Mercedes Sprinter 170 AWD Van Build for The Chrome Project | Overland Interiors
, by Andrew Fleming, 5 min reading time
Custom Mercedes Sprinter 170 AWD Van Build for The Chrome Project
A Timeless Overland Interiors Collaboration with Chrome Valdez & Vancini Conversions
At Overland Interiors, some builds stand out not just for their craftsmanship, but for the people behind them. This latest Mercedes Sprinter 170 AWD van conversion marks our third custom build for our good friend and creator Chrome Valdez of BC’s The Chrome Project (formerly VANCITY VANLIFE), and it’s one of our most refined collaborations yet.
Chrome has an undeniable eye for cool, timeless design, and this build reflects a thoughtful evolution of his mobile lifestyle -balancing aesthetics, functionality, and content creation on the road.
A Three-Time Collaboration Built on Trust & Design
When a client comes back for a third build, it speaks volumes. Chrome’s continued partnership with Overland Interiors is rooted in shared values: clean design, purposeful storage, premium materials, and long-term livability.
This time around, we teamed up with Jared and his team at Vancini Conversions in Ancaster, Ontario, combining strengths to create a truly dialed Sprinter 170 AWD overland van designed for high end livability and production work. The entire build came together over the course of three months, allowing every detail - from systems to cabinetry - to be thoughtfully designed, built, and refined.
Build Partners: Overland Interiors × Vancini Conversions
This project was a true collaboration, with each team bringing deep expertise to the table.
Overland Interiors designed and built:
- All custom cabinetry
- Interior layout and workflow; every inch was considered for real-world daily use
- Specialty furniture solutions
- Optimized storage throughout the van
Vancini Conversions handled:
- Complete electrical system
- Ceiling and flooring
- Fresh and grey water systems
- Heating
- Air conditioning
- Overall systems integration for four-season use
Smart Sleeping & Pet-Friendly Design
The bed platform was designed with both comfort and pets in mind. We built:
- A custom bed platform with optimized storage underneath
- Custom steps specifically sized for Chrome’s pups, Cruz and Mixxie, making it easy and safe for them to get up and down
Custom Cabinetry: Bamboo Plywood Meets Matte Black
For this build, we designed and fabricated all cabinetry using bamboo plywood, chosen for its durability, sustainability, and warm tone. Everything was clear-coated to let the natural grain shine, then paired with black matte laminate for a clean, modern contrast. The result is a space that feels warm, modern, minimal and designed to age beautifully over time. Exactly Chrome's style.
A Van Built for Content Creation: Custom DJ & Editing Station
As a YouTuber and DJ, Chrome needed a space that worked just as hard as he does. We created a custom DJ Studio / Editing Desk Station featuring:
- Integrated speaker housing
- Purpose-built workflow for editing on the road
- Clean cable management
- A layout that doesn’t compromise the rest of the living space
- It’s a professional-grade creative setup inside a fully capable overland van.
Upper Cabinetry & Overhead Storage
To maximize vertical space we installed Custom upper cabinets with integrated shelving and a front overhead shelf for lightweight, frequently used items. This approach keeps the living space open while dramatically increasing storage capacity.
A Highly Functional Custom Kitchenette
The kitchen was designed for maximum usability without clutter. Features include:
- Extended countertop for prep and workspace
- Pull-down table / platform for flexible use
- Custom kitchen and pantry cabinets designed to securely house:
- Breville oven
- ICECO fridge
- Keurig coffee maker
We also engineered a custom, discreet solution for Chrome’s Luggable Loo, keeping it accessible but completely out of sight—because good design should never feel like a compromise.
Organized Garage & Exterior-Access Storage
The rear garage is fully optimized for gear, production equipment, and everyday vanlife essentials. Highlights include:
- Pull-out storage platform for easy access
- Thoughtfully organized zones to prevent shifting and clutter
- A side door pull-out platform, perfect for quick access without unloading the van
Everything has a place and stays there.
Documented From Start to Finish on YouTube
This three-month build was fully documented for both The Chrome Project YouTube channel and Overland Interiors’ YouTube channel, giving viewers an inside look at the design decisions, craftsmanship, and collaboration that brought this Sprinter to life. From early build stages to the final walkthrough, the series highlights what goes into creating a truly custom overland van.
Be sure to check out Chrome's build on the Overland Interiors Channel on YouTube, where the full build series and van walkthroughs are available.
Looking to Build Your Own Custom Overland Van?
Whether you’re a creator, traveler, or weekend adventurer, Overland Interiors specializes in custom van furniture and full interior solutions designed for real use and long-term durability.
Let’s build something timeless. Explore our work or contact us at OverlandInteriors.com