Mercedes Sprinter 144
OR
Ford Transit 148
Perfect for solo travelers or couples who want a compact adventure-ready van.
Seat & Sleeps
2Length
19'Shower
Exterior * * Optional Add-OnsClass B RVs, Conversion Vans & Campervans for Sale in Bend, OR
Mercedes Sprinter 144
OR
Ford Transit 148
Perfect for solo travelers or couples who want a compact adventure-ready van.
Seat & Sleeps
2Length
19'Shower
Exterior * * Optional Add-OnsMercedes Sprinter 144
OR
Ford Transit 148
Includes a shower setup for longer trips without compromising comfort or space.
Seat & Sleeps
2Length
19'Shower
Bench * * Optional Add-OnsMercedes Sprinter 170
OR
Ford Transit 148 E
Ideal for those who want extra living space and more storage for extended adventures.
Seat & Sleeps
2Length
22'Shower
FullMercedes Sprinter 170
OR
Ford Transit 148 E
Luxury model with full amenities, extended power systems, and interior bathroom.
Seat & Sleeps
2Length
22'Shower
FullMercedes Sprinter 144
OR
Ford Transit 148
Perfect for families who want space, comfort, and functionality in a compact build.
Seat & Sleeps
4Length
19'Shower
Exterior * * Optional Add-OnsMercedes Sprinter 170
OR
Ford Transit 148 E
A larger build for families who love extended adventures and more storage.
Seat & Sleeps
4Length
22'Shower
Bench * * Optional Add-OnsMercedes Sprinter 170
OR
Ford Transit 148 E
The luxury upgrade with interior shower and full power systems for long trips.
Seat & Sleeps
4Length
22'Shower
Full
Bend sits at about 3,600 feet on the dry side of the Cascades, and the high desert climate shapes every decision about a camper van here. Summer days reach the upper 80s and can drop 40 degrees by dawn. Nights below freezing are possible in June and September. The air is thin and dry, the sun is intense, and winter brings real snow at elevation while town stays comparatively mild.
What you get in return is access that few towns in the country match. Deschutes National Forest starts at the edge of town, with dispersed camping along forest roads. The Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway climbs past Mount Bachelor to a chain of alpine lakes. Smith Rock is about 30 minutes north, Newberry National Volcanic Monument is about 30 minutes south, and Crater Lake is roughly two hours away.
The Vansmith creates Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and Ford Transit camper vans in Boulder, Colorado, and delivers across Oregon. Conversion packages start at $46,950, complete vans with the chassis included start at $115,950, and pre-built Bivy models range from $119,700 to $192,570. For the statewide picture, explore
camper vans in Oregon.
The defining requirement here. Bend nights are cold year-round at elevation, and a 90-degree afternoon at Sparks Lake can become a 35-degree dawn. A fuel-fired air heater runs off the vehicle's own fuel tank, draws very little electricity, and dries the air while it warms it. Combustion heaters also need altitude compensation to run cleanly at higher elevations, which is worth discussing during the design call. See Heater Service and our Sprinter heater guide.
Less critical than in a humid climate, because dry air cools fast once the sun drops and the overnight temperature does most of the work. Ventilation and insulated window covers handle much of Bend's summer heat. Air conditioning is worth considering if you travel to the Willamette Valley, California, or the desert Southwest.
Insulation does more work here than in many places because the daily temperature swing is so large. A 40-degree difference between afternoon and dawn is routine at elevation. The Vansmith insulates all six sides, and pre-built Bivy models use Havelock wool.
Dispersed camping in Deschutes National Forest has no hookups, and the best sites are often the ones where you stay for several days. The Vansmith sizes the lithium battery bank around your actual overnight power needs, with low-temperature charge protection because charging lithium batteries below freezing without protection can damage the cells. See our Electrical System work and our cold-weather battery charging guide.
Central Oregon gets abundant sunshine and thin, clear air at altitude, which can make solar productive. Two factors can reduce output: tall ponderosa pines at many forest campsites and wildfire smoke in late summer. DC-DC alternator charging provides another way to replenish the battery bank when solar production drops. See Solar Installation and our solar sizing guide.
Freezing nights are possible for much of the year at elevation around Bend, a longer window than many buyers expect. Insulated water lines, heated tanks, and accessible drain points can help protect the water system during shoulder-season travel and reduce the risk of frozen or split lines.
| Specification | Why It Matters in Bend | What Buyers Should Consider |
|---|---|---|
| Heating | Freezing nights are possible nine months a year at elevation | Output matched to van volume, plus altitude compensation for combustion heaters |
| Insulation | A 40-degree swing between afternoon and dawn is routine here | Coverage on all six sides; Havelock wool in pre-built Bivy models |
| Air Conditioning | Less critical in dry heat, worth having for travel west and south | Whether you need it at all, and if so, overnight runtime off battery |
| House Battery | Deschutes dispersed camping has no hookups, and good sites invite long stays | Low-temperature charge protection, and usable capacity rather than nominal capacity |
| Solar Charging | Productive at altitude, but output is reduced by ponderosa shade and late-summer smoke | Panel wattage against roof area, and whether your usual sites are shaded |
| Alternator Charging | Covers shaded sites, smoke season, and winter | DC-DC charger output, and how it supplements charging on a Cascade Lakes drive |
| Fresh Water | No water at dispersed forest sites, and dry air increases consumption | Capacity matched to your realistic route, plus insulated and drainable lines |
| Wastewater | Forest sites have no dump facilities, and gray-water lines can freeze first | Gray-water capacity matched to fresh water, with accessible and fully draining outlets |
| Refrigeration | Long summer trips with resupply often back in town | Capacity and power draw; a 12V compressor fridge runs on battery alone |
| Vehicle Dimensions | Turnaround space on forest spurs matters more than parking in Bend | Approximately 19.5 ft or 22.5 ft long as configured, and 9 to 10 ft tall in high-roof form |
| Payload | Water, batteries, skis, bikes, and climbing gear add up faster than expected | Chassis payload rating against your realistic loaded weight; evaluated for each build |
| Tires and Brakes | Volcanic rock on forest roads, plus Cascade pass traction requirements | All-terrain tires with a severe snow rating; sidewall strength as well as tread |
| Ground Clearance | Determines which Deschutes dispersed campsites you can reach | Clearance and approach angles; dependent on chassis, trim, and drivetrain |
| Electrical Monitoring | During several days at a dispersed site, you need to know how much power remains | A battery monitor showing real state of charge, not just a voltage gauge |
Exact figures for payload, ground clearance, tire sizing, and vehicle dimensions depend on the chassis, trim, and drivetrain you choose. We confirm each specification against your selected van during the design call.
Nine tailored layouts across the two-person DUO Series and the four-person FAMILY Series, on Sprinter 144 and 170 wheelbases and Transit 148 and 148 extended, plus three pre-built Bivy trims. Browse all tailored models.
A Class B RV is a camper built inside a van body rather than on a truck chassis. In Bend, this category works well for many outdoor travelers: forest roads into Deschutes National Forest can be narrow with limited turnaround space, and a van can reach dispersed sites that a larger motorhome may need to pass. Browse our Class B RVs for sale.
Our full current stock, including inspected used vans, is on the camper vans for sale page.
Pre-built Bivy models are typically ready in 8 to 10 weeks; tailored builds generally take 12 to 16 weeks. Use our van designer or call (303) 414-6834 for a fixed, itemized quote.
The Sprinter is available in 144- or 170-inch wheelbases, with all-wheel drive and 4x4 options depending on model year and configuration. For Bend, drivetrain, ground clearance and tire selection are worth considering if you plan to travel on Deschutes forest roads or drive in winter. See Sprinter van conversions and Sprinter campers for sale.
The Transit generally costs less to buy and service, with dealer coverage in Bend and across Oregon. All-wheel drive is available on eligible model years and configurations. For buyers who mainly use paved roads and maintained forest routes, it can offer excellent value. See Ford Transit van conversions and our Sprinter vs. Transit comparison.
The short wheelbase can be the better choice for Bend, primarily because of turnaround space rather than parking. Deschutes forest spurs can be narrow, and a roughly 19.5-foot van may be easier to turn around than a roughly 22.5-foot van. The right choice depends on your preferred routes, living space and storage needs. See small camper vans.
Forest roads around Bend range from well-graded gravel to rougher routes with ruts and volcanic rock. Clearance, approach angles, tires and drivetrain all influence where you can travel. Specifications vary by chassis, trim and drivetrain. See 4x4 RVs for sale.
The DUO Series is designed around two adults with generous gear storage, while the FAMILY Series sleeps four. Consider how much interior space you need for sleeping, cooking and equipment before choosing a layout. See camper vans for couples and family van conversions, plus our layout ideas guide.
Four two-person layouts: DUO from $46,950, DUO S from $53,950, DUO XLS from $63,950, plus the DUO XL on the longer wheelbase, priced on request. Features include a fixed bed, galley, and standard electrical, water and heating systems.
FAMILY from $51,950, FAMILY XL from $61,950, and FAMILY XLS from $68,950. These layouts sleep four with convertible seating and sleeping arrangements.
Three pre-built trims on the Sprinter 144 AWD with a pop-top and Havelock wool insulation, typically ready in 8 to 10 weeks. Bivy Classic is $119,700 with a 5 kWh system. Bivy Plus is $145,845 with 10 kWh, a diesel cabin heater and an exterior shower. Bivy Deluxe is $192,570 with 15 kWh, air conditioning, a Rixen hydronic heater and a secondary alternator. Bivy XL starts at $153,700. See the Bivy comparison. The 144 AWD platform, pop-top and wool insulation make the Bivy worth considering for central Oregon's changing temperatures and outdoor travel.
Use the van designer to compare configurations, battery sizes, heating and storage before you speak with our team.
For many Bend buyers, a DUO on the 144 AWD platform with a properly sized fuel-fired heater, low-temperature battery protection, suitable all-terrain tires and a large gear garage may cover their needs. Prioritize heating and electrical capacity according to your travel plans before adding length or features you may not use.
A heater sized to the van's actual volume, with appropriate altitude compensation, and insulation on all six sides are important for shoulder-season travel. These features help determine how comfortably you can camp through large temperature swings between afternoon and dawn. See heater service and our Sprinter heater guide.
A powered roof fan with variable speed and reversible direction, insulated window covers, and an awning can help manage summer heat. In Bend's dry climate, ventilation and shade may handle many conditions, although air conditioning can be valuable when traveling to warmer or more humid destinations. See our roof vent installation and A/C installation pages.
A lithium battery bank, roof solar, DC-DC alternator charging, shore power, an inverter and a battery monitor can work together to support off-grid travel. For dispersed camping without hookups, size the system around your actual overnight electricity use and the number of days you plan to stay. See our electrical system installation work.
A 12V compressor fridge that runs on battery power, a sink with pressurized water, and a cooktop support meals on the road. A compressor fridge does not require propane, and its operation does not depend on parking the van level.
Tanks should be sized to your trip length and fitted with accessible drain points. Deschutes dispersed sites typically lack water and dump facilities, so water capacity and a practical wastewater plan influence how long you can remain at a campsite.
A gear garage under a raised bed with rear-door access, roof racks and interior tie-downs can accommodate outdoor equipment. Storing skis inside may be more convenient than using a roof box, particularly when loading in snow or darkness near Mount Bachelor.
Volcanic rock on forest roads can be hard on tire sidewalls, while winter travel over Cascade passes may require suitable traction equipment. An all-terrain tire with a severe snow rating is worth considering for mixed-season use. Choose suspension and clearance specifications based on your actual routes and loaded vehicle weight.
Phil's Trail, Wanoga and the wider Deschutes trail network attract mountain bikers and cyclists. Bikes can be stored inside a gear garage, on a rear-mounted rack or on the roof. Interior storage helps keep dust off equipment and avoids increasing vehicle height with a roof load.
Mount Bachelor is about 25 minutes from Bend. Skis can fit inside a gear garage on many layouts, which may be more convenient than a roof box when loading in a snowstorm. Snow becomes water inside a heated van, so consider a drainable gear area.
Backpacks, bags, stoves and folding chairs can go in under-bed storage. Placing heavier equipment low and toward the front can help manage weight distribution when driving on forest roads.
Smith Rock is about 30 minutes north of Bend. Ropes, climbing racks and pads can take more room than expected, and a crash pad is best stored where it will not block a door or restrict access to essential equipment.
A drainable gear area with hanging points helps keep wet clothing and muddy equipment separate from the living space. A suitable heating system and ventilation can also help dry gear overnight when conditions allow.
A gear garage beneath a raised bed, accessed through the rear doors, is one of the most useful storage features to consider in a Bend camper van. It provides room for larger equipment while keeping the main cabin organized.
Water, batteries, bikes, skis, climbing equipment and passengers all contribute to loaded vehicle weight. The Vansmith evaluates the planned load against the selected chassis rating during the design call.
Deschutes National Forest begins at the edge of Bend and includes developed campgrounds and extensive dispersed camping along forest roads. Dispersed sites generally have no facilities, so plan for water, wastewater, power and waste disposal before leaving town.
The Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway climbs past Mount Bachelor to Sparks, Elk, Lava and Cultus lakes. The upper section closes seasonally because of snow, often from late autumn into early summer. Check current road access before setting out.
About 25 minutes west of Bend, Mount Bachelor offers skiing and snowboarding in winter, with lift-served mountain biking and hiking opportunities in summer. Cold weather, snow and changing mountain conditions make seasonal preparation important.
About 30 minutes south of Bend, Newberry National Volcanic Monument includes Paulina and East lakes, lava flows and the Big Obsidian Flow. Paulina Peak Road is steep and narrow, so check access and vehicle suitability before traveling it.
About 30 minutes north of Bend, Smith Rock offers climbing, hiking and views of the Crooked River canyon. Camping is walk-in, and parking can fill early on popular weekends. Check current park rules before planning an overnight stay.
Crater Lake is about two hours southwest of Bend. Rim Drive and the north entrance close seasonally with snow, often from October into June or July. Check current road status and park alerts before departure.
Eugene is about two and a half hours west over the Cascades, the Oregon Coast is roughly four hours away, and Portland is about three and a half hours away, depending on route and conditions. Cascade passes can have traction requirements during winter conditions.
Central Oregon access is more seasonal than visitors may expect. The Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway, Crater Lake's Rim Drive and many forest roads close with snow and reopen according to road and weather conditions. Sno-Park permits are required at designated winter parking areas. Fire restrictions are common during dry summer periods, and dispersed camping areas have stay limits and typically lack facilities. Confirm current road access, camping regulations, fire restrictions and seasonal closures before traveling.
Supply your own Sprinter or Transit, or buy a complete van with the chassis included from $115,950. Cabinetry, bed platform, galley, seating and finished surfaces are installed in our Boulder shop. For the company and product overview, see our Oregon page and our process.
A lithium house battery, roof solar, DC-DC alternator charging, shore power input, an inverter and a battery monitor showing real state of charge can support travel away from electrical hookups. The exact configuration depends on your power requirements and selected model.
A 12V compressor fridge runs on battery power, alongside a sink with a pressurized water system and a cooktop. This setup supports everyday meal preparation during extended road trips.
A fixed or convertible bed, depending on layout, provides sleeping space, while insulated window covers and storage cabinetry help organize the interior. Most layouts offer a gear garage with rear-door access, and Bivy models add a pop-top.
Fresh and gray tanks are sized to the selected layout, with a pressurized pump and accessible drain points. A fuel-fired air heater and powered roof fan support comfort in changing conditions. Plumbing protection and winterization should be considered for freezing weather.
Available options may include air conditioning, additional solar, larger battery banks, suspension upgrades, all-terrain and severe snow-rated tire packages, exterior showers, awnings, roof racks and bike mounts. See repairs, installations and services.
The Vansmith provides a lifetime warranty on cabinetry to the original owner, with no mileage or year limit. Appliance warranties are provided by their respective manufacturers. The Vansmith is NOAH certified; ask your insurer and lender how certification applies to your specific purchase.
The Vansmith has been family-owned since 2016 and has more than 300 vans built across both platforms and multiple wheelbases.
Nine tailored layouts plus three pre-built Bivy trims give buyers options for different sleeping arrangements, storage requirements and travel styles.
The lithium battery bank, solar, DC-DC charging, shore power, inverter and monitoring are planned as one system. For Bend buyers who spend several days at dispersed sites, power capacity and charging flexibility are important considerations.
Gear garages with rear-door access, roof racks and interior tie-downs support equipment for biking, skiing, climbing, camping and other outdoor activities.
The Vansmith operates in Boulder, Colorado, where mountain conditions, cold temperatures and changing weather are familiar considerations. For Bend buyers, insulation, heating, elevation and seasonal access are important factors to discuss when selecting a configuration.
Video design calls, progress photos and staged payments support buyers purchasing from outside Colorado. Delivery to Bend can be arranged as part of the purchase, or you may choose to collect the van and drive it home.
The original owner receives a lifetime cabinetry warranty, alongside access to service and upgrade work at the Boulder shop. See repairs, installations and services.
A camper package covers the interior and systems fitted to a suitable van you supply. Packages start at $46,950 for the DUO and range to $68,950 for the FAMILY XLS. A complete camper van includes the chassis and finished camper setup, with prices starting at $115,950.
Pre-built Bivy models are $119,700 for Classic, $145,845 for Plus and $192,570 for Deluxe, with Bivy XL from $153,700. Bivy models are typically ready in 8 to 10 weeks. Check current stock on the camper vans for sale page.
For Bend travel, consider prioritizing heater capacity with appropriate altitude compensation, battery size with low-temperature protection, and tires suited to your planned routes. Options are priced individually so the quote can be itemized.
Bend is approximately 1,200 miles from Boulder by road, depending on the route. Delivery arrangements and costs depend on the purchase. Use our RV loan calculator and read how to finance a camper van conversion.
Call (303) 414-6834 for a fixed, itemized quote, or start with the van designer.
Start with camper vans for sale and used vans to review current options.
Compare the nine tailored layouts and three Bivy trims to identify the sleeping capacity, wheelbase, storage and systems that match your travel plans.
For Central Oregon, review heater output and altitude capability, insulation, low-temperature battery protection, drainable plumbing, tire specifications and ground clearance. Confirm the selected vehicle's dimensions and payload against your intended use.
Call (303) 414-6834 or use the contact page to discuss your vehicle, preferred layout and equipment requirements.
Chassis availability varies by platform, model year and drivetrain, particularly for AWD and 4x4 configurations. Confirm current availability, production timing and delivery arrangements before placing an order.
Ready to start? Use the van designer, browse camper vans for sale, or call (303) 414-6834. For the statewide view, see camper vans in Oregon, and explore camper vans in Eugene.