Nomad RVs' New AWD Sprinter Van Superbly Balances Price and Quality, It's Now for Sale

Nomad RVs is a Lakewood, New Jersey-based brand specializing in crafting off-road-ready tiny homes on wheels. You just have to supply the base vehicle, and 8 to 12 weeks later, you'll have an adventure-ready rig packed with everything you need to enjoy van life.

I've previously written about two Nomad RVs projects, both based on one of the most popular (and most premium) camper van platforms, the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter. The rig I'm discussing today is also based on a Sprinter, one with a shorter wheelbase of 144".

"The Wanderer" is Nomad RVs' base conversion, but the company recently released the Castaway Mini. Before taking a closer look at the rig, let me tell you more about pricing.

This van is offered for $139,000 (€128,532) - I know that sounds like a lot, but if you break down the prices based on the features you find on this mobile home, you'll find out it's quite reasonably priced compared to other rigs. For instance, this unit is based on a 2024 AWD Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500. This base vehicle alone will set you back $59,400 (€54,903), and that's if you go for the standard Arctic White paint and no extra options.

The vehicle sports a four-cylinder, twin-turbo diesel engine paired with an automatic transmission. What's more, as you'll soon see, it comes with numerous extra options. I'll start with its exterior. It's finished in what seems to be the "Selenite Grey" metallic paint option and is outfitted with various accessories.

On the passenger side, you'll notice full-size running boards and Backland Expedition Pods meant to increase the interior space. Moreover, above, the van will also have a 10-foot (3-meter) Fiamma awning. At the rear, Nomad RVs installed a Flatline Van Co. Carrier with Molle panels and a spare tire carrier from the same brand.

Although a 144" wheelbase Sprinter will do better off-road, a camper conversion based on it is more challenging due to the limited real estate. However, with some creativity and a well-defined layout, you'll be able to fit plenty of features, just like Nomad RVs did. So, let's step inside.

Besides having a well-equipped interior, Nomad RVs chose a tasteful design. You'll notice shiplap walls paired with a semi-gloss cedar ceiling and a beautiful, waterproof synthetic teak floor. The latter detail reminds me of flooring you typically find on yachts. The look is completed by superb hickory cabinetry.

This van boasts an open layout, meaning the driver's cabin isn't separated from the living space. The company installed swivel seats, which can be turned around to face a decently sized swivel table. Furthermore, you'll find a spacious headliner shelf above the driver's cabin.

As I mentioned earlier, this unit is equipped with some extra features. For instance, you get a color display, a 360 camera, navigation, lane assist, and more.

Behind the driver's seat, you'll find a counter integrating a marine-grade 110-liter (29-gallon) fridge/freezer and a butcher block countertop. Above, you'll find a Victron display showing you info regarding the power system, an inverter controller, two plugs, dimmable light switches, and an overhead microwave.

Next up, we have the galley, located just by the entrance. It features a butcher block countertop, a deep stainless steel sink with a swiveling faucet and a sizeable cabinet underneath, as well as plenty of drawers. For cooking, you can use a portable induction stove.

Opposite the kitchen, you'll notice a wet bathroom – yes, Nomad RVs' layout left enough room to fit a sizeable bathroom measuring 24 x 36 inches (61 x 91 centimeters). It has a Nautilus self-cleaning sliding door, a shower, a removable Dometic cassette toilet, and waterproof vinyl tiles. Redundancies are key, so Nomad RVs fitted a waterproof membrane behind the tiles. By the way, all the water used inside this rig ends up in an under-mounted 20-gallon (76-liter) greywater tank.

The final part of this rig's living space is the bedroom. Despite the interior's compact size, you'll find a full-size mattress with 6-inch memory foam. Due to the flares, it can accommodate someone with a height of 6'4" inches (193 centimeters) sleeping from side to side. What's more, the bed is positioned higher up to make room for a garage underneath, so you'll have to use a small step integrated into the bed frame to climb on top.

Notable bedroom features are reading lights with USB ports, two spacious overhead cabinets, two outlets, a 12 V Dometic RTX 2000 A/C, controls for the van's Espar S2 D2 heater, and a roll-down bug screen that covers the entire rear area.

To access the garage, you'll have to exit the vehicle and open the rear doors. Like in most camper van builds, this is where you'll find the van's utility systems. The power system's on the left side - its highlights are two 12 V 300 Ah batteries, a 30-amp DC-DC charger, and a solar charge controller connected to 350 W solar panels on the roof.

On the opposite side, the plumbing system comprises an outdoor shower, a 2.5-gallon (9-liter) water heater, and a gravity fill for a 30-gallon (114-liter) freshwater tank. Furthermore, the middle part of the garage is where you'll be able to store items. There's a tray mounted on a 500-lb slide perfect for storing a bike or simply accessing your stuff quickly.

All in all, Nomad RVs has managed to fit many creature comforts in this tiny home on wheels. It's efficient, looks good, and it's ready to take you on off-road and off-grid adventures.

As I mentioned at the beginning of the article, Nomad RVs makes custom camper van projects. However, this build was made to showcase the company's new Castaway Mini conversion. It's now for sale for $139K – you can find more info about it on its listing.