Featured Van: Kibbo’s Mercedes Sprinter 4x4 Fleet Build

When US start-up Kibbo went looking for a rental fleet design that combined rugged 4x4 capability with a premium living experience, they turned to Vanlifer. After seeing our proven layouts and finishes, Kibbo commissioned us to create a custom Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 4x4 design for their new fleet.

Drawing on our expertise in the Sprinter chassis, we delivered the full CAD layouts, custom concept design, and prototype build. The production fleet was then built to our design by Automotive Designs & Fabrication (ADF Sprinters), 2160 Union Pl, Simi Valley, CA.

The design itself was inspired by our popular Vanlifer Ford Transit birch interior layout, known for its clean lines, durability, and efficient use of space. For Kibbo, we reimagined the concept around the 4x4 Sprinter platform, creating a rugged but refined interior that could serve as a comfortable home for long-term rental use.

The Vision: Off-Grid Comfort for a Mobile Community

Kibbo’s requirements included:

• A repeatable, fleet-ready layout that balanced durability with comfort
  

• Efficient use of space for long-term stays and remote work
  

• Off-grid functionality for wilderness hubs, with heating, refrigeration, and cooking facilities
  

• A stylish birch plywood interior that appealed to digital nomads and creatives
  

Our role was to translate this vision into a working CAD model and prototype, setting the foundation for ADF Sprinters to deliver a scalable fleet build in the United States.

Vanlifer design concept for Kibbo’s Sprinter 4x4 fleet layout and interior

Standout Features of Kibbo’s Sprinter 4x4 Conversion

Solid Birch Plywood Interior

Cabinetry and furniture were built from solid birch plywood, chosen for its lightweight strength, natural aesthetic, and proven durability in rental fleet applications.

Birch Ceiling Panels

The ceiling was clad in birch ply panels, tying together the warm, modern feel of the cabinetry for a cohesive interior finish.

Fridge Options

We provided a choice of efficient, marine-grade fridges to suit different fleet specifications:

• 65L / 2.3 cu ft – Dometic CRX-65, Indel Cruise 65 Elegance — allows storage above.
  

• 80–85L / 2.8–3.0 cu ft – Dometic CRX-80, Indel Cruise 85 Elegance — maximises cooling but eliminates overhead storage.
  

Dometic 2-Burner Hob & Sink Combo

The galley centres around a Dometic two-burner hob with integrated sink, paired with a cutting board insert to extend counter space. Compact, practical, and perfect for rental use.

Hydronic Heating & Hot Water

An Espar hydronic system provides both hot water and cabin heating. By using otherwise wasted cabinet space, the heater was tucked neatly into the design, with ducting for warm airflow directed under the bed and into the living area.

Refinements & Efficiencies

Because this project was designed specifically for a fleet, every detail was considered for:

• Durability – birch plywood cabinetry, marine-grade appliances, commercial finishes
  

• Serviceability – layouts optimised for maintenance by US-based service teams
  

• Repeatability – CAD-driven design allows every van in the fleet to be built consistently
  

Quick Spec Overview

The Result

The Kibbo Sprinter 4x4 stands as a perfect example of international collaboration: designed by Vanlifer in New Zealand, engineered on the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter chassis, and built at scale by ADF Sprinters in California.

The finished vans deliver a balance of rugged off-road capability and refined birch-ply interiors, creating a fleet-ready design that is both comfortable and durable. For Kibbo members, these vehicles are more than just campers — they’re the foundation of a new lifestyle, enabling mobility between wilderness hubs, cities, and community living spaces across the USA.