How We Built Our Sprinter Van for Under $15,000
A complete breakdown of our $14,800 Sprinter van conversion — every cost, every decision, and what we would change next time.
# How We Built Our Sprinter Van for Under $15,000
When we decided to convert a Mercedes Sprinter into our full-time home, everyone said it would cost $30K minimum. We did it for $14,800. Here's exactly how.
## The Van
We bought a 2015 Mercedes Sprinter 2500 High Roof with 120K miles for $22,000. Not the cheapest, but the high roof was non-negotiable for standing room.
## Build Budget Breakdown
| Category | Cost |
|----------|------|
| Insulation & Vapor Barrier | $800 |
| Electrical (400W Solar + 200Ah LiFePO4) | $3,200 |
| Plumbing (20gal fresh, 10gal gray) | $600 |
| Cabinetry & Storage | $2,400 |
| Bed Platform & Mattress | $900 |
| Kitchen (Sink, Stove, Fridge) | $2,800 |
| Flooring & Wall Panels | $1,200 |
| Ventilation (MaxxFan + Windows) | $1,400 |
| Misc (Hardware, Paint, Sealant) | $1,500 |
| **Total** | **$14,800** |
## Key Money-Saving Tips
1. **Buy used when possible** — We found a used Dometic fridge for $400 (retail $1,200)
2. **DIY everything** — YouTube is your best friend
3. **Skip the fancy finishes** — Pine plywood looks great with a simple oil finish
4. **Buy materials in bulk** — We split lumber orders with other builders
## What We'd Do Differently
We'd spend more on insulation. Our first winter in Colorado was rough with just 1" foam board. Thinsulate or wool would have been worth the extra $400.