BFA Feature Series - Behind the Van - Spirit the Sprinter

This is the second blog in a series of “Behind the Van” features, bringing the owners of our van conversions to the forefront and showing you the vans in “real life”.

Spirit is a LWB Mercedes Sprinter, very aptly named by her beautiful owner Rhonda. Features include lots of lightweight cabinetry, stainless 100mm RV Labs self-locking latches, custom window framing to the existing fixed Sprinter windows, large external flip down dining bench, diesel heating, an off grid electrical system, custom hardwood benchtops and a cabin divider wall.

What made you choose Built for Advanture? 

I chose BFA after lots of googling. They had a great website, with an appealing Mission Statement, backed up by Testimonials with a common thread, clients who were happy to be on their own unique BFA journey.

But probably the deciding factor for me was the human story behind the founders of BFA, Jesse and Sam, two young travellers, a husband and wife team, with a passion for van travelling and a desire to bring it alive in other people’s lives too.

How long had you been planning your build?

I guess for about 10 months. I started planning my build from the moment I got my Sprinter in November 2020.

That Summer I decked it out loosely with a bed, a couple of IKEA units, an esky, some wire baskets and an Anaconda camp kitchen! This gave me the chance to experience the space and note what was important. From there, I built a 3D, to scale, cardboard model (much to Jesse and Sam’s amusement I think!) This allowed me to see if the design I had come up with would actually fit the space (Mercedes Sprinter LWB) and gave me something tangible to hand to the BFA team to fine tune before the build.

Rhonda is right - we LOVED her 3D model

How did you find the design and build process with us?

This process could have been tricky as we were still navigating COVID restrictions and there was a significant distance between my home and Torquay, so I wasn’t going to be able to just pop in and see what was happening.

However there was total transparency. The process and payment schedule were well documented so there were no nasty surprises.

Jesse and Sam were prompt and efficient with invoices, receipts, progress e-mails and photos and any hiccups.

I was able to relax and let them get on with the job

What’s your favourite feature in your van?

There is no doubt that Spirit the Sprinter is a beautifully finished van. It draws many comments from people passing by when I’m camped up for the night. But maybe my favourite features are those you can’t see…like the incredible electrical system that keeps doing its thing and allows me the freedom to live off grid and the insulation that makes it so quiet when I’m shut inside, that the silence is almost deafening!

What has been your favourite trip in your van so far?

The last two Winters, I’ve been lucky enough to escape Melbourne and head to the warmth, vastness and beauty of Outback Queensland.

These trips have been pretty special!

Rhonda was an absolutely joy to work with and we feel so grateful she chose us to bring her dream to fruition. Throughout the process of the build and continued relationship, she got to see me go from pregnant to a mum of two, encouraging me a long the way. Receiving her updates about her travels and adventures with pup, Sonny, truly warms our hearts.

In her most recent email, she said “I love following you guys and seeing your latest creations, knowing that like me, someone else has built a relationship with you and are about to enjoy a beautiful van just right for them.” Words like this mean more than we can say.

We’d love to bring you into the BFA fold too.

Cheers,

Jesse & Sam