Dark Princess

“I dreamed and loved and wandered and sang…” W.E.B. DuBois

As a company, we’re suckers for dogs. We love them, own them, and travel with them. Our office would allow dogs if we didn’t work in a bustling and dangerous shop! So, working with the owner of Dark Princess was a real treat. “The van is for me and my 10-year-old Yellow Labrador, K9 CALI. Cali is a working PTSD dog.” Melt our hearts! Dark Princess is a 2022 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 144 built for K9 Cali and her active, outdoor-loving human.

The interior of Dark Princess is a cozy and inviting place to spend time. The warm Lonridge Moccasin flooring draws the eye to the Interweave Dark Oatmeal walls and Oatmeal ceiling. Slider and backdoor bug screens are often overlooked but essential pieces to enjoying van life. From the owner, “I love the idea of having the van doors wide open with bug screens down so that we can be both inside and outside at the same time!” Dark Princess’ galley kitchen space includes an Isotherm refrigerator, sink with pull-down faucet, storage drawers, overhead cabinetry, and a side bench seat with a removable table mount. A two-panel bed with side-to-side flares creates extended space for lots of rest.

Powering Dark Princess is 315Ah lithium-ion batteries, a 2000W Magnum inverter, 280XP high amp alternator, and a rooftop solar panel. (3) 110V outlets and (4) USB/USB-C keep electronics charged. Some unique features of Dark Princess include its FTM-400 DR Ham Radio, Baja Designs Mercedes Squadron Sport Fog Pocket ditch lights, Owl Vans Sherpa Cargo Carrier, upgraded audio systems, and a WeBoost cell phone signal booster. This build features an Agile RIP Kit, “No Rub” Front Tire Fender, 17” Black Rhino Yellowstone wheels, and BFGoodrich K02 tires. K9 Cali and her owner enjoy warm cabin air thanks to the Webastro Air Top EVO 40 diesel heating system and hot water thanks to an Espar Hydronic Diesel Heating system.