How Two Couples Converted Their T1N Sprinter Vans into Full-Time Homes

T1N Sprinter vans are timeless, quality vans manufactured by Mercedes-Benz from 1995 to 2006. To this day, they continue to attract van lifers due to their durability, fuel efficiency, spacious interiors, and accessibility of parts and repairs.

If you’re considering a T1N Sprinter conversion for van life, you may want to know more about the conversion process including the challenges, advice, and regrets of van lifers who have gone through it before you. 

Let’s dive into the nuts and bolts of T1N Sprinter van conversions with two couples who currently live full-time in their self-converted T1N vans.

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Tyler and Oak 

Tyler (@tygoesoutside on Instagram and TikTok) lives full-time in a T1N conversion with his wife, Oak (@oak.thetree), and their cats.

1. What inspired you to undertake a T1N conversion?

My wife and I had been wanting to convert and live in a van for a long time, and we just happened to find a very affordable T1N sprinter on Facebook Marketplace.

2. Please describe the conversion process. What resources did you use to help you? What are some of the components or materials you used in the build, and why did you choose them?

The conversion process was chaotic. We had no experience, and we were honestly just making it up as we went along.

Probably the most consistent resource throughout the whole process was www.faroutride.com. They had great designs for a lot of the parts of the build that we were the most confused about. 

Aside from that, there were some YouTube videos about installing a diesel heater, random articles about solar and electricity, etc. We went with Renogy for our entire solar and battery setup because it was nice to be able to get everything in one place, and they’ve been super solid for us. 

For interior materials, we mostly used wood. Our walls and ceiling are cedar planks because it was easier to fit the curve of the van by installing them lengthwise as opposed to bending sheets of plywood. 

Our cabinets are a mix of cheaper Home Depot plywood and nicer baltic birch stuff that we used to cut weight. It’s stiffer and stronger for any given thickness which lets us use thinner stuff for some parts.

3. What were the biggest challenges you encountered during the conversion, and how did you overcome them?

The biggest challenge was the cabinetry. It was the part that required the most precision and was the easiest to get wrong. 

To be honest, our cabinetry isn’t the best-designed stuff out there. It turned out fine, but we could’ve done better if we’d taken more time on it.

4. What advice would you give to someone considering a T1N conversion?

Plan out everything about your build before you start. Everything will go smoother and you’ll spend less money.

5. In hindsight, is there anything you would have done differently during the conversion process?

I would have done more research instead of just assuming we could figure it out as we got into it.

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Sam and Whitney’s T1 Campervan Conversion

Sam and Whitney (@back2naturevan) live in a T1N 2006 RWD Dodge Sprinter 2500 with their cat.

1. What inspired you to undertake a T1N conversion?

We chose a T1N for a number of reasons, a big one being the 2.7 liter 5 cylinder turbo engine. These engines routinely run past 600,000 miles, with many reaching the 1,000,000-mile mark. This platform has been proven to be one of the most reliable and fuel-efficient options for a full-size van.

We were also able to purchase our 2006 for $8,500, allowing us to pay cash, which we were not able to do for newer models. Last but not least, our van, Hyperion, is also the longest, tallest sprinter available giving us the size we needed. The T1N checked all of our boxes.

2. Please describe the conversion process. What resources did you use to help you? What are some of the components or materials you used in the build, and why did you choose them?

The conversion process started with a 3D model sketch up. Whitney’s background is in interior design, so functionality was in the front of our priorities. We also planned on living in it full time, so getting everything we wanted was important.

This was our second van build as we have a 1985 VW Vanagon that we converted to a weekender. We knew what we liked and didn’t like for a more long term van build.

We used different website resources, our existing knowledge and experience, forums, and (of course) YouTube to create our different van systems and designs.

We mostly have 1/2” baltic birch cabinetry and extruded aluminum platform bed. Both were chosen for their light weight and strength.

3. What were the biggest challenges you encountered during the conversion, and how did you overcome them?

Our conversion went pretty smoothly. One thing that we did struggle a bit with is getting reliable service on the actual van. We had a few electrical issues and the engine was running rich. We wanted an overall look to identify any potential future issues.

We did take it to a mechanic shop that was a European car shop. They took it in, sat on it for a week, and then told us they “don’t work on diesels.”

We then took it to a Sprinter-specific shop known to be one of the few remaining places with people who know all about T1Ns. We got an estimate on all of the things he recommended we do, which was within our budget, so we had them complete those things. It took a lot longer to get back than what was quoted because “they had not gotten to it yet” (even though we scheduled the drop-off).

Within a week of returning it to us, we had some of the same issues, plus a few additional ones. The van went back again, and we had the same delay in getting the labor done, but this time the issues were mostly remedied.

A few months later, we had a few lines (coolant and transmission) fail, which upon inspection, definitely were cracking and showing signs of age. We, again, wondered how in-depth the review of our engine was. Long story short, finding people who know this engine is a bit difficult. However, this has prompted us to get a lot more familiar with our engine, and we now have the confidence to tackle most repairs on our own!

4. What advice would you give to someone considering a T1N Sprinter van conversion?

Despite the story above, we do most of the mechanical work on this van. It’s incredibly beneficial to know how to work on this vehicle, and be ready to learn. A pro is that it’s easy to work on, but a con is that it’s older, so it will break down simply from natural wear on the parts.

But there are several wonderful T1N Sprinter groups on Facebook, the Sprinter Source Forum, and other resources like www.millionmilesprinter.com that have reliable, proven, parts and links to YouTube videos of how to install them.

5. In hindsight, is there anything you would have done differently during the conversion process?

Probably installed a gas stove. But that’s a future plan!

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Should I do a T1N conversion?

T1N vans are spacious and are known for being durable vans that will run for a long time. If you have the time to dedicate to learning about the intricacies of converting a T1N Sprinter van (and repairing it throughout the time you own it), then it’s a solid option for a full-time home on wheels. 

If you’re not very handy when it comes to vans, though, you may want to reconsider. As the couples mentioned, it can be difficult to find mechanics who are knowledgeable on T1Ns and have the availability to work on your van in a timely manner.

MORE ARTICLES TO READ:

• 13 Best Sprinter Van Conversion Kits for a DIY Van
• Custom Sprinter Van: 18 Sprinter Van Conversion Companies to Check Out
• Why I Chose NOT to Have a Sprinter Van with a Bathroom