Custom camper van is a cozy cabin-on-the-go

The camper van craze shows no sign of slowing, and every week we find a new rig that impresses with its style or design. Whether it’s a van built for snowmobiling, an affordable Boho-chic remodel, or a compact camper van that can fit in a garage, it seems like there’s a van for every adventure—big or small. Love campers and trailers? Come join our community group.

The latest van to cross our desk comes from Colorado-based Aspen Custom Vans. As a mecca of skiing, biking, and every other kind of outdoor activity, it makes sense that Aspen, Colorado, would spawn a van company. And Aspen Custom Vans is a one-stop shop for van life, providing both custom van builds and vacation rentals.

Their latest van for sale is a 2018 Mercedes Sprinter 2500 called Grey Wolf. While most camper vans sleep two easily, it can be hard to find one that can sleep a family. Aspen Custom Vans solves this problem with the standard three-panel, aluminum frame rear bed and flared sides so that adults can sleep sideways. But an innovative bunk system in the front cabin is where you fit the kiddos. The Cabbunk double bunk system fits on swivel cab seats and can hold up to 150 pounds in each bunk bed.

The van also drives as many as it can sleep (a problem for other vans), with a second row, two-seat bench perfect for kids. A kitchen in the center of the van features clever storage and trash drawers, a deep sink with hot and cold water, refrigerator, and an induction cook top. For anyone worried about whether or not the camper has a toilet—a hot topic—a removable cassette toilet sits adjacent to the bed and can be used inside or out.

Aesthetically, the van looks like a cozy cabin on wheels, with cedar ceiling, butcher block countertops, and black TPO coin flooring. Custom upholstered wall panels hide extensive insulation for cold-weather camping, and dimmable LED ceiling lights let you set the mood. Other perks include Zamp solar panels, a roof fan, and custom cabinets that can hold plenty of clothes.

In the back, a pull-out drawer fits bikes or gear, and a rear shower lets you spray off kids or dogs with on-demand hot and cold water. It’s a lot of perks packed in a small space, made by a company who is used to playing hard in the Colorado backcountry.

The Grey Wolf van is for sale for $115,000, while other Aspen Custom Vans with are available for rent for $210 per night. The asking price may seem expensive to some, but it’s in line with comparable custom van companies, other Class B vans (Airstream’s Interstate Nineteen and Winnebago’s Revel both cost more), and is actually cheaper than some luxury-minded vans. And even if you’re building a DIY set up and not in the market for a brand new van, it’s always fun to see new styles and designs.