Canadian van outfitter Yama Vans caught our attention with the debut of their new show van dubbed the Grand Teton, built on the 144-inch wheelbase Sprinter platform. The Yama crew is known for their incredible attention to detail and excellent interior designs, but the Grand Teton takes some design cues from another overland-centric legend, the Land Rover Defender.
For starters, the Grasmere Green harkens back to plenty of old Rovers, and the white branding doubles down on the throwback to these classic rigs. On the inside, the Rover-inspired design cues continue with the cross-hatched marine-grade upholstering harkening back to 90s Defenders.
However, this excellent build from Yama is far just a throwback to 4x4s from decades past. It’s riding on Bilstein front struts and rear Fox shocks. This, paired with Nomad Convoy wheels wrapped in Toyo Open Country AT tires, ensures the Grand Teton is ready for rugged tracks.
On the exterior, you’ll find a host of mods Agile Offroad, including fenders, skids, a winch bumper, and lighting. On the back, a couple of carriers from Owl Vans take care of the spare and provide access to the provide access to the roof. This build is ready for miles and miles of adventure thanks to a 47-gallon fuel tank from S&B Filters.
Yama’s own products, like side and rear steps, a side ladder, and a roof rack, increase the capability and convenience factors of the Grant Teton. There’s also an awning and 200-watts of solar up top.
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Inside, you’ll find seating for four and sleeping space for three. The swivel front seats are a great boost to interior livability. When flipped from the driving view, these provide two of the four seats around a flip-down table. The bench side provides two three-point seatbelts for additional passengers. This bench seat also converts into a small bed when folded down. The main sleeping space features flares to provide extra interior room.
Underneath the sleeping platform, the gear garage is designed to provide plenty of storage and organization options. Built-in MOLLE panels allow the user to dial in the storage space to fit their needs. This area also holds the van’s power system featuring an 8.5 kWh Victron lithium battery bank, a 3,000 W inverter/charger, a 280-amp dual alternator package, a solar charge controller, and a starter battery trickle charging system. Opposite this system, you’ll find a 28-gallon freshwater tank and pump. The Yama Van Grand Teton is also outfitted with a 9-gallon grey water tank.
The galley includes a single induction burner, a sink with cover, a faucet, a flip-up counter, and a fridge freezer combo. Throughout the interior is finished with dimmable lights, rubber tile flooring, and wood detailing.
Along with all of these capabilityand comfort-focused features, Yama included a hydronic heating system that provides hot water and hot air while also heating the floor. On the opposite end of the seasonal spectrum, there’s a rooftop air conditioning unit for summer adventures.
The bathroom is integrated into the floor by the door. A flip up panel reveals a teak and stainless shower pan. You just have to attach the curtain and the shower head, and you’re ready to scrub down in the backcountry.
Yama’s Grand Teton is not only well designed in terms of capability and backcountry comforts, but their team did a great job capturing the nostalgia of a truly classic and legendary overland rig. While we’re far removed from the days of cramming everything we need for an overland adventure into something as small as a D90 Defender, it’s nice to have a reminder of how good we have it while enjoying some wilderness vanlife adventures.
