Behind the Build: Owl & Alt Camp (The Ultimate Sprinter Van)

When it comes to pushing the boundaries of adventure, a well-outfitted Sprinter van is more than just a vehicle—it's your access pass to remote landscapes, spontaneous surf sessions, and the untethered freedom to roam. Adam, co-founder of Alt Camp Camper Van Rentals in Costa Mesa, California, understands this ethos inside and out. In his recent tour of the “Everest” build, he shares how combining ultra-luxury comfort with hardcore trail capability is the game-changing formula behind his fleet. And at the core of that formula? Purpose-built upgrades from Owl.

If you live for off-grid getaways, crave rugged reliability, and expect your van to handle both the wild and the refined, this deep-dive tour is for you. Here’s what you can learn from Adam’s Everest setup—and why Owl's proven accessories deserve a spot on your adventure rig.

Why the Modern Sprinter Van is the Perfect Adventure Platform

The Mercedes Sprinter 4x4 is legendary for its blend of drivability, cargo capacity, and factory off-road chops. But what transforms it from a stock workhorse into a true “beach house on wheels” is the clever application of best-in-class gear:

Ultra-Luxury Interior: Think parachute bedding, Williams Sonoma cookware, induction cooktops, and hot water on demand—every comfort considered.
Versatile Sleeping Options: Queen bed below, rooftop tent above, four-adult capacity—ideal for families or groups.
Self-Sustaining Power: Comprehensive solar systems and distributed outlets ensure you’ll never run out of juice, even off-grid.
Climate Control: Hot air heaters and advanced airflow management keep you comfortable year-round.

This fusion of serious comfort with trail-ready DNA lets you chase swells or summit peaks without missing the luxuries of home.

Form Meets Function: Wheel Carriers and Storage by Owl Vans

One of the standout upgrades in Adam’s Everest build, as highlighted in the tour, is the integration of Owl Vans’ rear tire carrier and gear solutions.

Non-Negotiable: A Rear Tire Carrier

Ask any off-road veteran: a flat tire on the trail is a matter of “when,” not “if.” Relying on the factory under-mounted spare is a liability—it’s vulnerable, hard to access, and eats into crucial underbody clearance. That’s why Adam (and countless pros) turned to the Owl 's Sprinter Tire Carrier + Ladder:

Quick Access: Change a tire swiftly, even in the mud or sand.
Increased Clearance: No more dragging your spare while cresting ruts or negotiating rocky paths.
Peace of Mind: As Adam puts it, Owl’s carrier gives both him and his clients “peace of mind being on the road just in case...they get a flat tire.”

This isn’t just about convenience—it’s about ensuring your adventure continues, no matter the terrain.

Modular Utility: The Sherpa

Alongside the tire carrier, Adam added another critical Owl accessory—the Sprinter Cargo Carrier : Rear Door Sherpa giving you 'Swiss Army Knife' capabilities on your rig:

Universal Mounting: Haul bikes, recovery boards, Rotopax cans, or cargo boxes.
Customizable Layouts: Adaptable for overland, surf, mountain bike, or family travel setups.
Heavy-Duty Construction: Engineered for serious off-road abuse, without rattle or flex.

“Our favorite part,” Adam notes, “is that the Sherpa allows us to mount whatever we want on the van. We have this on a number of our vans—absolutely love it.”

Building the Best: Balancing Luxury With Rugged Performance

Adam’s philosophy with Alt Camp is to offer not just a camper van, but a “Newport Beach home inside a van—rugged enough outside to get down and dirty, luxury of home inside.” The right upgrades make that possible:

True Home Comforts: Luxury bedding, hot water, and top-tier kitchen equipment mean you’re not roughing it.
Legendary Mercedes Reliability: Combined with upgrades, Sprinters aren’t just stylish—they’re unstoppable.
Off-Grid Confidence: Solar, battery, and smart heating/cooling mean you’re at home anywhere.

But none of that matters if a mechanical issue—like a flat tire—can end your trip. That’s why build partners like Owl Vans are central to Alt Camp’s fleet. Their gear doesn’t just add style; it’s engineered for dependability under real-world use, whether you’re halfway up a mountain, camped on the coast, or deep in the desert.

Choosing the Right Upgrades: What Sets Owl Apart

Not all van accessories are created equal. Ours lead for a reason:

Designed for Adventure: Every mount, rack, or carrier is built for real trails, rough weather, and actual use—not mall crawling.
Fit-and-Finish: Clean installs, burly hardware, outstanding powder-coat finishes. Your van won’t just function better; it’ll look purpose-built.
Community Tested: Trusted by expedition guides, vanlifers, and professional rental fleets alike.

Adam’s experience with Owl gear captured in the tour makes it clear: choosing proven components isn’t about marketing hype—it’s about real reliability when it counts.

Transform Your Sprinter with Owl & Hit the Road with Confidence

When it comes to unleashing the potential of your personal ride, your Sprinter needs to deliver on two fronts: capable at the trailhead, comfortable every night. The right gear doesn’t just make life easier—it opens up whole new worlds of adventure. As Adam and Alt Camp demonstrate, investing in proven, expertly engineered upgrades make the difference between a good trip and a great one.