Starting off with good bones
The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter van is a popular starting point for this kind of transformation. While it is not the top-selling full-sized van either globally or in North America (depending on how you count it, that goes to either the Ford Transit or the Volkswagen Transporter), the Sprinter is widely available and in general tends to be a touch more higher-end when it comes to materials and trim packages. Mercedes-Benz also has a reputation for better customer support, and the vans are noted for superior reliability and higher resale value. All of these things come together to make the Sprinter something of a gold standard for RV conversion.
The Sprinter was launched in 1995, and since then has been through three generations, though this slightly older model was still well within the 2006-2018 second-generation. Midwest Automotive Designs was founded in 2000, and per its site, was the first ‘Quality Approved upfitter’ for Sprinter RV conversions by Mercedes, at least in the United States. Let’s see how they did on this 2016 Weekender.
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Large and in charge out of the gate
This camper is finished in black paint, and it seems Midwest Automotive Design went for the biggest dimensions available on a stock Sprinter for this job. It’s fairly unassuming, though, aside from size, and there’s not a whole lot from the outside to indicate there’s a whole camper on the inside. The first clue would be the air-conditioner mounted on the roof that’s not too hard to miss. The rear spare carrier isn’t exactly standard for a passenger or work van either, though it sure does look nice and makes changing a flat a lot easier.
There’s also the long gray tube on the passenger side, which houses the roll-out awning. Side steps and runners make getting in and out easier, while a receiver hitch and full utility connections add that extra functionality when setting up the campsite. Rounding out the outside, the wheels are Alcoa 16″ shod with an assortment of both Continental and Michelin tires.
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A commanding cabin
Up front, a pair of captain’s chairs has been reupholstered in beige with diamond-pattern insets, and the whole thing has been given black piping for contrast, with a similar treatment applied to all of the seating in the rear cabin. The same color has been used for the door panels, with beige and black carpeting. A Kenwood touchscreen unit has been installed in the center of the polished burl wood-paneled dash, with cruise control and air conditioning also on offer.
A black four-spoke steering wheel is pretty no-frills, and behind it is a hooded gauge cluster with a 0-120 mph speedometer, a tachometer that redlines at 5,000 rpm, and a fuel gauge. All other information can be accessed by way of the configurable digital display and the monitor that displays the feed from external cameras.
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Polished wood and beige leather
The biggest glow-up can be found in the back, where there are two seating areas, one front and one back. Up front are two more captain’s chairs, while in back, two individual seats face inwards towards each other, with a rear sofa that converts into a bed, all in similar beige. Liberal use of polished burl wood trim for decorative paneling, as well as overhead storage doors, gives an incredibly posh feel to the space.
Not one but two flat-screen TVs with Polk speakers are present, as well as two fold-down tables, one for each seating area. In the kitchenette can be found a sink, refrigerator, cooktop, microwave, and a small fold-down table. A fully enclosed bathroom with both toilet and shower is also present, with a water heater powered by a generator that also runs a furnace for keeping warm in cold weather.
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Solid, dependable power
Under the hood is a potent 3.0L (183 ci) turbodiesel V6, providing solid low-end power and good fuel economy. The engine is rated for 188 horsepower and 325 lb-ft of torque. All of that power is sent to the rear wheels by way of a five-speed automatic transmission, with independent front suspension and an upgraded dually rear axle. Disc brakes give added stopping power and handling, while Mercedes-Benz’s proprietary Electronic Stability Program (ESP) helps keep control and prevent sliding. There are about 39,000 miles on the odometer, with the owner indicating almost all of them are from previous ownership.
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Final thoughts: A little slice of heaven, out on the road
All in all, this conversion weekender has an almost heavenly air to the interior, with cream-beige and burled wood giving the height of class and refinement. The tinted windows help protect that pristine atmosphere and keep it close and personal. The arrangement of seating could serve equally well as on a party bus, executive-tier personal transport, or a glamping mobile. Whatever your plans for it, though, this Midwest Automotive Design Weekender is up to the task and can get you there in the height of style.
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