DUO
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-OnsConversion Vans for Sale in Chicago
Class B RVs, Conversion Vans & Campervans for Sale in Chicago, IL
300+ vans built
We deliver to Chicago
Starting at $49,950
4.8-star Google rating
Explore Our DUO Series
DUO S
Mercedes 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-OnsDUO XL
Mercedes 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
FullDUO XLS
Mercedes Sprinter 170
OR
Ford Transit 148 E
Luxury model with full amenities, extended power systems, and interior bathroom.
Seat & Sleeps
2Length
22'Shower
FullExplore Our Family Series
FAMILY
Mercedes 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-OnsFAMILY XL
Mercedes 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-OnsFAMILY XLS
Mercedes 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
FullReady to Start Your Chicago Camper Van Journey?
Chicago is a harder place to own a camper van than most, and a better place to use one than people expect. Door County, the Michigan lakeshore, Indiana Dunes and the Wisconsin Northwoods are all within a few hours. The difficulty is the city: street parking that disappears in winter, garages with low clearance, and six months of road salt on everything underneath the van.
The Vansmith builds Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and Ford Transit camper vans in Boulder, Colorado, and delivers them to buyers across Chicagoland. We have built more than 300 vans since 2016, and our four-season systems are tested through Colorado winters. Conversion packages on a van you already own start at $49,950, complete vans with the chassis included start at $117,950, and pre-built Bivy models run from $119,700 to $192,570 depending on trim. For the statewide picture, see our
campervans for sale in Illinois.
Frequently Asked Questions About Camper Vans in Chicago
How much do camper vans for sale in Chicago cost?
Conversion packages start at $49,950 for the DUO and $54,950 for the FAMILY. Complete vans with the chassis included start at $117,950, and pre-built Bivy models run from $119,700 to $192,570 depending on trim.
What camper van models does The Vansmith offer?
The two-person DUO Series in four layouts, the four-person FAMILY Series in three layouts, and the pre-built Bivy in three trims. We also offer a Foundation shell from $11,970 for self-builders.
Can I buy a camper van from The Vansmith if I live in Chicago?
Yes. Most out-of-state buyers complete design, approval and payment over video and email, then fly into Denver to collect the van or have it transported.
Does The Vansmith deliver camper vans to Chicago?
Yes. You can drive roughly 1,000 miles home from Boulder, or we can arrange transport.
Which camper van is best suited for Chicago winters?
Any of our layouts specified as a four-season build, which means full insulation, a properly sized fuel-fired heater, lithium batteries mounted inside the heated space and a winterizable water system. The pre-built Bivy Plus and Deluxe come with heating and larger power systems already fitted.
How do I choose between a Ford Transit and Mercedes-Benz Sprinter?
For most Chicago buyers, the Transit is the better value with easier local service. Buyers planning long-distance travel or prioritizing resale often prefer the Sprinter. Both take the same layouts and systems, and both handle snow well with proper winter tires.
Can I buy a new or used camper van from The Vansmith?
Both. We build new tailored and pre-built vans, and we keep a rotating selection of inspected
used camper vans
.
Where can I find camper vans for sale in Chicago?
The Vansmith builds in Boulder and delivers to Chicago. Browse current
camper vans for sale
to see new and used vans available now, or start a build in our van designer.
Designed for Chicago and four-season Midwest travel
Chicago Camper Van Challenges and The Vansmith Solutions
Chicago's cold winters, freezing temperatures, road salt, summer humidity, limited parking, garage clearance and changing Midwest weather all influence how a camper van is used. Insulation, heating, ventilation, electrical systems, storage and practical layouts can help support comfortable travel throughout the Midwest and beyond.
| Chicago Challenge | How We Build For It |
|---|---|
| Cold Chicago winters | Four-season insulation on all six sides and a fuel-fired heater running off the vehicle's own fuel tank. |
| Snow and freezing temperatures | Lithium batteries mounted inside the heated living space so they can charge below freezing, plus a winterizable water system. |
| Road salt and winter conditions | Sealed exterior penetrations and durable interior materials, plus regular undercarriage washing through the salt season. |
| Summer heat and humidity | A powered roof fan for airflow, insulated window covers and air conditioning options. Airflow matters as much as cooling in humid weather. |
| Limited street parking | A short-wheelbase build around 19.5 feet fits standard spaces far better than a larger RV. |
| Garage clearance | Height is the real constraint. Measure your garage door opening before ordering a high-roof van. |
| Chicago traffic | A van-based Class B platform drives and parks like a tall van rather than a motorhome. |
| Limited storage space | Purpose-built cabinetry and a gear garage beneath a raised bed keep gear out of the living space. |
| Long Midwest road trips | Integrated electrical, water, refrigeration, sleeping and storage systems sized to trip length. |
| Changing Midwest weather | Insulation, ventilation, heating and electrical systems that work across all four seasons. |
| Off-grid camping | Solar, lithium storage, DC-DC alternator charging and shore power. |
| Cold-weather electrical demands | Battery capacity sized around overnight heater and refrigeration draw, not just summer use. |
| City living and weekend travel | One vehicle that works as daily transport and as a camper, without compromise in either direction. |
Read more about camper vans in Chicago, Illinois
Camper Vans for Sale in Chicago
Class B RV Options
A Class B is a camper built on a van chassis rather than a truck frame. In a city where street parking is scarce and winter parking rules are enforced strictly, the ability to fit a standard space and many garages is the difference between a vehicle you use and one you pay to store. Browse our Class B RVs for sale .
Camper Van Models and Layouts
Seven tailored layouts across the DUO and FAMILY Series, plus three pre-built Bivy trims. Browse all tailored models .
New and Pre-Owned Camper Van Options
A camper van for sale in Chicago comes down to two routes: a new build or a used one. New builds are designed around your travel and carry a lifetime cabinet warranty. Used vans cost less and are available sooner. We keep a rotating selection of inspected used camper vans that ship from Boulder.
Compare Pricing and Availability
Current stock is listed on our camper vans for sale page. For a build, use our van designer or call (303) 414-6834 for a fixed, itemized quote.
Compare The Vansmith Camper Van Models
| Model | Platform | Best For | Sleeps | Shower | Electrical | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DUO | Sprinter 144 or Transit 148, approx. 19.5 ft | Couples and solo travelers | 2 | Optional exterior | Solar, lithium, alternator and shore power | From $49,950 conversion |
| DUO S | Sprinter 144 or Transit 148, approx. 19.5 ft | Couples wanting a shower in a short van | 2 | Bench shower | Solar, lithium, alternator and shore power | From $54,950 conversion |
| DUO XL | Sprinter 170 or Transit 148 ext., approx. 22.5 ft | Couples needing more space | 2 | Full interior available | Solar, lithium, alternator and shore power | From $59,950 conversion |
| DUO XLS | Sprinter 170 or Transit 148 ext., approx. 22.5 ft | Couples wanting an interior bathroom | 2 | Full interior | Solar, lithium, alternator and shore power | From $64,950 conversion |
| FAMILY | Sprinter 144 or Transit 148, approx. 19.5 ft | Families in a compact footprint | 4 | Optional exterior | Solar, lithium, alternator and shore power | From $54,950 conversion |
| FAMILY XL | Sprinter 170 or Transit 148 ext., approx. 22.5 ft | Families needing more space | 4 | Bench shower | Solar, lithium, alternator and shore power | From $64,950 conversion |
| FAMILY XLS | Sprinter 170 or Transit 148 ext., approx. 22.5 ft | Families traveling off-grid | 4 | Full interior | Solar, lithium, alternator and shore power | From $69,950 conversion |
| Bivy Classic | Sprinter 144 AWD, pre-built | A finished van in 8 to 10 weeks | 2 | Exterior | 5 kWh lithium with solar | From $119,700 van included |
| Bivy Plus | Sprinter, pre-built | More power and heat off the shelf | 2 | Exterior | 10 kWh lithium, diesel cabin heater | From $145,845 van included |
| Bivy Deluxe | Sprinter, pre-built | Year-round travel in both extremes | 2 | Exterior | 15 kWh lithium, A/C, hydronic heat | From $192,570 van included |
Compare Available Models
Complete tailored vans with the chassis included start at $117,950. Compare Bivy trims on our Bivy comparison page.
Camper Van Travel from Chicago and the Midwest
Wisconsin Weekend Trips
Devil's Lake, the Kettle Moraine and the Wisconsin Dells are all within three hours. See camper vans in Wisconsin .
Michigan Road Trips
The Lake Michigan shoreline runs from New Buffalo to Sleeping Bear Dunes, with state park campgrounds spaced along it. See camper vans in Michigan .
Door County Getaways
About four and a half hours north, a peninsula of small towns, orchards and shoreline parks.
Indiana Dunes Trips
An hour east, with dunes, beaches and a national park right on the lake. See camper vans in Indiana .
Great Lakes Travel
The full circuit of Lake Michigan is a genuinely good week-long trip and works from either shore.
Midwest Road Trips
The Ozarks, the driftless region and Michigan's Upper Peninsula are all within a day.
Longer Trips Across the United States
Chicago sits roughly a day and a half from the Rockies and two days from either coast. See camper vans in Minneapolis for the northern route.
Chicago Road Conditions and Camper Van Considerations
City Driving and Traffic
A van around 19.5 feet drives close to a full-size pickup. It is manageable in traffic, though you will plan routes around low bridges more than you expect.
Street Parking and Vehicle Size
Chicago restricts parking for larger vehicles in many areas and enforces winter overnight parking bans on designated streets. Confirm where the van will legally live before you order one.
Garage and Clearance Requirements
This catches more buyers than anything else. A high-roof van stands roughly 9 to 10 feet tall, and most city parking garages post clearances well below that. Measure your own garage door opening, not just the ceiling height.
Winter Driving Conditions
Lake-effect snow and ice are routine. AWD with proper winter tires handles it well, and a loaded van brakes differently from a car, so leave more room.
Road Salt and Vehicle Maintenance
Illinois salts heavily. Washing the undercarriage regularly through winter is the single most useful habit for a van you plan to keep, and it protects brake lines, fasteners and the underbody far more than anything done inside the build.
Long-Distance Midwest Travel
Water, refrigeration, galley and electrical capacity sized for the days between hookups.
Outdoor Gear Storage
A gear garage beneath a raised bed handles bikes, skis, paddles and wet gear, with roof racks for anything longer.
Compare Ford Transit and Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Camper Vans
Ford Transit Options
Lower purchase price, cheaper routine maintenance, and Ford dealers throughout Chicagoland. AWD available and effective in snow. See our Ford Transit conversion builds and Ford camper vans for sale .
Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Options
Stronger resale, diesel range for long Midwest drives, and proven AWD and 4x4 options. Higher purchase and service cost. Browse our Sprinter van conversion lineup and Sprinter camper for sale listings.
Vehicle Dimensions
Short wheelbase builds run about 19.5 feet, extended about 22.5 feet. Both stand roughly 9 to 10 feet tall in high-roof form.
Interior Space
At matched wheelbase, the two platforms offer comparable usable interior space, and we build the same layouts on both.
Sleeping Capacity
Two in the DUO Series, four in the FAMILY Series, on either platform.
Storage and Living Space
Identical layout options, with a gear garage available under a raised bed in both.
Choosing the Right Platform
For most Chicago buyers, the Transit is the better value and the easier vehicle to service locally. Buyers planning long-distance travel or prioritizing resale often prefer the Sprinter. Our Sprinter vs. Transit guide compares them properly.
What to Consider When Buying a Camper Van in Chicago
Choosing a Van for Four-Season Travel
Heat and water decide it. A properly sized fuel-fired heater with full insulation keeps the interior comfortable well below freezing, and a water system you can either keep heated or drain completely prevents the freeze damage that ends most winter trips. Read our guide to building a four-season camper van .
Selecting the Right Layout
Two people fit a DUO. Four need the FAMILY Series for the seatbelts and berths.
Vehicle Size and Parking
Short wheelbase for city use. Confirm legal parking and garage clearance before ordering.
Winter Storage Considerations
If the van sits outside through winter, winterize the water system and plan for snow load and battery maintenance. Indoor storage is worth paying for here if you can find it with the clearance.
Camping Gear Storage
A gear garage beneath a raised bed, plus roof racks for anything bulky or wet.
Electrical and Heating Needs
In winter, the heater and fridge are the main overnight draws. Size the battery bank around those rather than summer use, and remember that solar contributes far less in a Chicago December. Our solar sizing guide covers the math.
Warranty and Ownership
A lifetime cabinet warranty for the original owner, with no mileage or year limits. A converted van usually needs insurance beyond a standard auto policy, so confirm coverage before your first trip.
Why Chicago Buyers Consider The Vansmith
Colorado-Based Camper Van Company
A family-owned Boulder shop with more than 300 vans built since 2016, all designed and built in-house.
Sprinter and Transit Expertise
Both platforms every week, with honest guidance on which fits your budget and your routes.
Proven Camper Van Layouts
Refined across hundreds of builds rather than designed once and repeated.
Electrical and Off-Grid Systems
Battery, solar, charging and monitoring specified as one system and serviceable by the team that installed it. See our Electrical System work and Solar Installation page.
Interior Materials and Features
Baltic birch cabinetry cut on our own CNC and finished by hand, with Havelock wool insulation in pre-built models.
Lifetime Cabinet Warranty
Covered for the original owner, with no mileage or year limits.
Remote Purchase Support
Video design calls, digital build updates and clear payment milestones.
How to Buy a Camper Van from The Vansmith in Chicago
Choose Your Platform
Sprinter or Transit, your van or one we source for you.
Select a Layout
DUO, FAMILY, pre-built Bivy or fully custom.
Compare Available Models
Side by side in our van designer .
Review Pricing and Features
A fixed, itemized quote before any build work starts.
Discuss Your Requirements
Including where the van will park and store through a Chicago winter.
Arrange a Consultation
Book a video call through our contact page or call (303) 414-6834.
Confirm Purchase Details
$2,500 design deposit, 50% at design approval, 25% at build launch, 25% at handover. See our process .
Arrange Pickup or Delivery
Fly into Denver and drive roughly 1,000 miles home, or have us arrange transport to Chicago.
Camper Van Delivery and Ownership Support for Chicago Buyers
Remote Model Selection
Compare layouts and finishes over video with the design team before committing to anything.
Pickup and Delivery
Collect the van in Boulder or have it transported to Chicago.
Installation and Upgrades
Heaters, solar, air conditioning, roof vents, refrigeration and suspension at our Boulder shop. See Repairs, installations, and services .
Repairs and Service
Systems work comes back to the team that installed it. Chassis service goes to a Mercedes or Ford dealer locally. Contact us to confirm current scheduling.
Warranty and Ownership
Lifetime cabinet warranty for the original owner, plus support with manufacturer warranties on installed components. See Heater Service .
Start Your Chicago Camper Van Build
Ready to find the right camper van in Chicago? Design your van , browse vans available now , or call (303) 414-6834. See also campervans for sale in Illinois , our Minneapolis page , and delivery across all 50 states .
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