Meet Jordan and Annalise, the faces behind Steps2Adventure. You might recognise them from their popular YouTube channel, where their vanlife adventures—alongside their dog, Lilly—have racked up over 2 million views.
This couple have left behind convention, working seasonal jobs to fund their epic journeys and full-time #vanlife adventures in their self-built Mercedes Sprinter campervan, Luna.
After nearly two years of hard work, and £19,882 spent converting their 2007 van in evenings and weekends, Jordan and Annalise finally hit the road full-time in September 2022, documenting every twist and turn along the way.
In this article, we’re diving into the details of how they make vanlife work. From budgeting tips to finding the best park-ups, plus an exclusive look at the interior design and features of their self-built campervan.
Get ready for an inspiring, behind-the-scenes tour of what it’s like to live adventurously with Steps2Adventure in their Mercedes-Benz Sprinter.
⏩️ Jump straight to…
Please note: This article includes some affiliate links. This means that Jordan and Annalise may get a little kick-back if you make a purchase, but that’s at zero cost to you. In fact, they’ve given us some exclusive discount codes – look for these symbols to spot them: ✨
About the Sprinter Van Build
Base Vehicle Overview
Luna is a 2007 Mercedes Sprinter LWB (long wheelbase, high roof). She’d already travelled some roads when Steps2Adventure bought her – she had over 130,000 miles on the clock.
Built to handle high mileage and tough terrain, Sprinters are renowned for their long lifespan and low-maintenance design, making them the ideal choice for vanlifers seeking both comfort and capability on the road.
The fact that she’s still living her best life, travelling all over Europe without missing a beat, is testament to the reliability and durability of the engines on these vans – the reputation built on the Mercedes-Benz brand is well-deserved.
Van Conversion Process
The DIY conversion of Luna was a labour of love, taking almost two years to complete. Jordan and Annalise worked on the van in the evenings and weekends, pouring countless hours into their dream build while maintaining full-time jobs.
Having purchased the base van in May 2020, right in the middle of a global pandemic, this gave them both the motivation and extra time to get the project underway.
Despite not being fully finished, they still took Luna on a few trips during the build, giving them a taste of the full-time vanlife they craved. By September 2022, the conversion was complete, and they officially moved into their tiny home on wheels full-time, ready to embark on their cross-country and European adventures.
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Interior Layout & Features
Get ready for an in-depth look at how Jordan and Annalise live, work, and chill in their self-built motorhome, Luna. From the smart use of the spacious interior to the unique design aesthetic, we’ll show you how they’ve turned their Mercedes Sprinter into a full-time home that blends style and functionality.
Curious if this van has a toilet? We’ll be answering this, along with all the most popular questions, as well as showcasing the tech specification behind their off-grid power setup. Plus, we’ll share the game-changing gadgets that allow these busy YouTubers to get practically 100% network coverage—so they can post their viral videos wherever their adventures take them.
Stay tuned as we dive into every detail of their layout, from the kitchen and bedroom to the all-important bathroom setup!
TL;DR
Take a video tour of this awesome self-built adventure van:
Van Conversion Layout
This is a closed bulkhead camper (with door to the cab), so moving from front to back of the living space, we’ve got a storage bench which doubles up as an office area, opposite a corner shower room with removable compost toilet.
Mid-van there’s a galley-style kitchen/diner, with bench seating and adjustable table (this doubles up as a small single bed).
The comfortable sleeping area features an east-to-west fixed bed, with garage storage beneath.
Key features:
↠ Door to cab.
↠ Office area with swivel table.
↠ Corner shower room with removable compost toilet.
↠ Galley-style kitchen-diner (converts to single bed/sofa).
↠ Fixed bed (sleeps 2).
↠ Rear garage storage area.
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Seating & Sleeping
Jordan and Annalise designed this layout to sleep up to three people, featuring a versatile dining area with a collapsible table that transforms into a full sofa, or a small fixed bed.
Of particular note are the Side Pods from A2B Conversions, which extend the width of the van, allowing for a larger bed—6’4″ wide at the rear and 6’2″ at the front—providing a luxurious space for comfortable sleeping. These pods are fully insulated and carpeted, offering improved warmth and comfort while maintaining a sleek, finished look.
Key features:
↠ Dining area with collapsible table, converting the area into full sofa mode.
↠ Bed measures 6’4″ at its widest due to side pods.
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In luxury Sprinter conversions, we’re increasingly seeing the addition of side pods or side flares to add a little bit of extra space. Check out ‘The Isles’ – an AWD Sprinter (which replaced the four-wheel drive 4×4 model in the Sprinter fleet), ‘Garrick’ the MWB adventure van, and ‘Munro’ – a Sprinter camper for more examples.
Plumbing & Bathroom
The Steps2Adventure team have created a great looking shower room! Featuring a sliding outer door and shower curtain, it has fully sealed, waterproof click vinyl flooring and PVC shower panels on the walls and ceiling.
Equipped with a mixer tap and a water-saving trigger showerhead, the space allows for efficient water use, supported by a Shurflo pump.
The shower room is also home to a removable composting toilet from Trelino. This was a recent upgrade from their previous chemical toilet. Much easier to empty, Jordan and Annalise find this much more convenient for off-grid living.
Key features:
↠ Click vinyl flooring, which is fully sealed and waterproof.
↠ Marble-effect waterproof PVC shower panels fitted to the wall and ceiling.
↠ Mixer tap paired with a water-saving trigger showerhead.
↠ Trelino Origin compost toilet (removable).
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Kitchen
The van boasts a fully equipped kitchen designed for functionality and style. This full kitchen includes a black sink and tap, NEREBY IKEA spice racks, and a magnetic knife rack, all set against a TicTac stick-on tile backsplash.
With a two-burner hob connected to Campingaz 907, ample storage for cutlery, cookware, and appliances, and a large Montpellier 12V fridge-freezer, the kitchen is perfectly suited for life on the road.
A carbon monoxide alarm and 240V plug socket further enhance the convenience and safety features.
Key features:
↠ Black sink and black tap.
↠ TicTac stick-on tiles backsplash.
↠ Two-burner hob connected to Campingaz 907.
↠ Solid wood countertop.
↠ Handmade cabinetry.
↠ Ample storage options.
↠ Large Montpellier 12V fridge-freezer (62L fridge and 26L freezer capacity).
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If you’d like to learn how Jordan made the Shaker-style doors for their bespoke kitchen, here’s a useful guide:
Office
A year after moving into their van, one of the key upgrades was the creation of a dedicated office area.
This space features a new Lagun swivel table leg, offering adjustable flexibility for working. Positioned next to the door, the table is paired with a storage bench, making efficient use of space for both seating and essential storage.
To ensure they can stay connected while on the road, the van is fitted with a Maxview Roam WiFi system, complete with a roof-mounted puck antenna and a SIM card from EE. This system provides reliable, boosted internet, allowing for seamless remote work and connectivity, even in remote locations.
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Storage
This Sprinter offers an impressive range of storage solutions, with plenty of space to store all their adventure essentials! From overhead compartments for coats and jackets to a full-height wardrobe – similar to the designs seen in Sierra the VW Crafter camper, and Manny the LWB VW Crafter.
Creative touches include the use of IKEA shelving repurposed as a “brew shelf”, spice rack, and for displaying decorative items like candles. Additionally, magnetic, motion-detecting lights inside the overhead cabinets ensure easy access.
Additional storage includes deep drawers for kitchen appliances, dedicated spaces for shoes and laundry, and a spacious garage at the rear for tools, e-bikes, paddleboards, and skis.
Key features:
↠ Overhead storage throughout the van for coats, jackets, and other items.
↠ A large drawer houses pans and kitchen appliances.
↠ Bench storage for shoes, dirty laundry, and clothes.
↠ Garage area for tools, bikes, and paddleboards.
↠ Skis mounted on velcro inside rear doors.
↠ Magnetic, motion-detecting lights inside the overhead storage.
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Interior Lighting
Luna’s lighting system is designed for convenience and flexibility, offering wireless control and adjustable brightness, with additional task lighting for specific areas.
Key features:
↠ 12V dimmable spotlights.
↠ Wireless dimmer switch.
↠ Two remotes to adjust brightness.
↠ Independent kitchen lights for cooking.
↠ Magnetic, motion-detecting lights in overhead storage.
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Heating
Step2Adventure‘s van is equipped with a diesel heater housed inside a bench seat, which also doubles as storage. This heater uses a separate fuel tank, not connected to the van’s main fuel tank, making it easier to diagnose issues.
They purchased the diesel heater for £87, and it has been working perfectly for over a year and a half without any problems!
Here’s a great guide detailing their diesel heater install:
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Mercedes Sprinter RV Exterior
In the main, exterior enhancements to this Mercedes Sprinter camper van have been functional, with side pods to increase space and ventilation/window upgrades. Additionally, they’ve added a bull bar, plus a powerful light bar and ditch lights for enhanced visibility.
Windows & Ventilation
Ventilation was a key consideration in this build, as the couple knew they would be travelling extensively throughout the UK, and also in warmer climates across Southern Europe.
Since moving full-time into their Sprinter van, they’ve enhanced this aspect by adding a hinged “ice cream hatch” window, providing extra natural light and greatly improving airflow within the van.
Key features:
↠ Fiamma 40 roof vent with a fly mesh.
↠ MaxxAir fan installed above the bed.
↠ Hinged “ice cream hatch” side window with integrated blind and flyscreen.
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The hinged window was added after the completion of the main van build, and the fitting wasn’t without a little bit of drama!
Exterior Lighting
To enhance both the practicality and rugged, go anywhere nature of their van, Jordan and Annalise added powerful AUX Beam lights to the exterior. These include a large light bar mounted on top and pod lights (ditch lights) fitted to the bull bar.
The lights can be adjusted to flash white or amber or stay on in either colour, offering versatile lighting options. While they are primarily designed for off-road or stationary use due to their brightness, they provide plenty of illumination for any adventure, whether on the road or camping in remote locations.
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Check out their YouTube guide to fitting these lights:
✨ Exclusive Discount ✨
Get 15% off Aux Beam Light Bar and Ditch Lights:
↠ Light bar | Discount code: STA1
↠ Ditch lights | Discount code: STA2
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Sprinter Camper with Off-grid Power Set-up
The van’s electrical system is built for efficiency and off grid living, with solar, lithium batteries, and B2B charging onboard.
Like many conversions or motorhomes, Luna originally had AGM batteries, which provided 300Ah total, but only 150Ah was usable since AGM batteries can only use 50% of their capacity without causing damage. Additionally, the AGM batteries were heavy.
They upgraded to three 100Ah lithium batteries, which are lighter and offer 100% usable capacity, providing more power for longer off-grid periods. This upgrade significantly improved the van’s energy efficiency and overall performance. ✨ For 5% off LiTime Lithium batteries, use discount code ‘steps 2 adventure’.
Other features include the Sterling bidirectional B2B charger, which charges the leisure batteries from the van’s alternator and can also send power back to the van battery, ensuring it never needs a jump start. ✨ Use discount code ‘Steps2’ to get 15% off!
There is an external electrical hook-up on the outside of the van, though it is rarely used since the solar system generates sufficient power for most of their needs. The hook-up is typically only used when staying at campsites, where they connect to charge power banks and other devices.
Fully Loaded Off-Grid Electrical System
Key features:
↠ 2 Renogy 200W solar panels (400W total).
↠ Renogy Rover 40A MPPT charge controller (supports lithium batteries).
↠ 3 x 100Ah lithium batteries.
↠ 2000W Renogy inverter to run 240V appliances.
↠ Victron 30A mains charger for charging from shore power.
↠ Sterling bidirectional B2B charger.
↠ 12V fuse board.
↠ 240V plug sockets.
↠ USB and USB-C ports.
↠ Cigarette port for additional power options.
↠ Maxview Roam WiFi system with roof-mounted antenna.
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For additional, mobile power, Step2Adventure also have an All Powers Power Station and Solar panel on board. ✨ Use discount code 933AB for 5% off anything from All Powers.
Completed Camper Van Weight
The weight of Step2Adventure‘s van, fully loaded with both Jordan and Annalise, their dog Lilly, plus outdoor gear like their paddle board, e-bike, and kayak, comes in at 3290kg.
This is well within the legal limits for the Mercedes Benz Sprinter chassis, as the max gross vehicle weight (GVW) is 3.5 tonnes (3500kg).
In the UK, vans like Jordan and Annalise’s are typically limited to a maximum gross vehicle weight (GVW) of 3.5 tonnes (3500kg). This limit allows drivers with a standard car license to legally drive the vehicle without needing an additional commercial driving license. It’s essential for UK vanlifers to stay within this limit to avoid fines, driving restrictions, and safety risks.
Please note: In contrast, the US has different weight classifications for vehicles. While 3.5 tonnes is still a relevant threshold, many campervans and RVs in the US often exceed this limit and are classified as Class B RVs or Class C motorhomes, which can have a much higher weight capacity. US drivers might require a specific license for vehicles over a certain weight, depending on the state laws. Additionally, the road regulations and enforcement can vary more widely in the US, giving campervans a bit more flexibility in size and weight compared to the UK’s more stringent limits.
How Much Did This Camper Van Conversion Cost?
The total cost of this premium camper van conversion was £19,882.
↠ Van purchase and repairs: £7,879
↠ Insulation and wood: £2,328
↠ Electrical and solar setup: £3,468
↠ Plumbing and heating: £703
↠ Ventilation: £576
↠ Shower room (shower, toilet, shower tray, bamboo mat): £625
↠ Kitchen (sink, tap, worktops, fridge, table leg): £1,115
↠ Miscellaneous (screws, tools, adhesives): £597
↠ Decor (rope, plants, spice racks, cushions, bedding, etc): £656
↠ Security (cameras, locks, alarms, trackers): £754
↠ Upgrades (oven, gas system, side window): £1,181
Steps2Adventure talk about these costs in detail in this YouTube guide:
Jordan and Annalise note that with experience, they could reduce costs in a future build, potentially bringing the cost down to around £18,000.
A comparable camper van from a professional conversion company is likely to have cost over for £30,000.
📚 Check out our guide: ‘How Much Do Van Conversions Cost?‘
Vanlife Verdict
This self-built Sprinter van by Jordan and Annalise from Steps2Adventure is a beautifully crafted home on wheels, combining practicality with personal touches that reflect their full-time vanlife experience. The van’s design strikes a balance between a classic camper layout and thoughtful upgrades that make it truly unique.
Vanlife Hub Team
After a year of living on the road, they revisited key areas of their build, adding an ‘office’ space for remote work, expanding the sleeping area with custom side pods, and rethinking their storage to accommodate everything from skis to a dedicated brew shelf. The result is a highly functional and personalised van that caters to both their daily needs and adventurous lifestyle.
This van tour goes to show that building Luna was no easy feat. Jordan and Annalise encountered numerous challenges throughout their van conversion, from technical difficulties to the significant time and effort needed to meet Jordan’s exacting attention to detail!
The final result is a great example of how a classic layout – similar to this Citroën Relay camper – can be tailored over time to enhance comfort and maximise space. This build truly showcases the couple’s attention to detail and commitment to creating a space that works for them on every level.
🌟 We love this self-built Sprinter RV, but what do you think? Let us know in the comments!
Please note: Vanlife Hub’s campervan reviews are unbiased and unpaid, offering genuine insights into the intricacies of vanlife conversions. Check out more reviews: Campervan Tours and get in touch if you’d like to be featured!
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Vanlife Essentials: Hacks, Travels & Tips
When you live on the road full-time like Jordan and Annalise, balancing budget, travel, and staying connected is key. We’ve asked them a few questions to uncover the essential hacks and tips that make their vanlife lifestyle run smoothly!
Q: How do you manage your budget while travelling full-time?
A: We keep our spending in check using one of our favourite budgeting tools – the TravelSpend app.
This app allows us to track every penny we spend, breaking it down into categories and even converting expenses when travelling abroad. The app gives us a clear view of where our money goes and helps us stay on track financially.
The amount we spend will vary depending on how far we travel, and whether we are touring the UK or further afield. When on our recent European tour, we typically spent around £350 per week.
Q: How do you find the best park-ups?
A: We use a mix of Park4Night and Google Maps to find the best park-ups.
We find Park4Night more useful for finding hidden gems across mainland Europe, Google Maps is our go-to for pinning favourite spots and looking for ideal park-ups in the UK.
For us, a great park-up typically includes grass for our dog Lilly, a scenic view, and a sunny spot for solar, as well as nearby walking trails.
We share a lot of our favourite park-ups on Instagram.
Q: How do you earn money while living in your van?
A: We keep things flexible by taking on seasonal jobs. For example, we’ve recently worked together managing a campsite, living on-site and saving up between travel adventures.
Seasonal work has been a great way for us to earn a steady income while still enjoying the freedom of vanlife. We’ve found that many campsites will offer free pitch spaces and access to electricity, which makes it an ideal job for vanlifers.
Q: What tech do you rely on for WiFi and staying connected?
A: For keeping our social media content and YouTube channel rolling, we use the Maxview Roam WiFi system, which ensures they get strong internet coverage even in remote areas.
This kit allows us to upload videos and stay connected with our audience, no matter where we are.
What advice would you give aspiring vanlifers?
We’d say that you don’t need to go all out on a van build!
Sometimes, the basics are all you need to hit the road and start living the vanlife experience!
Jordan and Annalise have mastered the art of budget-friendly travel while balancing the need for connectivity and flexibility on the road!
📚 Check our this guide for more information about how much vanlife costs in the UK.
Campervan Conversion Ideas
For more Sprinter RV conversion ideas, check out these van tours:
Luxury Mercedes Sprinter RV with Cinema
