The free-soloist used to live in a van. Now he’s giving them away, complete with sustainable and off-road upgrades totaling $80K.
In the pursuit of building a rig to live the #vanlife sustainably, bills can skyrocket. Upgrade costs can add up prohibitively quickly, and then there’s the cost of the van itself. Luckily, we have Alex Honnold.
The van-dweller turned Oscar-winner himself announced a rad Sprinter giveaway on July 21, in partnership with Omaze. Honnold runs publicity and Vansmith handles the Mercedes Benz 4×4 conversion, which features solar panels, all-natural build materials, and havelock wool insulation.
You can enter the sweepstakes now, either for free or via donating to the Honnold Foundation. No purchase is necessary to win, and the winner gets chosen this November. Estimated retail price of the grand prize?
$142K.
That’s a lot of cheddar. So, what is this thing?
Eco-Upgraded Sprinter Van Details
The platform for the giveaway is a Mercedes 4×4 Sprinter (no further specs available). But the centerpiece is Vansmith’s Green Package $80K conversion, which costs more than the van itself. Upgrades are on deck across the exterior and interior.
Outside, choose from a variety of add-ons like all-terrain tires and a bike rack. Rooftop solar panels support the interior kit, with a full kitchen and an array of charging/LED consoles. It’s got hip bamboo countertops and cabinetry with cutout pulls on the drawers and doors to deliver chic but functional storage.
“Realistically, it’s bigger than a New York City apartment,” says Honnold, “so get psyched.”
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In addition to sustainable build materials and solar panels, the Green Package also includes havelock wool insulation. The fiber absorbs harmful chemicals like formaldehyde, and it can be composted (if and when you move into a new van).
A Word on the Honnold Foundation, and Omaze Sweepstakes Details
Transitioning between dirtbag income and movie star income without much lifestyle adjustment left Alex Honnold with some extra jack. With some of it, he started the Honnold Foundation, which provides grants to programs advancing solar energy around the world.
The 2021 grant recipients include an all-girls school in Liberia, the Navajo and Hopi Nations, and rural communities from Myanmar to Nicaragua.
Each donation made through the Omaze giveaway supports the Foundation. In the sweepstakes, a bigger donation buys you more entries: $10 gets you 100, and $100 gets you 2,000. Entries per contestant are limited to 6,000. You can also enter without contributing, one web form at a time.
Your max investment? $300 to a proven charity or $300 for a $142K eco-upgraded van. Not bad either way. The giveaway closes November 6, 2021.
