Tilting walkable solar deck
660 W of panels that tilt to face the sun directly and lock flat when you start the engine. Fully walkable: the perfect place to enjoy a sunset or have your morning coffee.
2.2×more energy than flat
Explore the features
A Swiss army knife on wheels
Project Balance stands for the perfect synergy between comfort, spaciousness, and manoeuvrability. Smart engineering and efficient, high-end systems make this seamless: not just on video, but in real life.
The idea
Creating a space you can come home to
A van should serve you
The design of a van is meant to serve you, help you with everything that you might need while exploring adventures, and provide a warm home wherever you park it. Ideally remaining relatively compact and ready to take to most places and yet providing a very good feeling home.
Space is limited, so every choice is a trade-off
In a van, space is limited. Because of that, making choices is always a balancing act. You just can't have everything in a van.
Bigger is not more freedom
A lot of people try, and you often see these huge vans which look amazing. However, in Europe especially, these kinds of vehicles might actually provide less freedom. They are harder to park, are less comfortable to drive, have higher fuel costs, are stressful to use in cities, and are often unable to reach those beautiful remote locations.
So we build smarter, not bigger
So instead of going bigger, we use unique solutions and clever engineering to pack everything you could wish for in a smaller van. A bit like a Swiss army knife, things slide in and out, and fold away smoothly when you're done. Finding the sweet spot between size and comfort. Rather than adding more and more.
“If you're looking for a normal van, you're not looking for Project Balance.”
Get in touchSpecifications
Not just a pretty face
Every system is chosen to save time, simplify life and provide comfort on the road: proven materials, well-designed systems and components chosen to last.
Chassis
MAN TGE 3.140 L3H3
This vehicle is an 8-speed automatic, has the 140 hp engine (the most reliable one); has a maximum load capacity of 3,500 kg, and is identical to the VW Crafter 2.0. This is the 5.90 m version with a standing height of 1.90 m. This van is one of the best, if not the best, out there right now. The TGE drives comfortably, is very reliable, has solid fuel efficiency, and stands the test of time. It also has a zinc coating underneath the paint, a massive upgrade when it comes to preventing rust, a big problem for campervans as they are often used around the ocean.
Solar & power
660 W tiltable, walkable solar deck
In our own winter testing, the tilting system generated up to 2.2× more energy than the same panels mounted flat. The panels are fully walkable, transforming the roof into an additional living space.
6.7 kWh (560 Ah) lithium battery
Enough capacity to cook, heat water and live comfortably off-grid, day after day.
3,000 W inverter and engine charging
Household power everywhere, and the batteries also charge while you drive.
Heating
Radiant-heated floors
Using coolant pipes underneath the floor throughout the van. No more cold feet in winter. Uses only around 25 W.
Additional air heating
Powered by either a 5 kW hydronic diesel heater or a 1.5 kW electric boiler. Fully ready for winter with great insulation.
Water
125-litre fresh water and grey water tanks
125 litres of fresh water removes the need for constant filling and will last you multiple days of showers and daily sink use. Both tanks are mounted inside the van to allow for 4-season use; the grey water tank is controlled electronically from the control system for easy dumping.
Warm water
Using a 1.5 kW, 25-litre boiler from the marine industry, which works on electricity generated from the sun or, when not in abundance, the 5 kW diesel heater.
Hidden shower
Hidden in plain sight, this shower can be lowered when needed. It has a rainfall showerhead, 2 extraction fans, and is what makes a camper feel like a home.
Toilet drawer
This drawer is designed to hold either a chemical or composting toilet. Based on the owner's preference.
Kitchen
Full-size sink
Easy cleaning with a soap dispenser, warm and cold water.
Dishwasher
Only 3.7 litres for the extended cycle, fitting 6 plates, 6 glasses and cutlery. Not just convenient, but water-saving as well.
Double-stove induction cooktop
Gasless cooking because of the power setup and this induction cooktop.
Slim and tall fridge/freezer
This tall model is optimal for the most efficient use of space in the kitchen; it provides 105 litres of ice-cold efficiency.
Filtered water
Great-tasting water from a French-made water filter specifically chosen for easy cartridge changes and excellent filtration, including PFAS (with reports).
Living
U-shaped seating area
Super comfortable large couch-like space, great to relax, work or host people.
Full-size dynamic bed
When retracted, the bed is only 1.00 m by 1.40 m to provide a spacious living experience during the day; when it's time to sleep, you extend the bed another metre over the seating area to make it a full-length 2.00 m by 1.40 m bed. It can also be extended 1 m outside, for the best possible stargazing :)
Large skylight / roof hatch
This large skylight hatch provides fresh air over the bed, a great view of the stars, and you can even climb out of it onto the roof deck.
One-of-a-kind cabin divider
This is a first in the world fully retractable, insulated cabin divider. I wanted a cabin divider that offers both the advantages of a bulkhead wall and a fully open design. This divider opens and closes in seconds and is insulated with cork. That makes it great at blocking heat and noise. When retracted, the space is totally open, allowing you to use swivel seats, enjoy the light coming through the windows, and start driving without exiting the van in case of emergencies.
Swivel seats
By using the car cabin space, another metre of living area is added to the van. It can also be separated quickly by using the cabin divider.
Large rear garage
The garage at the back of the van provides ample storage for suitcases, sports equipment, surfboards and bikes.
Stealth
From outside, the van still looks fairly normal. There are no power hookups or water fill-up points visible, or obvious solar panels or roof fans sticking out.
Finishes
Microcement finish
A special type of microcement has been used to give this van a unique appearance, while maintaining incredible (and tested) flexibility and durability.
Handmade finishes
From the red cedar roof to the solid walnut trim pieces, there has been meticulous attention to detail, making the van feel calm and warm.
Indirect dimmable LED lighting
All lighting in the van is LED, which makes it highly efficient and provides ample lighting. Not only is it dimmable, but the temperature can also be adjusted. From 2300K (extremely warm white) to 6000K (bright daylight).
Now for sale
Three steps to own Project Balance
- 1
We schedule a call
You send the form and we plan a call. We talk about what you're looking for, what the van does and does not do, and whether it fits you. No obligation.
- 2
Rent it for a weekend
Live in the van for a weekend and find out how it really works day to day. Buy it afterwards and the rental cost comes off the price.
- 3
Happy campers
The van is yours, with a one-year warranty on our workmanship and a check-up a year later.
Next step
Want to be the next owner of this van?
Send the form below and we'll get back to you to schedule that call.
Questions
Good to know
Can we modify the layout?
Yes, that's the point of a custom build. You decide the layout, the materials and the colour scheme to use. In this the van becomes something personal to you. I do recommend a certain layout which has already been proven and perfected, and from there we will step by step decide how to continue the process of bringing your dream home to life.
Is it really off-grid?
Completely. 660 W of tilting solar, a 6.7 kWh lithium battery, a 3,000 W inverter and 125 litres of fresh water mean you're independent of campsites, including cooking, hot showers and heating, in all four seasons.
Which base vehicle is used?
Project Balance is built on the MAN TGE 3.140 L3H3 (identical to the VW Crafter): reliable, comfortable to drive, 1.90 m standing height, and zinc-coated against rust. Custom installations can be adapted to most van platforms.
What warranty do I get?
Should something go wrong, every conversion includes a one-year warranty on our workmanship, starting from the date the vehicle is delivered. Every build also includes a check-up around one year after delivery, where we inspect the conversion, moving mechanisms, plumbing, electrical installation, sealants and other important connection points. Our one-year warranty is an additional VictoryVans guarantee and does not affect any statutory rights you may have under Dutch consumer law.Read the full warranty
How do I start?
We'll discuss availability, pricing and timeline, and then, step by step, the design of your build.Get in touch by clicking here
Previous builds
Portfolio
Have a look at some of the previous projects of mine.
July the Lion
SoldMercedes Sprinter L3H2 with 1,000 W of solar, radiant heated floor, foldable shower and more.
Owner reviews for this build are on their way.
Mercedes-Benz T2
Custom installA custom cabin divider built into a Mercedes-Benz T2, the first of its kind.
“Just over a year ago Victor fitted his retractable cabin divider in my camper. I first got in touch with him about a camper he was selling and although I did not end up buying it, this particular part made a real impression on me. He said he could build and fit one for me too.
Read the full review +
I have used the screen very intensively for a year and that makes it very clear how good the quality is. The divider looks incredibly clean, blocks a lot of noise and all of the light. Looking through the windscreen it almost seems like a solid wall. After rolling it up and down several times a day there is still no wear to be seen and I have never had any problems.
What made Victor truly unique in my eyes was that he worked on the principle: tell me conceptually what you want and I will do the thinking on how it best fits the van. He had to work with very awkward shapes and build around parts of the sliding door, and he did all the thinking to fit it perfectly. Both the product and Victor come 100% recommended.”
The Crafter
SoldVW Crafter L2H3: a uniquely compact build.
“Victor built my campervan custom 3 years ago and I still love it. He was great to work with, really listened, easy to talk to, and made the whole process feel collaborative instead of stressful. It ended up feeling properly tailored to how I actually travel, not just a generic setup. Still savouring the experiences it brought me and taking it on adventures.”
Yanosh the Baby Elephant
SoldVolkswagen T4: a compact, cosy adventure van, off-grid ready.
Owner reviews for this build are on their way.
Carolien's Camper
Custom installBringing life back into an older compact camper.
“Really happy with everything Victor did to my camper! From the boiler and shower to the heater, fridge, solar panels, USB sockets and filtered tap, it has all been made and installed beautifully. He always listens carefully, thinks along with you, and the service is genuinely great. Very friendly and reliable. I'm a fan! 😊”