Peanut Butter: Bamboo-Focused 2022 4x4 Sprinter Camper

Peanut Butter is a Levity Vans conversion that uses bamboo plywood for nearly all cabinetry and major interior surfaces, fitted to a 2022 4x4 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter with the 144-inch wheelbase.

The central news is the build itself: Levity Vans, a Santa Cruz, California-based converter, completed an interior-forward Sprinter conversion that pairs extensive bamboo millwork with practical off-grid systems. The conversion retains the Sprinter's narrow footprint and adds Vanspeed flare modules and half-slider windows to enable an east-west bed layout while preserving a compact exterior profile.

Exterior and layout

Externally the van is restrained rather than overstated. It rides on black Sprinter wheels shod with Kumho Crugen all-season tires and carries an Owl Vans spare tire carrier and rear bumper step. A Fiamma manual awning sits on the roof beside a 400 W solar array. Additional exterior items include side steps, Rolef bug screens and color-matched Vanspeed flares.

Inside, the conversion uses an open layout with no dividing wall between the cab and living area to maximise perceived space in the 144-inch wheelbase chassis. The driver and passenger seats are mounted on swivel bases. A Bellagio two-person bench with seatbelts and armrests folds flat and can be stowed to the side; a large Lagun table mount provides a removable dining or work surface. The owner notes these seating elements were added after the original video tour and photography of the van.

Interior fit, kitchen and sleeping

The interior palette pairs bamboo cabinetry and a bamboo headliner shelf with light grey fabric walls, a soft tan ceiling and vinyl-plank flooring that mimics wood grain. Stainless steel fittings and a black solid-surface countertop provide contrast.

The kitchen is split into opposing units. Equipment includes a deep stainless sink with a cutting-board insert, a separate filtered-water faucet, a microwave oven, an Isotherm Cruise 130 12V refrigerator with a small freezer compartment and a single-burner induction cooktop. A flip-up table extends the standard 36 inches (91 centimeters) of counter to 55 inches (139 centimeters). A Maxxair vent fan is positioned above the induction stove to draw cooking fumes.

Storage comprises three overhead cabinets, four soft-close drawers and two lower cabinets. One lower cabinet houses a composting toilet and incorporates two flip-up panels that can serve as steps to access the bed platform. The fixed bed measures 79.5 inches (202 centimeters) long by 60 inches (152 centimeters) wide. Two overhead cabinets, USB and standard outlets and dual reading lights with a red-night function are integrated at the head of the bed.

The bed platform is mounted high to create a sizable garage beneath. The platform and the two tall utility boxes that flank it are built from bamboo plywood. A pull-out tray on heavy-duty slides supports up to 500 lb (227 kg) and includes an L-Track for securing gear; the garage is tall enough to fit a mountain bike with the front wheel removed.

Systems and utilities

Electrical components are grouped on the left side of the van. The system centres on a 300 Ah BattleBorn battery bank and a 3,000 W inverter. Charging options include the 400 W roof solar array, shore power and DC-DC charging from the vehicle; Levity notes that using those sources together can keep the batteries topped off for sustained off-grid use.

Plumbing includes a 27-gallon (102-liter) freshwater tank and an 11-gallon (41-liter) greywater tank. Both tanks are mounted under the vehicle; the greywater tank features an electronic dump valve. An outdoor shower connection with a pull-out sprayer is provided. Heating and hot water are supplied by a Rixen hydronic heater.

A utilities command panel is mounted on the side of a kitchen overhead cabinet by the entrance. It houses four dimmer light switches, a battery monitor, an inverter controller, a thermostat for the Rixen heater and switches for the garage light and water pump.

Peanut Butter showcases Levity Vans' approach to pairing extensive bamboo interior work with practical off-grid systems, even as Levity Vans has ceased operations after nine years amid market and financial pressures.