In a world obsessed with polished vanlife aesthetics—think cedar-lined interiors and Instagram-ready skylights—Indy and Kitty, the founders of Nomadists, have built something different. Their 2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter (144” wheelbase, high roof, 12-passenger) isn’t a showpiece. It’s a rugged, no-nonsense survival pod designed to carry their family of nine—seven kids, a pitbull, and themselves—across Arizona’s dusty trails, into urban stealth camps, and anywhere else their untethered life demands. Dubbed The Nomadists Van, this overland rig is a masterclass in function over form, proving that freedom doesn’t need to be pretty to be profound. Here’s how they transformed a stock Sprinter into a mobile command center for a family living boldly on their terms, and what aspiring nomadic families can learn from their approach.

Why the Sprinter? A Family’s Foundation

When Indy and Kitty chose their 2019 Sprinter, they weren’t chasing luxury or brand prestige. They needed a vehicle that could handle the chaos of a large family while thriving in the unpredictable conditions of overland travel. The Sprinter checked every box:

• Capacity: The 12-passenger layout offered seats for seven kids, plus room for gear, food, water, and their dog, ensuring everyone and everything had a place.
• Versatility: The high roof allowed adults to stand upright, a non-negotiable for daily life in a confined space.
• Durability: Built to endure dust, mud, and rough terrain, the Sprinter was a reliable base for off-grid adventures.
• Aftermarket Support: A robust ecosystem of overland modifications made customization straightforward and scalable.

Unlike many vanlifers who gut their vans for custom cabinetry or tiny-house vibes, the Nomadists kept the stock interior largely intact. This wasn’t about creating a cozy retreat—it was about building a platform for survival and freedom, ready to roll wherever their journey led.

Takeaway for Families: Choose a vehicle that prioritizes your core needs—space, reliability, and adaptability—over aesthetics. A stock layout can be just as functional if you focus on practical modifications.

The Build: Function-Driven Modifications

Every modification on The Nomadists Van solves a real problem, reflecting the family’s philosophy of intentionality. Designed for off-grid resilience, urban stealth, and family comfort, the build balances power, mobility, and livability. Here’s the breakdown, with insights into why each choice matters.

Power and Connectivity: Staying Charged and Connected

For a family of nine, reliable power and internet are non-negotiable, especially when work, school, and communication happen on the road. The Nomadists equipped their Sprinter with:

• Victron Energy Solar System: Cascadia 4x4 hood-mounted solar panels provide consistent power for lights, devices, and essentials, reducing reliance on external sources.
• Jackery 1000: A portable power station serves as a backup for remote work and device charging, offering flexibility when solar output dips.
• Starlink Internet: High-speed connectivity ensures the family can work, stream, or stay in touch, whether parked in a desert or a city lot.

These systems enable Indy and Kitty to run their Nomadists platform, record podcasts, and manage their kids’ online learning, all while off-grid. For families, this setup underscores the importance of redundancy—solar plus a backup like the Jackery ensures you’re never stranded without power.

Takeaway: Invest in a robust power setup tailored to your family’s needs. Connectivity isn’t a luxury—it’s a lifeline for work, education, and safety.

Recovery and Exterior: Ready for Anything

Overlanding with a family means preparing for the unexpected, from muddy trails to rocky inclines. The Nomadists outfitted their Sprinter for rugged terrain and quick recovery:

• Roambuilt Chicane Ladder and Side Steps: These provide easy access to the roof and gear, built to withstand heavy use by kids and adults alike.
• CA Tuned Off-Road Bumper: Equipped with a Warn Winch, Factor55 Ultrahook, and MaxTrax Boards, it’s ready to pull the van out of tough spots.
• Black Rhino Warlord Wheels: Paired with mud-terrain tires, they offer superior grip on loose or uneven surfaces.
• DMOS Delta Shovel and Trasharoo: Mounted on a Sherpa cargo panel, these tools handle digging and waste management, keeping the campsite clean.
• Lighting: A 50” roof lightbar, hood lights, rear whip, and underglow illuminate dark trails and campsites, enhancing safety and visibility.

This setup reflects a focus on self-sufficiency. The winch and recovery boards ensure the family