If you have been looking at van listings lately or just checking out vans in general, you might have seen a price tag that made you stop and look twice. Seeing a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter listed for $250,000 can be a huge surprise but these vans are built to be tiny and safe homes that can live completely off the grid. Here is a look at what goes into these special rigs and why they are such a big investment.

It Has All Wheel Drive Chassis and Intelligent Safety Systems

Everything starts with the Mercedes Benz Sprinter itself. Nowadays, these vans have become even more advanced. The newest models feature a high output diesel engine that is both powerful and very clean. Mercedes also moved from a traditional 4x4 system to an intelligent All Wheel Drive system. This new system is much smoother for everyday driving but can still handle mud and snow by automatically sending power to the wheels that need it most. You are also paying for the smart MBUX computer system and safety sensors that watch your blind spots and help you brake in an emergency.

High Voltage Lithium Battery Banks and Smart Solar Power Management

The electrical system is the most complex part of a luxury build. In these vans, you are living with a 24 volt or even 48 volt power system. This is much more efficient than the 12 volt systems found in some older campers. These rigs often carry up to 1,000 amp hours of lithium batteries which is enough to run a microwave and an air conditioner at the same time. The real magic is in the brains of the system made by companies like Victron. These computers talk to each other to make sure your solar panels and your engine are charging the batteries as fast as possible while keeping everything safe.

Natural Havelock Wool Insulation and Moisture Control

To keep the van quiet and warm, professional builders often use natural Havelock Wool. This wool is special because it can absorb up to 95 percent of the noise from outside. Unlike fiberglass, wool naturally manages moisture by soaking it up when it is humid and releasing it when the air is dry. This prevents mold from growing behind your walls. When combined with thick sound deadening pads on the metal, the van stays as quiet as a high end hotel room even during a heavy rainstorm.

Marine Grade Baltic Birch Cabinetry and Vibration Proof Hardware

Because a van is constantly vibrating as you drive, standard wood would eventually crack or pull apart. High end builders use marine grade Baltic Birch plywood. This wood is bonded with waterproof resins that are used on luxury yachts. It has no hollow gaps inside the layers which makes it incredibly strong and great at holding onto screws. This ensures that your kitchen and bed stay exactly where they belong for years regardless of how many bumpy dirt roads you travel.

Hydronic Diesel Systems for Silent Cabin Heat and Hot Water

A $250,000 van does not use a loud or dry furnace. Instead, it uses a hydronic heating system. These systems circulate a warm liquid through pipes hidden in the walls and floor. This creates a soft and even heat that does not blow dust around. These systems also tap into the van's diesel tank to give you endless hot water for your shower. You can even use the system to preheat your engine on a freezing morning so the van starts easily and stays healthy.

Over One Thousand Hours of Custom Design and Professional Labor

The most significant part of the cost is the expert labor. Building a luxury van is like building a house and a boat at the same time. It takes a team of master carpenters and certified electricians over 1,000 hours to complete one build. Every wire is tucked away in protective casing and every cabinet is hand fitted to the unique curves of the van. This level of craftsmanship ensures that everything works perfectly the first time you head out into the desert.

Long Term Diesel Engine Reliability and Strong Resale Value

When a van is built this well, it becomes a true long term investment. A well maintained diesel Sprinter can easily travel over 300,000 miles. Because the interior is built with such high quality materials, it will not rattle or wear down like a cheaper camper might. This means that if you ever decide to sell your rig, it will still be worth a lot of money. You are truly buying a decade or more of reliable shelter and adventure.

We’re Giving Away A Mercedes Benz Sprinter Van

We understand that this level of quality comes with a price that is out of reach for many people. That is exactly why we started Vanlife.us. We want everyone to have the chance to experience a safe and high quality home on wheels. Our giveaways give our community a way to own a dream rig without the heavy financial burden. Our goal is to put these keys in your hand so you can find your own quiet corner of the world.

Click here to join the giveaway and have a chance at winning a Mercedes Benz Sprinter Van.