Why We Chose to Install Flares on Our Mercedes Sprinter
Brad ScrivenShare
When you’re building out a van that’s going to be both your home and your adventure base, every design choice matters. For us, one of the biggest upgrades we decided on for our Mercedes Sprinter was adding flares. It wasn’t just about style it was about creating space, comfort, and flexibility for life on the road. And yes we think they'll look pretty sick when its completed
1. Making the Most of Limited Space
Vanlife is all about clever design, and flares unlock some serious potential. By extending the van’s sidewalls, we gained extra width inside just enough to allow us to sleep sideways (East - West) across the van. That simple shift freed up valuable length, which we could dedicate to storage, kitchen space, and a more open living area. In a home on wheels, those extra centimetres are gold.
2. Better Sleep, Better Adventures
A good night’s sleep is non-negotiable if you want to hit the road day after day with energy and good vibes. The added width from the flares means we can stretch out properly, no cramped knees or bent backs. It also allowed us to install a proper Queen size mattress, giving us bedroom-level comfort while chasing sunrises and late-night beach sessions.
3. A Sleek Look with Practical Benefits
We’ll admit it, the look of the flares won us over too. As a blank canvas the Van did look a little too "Tradie" van. Not that there's anything wrong with that, it just didn't fit our vision as it was. They give the van a bold, adventure-ready profile that matches our style and vibe. But the benefits aren’t just aesthetic. The moulded fiberglass design is lightweight, aerodynamic, and built to last. Perfect for the long Aussie road trips we’ve got planned.
4. Future-Proofing Our Build
We know our van is going to be our home for a long time, so we’ve been intentional about future-proofing. Installing flares gives us flexibility for layout changes down the track. Whether it’s adding more storage, shifting cabinetry, or just keeping things comfortable as our needs evolve, the flares give us breathing room for whatever’s next.
5. Living Large in a Small Space
At the end of the day, choosing flares was about making vanlife sustainable for us. They allow us to balance functionality with comfort, and style with practicality. In a van that’s already packed with music gear, cooking essentials, and the everyday stuff of life, the flares help keep everything flowing.
Our Takeaway
Installing flares on our Mercedes Sprinter was one of the best decisions we’ve made in our build so far. They’ve transformed how we will use the space, how we will sleep, and how the van will feel overall. For us, it’s not just about fitting out a van, it’s about building a life of freedom, flavour, and music on the road. And the flares? They’re giving us the extra room to live that dream comfortably. Thanks for reading.
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