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 Raleigh, NC
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
Raleigh sits almost exactly halfway between the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Atlantic coast, giving camper van owners access to two very different kinds of trips. The mountains are about three and a half hours west, while the Outer Banks are roughly three and a half hours east. Closer to home, Umstead State Park is inside the Beltline, Falls Lake is about 20 minutes north, Jordan Lake is around 30 minutes west, and the Eno River is approximately 25 minutes northwest.
The Triangle's climate makes cooling capacity especially important for camper van travel. Summer temperatures often reach the low 90s, and high humidity can keep nights warm. Winters are generally mild, although occasional hard freezes and ice storms can affect travel. Battery capacity and air conditioning are key considerations for comfortable van trips from June through September.
The Vansmith creates Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and Ford Transit camper vans in Boulder, Colorado, and delivers across North Carolina. 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 overview, explore
camper vans in North Carolina.
The Sprinter has the longest record of any camper van platform in the United States and offers a wide range of layouts. All-wheel drive is available on select configurations. Explore Sprinter van conversions and Sprinter campers for sale.
The Transit generally costs less to purchase and service, and Ford dealerships are widely available throughout the Triangle. All-wheel drive is offered on current model years. For many Raleigh buyers, the Transit can provide strong value, leaving more of the budget available for battery capacity and other onboard systems. Explore Ford Transit van conversions and our Sprinter vs. Transit comparison.
Once outfitted, the Sprinter 144 is approximately 19.5 feet long, while the 170 is around 22.5 feet. High-roof configurations are roughly 9 to 10 feet tall, depending on the vehicle and installed equipment. The 144 offers easier parking and greater flexibility on tighter routes. The 170 provides more interior room for a fixed bed, gear storage, and a usable seating area during rainy weather.
The Ford Transit 148-inch wheelbase is broadly comparable in length to the Sprinter 144, while the Transit 148-inch extended version provides additional cargo space similar in purpose to the longer Sprinter 170. As with the Sprinter, the choice comes down to maneuverability, interior space, sleeping arrangements, and storage needs.
All-wheel drive or four-wheel drive can be useful for trips beyond Raleigh, particularly on suitable gravel forest roads in Uwharrie and Pisgah or wet mountain roads during winter. However, it may be unnecessary if most of your travel involves interstate driving and developed campgrounds. Depending on your travel plans, investing in battery capacity, climate control, or other features may offer greater everyday value. Explore 4x4 RVs for sale.
Choose your van platform first, since the wheelbase, floor plan, and available features depend on that decision. Consider passenger needs, storage requirements, driving conditions, and how you plan to use the van throughout the year. Use our van designer to explore configurations before discussing your options with The Vansmith.
| Specification | Why It Matters in Raleigh | What to Verify Before Purchase |
|---|---|---|
| Air Conditioning | Triangle dew points keep nights warm, making cooling a defining requirement. | Whether the system can run from the house battery overnight, not just whether air conditioning is installed. |
| Ventilation | Humidity, rather than temperature alone, can make a van uncomfortable. | Fan type, variable-speed settings, and reversible airflow for intake or exhaust. |
| Insulation | Insulation helps manage July heat, reduce cooling demand, and retain warmth during winter cold snaps. | Coverage on all six sides and materials suited to humid conditions. |
| Heating System | Winters are generally mild, but mountain destinations can experience much colder overnight temperatures. | Whether the heater is fuel-fired rather than propane-powered and whether its output suits the van's interior volume. |
| House Battery | Overnight cooling is often the limiting power demand during off-grid summer trips. | Usable battery capacity rather than nominal capacity, plus expected air-conditioning runtime. |
| Solar Charging | Sunlight is available, but dense tree canopy at many forest campsites can sharply reduce solar output. | Installed solar wattage relative to available roof area and whether your usual campsites are shaded. |
| Alternator Charging | Provides charging at shaded campsites and during longer drives around North Carolina. | DC-DC charger output and confirmation that the charger is installed rather than simply assumed to be included. |
| Shore Power | Useful for charging at home and connecting to electrical hookups at North Carolina state parks. | Onboard charger rating and the shore-power input connection installed in the van. |
| Fresh Water | Dispersed campsites in Uwharrie and Pisgah may not have water refill points. | Tank capacity matched to your planned routes and whether the system drains fully for winter preparation. |
| Wastewater | Forest and dispersed campsites may not have wastewater disposal facilities. | Gray-water capacity appropriate for fresh-water storage, with accessible drain points. |
| Refrigeration | Important for extended warm-weather trips to the mountains, lakes, and coast. | Refrigerator type, storage capacity, and power draw. A 12V compressor refrigerator can operate from the house battery. |
| Sleeping Capacity | Sleeping arrangements influence the floor plan and available living space. | The DUO Series accommodates two people and the FAMILY Series accommodates four. A fixed bed can simplify overnight stops. |
| Storage Capacity | Bikes, paddling equipment, hiking gear, and beach supplies can add up over a long travel season. | Gear garage volume, rear-door access, and roof rack capacity. |
| Vehicle Height | Important when checking garage access and clearances on routes through the Blue Ridge Mountains. | High-roof vans are roughly 9 to 10 feet tall, depending on configuration. Measure the actual vehicle and check posted clearances. |
| Vehicle Length | Vehicle length can affect route choices, parking, and coastal campground restrictions. | Approximate configured lengths of 19.5 feet or 22.5 feet; confirm restrictions at the campgrounds and destinations you plan to visit. |
| Payload Capacity | Water, batteries, bikes, and equipment for several passengers can add weight quickly. | Chassis payload rating compared with realistic loaded weight, confirmed in writing. |
| Tires and Brakes | Frequent heavy rain and sustained descents in the Blue Ridge Mountains make traction and braking important. | Wet-weather traction, suitable sidewall strength for gravel roads, tire date codes, tread condition, and brake condition. |
| Suspension | Proper suspension supports comfort and control when loaded and on gravel forest roads. | Suspension setup suited to the loaded vehicle and intended routes, with upgrades considered where justified. |
| Ground Clearance | Useful when traveling on gravel forest roads in Uwharrie and Pisgah. | Actual ground clearance and approach angles for the selected chassis, trim, and drivetrain. |
| Electrical Monitoring | Running air conditioning overnight under tree cover makes accurate battery monitoring especially useful. | A battery monitor that reports state of charge rather than relying only on a voltage gauge. |
| Water-System Protection | Occasional hard freezes can damage water lines and components if the system is not prepared. | Drainable lines, an accessible water pump, and tanks that can empty completely. |
| Warranty | Warranty coverage and duration vary by component and manufacturer. | The Vansmith offers a lifetime cabinetry warranty; appliance coverage is provided by the respective manufacturers. Confirm applicable terms and exclusions. |
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. It parks in a standard space, fits most Triangle garages, and clears the Blue Ridge Parkway tunnels and coastal campground limits that exclude larger motorhomes. Browse our Class B RVs for sale.
DUO from $46,950, DUO S from $53,950, DUO XLS from $63,950 and DUO XL on request. FAMILY from $51,950, FAMILY XL from $61,950, FAMILY XLS from $68,950. Three pre-built Bivy trims from $119,700.
Our full current stock, including inspected used vans, is on the camper vans for sale page. Pre-built Bivy models are ready in 8 to 10 weeks; tailored builds run 12 to 16 weeks.
Four two-person layouts with a fixed bed and the largest gear garage of any configuration relative to length. See camper vans for couples.
Three four-person layouts with convertible seating and sleeping. See family van conversions and our layout ideas guide.
Bivy Classic $119,700 with a 5 kWh system, Bivy Plus $145,845 with 10 kWh, a diesel cabin heater and an exterior shower, Bivy Deluxe $192,570 with 15 kWh, air conditioning, a Rixen hydronic heater and a secondary alternator. Bivy XL from $153,700. All on the Sprinter 144 AWD with a pop-top and Havelock wool insulation, ready in 8 to 10 weeks. See the Bivy comparison.
A conversion package is the interior only, fitted to a van you supply. A complete vehicle includes the chassis and starts at $115,950. The right choice depends on whether you already own a suitable van.
For most Raleigh buyers, a DUO on the shorter wheelbase with air conditioning, a large battery bank, a powered roof fan and a gear garage covers the real use case: a lake weekend, a run to the coast, a week in the mountains in October.
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. Triangle winters are mild, but mountain nights run 15 to 20 degrees colder than Raleigh and the heater also dries the interior in a humid climate. See Heater Service.
The defining requirement here. Sized to a battery bank that can run it overnight, because the best camping in Uwharrie and Pisgah has no hookups. See our A/C installation page.
A powered roof fan with variable speed and reversible direction. It does more for comfort than cooling alone and prevents the standing moisture behind cabinets that leads to mildew. See our roof vent installation page.
Overnight cooling is the largest load in any van and the specification that matters most in the Triangle. We size the lithium bank around it rather than around a nominal number. See our Electrical System work.
North Carolina has good sun, with one caveat that catches people out: the best camping here is under dense hardwood and pine canopy where a roof array delivers a fraction of its rating. DC-DC alternator charging covers that gap. See Solar Installation and our solar sizing guide.
A 12V compressor fridge running on battery power alone, a sink with a pressurized water system, and a cooktop. No propane needed for the fridge and no need to park level.
Tanks sized to your trip length with accessible drain points. The Triangle gets only a handful of hard freezes a year, which is exactly why they catch people out.
Bikes for the Capital Area Greenway and Umstead, paddling gear for Falls and Jordan lakes, hiking gear for the mountains and beach equipment for the coast. A gear garage under a raised bed with rear door access keeps it out of the living space.
Wet traction matters far more here than snow rating, since North Carolina gets much more rain than snow. Gravel forest roads add a case for sidewall strength.
Sized against the battery, not quoted as a feature. That is the difference between a van you use in August and one that sits.
Insulate first, ventilate second, cool third. A roof fan running continuously does more than most buyers expect.
A fuel-fired heater for the cold snaps, for mountain nights, and for drying the interior out after a wet trip.
The single most important specification on this page. Everything else depends on it.
Size solar for open sites and rely on the alternator for shaded ones.
Know where your drain points are before the first freeze rather than after.
Heating, cooling, insulation and ventilation specified as one system rather than four separate line items.
Packs, bags, stoves and chairs in under-bed storage, heavier items low and forward.
Bikes go inside a gear garage, on a rear rack or on the roof. Height matters on the Parkway, where tunnels are low.
Falls Lake, Jordan Lake and the Neuse. Boats on a roof rack, which raises your height and affects fuel use.
The Outer Banks and Carolina beaches. Rinse everything with fresh water after a salt water trip.
A drainable gear area with hanging points, kept separate from the living space. North Carolina rain is frequent and heavy.
A fixed bed is faster at the end of a long day. A convertible layout gives you more daytime space for a rainy afternoon.
Inside the Beltline between Raleigh and Durham. Trails, lakes and a campground, which is unusual for a park this close to a city center.
Thirty minutes west. Extensive camping across several access areas, boating and one of the better bald eagle populations in the state.
Twenty minutes north. Camping, swimming and the Falls Lake Trail, which carries a long section of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail.
Twenty five minutes northwest. River trails and backpack camping close to home.
Two and a half hours northwest. Waterfalls, a quartzite ridge and good camping at the edge of the Piedmont.
An hour and a half west. Dispersed camping, OHV areas and worn-down ancient mountains, on gravel access roads.
Three and a half hours east. Cape Hatteras National Seashore, Ocracoke and the ferries. Note that some Outer Banks beaches permit vehicle driving with a permit, and that soft sand strands more vehicles there than anything else. Ferry fares and reservations are worth checking in advance.
North Carolina state parks charge no entry fee at most sites, with camping booked separately. Reservations open ahead for spring and autumn, which are the good seasons here.
Three and a half hours west to Asheville, with the Parkway, Pisgah and Mount Mitchell beyond. Several Parkway tunnels have posted height restrictions and no commercial vehicles are permitted on it. Greensboro and Charlotte are on the way.
The Parkway and mountain forest roads close for ice and after storms, often with little notice. Coastal routes close for hurricanes and flooding. Fire restrictions apply in dry periods. Dispersed camping on national forest land is free with a stay limit, no facilities and no water.
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 built in our Boulder shop.
A lithium house battery, roof solar, DC-DC alternator charging, shore power input, an inverter and a battery monitor showing real state of charge.
A 12V compressor fridge running on battery power, a sink with a pressurized water system, and a cooktop.
A fixed or convertible bed depending on layout, insulated window covers, upper cabinets and a gear garage with rear door access on most layouts.
Fresh and gray tanks sized to your layout, a pressurized pump, accessible drain points, a fuel-fired air heater and a powered roof fan.
Air conditioning, additional solar, larger battery banks, suspension upgrades, tire packages, exterior showers, awnings, roof racks and bike mounts. See repairs, installations and services.
Lifetime warranty on cabinetry to the original owner, no mileage or year limit. Appliance warranties come from their manufacturers. We are NOAH certified, which matters for insurance and financing.
More than 300 vans built since 2016, across both platforms and every wheelbase we offer.
Nine tailored layouts plus three pre-built Bivy trims, configured around how you travel rather than around what a dealer has in stock.
Lithium bank, solar, DC-DC charging, shore power, inverter and monitoring designed as one system. For a Raleigh buyer that integration is what makes overnight cooling work under tree canopy with no hookups.
Cabinetry and systems designed together and installed by the team that designed them, in our own shop.
We build in Boulder for mountain roads and real conditions, which transfers directly to Appalachian forest roads.
Boulder to Raleigh is about 1,650 miles, with transport arranged as part of the purchase.
Lifetime cabinet warranty to the original owner, plus service and upgrade work at the Boulder shop.
A conversion package is the interior only, from $46,950 to $68,950, fitted to a van you supply. A complete vehicle includes the chassis and starts at $115,950.
Bivy models $119,700 to $192,570, with Bivy XL from $153,700, ready in 8 to 10 weeks.
For the Triangle we would prioritize air conditioning, battery capacity and additional solar. All options are priced individually so the quote is itemized. Our cost breakdown with real examples works through real numbers.
About 1,650 miles from Boulder, quoted as part of 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.
Nine tailored layouts plus three Bivy trims.
Cooling against battery size, insulation, ventilation, water capacity, tires and height against Parkway clearances.
Call (303) 414-6834 or use the contact page.
Chassis availability varies by platform, drivetrain and model year and affects your timeline more than the build does.
The payment schedule is a $2,500 design deposit, 50% at design approval, 25% at build launch and 25% at handover. See our process.
Ready to start your Raleigh camper van journey? Browse camper vans for sale, compare tailored models, or call (303) 414-6834 to discuss your travel plans. You can also explore our Asheville camper van options, Greensboro camper van options and Charlotte camper van options.