TL;DR
Yama Vans has introduced Peyto, a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter-based camper built on their Gear Bus platform. It features all-wheel drive, integrated bike storage, a Murphy bed, and gear walls, catering to outdoor enthusiasts on Vancouver Island. The build emphasizes practicality and versatility for daily use and adventure.
Yama Vans has unveiled Peyto, a new all-wheel-drive Sprinter camper van built on their modular Gear Bus platform, designed specifically for outdoor enthusiasts and daily drivers on Vancouver Island. This build combines practical features like integrated bike storage, a Murphy bed, and gear organization with off-road capabilities, marking a significant addition to their adventure van lineup.
Peyto is based on a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 144 with all-wheel drive, powered by a twin-turbo diesel engine paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. It features a coastal blue exterior and a thoughtfully designed interior optimized for both daily use and outdoor adventures. The van’s interior includes swiveling cab seats that expand the living space, a compact galley with a slide-out fridge, and gear walls utilizing MOLLE panels and L-track rails for versatile storage.
The standout feature is its sideways Murphy bed, which folds down at night and clears space during the day to serve as a bike garage, with enough height to accommodate upright gravel bikes underneath. Bikes are stored inside the van, secured with floor-mounted L-track anchors, protecting them from weather and dirt. Additional storage elements include door organizers and perforated panels for easy access to gear. The van is equipped with a 4 kWh lithium house battery, a diesel air heater, and all-terrain tires, making it suitable for diverse terrains beyond paved roads.
Innovative Design for Outdoor and Daily Use
The Peyto build exemplifies how modular van design can meet the needs of outdoor enthusiasts who require versatile, off-road capable vehicles that double as daily drivers. Its integrated bike storage and gear organization address common challenges faced by adventure travelers, potentially influencing future camper van designs. The use of AWD and rugged features also expands the capabilities of compact camper vans, making them more suitable for remote or challenging environments, which is increasingly relevant as outdoor recreation gains popularity.
bike storage for camper van
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Yama Vans’ Modular Platform and Market Position
Yama Vans, a Canadian upfitter, specializes in converting Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vans into adventure-ready vehicles using their Gear Bus platform. Their builds emphasize modularity, practicality, and off-road capability. Peyto continues this trend, adding features tailored to bikers and outdoor explorers. The company’s approach reflects a growing market demand for versatile, high-functionality camper vans that serve both as daily transportation and adventure vehicles. This development follows their previous offerings, which focus on customizable, gear-centric interiors, and marks a step toward more integrated, user-friendly designs.
“Peyto demonstrates how modular van builds can seamlessly blend daily usability with off-road adventure features, especially with its innovative bike storage and gear organization.”
— an anonymous researcher from Tiny House Talk
Murphy bed for RV
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Details on Production and Customization Options
It is not yet clear how many Peyto units will be produced, whether the features are customizable, or if additional options will be available for different terrains or interior layouts. Further information from Yama Vans regarding pricing, availability, and future variants remains pending.
off-road camper van tires
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Next Steps for Interested Buyers and Market Expansion
Yama Vans plans to showcase Peyto at upcoming van expos and provide detailed specifications and ordering options on their website. Interested buyers should expect to see more customization options and potential variants tailored for different outdoor activities. The company may also expand their Gear Bus platform to include other models with similar modular features, broadening their market reach.
van gear organization MOLLE panels
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Key Questions
Can the Peyto be customized for different outdoor activities?
Details are not yet confirmed, but Yama Vans’ modular approach suggests customization options may be available to suit various outdoor pursuits beyond biking.
What is the expected price range for the Peyto build?
Pricing information has not been officially announced; interested buyers should stay tuned for updates from Yama Vans.
Will the Peyto be available outside of Canada?
There is no official information on international availability yet; the initial focus appears to be on the Canadian market, particularly Vancouver Island.
How does the bike storage system work exactly?
The bikes are stored inside the van, with the Murphy bed folding down over them, and are secured with floor-mounted L-track anchors, allowing upright storage and protection from the elements.
Source: Tiny House Talk
