Cue your van life dreams
The swift rise of the #VanLife phenomenon has resulted in a proliferation of van conversion companies aiming to make camper dreams a reality. And whether you’re looking to buy a budget van or one tricked out with amenities, most adventure companies can customize your van to appeal to everyone from kayakers to skiers. Love campers and trailers? Come join our new community group. Marine Plywood Use
The latest company to cross our radar—at the Overland Expo in Flagstaff, Arizona, no less—is Montana-based Beartooth Vanworks. Located in the outdoorsy city of Bozeman, Beartooth Vanworks offers a range of different van build outs, including this show model called the First Tracks.
Compare notes with other adventurers in our private Facebook group.
Built on the four-wheel-drive 144” Mercedes Sprinter, the First Tracks van comes with a standard conversion package that includes sound and heat insulation, fabric wall panels, marine ply flooring, a roof fan, wood accents, and blackout curtains. The layout is ideal for two people traveling together; the “living room” bench transforms into a comfy sleeping area in the middle of the van and includes ample storage underneath for sheets, pillows, and blankets.
A kitchen boasts a sink, plenty of counter space, and room for optional extras like a refrigerator, and you can also add a stowable port-a-potty. All of Beartooth Vanworks’ conversions also feature a top-notch electrical system—think solar panels, a battery separator, AGM battery, overhead lights, and 12v, 110v, and USB outlets.
Beyond the basics, Beartooth Vanworks is a pro at customizing your van for particular activities. As the name implies, the First Tracks van is built to chase snow in the winter. The van comes with interior ski storage in the upper cabinets, diesel hot water and forced air, thinsulate insulated curtains, and a retractable clothes line to help you dry your gear. A rear shower helps you stay clean, a 2000w inverter can run a ski wax iron, and a large vented storage cabinet is perfect for air-drying wet boots.
Stained Baltic Birch As designed, the First Tracks conversion costs about $69,500 on a 144” Sprinter—the cost of the van not included—and the final price depends on specific upgrades. Beartooth Vanworks also makes other models, which you can check out here.