In 1947, a businessman named Ben Pon walked into a factory and was inspired. He sketched out a simple van, envisioning it would be used as a means to transport materials. Little did he know that he would be starting a movement that continues strong today- the camper van. A few years later, VW took that design and made their first VW Bus. Since, many companies have created their own version of camper vans. Other companies and DIYers are inspired to create their own designs in vehicles that are big enough to accommodate. One of the best on the market is Advanced RV in Willoughby, Ohio. They take three lengths of the Mercedes Benz Sprinter and provide a blank canvas and expertise in craftsmanship for customers to create a camper van that is perfect for them.
The company was started in 2012 by Mike Neundorfer. An engineer at heart, Neundorfer spent 40 years owning and operating a pollution abatement company. After selling Neundorfer Inc. to his second-in-command, Mike decided to pursue another longtime passion of his. "After many travels through Europe and Asia, Marcia and I decided to explore our own country. We did that in Class B motorhomes," Neundorfer tells The Buzz. "My experience in these motorhomes, two factory-built and one semi-custom, exposed me to the possibilities of living and travelling off the grid. I sold my first company and started Advanced RV, convinced there would be others who'd want to design their own motorhomes and bring their unique visions to life."
Seven years later, Advanced RV is now a growing team of experienced craftsmen, engineers, and designers. "Members of our electrical team have spent decades wiring and building complex power systems," says marketing coordinator Mitchell Dunbar, "Our cabinets are custom-made by craftsmen with just as much experience. Every day our team builds upon their existing knowledge and dives deeper into their crafts. There's artistry to their work." This is the philosophy of the company, according to Neundorfer: "We don't ask how we can make something cheaper, we always ask how to make it better."
Working on converting the camper van with any tool necessary. [Photo/Advanced RV]
Designing an Advanced RV is a five-step process. First, the client selects one of three different Sprinter chassis lengths and their desired color. Next, a multi-day visit to Cleveland, where the client configures materials, layout, and colors, all while sharing their complete vision with the Advanced RV team. At Step Three, the client receives an engineered rendering of the van. Upon approval, the van is then built with weekly photo updates provided throughout the entire process. Last is delivery: a two-day training with the vehicle followed by the open road.
Advanced RV has a popular YouTube channel where their community connects and learns about the latest builds. In one video, Neundorfer interviews Sue Valentine, a full-timer, on her recent purchase of a 144" Sprinter Motorhome called "Buckingvan Palace," which was crafted at Advanced RV. On one of her first nights, it was 8 degrees Fahrenheit and Valentine says it was perfectly warm inside and none of her water lines froze and everything "worked exactly as it should."
She then goes through some of the customization she worked with Advanced RV to design and build. She talked about a small wood storage box that is detachable and easy to move, which can also be utilized as a bench. There's a versatile table that can be used on the long couch or from the swiveling front captain's chairs. The table raises and lowers and can be moved in different directions. She asked that they install a composting toilet underneath an adjustable counter top, which she explains is not for everybody, but perfect for her as she does a lot of off-grid camping in the wilderness. Her shower space is in the back of the vehicle. Advanced RV designed it to be integrated with the rest of the vehicle and open so the window in the back is usable when the shower is not on. To use the shower, Valentine has a curtain that goes all the way around to keep everything dry outside the shower and designed it to have a 12' hose so she could bring the curtain outside and shower outside, also.
Another recent build is called "Baja". "We had a lot of fun with Baja," says Dunbar, "Instead of being designed by a client, it was designed by our collective team. It was an opportunity to be bold and try out some new ideas." Baja is built on a 2019 Sprinter Chassis and is stocked with everything. What sets it apart is its aesthetics. The cabinetry is a bright lime green and the countertops are a sleek stainless steel. It has an 800 amp hour Lithium Battery Bank, 3000 Watt inverter, 40 gallon freshwater tank, VB Air Suspension and much more.
Advanced RV's method has earned it a loyal following. Reviewers often comment on the innovation and customer service provided at during their visits. One client writes, "Advanced-RV is about far more than custom Sprinters, while they do that exceptionally well, the personalized attention and care we get is beyond belief. We truly feel like part of the friendly and welcoming family."