MAR-VAN subframe for MB Sprinter 2002 - 2006 (W903)

A well-thought-out base for building a camper van.

MAR-VAN is a modular support structure that creates a solid foundation inside the van for the entire future conversion. Instead of searching for suitable places in the bodywork for each cabinet, lining, or technology, you get a system of vertical ribs and horizontal beams into which you can securely anchor the conversion.

The structure is designed specifically for Mercedes-Benz Sprinter W903, model years 2002–2006, and is available in L1H2, L2H2, and L3H2 variants depending on the length of the vehicle.

Why MAR-VAN?

With classic camper construction, you often have to figure out where to attach furniture, where to run cables, how to create a base for the cladding, and where to find a sufficiently strong point in the bodywork.

MAR-VAN creates its own structural network inside the van.

You can then anchor to it, for example:

• upper and lower cabinets
• kitchen block
• bed structure
• electrical installation and other technologies
• wall cladding
• other conversion equipment

Thanks to the system of ribs and beams, the forces from the attached equipment are distributed over a larger area of the structure.

Strong construction without unnecessary weight

The system is designed to combine low weight with high strength.

The assembly includes plywood structural battens, which are sufficient for most common conversions. Furniture and other equipment can be easily anchored to them using screws and suitable adhesive.

In areas with exceptionally high loads, the structural battens can be replaced with 40 × 20 × 2 mm aluminum profiles.

Space for insulation, cables, and water

One of the great advantages of MAR-VAN is that the structure is not just something you screw a cabinet onto.

The ribs contain prepared holes for electrical wiring and water distribution. At the same time, they allow for insulation over a large area and subsequent covering with cladding.

The structure thus helps to keep the conversion organized even when the van is still completely empty.

Lighter wall cladding

A denser network of fixed points also means that the wall cladding itself does not have to provide all the planar rigidity.

Depending on the specific conversion design, it is thus possible to use, for example, thinner plywood, tongue-and-groove panels, sandwich or honeycomb panels, or other light cladding materials.

This can save additional kilograms in a complete conversion.

Customize it to your conversion

The placement of the ribs can be adapted to the specific interior design.

Need a side window? A wide bed? Differently arranged cabinets?

The structure can be adapted according to the layout of the conversion, and the ribs and beams can also be used to create a solid frame around the necessary cutouts.

You can install it yourself

MAR-VAN is not only intended for professional converters.

The system is designed so that even a more experienced home builder can install it according to the installation instructions. For installation, you will need common tools, a drill, riveting pliers, and an appropriate assembly kit.

For the basic structure for L2H2, the manufacturer states an approximate installation time of 12–16 hours.

With two people and good preparation, the foundation for your future conversion can be completed in one working day.

Contents of individual variants

Approximate loading area length:

L1 – approx. 2.6 m
L2 – approx. 3.3 m
L3 – approx. 4.3 m

Main advantages

• structure designed for a specific type of van
• solid foundation for furniture and equipment
• more even load distribution
• low weight
• variable rib placement
• space for cables and water lines
• possibility of full-surface insulation
• possibility of using lighter cladding
• suitable for both professional and DIY conversions
• assembly without the need to build a complete structure from scratch

PIMP TIP

The biggest advantage of MAR-VAN, in our opinion, is not that it saves a few hours of work. It is that even before assembling the first cabinet, you create a system of fixed points in the van that you can count on when designing the entire conversion.

If you are building a camper for the first time, figuring out "where do I actually attach this" can surprisingly consume a lot of time during construction.