Big Bear Vans
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Monterey Bay Campervan
A 170 AWD Sprinter Featuring Flexible Seating, Robust Electrical System, and Diesel Glycol Heating for Complete Self-Sufficiency
Wheelbase
170
Sits / Sleeps
5 / 5
Drivetrain
4WD
Base Vehicle
Mercedes-Benz Sprinter
The Design Philosophy
Build Overview
"The Monterey Bay Campervan by Big Bear Vans is an extended 170 AWD Mercedes-Benz Sprinter engineered for complete long-term self-sufficiency and flexible multi-passenger travel. Built to seat up to 5 passengers and sleep 5 comfortably, this build combines a 600Ah lithium power bank, dual ceiling ventilation fans, a high-efficiency 12V air conditioner, and a diesel hydronic glycol heating system—giving families and adventure groups total off-grid freedom in any climate."
The Design Philosophy
"The Monterey Bay 170 AWD Sprinter is designed for travelers who demand ultimate self-sufficiency without sacrificing seating capacity or open living space. Featuring an innovative front jump seat, double swivel seating, crisp white shiplap interior finishes, and a massive 600Ah lithium power system, the Monterey Bay allows up to 5 passengers to stay off the grid as long as they want."
Quick Specs Overview
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Base Vehicle | Mercedes-Benz Sprinter |
| Wheelbase | 170" High Roof |
| Drivetrain | All-Wheel Drive (AWD / 4WD) |
| Seating / Sleeping Capacity | Sits 5 / Sleeps 5 |
| Power System | 600Ah Lithium Bank + 300W Dual Solar Panels + Pure Sine Inverter + DC/DC Charger |
| Water Capacity | 30 Gal Fresh Water Tank + Undermount Grey Water Tank |
| Climate Control | 12V Rooftop AC + Diesel Glycol Hydronic Air & Water Heater |
| Interior Aesthetics | White Shiplap Walls/Ceiling + Waterproof Laminate Floor + Marble-Finish Counters |
Standard Features
Exterior Equipment & Storage Options
- • Heavy-Duty Roof Rack & Side Access Ladder: Provides a secure platform for rooftop gear, solar mounting, or gear tie-downs, accessible via a frame-mounted exterior ladder.
- • Power Electric Awning: Extends at the touch of a button to create an instant shaded patio along the side of your van.
- • Static Running Boards (Slider & Rear Doors): Wide, heavy-duty step boards at both the main side slider and rear doors for effortless entry and exit.
- • Slider Door Bug Screen: Keep mosquitoes and flies out while enjoying fresh air and breeze through open side doors.
- • Dual-Side Body Bump-Outs: Expands width in the rear sleeping quarters to allow sideways sleeping for taller individuals.
- • Awning-Style Glass Windows: High-insulation, vented glass windows that open outward safely during light rain for continuous airflow.
Bright Interior Aesthetics & Cabinetry
- • White Shiplap Walls & Ceiling: Bright, custom-painted white shiplap panelling that reflects light and gives the interior a warm cottage-style feel.
- • Waterproof Premium Laminate Flooring: Ultra-durable, scratch-resistant flooring designed to handle sand, dirt, snow, and wet boots effortlessly.
- • Painted White Partition Walls: Crisp structural divider walls that keep living, dining, and storage zones neatly organized.
- • Expansive Upper Wall Storage Cabinets: High-capacity shaker-style overhead lockers for storing clothes, bedding, and daily gear.
Flexible 5-Passenger Seating & Sleeping Configurations
- • Center Cab Jump Seat: Custom third seat positioned between the driver and front passenger seats, increasing front-cab seating capacity.
- • Double Swivel Passenger Bench (Behind Driver): Belted secondary seating for two passengers that swivels to integrate into the main living room.
- • 75” Convertible Dinette Storage Benches: Extra-long dual benches paired with a bamboo swivel table that transform smoothly into a large lower sleeping bed.
- • Bamboo Top Swivel Table: Multi-axis adjustable dining table that serves both front swivel seats and rear dinette benches.
High-Capacity Off-Grid Electrical & Climate Control
- • 600Ah Lithium Power Bank: Massive battery storage allowing multi-day off-grid operation of the 12V AC, microwave, and cooktop without a generator.
- • 300W Rooftop Solar Panel Array (150W + 150W): Dual solar panel setup that provides continuous battery replenishment under sunny or overcast skies.
- • Smart DC/DC Alternator Charger: Charges the 600Ah battery bank rapidly while driving between destinations.
- • High-Output Pure Sine Wave Inverter: Converts battery power to clean 110V AC power for household electronics and kitchen appliances.
- • 30A Shore Power Inlet: External port for quick plug-in charging at campsites or home outlets.
- • 12V Rooftop Air Conditioner: Powerful, high-efficiency AC unit powered directly off the lithium bank to keep the cabin cool in hot climates.
- • Dual 12V Ceiling Ventilation Fans: Two strategic roof vent fans that create continuous pull-through cross-ventilation to exhaust heat and moisture quickly.
- • Under-Bench Diesel Glycol Air & Water Heater: Compact hydronic heating unit mounted neatly under the passenger bench that uses vehicle fuel for continuous ambient heat and hot shower water.
Outdoor Water & Plumbing Setup
- • 30-Gallon Fresh Water System: High-capacity internal water supply for cooking, dishwashing, and outdoor showers.
- • Undermount Grey Water Tank: Dedicated wastewater holding tank mounted underneath the chassis to conserve interior living space.
- • Rear Outdoor Shower Unit: Rinses off trail dust, mud, wetsuits, or pets before entering the clean living area.
Expanded Gourmet Kitchen Setup
- • Marble-Finish Countertops: Elegant, highly durable countertop surface with an integrated pop-up extension for extra prep room.
- • 12V 4.4 cu. ft. Upright Refrigerator: Spacious fridge with ample storage for drinks, fresh food, and multi-day meal storage.
- • Deep Stainless Steel Sink with Cup Rinser: Equipped with a pull-out faucet, drinking water filtration system, and an instant glass/cup rinser.
- • Built-In 0.7 cu. ft. Microwave: Integrated neatly into the upper shaker-style wall cabinets for quick meal prep.
- • Custom Backsplash & Drop-Down Outdoor Table: Stylish kitchen backsplash paired with a flip-down exterior side table for outdoor cooking.
- • High-Capacity Kitchen Storage: Includes 3 deep storage drawers, 1 pull-out vertical pantry, overhead wall cabinets, and a tall fridge cabinet with two large lower drawers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
A: The Monterey Bay features a unique front-cab jump seat mounted between the driver and front passenger seats, plus a belted double swivel bench positioned directly behind the driver. This configuration allows 5 passengers to ride safely with seatbelts while driving.
A: Yes! Thanks to the massive 600Ah lithium battery bank and 300W solar array, the 12V rooftop AC unit can run directly off battery power, allowing you to stay cool in warm desert or summer campsites without needing a generator or shore power hookup.
A: Having two 12V ceiling vent fans—one set to intake cool air and the other set to exhaust stale air—creates a powerful push-pull airflow currents throughout the entire 170 wheelbase. This keeps the van cool in moderate weather while drawing minimal battery power compared to running full air conditioning.
A: The diesel hydronic system draws small amounts of fuel directly from the Sprinter’s main diesel fuel tank to heat a glycol fluid loop. This loop powers a radiant cabin air heater for winter warmth and an instant heat-exchanger for hot water at the sink and outdoor shower—eliminating the need for separate propane tanks.