Today we tour Mies, a custom 144" Sprinter with bunk beds designed by an architect client and built by the Advanced RV team.

This is the second ARV built for these clients, the first being an extended-length, 170" wheelbase Sprinter. The decision to downsize to the 144" was to "enable us to camp and park in more sites than before", according to the client, and success required creative approaches to eating, sleeping, and bathing.

Mies, named after the architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, was born from sketches and refined in digital software and real-life, cardboard mockups. There's video of the clients, David and Nancy, visiting ARV and working with us to figure out the space at hand. In this video you'll join ARV Designer Rob as he shares the finished build.

There are many unique aspects to Mies, and perhaps the most notable are the bunk beds at the rear passenger side of the van. These beds allow a large bathroom at the rear driver's side, with sink, macerating toilet, shower, and 31" x 30" shower pan. Forward in the van is a kitchen galley on the driver's side, with stainless steel countertop and integrated sink. On the passenger side, a fridge/freezer, microwave, and central control panel for all coach systems. There are desks that deploy behind the front cab for the swiveled front seats to use as a dining or work space.

Mies' off-grid power is supplied by a 6.9 KWh lithium battery system, including a 3000-watt inverter and charger, housed underneath one of the beds. The batteries are charged by an engine-driven second alternator that generates power any time the Sprinter engine is running - during travel or when the coach management software activates an automatic regeneration protocol. 

The vehicle is designed to operate in all seasons. The 40-gallon freshwater tank, 27 gallon gray water tank, and 27 gallon black tank are all insulated and heated. An onboard diesel-fired furnace heats a glycol loop that circles the coach, providing heat to the living space, generating on-demand hot water and keeping tanks from freezing.

Mies has already racked up thousands of miles in its life. We're grateful for the experience of working with these thoughtful clients. 

Timestamps here:
0:00 Intro
0:42 Orignal Mockups
1:23 General Layout
2:45 Kitchen Galley and Wardrobe
3:19 Bathroom
3:38 Bunk Beds
4:30 Appliances and Cabinetry
5:05 Lightweight Material Approach
6:49 Batteries
7:03 Bikes and Storage

For more custom builds like Mies, visit our website:
https://www.advanced-rv.com

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