Australian electrical safety standards. Power management is handled through a comprehensive system board, including a DC-to-DC charger, solar controller, AC charger, and an LCD Wi-Fi monitoring screen for real-time updates and it can all be monitored via Bluetooth.
The sleeping setup consists of a fixed double bed with a custom inner-spring mattress and breathable underlay, with open storage underneath. A sliding window at the bed provides views and airflow, a grab handle and ladder aids access. There’s a swivelling TV mount in the bed area for cozy movie nights, and an antenna ensures a strong reception signal even when parked near the base of a range.
The compact ensuite shower is finished with concrete grey walls and brushed nickel hardware, it also features a tiled base with stainless steel grate and water-wicking sliding door. There is 95 litres of fresh and grey water storage tucked beneath the van to save space. A 12V water pump keeps water flowing smoothly, with a filter installed at the kitchen tap for clean drinking water. The composting toilet OGO is included too.
The kitchen includes a stainless steel sink and 12V tap, a 240V microwave, and an 85L Bushman fridge. A portable style single-burner induction cooktop with silicone mat provides safe, efficient cooking—perfect for morning coffee with views of misty peaks.
The cabinetry is finished in Plyco’s Ocean Blue and has blackhole blackbutt veneer benchtops. The overhead storage above the bed uses gas struts, and drawers are soft-close with self-locking handles. There’s a flip-up benchtop extension for extra prep space, a full-height pantry, and separate cabinets for electrical and plumbing systems under the bed. A wardrobe with drawers provides ample space for clothing and essentials, all made from lightweight material to suit the vehicle’s weight limits.
Every component is built to endure the kind of remote stretches you'd find deep in the Victorian Alps or winding through the Great Dividing Range.
Safety features include a fire extinguisher, smoke detector, and carbon monoxide detector. The build includes a vehicle certification application and updated paperwork through VicRoads.
Some considered extras to round things off: magnetic flyscreens for the doors, a 3.2-meter retractable awning, a removable table at the swivel seats, insulated BFA window covers from Built for Advanture, and a blockout curtain partition between the cab and rear living area. It’s a space designed for quiet nights under the stars, and mornings watching the sun crest over the ridgelines.
Photos by Brody Webb