The hardest part of building a custom van? Figuring out what you’ll actually use versus what just looks good on the spec sheet. From layout design to custom features, it can be overwhelming to know what’s worth it.
That’s why when Trevor, our Dealership Director, finished his own build, we wanted to share how he customized his own van with you. Here’s what he added, what he skipped, and why.
The Foundation: Albatross Layout on a Custom Chassis
The first major decision when building a custom van is choosing your layout: Albatross or Convoy.
Trevor chose the Albatross layout, which features a north-south bed and larger garage space. It’s the same floor plan we use for our Flatiron and Bear Peak models.
The Albatross is built on one of Geotrek’s custom-ordered chassis that we spec directly with Mercedes. This configuration comes dialed in with exactly the right equipment package after years of builds and customer feedback. The 2025 all-wheel drive Sprinter includes all-wheel drive capability, the right wheelbase, and factory swivel seats that turn the front cab into extra living space.
When you’re spec’ing a van, it’s tempting to add everything or skip features to save money. This combination gets it right.
Power That Actually Works Off-Grid: 10kWh System
Trevor went with the 10kWh power system instead of the standard 4kWh setup. The difference? Days versus weeks off-grid.
With 10 kilowatt hours of battery capacity, you can run your fridge, lights, fans, charge devices, and power your water pump without constantly monitoring battery levels. It’s the kind of upgrade that changes how you use the van. You stop thinking about power management and just live.
Hot Water Heater + Outdoor Shower
This was the upgrade Trevor didn’t know he needed. His last van didn’t have hot water, and he thought he was fine without it. Then he added the outdoor shower and water heater to this build.
Now? He can’t imagine going back. Hot showers after a long day hiking, warm water for washing dishes, rinsing off muddy gear with the outdoor shower is one of those features that shifts van life from “roughing it” to actually comfortable.
The Small Upgrades That Make a Big Difference
Some features don’t need a full explanation. They’re just smart additions that make daily life easier:
Running Boards: Non-negotiable for all-wheel drive vans. That first step up is tall on AWD Sprinters, and climbing in and out multiple times a day gets old fast.
Awning: Shade on hot days, rain cover when you need it, and extra living space when you want to sit outside without being completely exposed to the elements. Small upgrade, big impact.
The Single-Burner Induction Cooktop
Instead of a built-in cooktop, Trevor went with a single-burner induction unit that stores in a drawer.
It keeps the countertop completely clear when you’re not cooking, and if it ever breaks, you just order a new one on Amazon. No scheduling a van repair, no waiting for parts, just replace it and keep going.
Other Choices That Shaped the Build
One of Trevor’s favorite additions was the microwave. He was surprised by how much he uses it. Quick coffee reheats, warming up leftovers, heating water for oatmeal. It’s become one of those conveniences he didn’t think he’d care about but now relies on constantly.
He also installed Geotrek’s counter cubby to divide the kitchen from the sleeping area and add extra storage for cups, spices, and daily essentials. The lagoon table mount gives him a workspace when he needs to take calls or catch up on emails from the road.
For styling, he went with deep water blue cabinets and Moon Rock flooring from 2Tec2. The blue against the bamboo creates a clean, modern contrast that doesn’t feel too polished or Instagram-perfect, just well-designed and functional.
Awning Windows Instead of More Ventilation Add-Ons
Rather than adding extra fans or vents by the bed, Trevor installed awning windows in the back.
They crack open just enough to let air circulate, even in the rain, and the dropdown bug screens mean you can leave them open all night without turning your van into a mosquito hotel.
What He Left Out: Bed Flares
Here’s where it gets interesting. Trevor chose the Albatross layout specifically for the north-south bed orientation. You can sleep two people comfortably without anyone crawling over the other to get up in the middle of the night.
With that setup, bed flares aren’t necessary. They’re a great feature if you’ve got an east-west bed and want more sleeping width, but with north-south orientation? You don’t need them. And skipping them saves thousands of dollars without sacrificing any comfort.
Building What You’ll Actually Use
After helping dozens of people configure their builds, Trevor’s approach was simple: choose what he’d actually use every day, skip what looks cool but doesn’t add real value, and build something practical enough for full-time living.
The result is a van that works, not just for weekend trips, but for the long haul.
Ready to build your own? Browse our available vans or talk through your options with our team.
