Both builds started with Sprinter 144 shells — no major teardown necessary. Once the windows, insulation, and SAGA wall and ceiling kits were installed, we got busy with the SAGA componentry and a Versa Modular Bed System by our friends at VanWife. Details below.
SYSTEMS
Not everyone wants to see the country from behind the windshield of a 45-foot class A motorhome — we sure as hell don’t, but cramming all those electronics, a galley, and other systems into a Sprinter van takes a little more creativity. Most custom shops shove all their electronic systems under the bed in the back of the van — the most obvious place to put all that stuff. We’re smarter than they are.
We built a tall, narrow cabinet that tucks perfectly into the passenger-side wall at the back of the van. It houses a robust electronics system and leaves all that room under the bed for storage. It isn’t even as wide as the wheel well. This narrow storage area houses a full 48-volt electrical system or, if you’re working with a tighter budget, a 12-volt system at about 300 amp-hours.
A small hatch on the side of the storage cabinet gives you access to breakers, fuses, and the main disconnect switch. With the main cover removed, you’ll find 2 CAN-bus lithium 48-volt batteries, a Victron servo, a Victron solar controller, a Victron MultiPlus-II inverter, and all the necessary wiring. There’s room for a third battery and a Wakespeed alternator controller, which will bring the system to 7.2 kilowatt-hours or 600 amp-hours at 12 volts — enough to run the air conditioner off the grid.