Mercedes Sprinter 144
OR
Ford Transit 148
Perfect for solo travelers or couples who want a compact adventure-ready van.
Seat & Sleeps
2Length
19.5'Shower
Exterior * * Optional Add-OnsClass B RVs, Conversion Vans & Campervans for Sale in Pensacola, FL
Mercedes Sprinter 144
OR
Ford Transit 148
Perfect for solo travelers or couples who want a compact adventure-ready van.
Seat & Sleeps
2Length
19.5'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
19.5'Shower
FullMercedes Sprinter 170
OR
Ford Transit 148 E
Ideal for those who want extra living space and more storage for extended adventures.
Seat & Sleeps
2Length
22.9'Shower
Bench * * Optional Add-OnsMercedes Sprinter 170
OR
Ford Transit 148 E
Luxury model with full amenities, extended power systems, and interior bathroom.
Seat & Sleeps
2Length
22.9'Shower
FullMercedes Sprinter 144
OR
Ford Transit 148
Perfect for families who want space, comfort, and functionality in a compact build.
Seat & Sleeps
4Length
19.5'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
22.9'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
22.9'Shower
Full
Pensacola's white quartz sand is beautiful, but its fine texture creates practical challenges for camper van owners. Sand can work its way into door seals, drawer runners, gear compartments, showers, and bedding. A gear garage with a drain and an exterior shower can help keep beach equipment separate and the interior comfortable after a day on the Gulf Coast.
Timing also matters. Gulf Islands National Seashore, Perdido Key, Navarre, and the Emerald Coast are especially appealing from October through May, when conditions are often more comfortable for outdoor travel. Summer brings heat, humidity, storms, crowds, and the risks associated with hurricane season. Pensacola's experience with hurricanes Ivan and Sally is a reminder to monitor forecasts and plan for severe weather.
The Vansmith crafts Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and Ford Transit camper vans in Boulder, Colorado, and delivers across Florida. Camper van 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, depending on trim. For the statewide picture, see
camper vans in Florida.
Air conditioning can determine whether your van remains comfortable enough for travel from June through September. It is available across our van options and comes standard on the Bivy Deluxe. Gulf Coast heat and humidity can keep nights warm, so air conditioning serves two purposes: lowering the temperature and removing moisture from the cabin. It is also one of the largest electrical loads in a camper van. For overnight cooling without hookups, the battery bank needs to be sized around your expected air conditioning use.
A powered roof fan with variable speed and reversible airflow helps move fresh air through the cabin. Airflow paths behind cabinetry help avoid sealed cavities where moisture can accumulate. In Pensacola's consistently humid climate, ventilation plays an important role in protecting interior materials and supporting everyday comfort. From October through April, when conditions allow a Gulf breeze through the van, a roof fan and open windows may provide sufficient airflow without running the air conditioner.
Direct sunlight on a van roof can create a substantial heat load during a Gulf Coast afternoon. Insulation throughout the vehicle, particularly across the roof, helps slow heat transfer and maintain more manageable interior temperatures while parked. It can also reduce air conditioning runtime, helping conserve battery power. Pre-built Bivy models use Havelock wool insulation. In Pensacola, insulation is valuable not only during cooler weather but also for improving cooling efficiency during the long, hot season.
Lithium battery banks should be sized around your actual overnight electricity needs, with capacity up to 15 kWh available in the Bivy Deluxe. Roof-mounted solar and DC-DC alternator charging help replenish power while camping and traveling. The Gulf Coast offers useful solar potential, particularly during autumn and spring. However, summer thunderstorms can reduce solar production during the same season when air conditioning demand is highest. A properly sized battery bank is therefore important if you plan to cool the van away from hookups. Explore our electrical system installation and solar installation options.
Freshwater and gray-water tank capacities depend on your selected layout, with a pressurized pump supporting everyday use. Freezing conditions are uncommon in Florida's Panhandle, so water capacity and convenient rinse-off options matter more than winterization on coastal trips. An exterior shower is available and comes standard on the Bivy Plus and Bivy Deluxe. It provides a practical way to rinse fine quartz sand from your feet, beach equipment, and outdoor gear before entering the van. Keeping sand outside helps protect bedding, cabinetry, and drawer runners.
Salt air and abrasive beach sand make routine care especially important along the Gulf Coast. Properly sealed body penetrations, appropriately rated electrical connectors and terminals, and accessible service points support long-term maintenance. Owners can help protect their vans by rinsing the exterior and underbody after beach trips, checking door seals and hinges, clearing sand from drawer runners and roof rack mounts, and inspecting sealant around roof penetrations annually. Regular checks help identify wear and buildup before they become more significant maintenance issues.
| Specification | What We Build | Why It Matters in Pensacola |
|---|---|---|
| Base vehicle | Mercedes-Benz Sprinter or Ford Transit, supplied by you or included in a complete vehicle. | The Transit may cost less to purchase and service in the Panhandle, while Gulf Coast travel generally does not require 4x4 for paved routes. |
| Wheelbase and dimensions | Approximately 19.5 ft on the short wheelbase or 22.9 ft extended, with a high-roof exterior height of approximately 9 to 10 ft. | Either length can suit coastal travel, but check site dimensions and vehicle access requirements at Gulf Islands National Seashore campgrounds before booking. |
| Sleeping capacity | Two people on a fixed bed in the DUO Series, or up to four with convertible seating in the FAMILY Series. | Your layout determines sleeping arrangements. A fixed bed can also leave the gear garage available for sandy, wet beach equipment. |
| Air conditioning | Available across our van options and standard on the Bivy Deluxe. | Air conditioning can make the van more comfortable during hot, humid Gulf Coast summers, especially when overnight cooling is needed. |
| Insulation | Insulation across all six sides; pre-built Bivy models feature Havelock wool. | Roof insulation helps slow heat gain from direct sun, improving cooling efficiency and potentially reducing air conditioning runtime. |
| Ventilation | A powered roof fan with variable speed and reversible airflow, with airflow planned behind cabinetry. | Regular air movement helps manage interior moisture and reduce the risk of mildew in a humid coastal climate. |
| Heating system | A fuel-fired air heater that draws from the vehicle's own fuel tank. | Heating is less frequently needed in the Panhandle, but it can help dry the cabin after wet-weather trips and provide warmth during winter travel farther north. |
| House battery | A lithium battery bank sized around your expected overnight electricity use, with capacity up to 15 kWh available. | Overnight air conditioning can determine the required battery capacity, especially when summer storms reduce solar production. |
| Solar charging | A roof-mounted solar array sized to your layout and daily electricity use. | Solar can provide useful charging, particularly during autumn, winter, and spring. Summer afternoon thunderstorms can reduce output when cooling demand is high. |
| Alternator charging | DC-DC alternator charging available as part of the electrical system. | Helps replenish the house battery while driving, including during cloudy or stormy periods when solar output is limited. |
| Fresh water | Tanks sized to your layout, with a pressurized pump; an exterior shower is available. | Hot weather can increase water use, while an exterior shower provides a convenient way to rinse fine quartz sand from feet and beach gear before entering the van. |
| Wastewater | A gray-water tank matched to the fresh-water setup, with accessible drains. | Primitive camping areas may have limited or no dump facilities. Check the services available at your intended campground before traveling. |
| Refrigeration | A 12V compressor fridge powered by the house electrical system. | A compressor fridge avoids the need for propane refrigeration and helps maintain food temperatures in a hot van. |
| Electrical monitoring | A battery monitor that reports state of charge rather than relying on voltage alone. | Helps you track remaining energy when running air conditioning overnight with limited solar input or no electrical hookups. |
| Payload | Chassis payload capacity assessed against your expected loaded weight during the design consultation. | Fresh water, larger battery banks, passengers, and beach equipment all add weight and must be included in the final payload calculation. |
| Tires and brakes | Selected for vehicle load, wet-road grip, and intended use rather than prioritizing snow or off-road driving. | Intense sun and high temperatures make regular tire inspections important. Check tire age and date codes as well as tread depth. |
| Ground clearance | Depends on chassis, trim, and drivetrain, with suspension and tire upgrades potentially available. | Ground clearance is less critical on paved coastal routes. Avoid driving on soft Gulf Coast sand unless the area and vehicle are specifically suitable for it. |
| Corrosion and sand protection | Sealed body penetrations, appropriately rated connectors and terminals, accessible service points, and a drained gear garage where equipped. | Salt air is a constant coastal consideration, while fine sand can collect around seals and moving components. Regular rinsing and inspection help manage both. |
| Warranty | Lifetime cabinetry warranty for the original owner, with no mileage or year limit; The Vansmith is NOAH certified. | Appliance warranties are provided by their respective manufacturers. Review the applicable coverage terms for the vehicle and installed systems. |
Exact payload, ground clearance, tire sizing, and vehicle dimensions depend on the selected chassis, trim, and drivetrain. We confirm specifications against your chosen vehicle during the design consultation. Battery capacity and solar output should be planned around your actual overnight cooling needs and expected camping conditions.
Seven tailored layouts across the two-person DUO Series and four-person FAMILY Series, plus three pre-built Bivy trims. Browse all tailored models and our Class B RVs for sale. A Class B RV is a camper built inside a van body rather than on a truck chassis. This compact format can suit Fort Pickens campground loops and the barrier island roads around Pensacola. Check campground vehicle-length limits and access requirements before arrival.
The Ford Transit generally costs less to purchase and service, with dealer coverage across the Panhandle. It can handle the region's paved coastal routes without requiring four-wheel drive. The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter offers available all-wheel drive and 4x4 configurations, which may be useful for buyers who also plan mountain or more demanding trips. For many Pensacola buyers, a Transit may be a practical choice, leaving more budget for battery capacity and other equipment. Compare our Sprinter van options, Ford Transit van options, and Sprinter vs. Transit comparison.
DUO starts at $46,950, DUO S at $53,950, DUO XL at $56,950, and DUO XLS at $63,950. FAMILY starts at $51,950, FAMILY XL at $61,950, and FAMILY XLS at $68,950. Pre-built Bivy models include the Classic at $119,700 with 5 kWh of battery capacity, the Plus at $145,845 with 10 kWh, a diesel cabin heater and exterior shower, and the Deluxe at $192,570 with 15 kWh, air conditioning and a Rixen hydronic heater. Bivy XL models start at $153,700. Compare the available trims in our Bivy comparison. For Pensacola beach trips, the exterior shower available on the Bivy Plus and Deluxe is especially useful for rinsing fine sand and saltwater from feet and equipment before entering the van.
Browse current inventory, including available inspected used vans, on our camper vans for sale page. Complete vehicles with the chassis included start at $115,950. Final pricing depends on the selected model, vehicle platform, equipment, and availability.
Pensacola is approximately 1,500 miles from our Boulder, Colorado, shop. Delivery is quoted as part of the purchase. Some buyers choose to fly to Denver, collect their van, and drive it home. Contact The Vansmith to discuss delivery arrangements, current availability, and estimated timelines.
Fort Pickens is approximately half an hour away, and Perdido Key is roughly 40 minutes from Pensacola, depending on traffic and your destination. These nearby beaches make long beach days and short overnight trips practical. Shade, cold drinks, convenient rinse-off options, and electrical capacity for a full day of use may matter more than maximum sleeping capacity. A well-planned gear area also helps keep sandy towels and wet equipment away from the living space.
The DUO Series is designed for two, with a fixed bed and practical storage for beach and camping gear. The FAMILY Series accommodates four with convertible seating and sleeping arrangements. Explore our camper vans for couples and family van options to compare layouts and find a configuration suited to your travel plans.
A gear garage beneath the bed, rear-door access, and available roof racks can help organize beach equipment, boards, kayaks, and camping gear. A drained gear compartment is particularly useful in Pensacola, where fine quartz sand and saltwater can otherwise make their way into the cabin. Keep wet items separated from bedding and cabinetry, rinse equipment where appropriate, and regularly clear sand from seals, hinges, and drawer runners.
Freshwater, gray-water, and battery capacity influence how long you can stay away from services. Gulf Coast heat can increase electricity consumption for cooling and refrigeration, while outdoor activities can raise water use. Pensacola is also a useful starting point for longer drives west into Alabama and Mississippi or east along Florida's Forgotten Coast. Match your water storage and electrical capacity to your planned trip length and access to campground facilities.
Two local considerations are worth planning around. First, the road to Fort Pickens follows a narrow barrier island and has experienced storm-related damage and closures. Check current access conditions before driving out. Second, beach driving is not permitted throughout the national seashore. Vehicle access is limited to designated areas where permitted, and soft Gulf sand can immobilize vehicles that are not equipped for it. Follow posted rules and use established parking areas when beach driving is not authorized.
The DUO Series includes four layouts for two, with a fixed bed and a gear garage that makes practical use of the available space. Compare wheelbase, shower configuration, storage, and electrical options to find a layout that suits beach weekends and longer Gulf Coast road trips. A dedicated gear area can help keep sandy equipment separate from the main living space.
Three FAMILY layouts accommodate up to four people with convertible seating and sleeping arrangements. Available configurations span short and extended wheelbases, with storage and equipment varying by model. Consider passenger seating capacity separately from sleeping capacity when selecting a van for family travel.
The pre-built Bivy lineup includes the Classic, Plus, and Deluxe, with the Bivy XL also available. The Classic, Plus and Deluxe use the Sprinter 144 AWD platform and the Bivy XL uses the Sprinter 170 AWD; all feature a pop-top and Havelock wool insulation. Estimated availability is 8 to 10 weeks (10 to 14 weeks for the Bivy XL), compared with approximately 12 to 16 weeks for tailored builds. Confirm current stock, selected trim, included equipment, and delivery timing before ordering.
Short-wheelbase Sprinter 144 and Transit 148 configurations are approximately 19.5 feet long, while the Sprinter 170 and Transit 148 extended configurations are approximately 22.9 feet long. High-roof vans can stand approximately 9 to 10 feet tall, depending on the vehicle and finished configuration. Either platform can suit Panhandle travel, but check campsite dimensions, parking access, and overhead clearance before choosing a longer or taller vehicle.
The DUO Series sleeps two on a fixed bed, while the FAMILY Series accommodates four using convertible seating and sleeping arrangements. Bivy sleeping capacity depends on the selected configuration. For coastal trips, consider a gear garage for wet beach equipment, rear-door access, and roof racks where appropriate. Confirm approved passenger seatbelt capacity separately before traveling with a group.
Electrical options include a lithium battery bank, roof solar, DC-DC alternator charging, shore power, and battery monitoring. Available battery capacity reaches 15 kWh on the Bivy Deluxe. A fuel-fired air heater draws fuel from the vehicle's own tank and can be useful during winter travel farther north or for drying the cabin after wet-weather trips. Freshwater and gray-water tanks are sized to the selected layout, with a pressurized pump and accessible drain points. Air conditioning and exterior shower equipment vary by model and specification.
Approximately half an hour southwest of Pensacola, Fort Pickens sits at the western end of Santa Rosa Island. The area offers camping, a historic coastal fort, snorkeling opportunities near the jetties, and protected beaches. The access road follows a narrow barrier island and has experienced storm-related closures and damage. Check current road access, campground availability, and site-size limits before leaving.
Around 40 minutes southwest, depending on traffic, Perdido Key stretches toward the Alabama line. Big Lagoon State Park offers bay-side recreation and camping, while the Perdido Key unit of Gulf Islands National Seashore provides access to protected coastal scenery. Johnson Beach offers a quieter beach experience, although access, parking, and available services can vary. Check current conditions before your visit.
Approximately 45 minutes east, Navarre Beach and Santa Rosa Island offer coastal scenery and access to undeveloped stretches of the national seashore between Navarre and Pensacola Beach. This route provides opportunities for beach walks, wildlife viewing, and scenic drives. Check current access conditions and parking restrictions before setting out.
Roughly 45 minutes north, Blackwater River State Forest offers a different landscape of longleaf pine, clear sand-bottom rivers, paddling, and outdoor recreation. Blackwater River State Park and designated primitive camping areas provide options for getting away from the busy coast. It can also be appealing during cooler months. Check current camping regulations, road conditions, and burn restrictions, as prescribed burning is part of forest management.
About an hour and a half east, Destin, Grayton Beach, and the communities along Scenic Highway 30A offer coastal recreation and access to state parks. Topsail Hill Preserve and Grayton Beach State Park are popular destinations with camping options, subject to availability and site restrictions. The area is more developed and can be busy during peak travel periods, but the coastal dune lakes and shoreline landscapes make it a worthwhile road trip.
Approximately an hour west, Gulf Shores offers access to Gulf State Park, with extensive campground facilities and a network of outdoor trails. Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge provides additional opportunities to explore coastal habitats. Mobile Bay and the Fort Morgan ferry can also form part of a longer loop. Check ferry schedules, campground availability, and vehicle restrictions before planning the route.
The Panhandle's most comfortable outdoor travel season often runs from October through May. Water temperatures can remain pleasant into November, while seasonal visitors increase demand for campgrounds during the cooler months. Popular sites can book well ahead, particularly from January through March, and spring break can bring heavy traffic to the coast.
Summer is hot and humid, with frequent afternoon thunderstorms, and it coincides with Atlantic hurricane season. Hurricane season runs from June through November, with activity typically peaking from August into October. A camper van is not a safe shelter during a hurricane. Follow official forecasts and evacuation orders, identify routes inland before a storm approaches, and leave early when instructed. Evacuation routes can become congested and fuel availability may become limited. During hurricane season, keep the fuel tank adequately filled, maintain the house battery according to manufacturer guidance, and avoid storing the van in flood-prone areas or beneath trees that could fall during severe weather. During lightning storms, move indoors to a substantial enclosed building when available and follow local safety guidance.
Camper van packages range from $46,950 to $68,950 for the listed DUO and FAMILY models when fitted to a vehicle you supply. Complete vehicles with the chassis included start at $115,950. Pre-built Bivy models range from $119,700 to $192,570, with the Bivy XL starting at $153,700. Confirm current inventory, included equipment, and final pricing for your selected configuration.
Depending on the selected model and specification, equipment can include a lithium battery bank, roof solar, DC-DC charging, shore power, an inverter, battery monitoring, a fuel-fired heater, a powered roof fan, a 12V compressor refrigerator, and fresh and gray-water tanks. Air conditioning, additional solar, larger battery banks, exterior showers, awnings, and racks may be available at additional cost. For equipment installation, maintenance, and upgrades, explore our repairs, installations, and services.
Pensacola is approximately 1,500 miles from Boulder, Colorado. Transport is quoted as part of the purchase rather than estimated here, because the final cost depends on the delivery arrangements and vehicle. Some buyers instead fly to Denver, collect their van, and drive it home.
Registration and insurance requirements depend on the vehicle, its title and classification, and the completed camper's details. Confirm current registration requirements with the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. Obtain insurance and financing confirmation before completing your purchase. The Vansmith is NOAH certified, which may be relevant to some lenders and insurers, but certification requirements and acceptance vary by provider. Ask your chosen insurer and lender to confirm their requirements for your specific vehicle.
Chassis servicing follows the vehicle manufacturer's maintenance schedule. When comparing platforms, consider service availability near your home and along your regular travel routes. Gulf Coast maintenance also calls for rinsing the vehicle and underbody after beach trips, checking seals and hinges where fine sand collects, inspecting exterior fittings, and replacing tires based on age and condition as well as tread depth. Heat and ultraviolet exposure can age rubber even when the tread still appears usable.
Covered storage can help reduce exposure to ultraviolet light, salt air, and severe weather. If the van will sit for several weeks, choose a location outside flood-prone areas and allow appropriate ventilation. Maintain the house battery according to its manufacturer's instructions, inspect seals and exterior fittings, and follow the recommended water-system winterization procedure before freezing conditions. During hurricane season, avoid parking where storm surge, tidal flooding, or falling trees could damage the vehicle.
The Vansmith has crafted more than 300 vans since 2016, with experience across Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and Ford Transit platforms and multiple wheelbase configurations. That experience informs recommendations around vehicle dimensions, sleeping layouts, storage, electrical capacity, and intended travel.
Choose from four DUO layouts for two, three FAMILY layouts for four, and pre-built Bivy options. The Bivy range offers multiple trims and an estimated 8 to 10 week availability window, subject to current stock and delivery arrangements.
Cabinetry, galley, bed, and storage are planned around how you intend to travel. For Pensacola, practical considerations include a gear garage for sandy beach equipment, an exterior shower on selected models, ventilation for humid conditions, and secure storage for outdoor gear. A suitable drain and convenient rear access can help keep wet and sandy items out of the main living area.
Battery storage, solar, DC-DC charging, shore power, inverter capacity, and monitoring are considered as parts of an integrated electrical system. A properly sized battery bank is particularly important if you plan to run air conditioning overnight without hookups. The electrical setup should reflect your actual cooling needs and the amount of time you expect to spend camping away from external power.
Based in Boulder, Colorado, The Vansmith crafts vans intended for varied weather and long-distance travel. Insulation, ventilation, cabinetry, and electrical equipment are selected according to the chosen configuration and intended use. For Pensacola owners, planning for summer heat, humidity, salt exposure, and occasional trips to colder destinations helps determine which features are worth prioritizing.
The Vansmith offers a lifetime cabinetry warranty to the original owner, with no mileage or year limit, subject to applicable terms. Appliances and other equipment may have separate manufacturer warranties. The Vansmith is NOAH certified. Review the relevant warranty coverage and available service arrangements before ordering.
Delivery can be arranged and quoted as part of the purchase. Design consultations can take place over video, with progress photos shared throughout the process. Contact The Vansmith to discuss current availability, estimated production timelines, and delivery arrangements for your Pensacola location.
Browse our camper vans for sale, tailored models, and inspected used vans. Explore the van designer and Bivy comparison to compare available configurations.
Equipment and upgrades affect the final price, so request an itemized quote for your selected vehicle, layout, and options. For Pensacola travel, consider the cost of the battery capacity needed for overnight cooling, an exterior shower, and storage for sandy beach equipment. Confirm whether the quote includes the chassis, delivery, and any additional equipment you require.
Design consultations can take place over video, with progress photos shared during the process. The stated payment schedule is a $2,500 design deposit, 50% at design approval, 25% at build launch, and 25% at handover. Review our process for further details.
Transport is quoted with the purchase. Tailored builds typically take 12 to 16 weeks, while pre-built Bivy models are estimated at 8 to 10 weeks, subject to availability and confirmation. Discuss your preferred delivery date before ordering.
Review the lifetime cabinetry warranty for the original owner, applicable manufacturer warranties, registration requirements, insurance arrangements, and available service and upgrade support before purchasing. Confirm financing and certification requirements directly with your chosen lender or insurer.
Call (303) 414-6834 or contact The Vansmith through our contact page to discuss model availability, pricing, and delivery to Pensacola.
Explore our camper vans for sale and tailored models to compare layouts, features, and available vehicles.
Use the van designer and Bivy comparison to explore configurations. Estimate monthly payments with our RV loan calculator and learn more about camper van financing.
Current stock is listed on our camper vans for sale page. Pre-built Bivy models have an estimated 8 to 10 week timeline, subject to current inventory and delivery arrangements.
Call (303) 414-6834, use our contact page, or visit us at 7209 Valtec Court Unit B, Boulder, CO 80301. For the statewide overview, see camper vans in Florida.