Big Bear Vans
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Signature Layout
Palma Campervan
A 148 AWD Transit Van Featuring Seating for Six, Sleeping for Two, Full Kitchen Setup, Spacious Bathroom, and Robust Off-Grid Electrical System
Wheelbase
148
Sits / Sleeps
2 / 2
Drivetrain
2WD
Base Vehicle
Ford Transit
The Design Philosophy
Build Overview
"The Palma Campervan by Big Bear Vans is a custom-engineered 148 Ford Transit conversion designed for travelers who prioritize an expansive social lounge and a full residential kitchen layout. Engineered to seat up to 6 passengers around a massive U-shaped dinette and sleep 2 adults comfortably, the Palma pairs a robust 400Ah lithium electrical system with a fully equipped indoor wet bath, deep galley kitchen, and sliding window ventilation."
The Design Philosophy
"The Palma 148 Ford Transit van is built for adventurers who want maximum seating flexibility and entertaining space on the road without sacrificing off-grid independence. Featuring a 6-person U-shaped rear dinette that converts into a cozy bed, a deep functional kitchen, an enclosed indoor bathroom, and 400Ah of lithium power, the Palma delivers comfort and capability in a reliable Transit platform."
Quick Specs Overview
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Base Vehicle | Ford Transit |
| Wheelbase | 148" High Roof |
| Drivetrain | 2WD |
| Seating / Sleeping Capacity | Sits 2 / Sleeps 2 |
| Power System | 400Ah Lithium Bank + 300W Solar + 3000W Inverter + DC-DC Alternator Charger |
| Water Capacity | 20 Gal Fresh Water + 20 Gal Undermount Grey Water Tank |
| Climate Control | 12V Rooftop Air Conditioner + 12V Ceiling Vent Fan |
| Interior Layout | U-Shaped Dinette Lounge + Enclosed Shower & Portable Toilet |
Standard Features
Exterior Equipment & Roof Utility
- • Sliding Glass Windows: Vented side windows that open smoothly to cross-ventilate the cabin during warm weather.
- • Heavy-Duty Roof Deck & Rack: Rugged rooftop platform designed for mounting extra cargo boxes, gear, or observing outdoor scenery.
- • Side Frame Access Ladder: Secure exterior ladder mounted to the side for safe, easy access to the rooftop deck.
Interior Craftsmanship & Storage
- • Waterproof Marine-Grade Flooring: Tough, non-slip flooring engineered to handle dirt, moisture, and heavy daily foot traffic.
- • Deeper Wall Storage Cabinets: Extended overhead wall lockers featuring sturdy internal shelving for clothes, food, and supplies.
- • Full-Length Wall Cabinetry: Continuous upper cabinetry spanning the length of the living area for maximum storage capacity.
- • Integrated Insect Bug Screens: High-density mesh screens on doors and windows to keep bugs out while enjoying fresh outdoor breezes.
Versatile U-Shaped Dinette Sit & Sleep Layout
- • 6-Person U-Shaped Dinette Lounge: Wraparound rear bench seating that allows up to six people to dine, work, or relax comfortably around the table.
- • Custom High-Density Cushions: Tailored upholstery designed for long-term seating comfort and easy cleaning.
- • Lowering Swivel Table: Multi-axis table system that drops down easily to become the central support brace for the bed frame.
- • Passenger Swivel Seat: Rotates 180 degrees to open up the front cab directly into the main living space.
Robust Off-Grid Electrical System
- • 400Ah Smart Lithium Battery Bank: Commercial-grade lithium energy storage built for dependable, long-lasting off-grid power.
- • 3000W Pure Sine Wave Inverter: Converts 12V battery power into standard 110V household AC electricity for high-draw kitchen appliances.
- • 300W Rooftop Solar Panel Array: Clean solar collection to passively trickle-charge your battery bank daily.
- • Smart DC-DC Alternator Charger: Rapidly replenishes the lithium batteries from the vehicle alternator while driving.
- • 12V High-Efficiency Air Conditioner: Powerful rooftop cooling unit to keep the cabin comfortable during hot summer days.
- • 12V Ceiling Ventilation Fan: Pulls fresh air through the van and exhausts cooking steam or heat instantly.
- • Bright Interior LED Lighting: Energy-efficient lighting zoned throughout the ceiling and cabinets.
Functional Water & Bathroom Setup
- • 20-Gallon Fresh Water System: Dedicated clean water supply for cooking, dishwashing, and showering.
- • 20-Gallon Undermount Grey Water Tank: Safely collects wastewater underneath the vehicle chassis to maximize interior floor space.
- • Enclosed Shower with Sliding Door: Private indoor wet bath featuring a sleek sliding entry door.
- • Portable Toilet: Compact, hygienic toilet system stowed securely inside the bathroom enclosure.
- • Rear Exterior Hot Shower: Perfect for rinsing off muddy boots, dogs, or washing up after outdoor adventures.
Chef-Style Gourmet Kitchen
- • Electric Induction Cooktop: Fast, safe, and flame-free cooking powered directly by the lithium inverter system.
- • 12V Refrigerator & Separate Freezer: Upright fridge keeping groceries, fresh produce, and frozen items cold on minimal power draw.
- • Deep Stainless Steel Kitchen Sink: Heavy-duty basin capable of washing large pots, pans, and dinnerware easily.
- • High-Arch Pull-Out Faucet: Flexible sprayer faucet designed for effortless dish rinsing and bucket filling.
- • Decorative Custom Backsplash: Stylish tile-look backsplash that protects kitchen walls and elevates the interior aesthetic.
- • Functional Storage Drawers: Deep, smooth-sliding drawers under the countertop for cutlery, cookware, and pantry essentials.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
A: The massive U-shaped rear dinette features a central swivel table that lowers down flush with the bench seat frames. The custom cushions then rearrange into this lowered platform, quickly transforming the social dining lounge into a spacious, comfortable sleeping berth for two adults.
A: Yes! The 12V rooftop air conditioner is powered directly by the 400Ah lithium battery bank and 3000W inverter. With 300W of solar input and alternator charging while driving, you can run climate control off-grid for extended periods without needing a noisy generator.
A: The Ford Transit 148 High Roof offers an exceptional balance of interior standing height, straight interior walls (which make cabinetry installation cleaner), and responsive handling. Its wide stance and robust drivetrain make it a favorite platform for custom adventure builds.
A: Wastewater from the kitchen sink and indoor shower drains directly into a 20-gallon greywater tank mounted cleanly underneath the vehicle chassis. An easy-to-use valve lets you empty the tank at standard RV dump stations when convenient.