The warm spring and summer months open the doors, quite literally, to a myriad of activities under the sun. While the weather is perfect for taking your camper van for weekend trips up to the mountains or off the grid, there’s only so far you can get on four wheels. And since space is limited inside these class Bs, they don’t leave much room for a more agile secondary vehicle, let alone two or three. Now, Portland-based company Outside Van seeks to shake up the industry a bit with a specialized sleeper made specifically for cyclists so you can get to the harder-to-reach spots on the map — and you won’t always have to do it alone, either.
The Tails van is crafted from a 2021 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 144 to hold up to six bikes in total: four on the outside utility ladders and two on the gear glider inside, so that you can have options when out there riding and your travel companions can enjoy the experiences with you. Outside Van is calling it the “ultimate bike mechanic station on wheels” for its several features that will appeal to cycling enthusiasts out there, such as the repair stand from Park Tool, garage gear glider, custom tool rolls, rear door flip-down worktable, Molle Panels, and ARB air compressor with multiple attachment sites.
The Tails isn’t all about catering to cyclists, though, as it’s a stunning camper van even for non-riders. The inside of the van also sports a kitchen with overhead cabinets, a microwave, a deep sink with a sprayer faucet, and a 130L stainless steel fridge, as well as multiple 110V and USB outlets and a 20-gallon fresh water tank. The stage 3 Lithionics power system puts out 945Ah of power paired with a 2,000W inverter. Additionally, this thing is solar-capable with a 140W Zamp solar panel on the roof.
With this van, you’re not only able to explore the backcountry overnight but you don’t have to sacrifice the benefits of being surrounded by spectacular riding landscapes either. Outside Van’s Tails van will be available to purchase and customize soon. Keep an eye on the company’s website for more details.
