Drifter: the compact adventure van
About 19 feet of Sprinter, set up for two
The Drifter pairs an easy-to-drive 144-inch wheelbase with a fixed east-west bed, a fully equipped galley kitchen, generous garage storage and a complete off-grid electrical system. It is the shortest van in the 2027 lineup, which makes it the easiest to drive and park day to day.
The bed stays made, so there is nothing to convert at night. Bikes, skis and wet gear ride in the garage, apart from the living space. For meals there are swivel cab seats, a bench seat and a swivel table mounted to the driver seat.
Features
Every system in the Drifter is chosen for reliability, comfort and time off-grid.
Galley kitchen
Sink, fridge and cooktop, with ample counter space and storage for extended trips.
Fixed bed
An east-west bed with storage underneath. No daily setup or breakdown: climb in and sleep.
Gear garage
Dedicated storage for bikes, skis, climbing gear and adventure equipment, kept apart from the living space.
Off-grid power
A 400Ah Victron lithium system with 200W of solar runs lights, the fridge and devices for days without hookups.
Exterior package
Roof rack, awning mounts, an exterior shower hookup and lighting, ready for your gear.
Smart storage
Overhead cabinets, under-bed storage, a wardrobe closet and hidden cubbies. Everything has its place.
See the Drifter in action
A complete video walkthrough of the Drifter. To see one in person, book a visit to the Atlantic Beach shop.
Technical specifications
Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 144 AWD, about 19 feet long.
Platform
- Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 144 in wheelbase
- All-wheel drive, high roof
- 3.0L V6 turbo diesel
Electrical
- 400Ah Victron lithium
- 3000W inverter
- 200W solar, standard
- 50A DC-DC charger
- Shore power hookup
Water
- 35 gal fresh water tank
- 4 gal hot water heater
- 11 gal gray water tank
- Outdoor shower at the rear door
- Cassette toilet in the closet
Climate
- Espar diesel heater
- Velit 12V air conditioner
- Pro Breeze rooftop fan
- Insulated walls, ceiling and floor
- Four-season comfort
Sleeping
- Fixed east-west bed
- Sleeps 2 adults
- Under-bed storage
- Premium mattress
Kitchen
- Stainless steel sink
- Single-burner cooktop
- Dometic NRX 115 fridge and freezer
- Ample counter space
- Cabinet storage
Make it yours
The Drifter is semi-custom. Its layout is proven and mostly fixed, with options for small changes, and you have complete design control over the finishes, the interior systems and the exterior.
Finishes
Walls, ceiling, flooring, cabinetry, countertops, hardware, trim and colors are your choice.
Interior systems
Upgrade the electrical system with more solar, larger batteries or a dual alternator, and upgrade the air conditioning, roof fan, heater and more.
Exterior
Suspension, wheels, tires, onboard air compressors, larger diesel tanks, storage solutions, awnings, side steps and tire carriers, plus bumpers, lighting and bike racks. Almost anything on the exterior can be done.
There is no indoor shower. The toilet is a cassette stored in a closet, and the shower is outdoors at the rear door.
Design your Drifter in 3D
Choose the layout options and finishes, look around inside, then send your design to the team.
Buying your Drifter with confidence
Financing, warranty and delivery, answered up front.
Financing available
IntoRV is the shop's preferred lending partner for van builds. Start with a soft credit pull to preview your loan options with no impact to your credit score.
Get pre-approved2-year builder warranty
Every model van is covered by a 2-year builder warranty on craftsmanship and the systems Beachside installs. Components carry their own manufacturer warranties.
Read the questionsDelivery to your door
Not near Jacksonville? The van can be delivered to you, quoted by distance. You're also welcome at the Atlantic Beach shop by appointment.
Request a delivery quoteOrdering a build: a $5,000 nonrefundable deposit reserves your build and starts the design phase. The build takes 6 to 10 weeks, with weekly updates. Want one sooner? See the vans for sale.
The Drifter in photos
Photos show Kai, a completed 2026 Drifter that is for sale now.
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Explore the Gamer VanWhat owners say about the shop
Throughout the entire build, the professionalism, patience, problem solving skills, and communication were 10/10. Somehow the van they built for me exceeded my expectations inside and out!
My wife and I recently picked up our customized van from Alex and his team at Beachside Custom Vans, and we couldn’t be more impressed with the quality, craftsmanship, and attention to detail.
Beachside Custom Vans did it all perfectly and in a very timely manner. The shop is clean, well organized, very active and moves along smoothly.
I chose Beachside Custom Vans in Jacksonville Beach for the work and couldn’t have been more impressed.
Alex and his team were wonderful to work with. Everyone was friendly and knowledgeable. Alex explained all the mechanics of what I had installed so I felt confident moving forward in my travels.
Throughout the 3–4 month build process, communication with Alex and his team was exceptional.
Alex was a pleasure to work with! He provided a fair price for products and labor.
They upgraded the suspension kit (Agile Off-road RIP kit) on my van and did an amazing job. The staff is also very professional and friendly. Highly recommend!
Ready to start your Drifter?
Tell the team how you'll use it: who's coming, how long the trips run and whether you'll work on the road.