My Experience Living in an Adventure Wagon with My Two Boys for Ten Days
A few weeks ago, my family and I had the opportunity to test an Adventure Wagon Sprinter van for an extended period. I’ve always wanted to try out a Sprinter van, but timing and setups never quite worked for our family’s needs. When I learned that the Adventure Wagon system was modular and adaptable, I was thrilled to put it through its paces.
For those unfamiliar, Adventure Wagon offers a customizable modular system that can be installed by them or shipped directly to you. They also have a program where you can purchase a fully equipped van through them. Their tagline, “Van life for real life,” is fitting — the van can quickly transition from a live-in setup to a work, cargo, or passenger van using a single tool. This flexibility makes it ideal for weekend warriors who need a vehicle that serves multiple purposes: work during the week and adventure-ready by the weekend.
To give it a real test, I took the Adventure Wagon on a 10-day trip through the Expedition Oregon course with my two boys. The race spanned 350 miles from Hood River, primarily across the Washington side of the Columbia River. We used the van as our home base while supporting racers, setting up checkpoints, and handling media. It provided a cozy and safe haven during long days of exploration. Below are my impressions of the Adventure Wagon’s modular system, broken down piece by piece.
The Van
While this isn’t a review of the van itself, it’s worth noting that we used a Mercedes-Benz All-Wheel Drive Sprinter, which is available through Adventure Wagon’s van purchase program. You can also buy a Ford Transit (long or extended) or a Mercedes (144 or 170) van separately and have the kit installed yourself. I loved the van’s size and window placement. It was tall enough for all of us to stand comfortably and fit two bunk beds with a Mule storage bag on top. Though it took some time to get used to the size (especially with gusty winds!), it handled dirt roads like a champ, and I felt safe and in control thanks to its height and visibility.
The Customizable Interior
Adventure Wagon’s offerings are extensive. Whether you install the system yourself or have them do it, they provide everything you need to make your van adventure-ready. Most of their components are made in Oregon, which I found noteworthy. During my tour of their Portland warehouse, it was clear that the team takes pride in their locally sourced products.
Options include insulation, fans, paneling, heaters, gear tracks, bed platforms, storage bags, refrigerators, electrical systems, and more. Their “Build Your Van” tool on the website is easy to use, even for those new to van builds. It’s almost too easy to keep adding features to your setup! Before picking up the van, I chose two Mule bags, two passenger seats, a Dometic refrigerator, a rollout garage bundle, and two beds configured as bunks (a double for the boys on top and a queen for me below). The interior was already equipped with four rows of L-track on the floor and walls, two rows of lights, a heater, and a Goal Zero generator powered by solar panels.
The Mule Bags
These storage bags are incredibly spacious. We fit all our clothes, books, and toys in one, and all our cooking supplies and dry food in the other. Smaller items like straps and headlamps fit neatly into the side pockets. The bags attach to the L-track, and though they’re not as easy to move as the beds and seats, they stay securely in place, even on rough roads.
The L-Track System
The L-track system on the floors and walls made it easy to tie down gear and hang hats, backpacks, and wet clothes. With one tool, we could rearrange chairs and beds as needed. Though we didn’t have time to test the full modular capabilities, moving seats was a breeze, and I imagine removing the beds and bags would be just as straightforward.
The Moab Traverse Mattress
The Moab Traverse Mattresses are made in Klamath Falls, Oregon, and are impressively comfortable. I had the chance to speak to the person in charge of selecting them, and he mentioned testing countless mattresses before choosing this one. It’s firm, soft, and easy to clean — an ideal balance. One night, we had the option to stay in a hotel, but we all opted to sleep in the van because the beds were so comfortable! They attach to the track system and can be adjusted up or down to accommodate different storage or space needs.
The Electrical and Heating System
The heater was a game-changer, especially for chilly mornings with two boys who usually take forever to get out of the tent. After a day of rain, being able to turn on the heat while we changed clothes was amazing. It runs off diesel but uses very little fuel. The lighting system, which includes dimmable white and red light options, was another highlight. The red light allowed me to get work done after the kids went to bed without disturbing them. All electronics were powered by a Goal Zero generator, recharged by solar panels. I was surprised at how efficient it was — it never dropped below 85% charge, even with running lights for hours and the refrigerator non-stop.
Storage
Space is always a concern when traveling with kids, but we managed to fit everything thanks to the Mule bags and the under-bed storage. The rollout tray included two metal bins for climbing, paddling, and biking gear. On the side, we stored two boats, a camping table, chairs, shoes, and extra food. We couldn’t fit the bikes underneath, but they fit well on a LOLO rack at the back. For ten days, we were completely self-sufficient, largely due to the ample storage space.
Cons:
While the Adventure Wagon system was nearly perfect for us, there are a few potential drawbacks:
- No Built-in Kitchen: Our build didn’t include a workbench or kitchen, though Adventure Wagon is working on a modular kitchen system. For families who prefer to cook indoors, this could be a dealbreaker. For us, accustomed to outdoor cooking, it wasn’t an issue.
- Price: The quoted price for the system and shipping was around $16,000, (this does not include the mattress, mule bags, Dometic and Goal Zero Battery) which may be steep for some. For DIY enthusiasts, it might feel overpriced. However, for those who already have a compatible van and don’t want to start from scratch, it’s a great value.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a versatile, Swiss-army-knife-style van for different trips and everyday tasks, Adventure Wagon is an excellent choice. While it lacks a built-in kitchen, it includes everything else needed to create a truly multipurpose vehicle. It’s ideal for weekend warriors who want both a family adventure van and a work vehicle.
For our family, who often travel for races and love exploring new places, it’s the perfect fit. We can use it for business during the week and turn it into a cozy home on weekends. During Expedition Oregon, it provided a safe and comfortable base for my boys, allowing us to enjoy the beautiful scenery of Washington and Oregon.
If you’re in the market for the ultimate adventure van, I highly recommend checking out Adventure Wagon. They have excellent customer service and are located across the U.S., making them accessible no matter where you are.
