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 Bristol, FL
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
Bristol sits on the Apalachicola River in Liberty County, and for a camper van owner, the location offers more than its population might suggest. Torreya State Park is about 15 minutes north, with bluffs that look nothing like the rest of Florida. Apalachicola National Forest, the state's largest national forest at over half a million acres, starts just east of town. Tallahassee is about 50 minutes east, Apalachicola and the Gulf Coast are roughly an hour south, and St. George Island is a little farther beyond that.
That combination of river, forest and coast within about an hour is unusual. Much of the surrounding area is reached via narrow forest roads and smaller highways where a camper van can be easier to maneuver than a larger RV. Add Florida Panhandle conditions, including heat, humidity and hurricane season, and the priorities become clear: effective cooling, good ventilation and a battery system capable of powering essential equipment away from hookups.
The Vansmith creates Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and Ford Transit camper vans in Boulder, Colorado, and delivers across Florida. 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 Florida.
A fixed bed is faster and more comfortable at the end of a day than a convertible dinette, and it allows a full gear garage underneath. A convertible layout gives you more daytime floor space, which matters in a climate where you may spend hot afternoons inside.
A 12V compressor fridge runs on battery power alone, needs no propane and does not depend on the van being level, which matters at a forest campsite. Fresh and gray water tanks should be sized to your trip length and include accessible drain points for easier maintenance.
In the Florida Panhandle, the priority order is insulation, ventilation, then air conditioning. Insulation on all six sides helps keep heat out and reduces the cooling load. A powered roof fan pulls hot, humid air out through the ceiling, allowing air conditioning to work more efficiently. The battery bank must be sized to support overnight cooling because many desirable camping spots have no hookups. A fuel-fired heater is also worth considering, as Panhandle winter nights can drop into the 30s and 40s. Explore our A/C installation and roof vent installation pages.
Overnight cooling can be the largest power draw in a camper van and is one of the most important specifications for this climate. The Vansmith sizes the lithium battery bank around the expected electrical load rather than a nominal capacity alone. Charging options can include roof solar, DC-DC alternator charging and shore power. Learn more about our Electrical System and Solar Installation services.
Paddling gear for the Apalachicola River, fishing tackle for the river and Gulf Coast, hiking equipment for the national forest, and beach gear all need practical storage. Much of it may return wet. A gear garage beneath a raised bed, with suitable drainage and rear-door access, helps keep wet equipment separate from the living space.
Roads in Apalachicola National Forest can include sand and graded clay, which behave differently in wet and dry conditions. Soft sand is a particular hazard and can catch out vehicles that are not equipped for it. Ground clearance, suitable tires and all-wheel drive can help in some conditions, but knowing when to turn around remains essential.
| Technical Specification | The Vansmith Camper Van Details |
|---|---|
| Base Vehicle | Mercedes-Benz Sprinter or Ford Transit, supplied by you or included in a complete vehicle |
| Available Model Series | Seven tailored layouts across the DUO and FAMILY series, plus three pre-built Bivy trims |
| Drivetrain Options | Rear-wheel drive, all-wheel drive, and 4x4 on Sprinter, depending on chassis and model year |
| Vehicle Length | Approximately 19.5 ft on the short wheelbase or 22.5 ft extended, depending on configuration |
| Sleeping Capacity | Two in the DUO Series, four in the FAMILY Series; Bivy models add a pop-top sleeping level |
| Interior Layout | Fixed or convertible bed, galley, seating and storage, configured to the model you choose |
| Heating System | Fuel-fired air heater running off the vehicle's own fuel tank; it warms the cabin without adding moisture |
| Air Conditioning | Available across build options and standard on the Bivy Deluxe; planned alongside battery capacity |
| Insulation | Full insulation on all six sides; Havelock wool in pre-built Bivy models |
| House Battery | Lithium bank sized around your expected overnight power use, with up to 15 kWh in the Bivy Deluxe |
| Solar Power | Roof array sized to your layout and daily power needs; output can be reduced by summer storm clouds |
| Battery Charging | Three charging sources: roof solar, DC-DC alternator charging while driving, and shore power |
| Inverter | Inverter and battery monitoring, with a monitor that shows state of charge rather than voltage alone |
| Kitchen Facilities | Sink with a pressurized water system and a cooktop; counter layout varies by model |
| Refrigerator | 12V compressor fridge running on battery power alone, with no propane and no need to park level |
| Fresh Water Tank | Sized to your layout and trip length, with freeze protection options for Panhandle winter nights |
| Wastewater System | Gray tank matched to fresh water capacity, with accessible and fully draining outlets |
| Storage | Upper cabinets, galley storage and a gear garage beneath the bed platform with rear door access; roof racks available |
| Tires and Suspension | Selected around your intended routes; suspension upgrades may be available for sand and forest roads |
| Ground Clearance | Depends on chassis, trim and drivetrain; confirmed against your selected configuration |
| Warranty | Lifetime cabinetry warranty for the original owner, with no mileage or year limit; appliances are covered by their manufacturers' warranties |
| Pricing | Conversion packages from $46,950 to $68,950; complete vehicles from $115,950; pre-built Bivy models from $119,700 to $192,570 |
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.
Seven 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.
Two-person layouts with a fixed bed and a large gear garage, or four-person layouts with convertible seating and sleeping. Use the van designer to compare configurations side by side.
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 configurations generally take 12 to 16 weeks.
The DUO Series is designed around two adults with generous gear storage, on either wheelbase. It is a common choice for buyers planning weekends on the river and coast, with a longer trip once or twice a year. See camper vans for couples.
The FAMILY Series sleeps four with convertible seating and sleeping arrangements. On the extended wheelbase, it provides more living space for waiting out an afternoon thunderstorm comfortably. See family van conversions.
If you would rather not wait for a tailored configuration, three Bivy trims are typically ready in 8 to 10 weeks on the Sprinter 144 AWD. See the Bivy comparison.
DUO starts at $46,950, DUO S at $53,950, and DUO XLS at $63,950, plus the DUO XL on the longer wheelbase from $56,950. Features include a fixed bed, galley, and standard electrical, water and heating systems.
FAMILY starts at $51,950, FAMILY XL at $61,950, and FAMILY XLS at $68,950. These layouts provide sleeping space for four with convertible seating and sleeping arrangements.
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. All are based on the Sprinter 144 AWD with a pop-top and Havelock wool insulation. For Florida, the Deluxe is the trim that comes with air conditioning and the largest battery bank already fitted. Compare the options using the Bivy comparison.
Short-wheelbase vans are approximately 19.5 feet long, while extended builds are about 22.5 feet. Both are roughly 9 to 10 feet tall in high-roof form. The van designer lets you compare layouts, capacities and options before making a decision.
Bivy Classic is $119,700, Bivy Plus is $145,845, Bivy Deluxe is $192,570, and Bivy XL starts at $153,700. Pre-built Bivy models are typically ready in 8 to 10 weeks. Confirm current availability and delivery timing before ordering.
An interior package is fitted to a suitable Sprinter or Transit you supply and starts at $46,950, ranging to $68,950. A complete vehicle includes the chassis and starts at $115,950. If you already own a suitable van, the package may be the more economical route. If not, a complete vehicle simplifies the purchase by placing responsibility for the entire vehicle and interior with one provider.
Air conditioning, battery capacity, additional solar, suspension and tire upgrades, exterior showers, awnings and racks are priced individually. The Vansmith provides itemized pricing so you can see how each option affects the total. Our cost breakdown with real examples walks through actual figures.
Browse camper vans for sale and used vans, or call (303) 414-6834 for a fixed quote. Use the RV loan calculator to estimate monthly payments.
Torreya State Park is about 15 minutes north of Bristol and features unusual Florida terrain, with bluffs above the Apalachicola River. Apalachicola National Forest begins east of town, with developed campgrounds and dispersed camping opportunities. The Gulf Coast, Apalachicola, St. George Island and nearby barrier-island beaches are around an hour south. Tallahassee is about 50 minutes east for resupply, and Florida Caverns State Park near Marianna is roughly an hour northwest.
The Florida Panhandle offers access to several regional road-trip routes. The Gulf Coast continues west toward Alabama and Mississippi. Jacksonville is approximately four hours east, Orlando about five hours southeast, and Birmingham around five hours north, depending on route and traffic. The Smoky Mountains and much of the Atlantic Coast are also possible destinations for longer trips.
Kayaks and canoes can be carried on a roof rack, although a loaded roof increases vehicle height and may affect fuel economy. Fishing and paddling equipment can be stored in a sealed, drainable compartment and rinsed after saltwater trips to help protect the interior from moisture and residue.
A short-wheelbase van, at approximately 19.5 feet, is generally easier to maneuver on forest roads and smaller highways and may fit in some standard garages, depending on height and access. An extended van offers more living space, which can be valuable on longer trips or during rainy afternoons. Choose based on how often you expect to prioritize maneuverability versus interior room.
The Vansmith has built more than 300 vans since 2016 across Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and Ford Transit platforms. This experience helps the team explain which platform may suit your intended routes, storage needs and travel style.
Cabinetry, electrical, water and climate-control systems are planned as an integrated setup and installed by the team in The Vansmith's Boulder, Colorado shop.
Seven tailored layouts and three pre-built Bivy trims give buyers a range of sleeping arrangements, storage options and equipment configurations rather than a single fixed specification.
Use the van designer to review layouts and options, then call (303) 414-6834 to request an itemized quote.
Start with camper vans for sale and used vans to review available vehicles.
For the Florida Panhandle, consider cooling capacity relative to battery size, insulation, water capacity, tire selection and ground clearance. These specifications should reflect local heat, humidity, summer storms and the forest roads you plan to travel.
The Vansmith delivers nationwide. Boulder to the Florida Panhandle is roughly 1,600 miles, depending on the destination and route, and transport can be arranged as part of the purchase. Alternatively, you can fly into Denver and drive the van home. The payment schedule is a $2,500 design deposit, 50% at design approval, 25% at the start of the build and the final 25% at handover. Read more about our process.
Call (303) 414-6834 or use the contact page to discuss your preferred model and requirements. You can also use the RV loan calculator to estimate monthly costs.
Start with the van designer to compare configurations, browse current stock on the camper vans for sale page, or call (303) 414-6834 for a fixed, itemized quote. For the statewide view, see camper vans in Florida. You can also explore other Florida destinations, including Jacksonville, Tampa and Orlando.