Nomad Camper Van Review: A Luxury Mercedes Sprinter Built for Alaska’s Toughest Adventures

Nomad Camper Van Review

Not every camper van is designed for extreme weather. Some are perfect for weekend camping, while others are built for full-time travel. The Nomad camper van belongs to a different category. It was created for one of the coldest and most demanding places in North America—Alaska.

Built by Benchmark Vehicles, this premium camper van conversion is based on the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 170. The company is well known for building high-quality adventure vans that combine comfort, durability, and off-grid performance. With the Nomad, the goal was simple: create a home on wheels that could stay comfortable in freezing temperatures while still being ready for rough backcountry roads.

From its rugged exterior to its warm and modern interior, every part of this van has been carefully designed for travelers who want to explore remote places without giving up everyday comfort.

If you’re searching for a luxury camper van, a Sprinter camper conversion, or an off-grid camper van, the Nomad is one of the most impressive builds to see this year.

Built to Handle Rough Roads and Harsh Weather

Built to Handle Rough Roads and Harsh Weather
Built to Handle Rough Roads and Harsh Weather

One look at the Nomad and it’s easy to tell that this van is ready for adventure. Instead of focusing only on appearance, Benchmark Vehicles equipped it with upgrades that improve both durability and performance.

The van rides on Agile Off-Road wheels wrapped in BFGoodrich KO3 all-terrain tires, giving it better grip on dirt roads, snow, gravel, and rocky trails. An upgraded Agile Off-Road suspension system helps provide a smoother ride while improving ground clearance for difficult terrain.

Because this van was built for Alaska, protecting the exterior was just as important as improving its driving ability.

The body comes finished in a clean Stone Grey color, while several black accessories give it a bold adventure-ready look. To protect the paint from rocks, branches, and road debris, the entire van is covered with a paint protection film (PPF). The lower bumper and rocker panels are also coated with Line-X, adding another layer of protection against scratches and harsh conditions.

At the front, the van features a heavy-duty Flatline Van Co. winch bumper with an integrated recovery winch. This can be extremely useful if the van becomes stuck in mud, snow, or loose sand during remote trips.

Extra lighting has also been added for safer nighttime driving. The front grille includes powerful auxiliary lights, while additional LED lights improve visibility on dark roads and mountain trails.

One interesting feature is the Bravo snorkel mounted near the windshield. Many people think snorkels are only for driving through deep water, but their main purpose is actually to provide the engine with cleaner air by drawing it from a higher position.

Moving toward the rear of the van, you’ll find even more equipment designed for outdoor adventures.

A large roof rack stretches almost the full length of the vehicle. It supports solar panels, extra cargo, and a powerful LED light bar for better visibility around camp. There’s also a long power awning with built-in LED lighting, creating a comfortable outdoor living space during the day or night.

Since this build was designed for Alaska, Benchmark Vehicles also installed a ski box on the rear, making it easy to carry winter sports equipment without taking up valuable storage space inside the van.

Additional exterior storage compartments, side steps, and utility connections make daily camping easier while keeping gear organized.

Overall, the outside of the Nomad perfectly matches its purpose. It looks strong, practical, and ready to travel far beyond paved roads.

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A Warm and Comfortable Interior That Feels Like Home

Opening the sliding door reveals a completely different atmosphere.

Instead of a rugged utility vehicle, the Nomad feels like a modern apartment built inside a van.

Thanks to the longer Mercedes Sprinter 170 wheelbase, the interior feels surprisingly open. Benchmark Vehicles avoided placing a wall between the driver’s cabin and the living area, allowing the entire van to feel larger and brighter.

The design is clean without feeling plain.

The lower cabinets are finished in an attractive green color, while the upper cabinets feature natural wood grain that adds warmth to the space. White wall panels and ceiling panels help reflect light, making the cabin feel even more spacious.

Luxury vinyl plank flooring gives the interior a residential look while remaining easy to clean after outdoor adventures.

The white solid-surface countertops provide a premium finish and pair nicely with the black cabinet handles and dark seat upholstery.

One of the first things you’ll notice is the seating area.

Benchmark Vehicles replaced the factory front seats with premium Scheelmann seats, which provide better comfort during long drives. Both seats swivel toward the living area, instantly becoming part of the interior once parked.

Across from them sits a comfortable bench seat equipped with seatbelts, allowing up to four people to travel safely.

A removable Lagun table sits between the seats, creating a flexible space for eating meals, working on a laptop, playing games, or simply relaxing after a day outdoors.

When extra sleeping space is needed, the bench quickly folds down into a small bed.

Storage has also been carefully planned throughout this section of the van. Large overhead cabinets provide plenty of room for clothing, blankets, books, and everyday travel essentials while keeping the main living area clean and organized.

Rather than filling the cabin with unnecessary furniture, Benchmark Vehicles focused on creating an open layout where every feature serves multiple purposes.

That smart design makes the Nomad feel much larger than many traditional camper vans, giving travelers the comfort they need whether they’re spending a weekend at a campsite or living on the road for months at a time.

Luxury Kitchen, Smart Bathroom, and a Bedroom Made for Long Adventures

Luxury Kitchen, Smart Bathroom, and a Bedroom Made for Long Adventures
Luxury Kitchen, Smart Bathroom, and a Bedroom Made for Long Adventures

One of the strongest parts of the Nomad camper van is its well-designed living area. Instead of trying to fit everything into one small corner, Benchmark Vehicles divided the kitchen into two separate sections. This layout creates more room for cooking while making the interior feel open and comfortable.

The kitchen has everything needed for daily life on the road. It includes a single-burner induction cooktop, a deep stainless-steel sink with a pull-out faucet, a Vitrifrigo refrigerator with a small freezer compartment, and a built-in microwave. Whether you’re making a quick breakfast before a hike or preparing dinner after a long drive, the kitchen offers enough space to work without feeling crowded.

Storage is another area where the Nomad performs well. There are several drawers, overhead cabinets, and lower cabinets that keep cooking supplies organized. A pull-out pantry makes it easy to reach dry food, while one of the side cabinets hides a slide-out coffee machine. It’s a small feature, but one that many travelers will appreciate during early mornings at camp.

Everything has its own place, helping keep the living area clean and clutter-free even during long trips.

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A Full Bathroom Without Compromising Comfort

Many camper vans skip a proper bathroom to save space, but the Nomad takes a different approach.

Benchmark Vehicles included a dedicated bathroom on the driver’s side of the van, giving travelers more privacy and convenience during long adventures.

Inside, you’ll find a spacious shower with a handheld shower wand that makes daily use simple. One of the standout features is the Nautilus retractable shower door. Unlike a traditional shower curtain, this self-cleaning door helps keep water inside the shower area and folds away neatly when not in use.

The bathroom also includes a portable toilet, providing an easy solution for off-grid camping without requiring campground facilities.

For travelers spending days away from cities or RV parks, having a private bathroom can make a huge difference in overall comfort.

Comfortable Queen Bed and Huge Storage Garage

At the rear of the van is one of the most relaxing spaces inside the Nomad.

The fixed queen-size bed stretches from one side of the van to the other. This layout is possible because the van uses side flares, which create extra sleeping width without increasing the overall size of the vehicle.

The bedroom feels bright and airy thanks to the large windows built into the side flares. Fresh air can quickly enter the sleeping area by opening the windows and using the roof-mounted Maxxair ventilation fan, making warm summer nights much more comfortable.

Getting into bed is also easy. One of the lower drawers doubles as a pull-out step, allowing convenient access without taking up permanent floor space.

Below the bed is a massive storage garage.

This area is large enough to carry camping equipment, folding chairs, outdoor gear, tools, and other bulky items. It can be accessed from both the rear cargo doors and the inside of the van, making loading and unloading much more convenient.

A heavy-duty slide-out cargo tray sits in the center of the garage. Built to support up to 500 pounds, it allows travelers to pull heavy equipment out without climbing inside the storage area. Built-in L-Track rails help secure cargo during travel, preventing items from shifting while driving over rough roads.

On both sides of the garage are additional storage compartments that house many of the van’s utility systems while still leaving room for extra gear.

This thoughtful storage layout makes the Nomad an excellent choice for people who enjoy skiing, mountain biking, kayaking, fishing, or extended camping trips.

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Built for Off-Grid Living in Every Season

Built for Off-Grid Living in Every Season
Built for Off-Grid Living in Every Season

Although Benchmark Vehicles hasn’t shared every technical detail of the electrical system, it’s clear that the Nomad was designed for serious off-grid travel.

Like many of the company’s previous builds, this camper van is expected to feature a powerful battery system, roof-mounted solar panels, and dependable electrical components that allow travelers to stay away from traditional campgrounds for extended periods.

The roof rack provides space for solar panels while also carrying additional gear. Combined with onboard water and power systems, the van is ready for remote adventures where basic services may not be available.

Its insulation, durable construction, and weather-resistant exterior make it especially well suited for cold climates like Alaska, where staying warm and self-sufficient is essential.

Whether you’re parked beside a mountain lake, exploring snowy forests, or camping far from the nearest town, the Nomad is built to provide the comfort of home wherever the road leads.

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Final Verdict

The Nomad camper van is much more than a luxury vehicle. It is a carefully designed home on wheels built for travelers who want to explore remote places without giving up everyday comfort.

Benchmark Vehicles has combined rugged off-road upgrades with a warm, modern interior that feels practical for both weekend escapes and full-time van life. From its comfortable seating area and fully equipped kitchen to its private bathroom, queen-size bed, and spacious rear garage, every part of the van has been designed with real travel in mind.

Its strong exterior protection, adventure-ready suspension, generous storage, and off-grid capability make it especially appealing for people who enjoy exploring challenging destinations in every season.

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