Inside Rob Machado’s $250,000 “Rogue Wave” Sprinter Van

In the opening segment of Pat Stacy’s 2022 film The Color of Winter, featuring Rob Machado and the waves of North County San Diego, we get an inside look at Rob’s famous 1978 Dodge van, affectionately known as “The Creeper”. As Rob makes the short drive from his home to Seaside Reef, the van starts to smoke out from the dash board within moments of getting started. No bueno

While his old chariot still lives, and can be frequently seen lurking in the Seaside parking lot, with each passing year there was an undeniable realization that there was a need for something more reliable but that could also meet the incredible utility of his ol’ faithful, “The Creeper”. On a recent visit to Rob’s home, I got a look at his new whip–a fully decked out Mercedes Sprinter Van custom built by the genius craftsmen at Rogue Van Company. Fittingly dubbed the “Rogue Wave”, this is a highly limited edition creation, Rob’s is #1 of only 10 that will be made.

“The Creeper has been a part of my everyday routine for years; it’s got so much character,” says Rob. “But working with Rogue to build the Rogue Wave gave me a chance to create something that still feels like me, just elevated. Every detail was designed to support my family’s lifestyle of surfing, traveling, and our daily ventures around town. It’s like the soul of the Creeper in a whole new body.”

His Dodge has a core lord’s share of memories with zero of the amenities of a modern vehicle–no odometer, no speedometer, no windshield wipers, no a/c. But it still starts (sometimes) and when it does, it’s a good day because it means Rob is heading to the beach. 

“That’s about all she can handle these days, the trip to Seaside. The other day my son and I were driving about a mile away from here and she just died on us, that was it.”

Years ago he had the Creeper customized with help from artisan craftsman Jay Nelson to house what is essentially a surf shop on wheels. At any given moment the van may be holding 8 surfboards, 6 or more wetsuits, various sets of fins, leashes, traction pads, and countless bars of wax and stickers stashed amongst the various cubbies and storage spaces. 

The new chariot is a sight to behold, especially when you start to dig into the details. Any new Sprinter van is going to be nice but Rob’s truly hits different. First of all is the overall build quality that doesn’t just match what Mercedes did, it goes above and beyond with thoughtful touches inspired by his ol’ rig and surf career. The interior is fully modular from a fold up sleeping space to allow for more storage or seating to the kitchen elements which can be rolled out of the van via a ramp to create an outdoor kitchen vibe while camping. There’s even a modified Alpine Box by Owl Vans includes a fan-driven wetsuit drying system, keeping suits warm and toasty in anticipation of dawn patrol surf sessions or warming boots for early mornings at Mammoth Mountain.

Rob’s favorite piece though is the plank they installed that comes out from the rear of the van to provide a place to shower off and change free from the sand (or snow) that may be lurking in the parking lot. “I wanted something that would help me clean up and not get the van filthy, especially having a grom. I can pop him up there and hose him off and then he can change in the van and be ready for school or whatever, no mess needed.”

There’s a custom board rack that can be easily attached to the floor to keep up to 6 blades organized and safe while moving around, a nice touch when each van comes with a brand new custom board from Rob. When it comes time for bed he and his family can rest easy with Hest mattresses and cushions that make any sleeping area feel like you’re right at home. 

Santiago Fileta, founder and head builder at Rogue Van Company, says, “It’s a full expression of who Rob is, where he goes, and how he lives. From the materials to the layout, it’s all been crafted to serve his real lifestyle. It’s one of the most authentic collaborations we’ve ever done, and it’s fully designed by Rob and built by Rogue. We are committed to building one-of-a-kind adventure vehicles that reflect the people who drive them, and the Rogue Wave represents the next evolution in our journey.”

Although the van life craze of the pandemic years has cooled, you can’t deny the utility of an epic van especially if your lifestyle involves chasing waves and powder days with your family. The $250,000 price tag isn’t exactly affordable for most but, then again, when it comes to high-end homes on wheels, it’s a pretty good price for a rig that will put you in rare air and good company. 

To order or request more info check out Rogue Vans website.