**See the full video discussing the layout here!**
A few months ago the Concrete Oasis Van Tours on Youtube took the internet by storm, and since then we've got a lot of people reaching out to us about doing a similar layout.
Recently we had two clients seriously inquire and we did a deep dive on the pros and cons. While they decided not to go with the new layout, we decided to try it out ourselves. We designed and built the van which will go for sale February 2025.
You can find details, pricing, and everything here for the Elevate Van. Below we discuss what we did differently.
In this article we're going to compare the Concrete Oasis Camper Van Layout with the original Brooklyn Campervans layout that is the most similar. If you're interested in other layouts, then this "Ultimate Guide to Sprinter Van Conversion Layouts" article or video is for you.
For now let's focus on the similarities!
What does the Concrete Oasis Camper Van have in common with the Brooklyn Campervans' layout?
To compare apples to apples, we are comparing our most similar layout based on amenities and size. They are both:
170WB Sprinters: This means that we're working with the same exact space.
Amenities: Pretty much both vans have the same amenities to varying degrees. There's a fixed wet bath, a kitchen space, dining space, and a lot of the appliances are the exact same.
With the space in either layouts, all the tech can be easily customized to fit in either vans.
What we're really going to focus on is the layout, and how it makes YOU feel.
What makes the Concrete Oasis Layout so good?
Queen size bed: The lift bed means that a person can sleep north to south, and it also means that the bed can be as wide as the van (Queen size).
Projector setup: A projector at the foot of the bed works seamlessly with the lift bed, and allows for a much larger screen for quite the movie experience
Cab partition: The divider between the front passenger and driver seat area with the living space really makes the interior feel like a home and not a van. The partition also gives added privacy or security if needed.
Sweet Lounge: This lounge area is quite huge and the upholstery really makes it feel like home. It's lovely that it works well with the Passenger Sliding Door open.
Shower: The shower in the back means more space to move around. It also allows for the toilet to be on a slider without encroaching in the living space storage. This convenience is pretty nice.
Storage: The layout doesn't necessarily offer more storage, but it's storage space is very different than traditional campervans. This can be a pro or a con.
It's got a full wardrobe size closet with big slide out drawers, and upper cabinet storage.
Vertical storage in the garage.
Storage in this slide out:
What makes the Brooklyn Campervans Layout so functional?
Height: throughout a Brooklyn Campervans' van is 6'2" compared to 5'5" underneath the bed. For reference in the photo: I'm 5'8".
Front cab space: the camper van is a small space, and Brooklyn Campervans makes use of the front cab space by swiveling the Driver and Passenger seat for a dinette space.
Easy Access to living space: Part of the daily routine in van life involves getting to and from the front seats inside, especially for stealth when it's time to sleep, you don't want to open your passenger door. Without a door and a bench seat blocking the way it is a lot easier
Legal seating: With seats behind the driver, Brooklyn Campervans installs road legal safe bench seats. This seat can fold down and become a guest bed, and it could also swivel away to face the views with the passenger door open.
Storage: The space here is different but more or less the same. The primary storage space is underneath the bed, which is a wide open space that gives clients the flexibility.
Upper Cabinets (which can be added onto the passenger side if needed)
Longer kitchen unit means more countertop space and storage in this area
Is the concrete oasis layout the best layout?
Ultimately both of our recent clients went with our layouts. For one of them, the deal breaker was the height. For the other they wanted more kitchen prep and counter space.
My personal preference: the Concrete Oasis layout is the first I've seen that makes a lot of sense for the Sprinter 170WB. The divider wall closing out the front space makes it truly feel like home. The shower in the back is also beautiful, and the creative potential is a lot more.
I'm a little claustrophobic, so with the divider wall closed, the shower back section mostly closed, the low ceilings, and with top to bottom wardrobe unit, it might make me a little uncomfortable, especially if I'm living in it with another person.
For me, this is a complete toss-up. Functionally I like the Brooklyn Campervans designs because there are more layout options for different people with different needs, not to mention all the options for the 144WB Sprinter.
Aesthetically, with the Concrete Oasis layout, there can be more design choices with more surfaces, which means there is some really cool potential.
I'm going to say it's a tie.
It's a little pricier, however this can be the perfect fit for many buyers. We did change a few things on our new Elevate Van that is heavily inspired by the Concrete Oasis.
The Elevate Van - what's changed since the Concrete Oasis.
What's changed:
It's built on an 170WB AWD Sprinter 3500XD Dually: This is simply a weight issue. The van requires 4 wheels on the back to support the payload, which means there's no worry about bringing on extra luggage or friends.
EcoFlow 15kWh / 1250 amp battery: Easiest, most compact, all-in-one, plug & play solution with 5 year warranty. Includes option to upgrade battery size further.
40 gallons of fresh water: More battery + more water = more freedom.
Powerful Undermount AC: This upgrade means 234% more BTU / cooling power.
12v Starlink modification: Uses 2.5x less energy and saves on one of the biggest power draws. This allows for it to stay on and activate Smart Home and Remote Monitoring capabilities.
High Level Fridge: No more bending over multiple times a day to access the fridge.
The unique skylight: Brooklyn Campervans is the only company to offer a slide-out skylight, so you can enjoy the stars without seeing your reflection in the glass. Take the elevator to the roof deck through the massive skylight!
Many small differences: 360 security system, Digital Rearview Mirror, R15 insulation, custom Roof Rack and Lights, plus much more.
See the full details and updates on the listing for the Elevate Van.
If you want to learn more about the other Brooklyn Campervans layouts read the Guide to Sprinter Van Conversion Layouts! If you've done enough reading and want to get straight to building out your custom van, check out our Online Sprinter Camper Van Builder and the camper vans we have for sale.
Finally, if all this is a lot of information and you just want a free 1 to 1 consultation, you can schedule it here.