Before and After: This Converted Sprinter Van Even Has an Actual Bathroom
The owners of the impressive and inviting converted Sprinter van we featured recently made a conscious decision not to install a bathroom. But, the owners of this van decided a bathroom was a must, and somehow manages to squeeze in a toilet and a shower.
Rob and Emily of The Road is our Home—@theroadisourhome on Instagram—transformed an LWB Mercedes Sprinter into a rolling home. They closed up the living quarters from the driving cab (which is behind the stove wall), making this feel more like a home than a vehicle. Also making it feel homey? Everything else. The wooden floor, ceiling, and counters are so warm and beautiful, while the black-and-white palette has a crisp freshness that looks clean and reflects light. Between the shiplap, the faceted cabinets, and all the wood, this van now has the charming vibe of a cottage, while the black tiles and sink are decidedly modern.
This zig-zag configuration was a clever way to arrange the stove, sink, and bathroom to make the most out of the available space while still leaving room to walk. And, yes, there is even a true bathroom.
That’s right, the two halves of the kitchen flank a real-life bathroom with a toilet and shower. This is the view from the entry door on the side of the van; Rob and Emily enter here, with a peek of the sitting area and bedroom on the right. The little secure shelves above the stove are so cute and ensure that essentials are right at hand.
Rob has provided a helpful how-to for anyone interested in installing a “wet room” in a van or camper, including information regarding the floor drain and levels of waterproofing.
The bathroom boasts a skylight, which lets in lots of light and can be opened to provide ventilation. The shower is technically a bidet; its trigger operation helps conserve water. As for the toilet, Rob can explain:
It’s a comfortable, practical and durable portable toilet that doesn’t require a connection to a drainage or water system. We went for the manual rather than the electrical flush, as there’s less to go wrong. Best of all it’s easy to clean and doesn’t smell.
The Thetford toilet, similar to this model from Amazon, has a flushing water tank that holds 15 liters and the waste tank holds 21 liters; an indicator notifies the user when the waste tank needs to be emptied.
Other tutorials from The Road is our Home include how to choose a van to convert, how to install a van heater, how to insulate a van, and how to register as a camper for U.K. folks.
Facing the rear door of the van, there’s a sweet little storage bench on each side, so Rob and Emily both have a spot to hang out. When it’s mealtime, the two central drawers pull out to create a table. There’s storage under and next to the bed, with another little guarded shelf on the left that could serve as a bedside table, holding glasses, phones, and bedtime books. There appears to be plenty of room to sit up in the bed, and Rob mentioned that, at 6 feet tall, there’s room in the rest of the van to stand up straight.
The black-and-white decor continues in the sitting and sleeping area, unifying the space and maintaining a streamlined look. The blue cushions on the benches add a fresh brightness that works beautifully with the otherwise monochromatic decor.
Thank you, The Road is our Home!