Big Bear Vans
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Signature Layout
Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz: Premium 144 AWD Mercedes Sprinter Conversion
Wheelbase
144
Sits / Sleeps
2 / 2
Drivetrain
4WD
Base Vehicle
Mercedes-Benz Sprinter
The Design Philosophy
Build Overview
"The Santa Cruz by Big Bear Vans is a custom-built 144 AWD Mercedes-Benz Sprinter designed for ultimate off-grid freedom without sacrificing luxury. Designed comfortably for 2–4 passengers, this build blends high-performance off-grid electrical systems, an expansive indoor kitchen, a full private bathroom, and flexible sit-to-sleep arrangements into a compact 144 wheelbase layout."
The Design Philosophy
"Our Santa Cruz 144 AWD Sprinter is crafted for adventurous couples and small families who want maximum interior living space and reliable off-grid independence. Featuring an automated elevator bed over a custom dinette, a sleek powder-coated aluminum bathroom, and 400Ah of lithium off-grid power, the Santa Cruz lets you explore remote off-road destinations with the comfort of home."
Quick Specs Overview
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Base Vehicle | Mercedes-Benz Sprinter |
| Wheelbase | 144" High Roof |
| Drivetrain | All-Wheel Drive (AWD / 4WD) |
| Seating / Sleeping Capacity | Sits 2–4 / Sleeps 2–4 |
| Power System | 400Ah Lithium Power + 400W Solar + 3000W Inverter |
| Water Capacity | 30 Gal Fresh Water / 20 Gal Grey Water |
| Climate Control | 12V Air Conditioner + Glycol Diesel Air/Water Heater |
Ready to Build Your Dream Off-Grid Sprinter?
Custom builds start with a 1-on-1 design consultation. Let’s bring your Santa Cruz layout to life.
Schedule a Design CallStandard Features
Exterior & Off-Road Capabilities
- • Heavy-Duty Running Boards: Provides comfortable, safe entry into the cab and living quarters.
- • Side Drop-Down Table with Drawer: Creates an instant outdoor cookstation or workspace for camp setups.
- • Rear Door Outdoor Shower: Perfect for rinsing off mud, sand, or gear after a trail run or surf session.
- • Rooftop Access Ladder & Decking: Safely access rooftop gear, stargaze, or mount extra storage boxes.
- • Perimeter Exterior Lighting: Illuminates your entire campsite at night for safety and outdoor entertainment.
- • Awning-Style Insulated Windows: Designed to vent in light rain while retaining internal climate control.
- • Power Electric Awning: Deploys at the press of a button to shield your lounge area from sun or rain.
- • Raptor-Coated Body Bump-Outs: Expands rear sleeping width while protecting the vehicle body from trail scratches.
- • Raptor-coated Bump-outs
- • Upgraded BFGoodrich KO3 All-Terrain Tires: Delivers maximum traction on snow, mud, and gravel roads.
- • Electric Greywater Dump Valve: Empty wastewater cleanly and quickly using interior switch controls.
- • 30A Shore Power Inlet: Plug directly into RV park hookups or generator setups to fast-charge batteries.
Interior Comfort & Ergonomics
- • Heated Bamboo-Laminate Flooring: Keeps feet warm during high-altitude winter camping and cleans easily.
- • Front Living Room Dresser (4 Drawers): dedicated clothing and gear storage for extended road trips.
- • Over-the-Cab Shelf Storage: Utilizes empty cab headroom to store bedding, soft bags, and bulky items.
- • Insulated Marine Door Panels: Built with thick marine-grade plywood and high-R insulation for noise and thermal control.
- • Insect Screens & Integrated Blackout Shades: Enjoy bugs-free airflow while keeping 100% privacy at night.
- • Wall & Floor Mounted L-Track System: Securely tie down bikes, storage crates, and outdoor equipment during transit.
- • Dual Swivel & Folding Tables: Includes a dedicated swivel table for dining and a folding table with cup holders for road trip snacks.
Versatile Sit & Sleep Setup
- • Motorized Elevator Bed System: Lower a full-size bed from the ceiling at night without disrupting your day lounge setup.
- • Convertible Dinette Bed System: Serves as a comfortable workstation or dining area for up to 4 people, converting easily into an extra bed.
- • Passenger Swivel Seat: Rotates 180 degrees to turn the front cab into an extended living room space.
Advanced Off-Grid Electrical System
- • 12V High-Efficiency Air Conditioning Unit: Keeps the cabin cool during hot summer desert trips directly off the battery bank.
- • 400Ah Smart Lithium Battery Bank: High-capacity power storage built to run heavy-draw 110V appliances without generator noise.
- • 400W Roof-Mounted Solar Array: Passively charges your batteries daily under direct and indirect sunlight.
- • 3000W Pure Sine Wave Inverter: Converts DC battery power to standard household AC power for laptops, cooktops, and chargers.
- • Starlink Maritime Satellite System: Stay connected with high-speed satellite internet anywhere in the world while working remotely.
- • Glycol Diesel Hydronic Air & Water Heater: Runs on van fuel to provide instant hot water and cozy ambient cabin heat.
- • Multi-Zone LED & Reading Lights: Fully dimmable cabin lighting paired with directional bedside reading lamps.
- • Multiple 110V, 12V & USB Outlets: Strategically placed throughout the kitchen, bed, and cab areas to keep devices fully charged.
Complete Indoor Bathroom & Water Setup
- • 30-Gallon Fresh Water System: Provides ample clean water for multi-day off-grid dry camping trips.
- • 20-Gallon Underbody Greywater Tank: Collects sink and shower runoff safely without losing interior floor space.
- • Black Powder-Coated Aluminum Shower: A fully enclosed interior wet bath that prevents water leaks and resists corrosion.
- • Black Dry-Flush Waterless Toilet: Odor-free, hygienic toilet system that eliminates the need for messy blackwater plumbing tanks.
Deluxe Gourmet Kitchen
- • Sustainable Bamboo Countertops: Ultra-durable, moisture-resistant prep surface designed for daily cooking.
- • 12V Refrigerator & Separate Freezer: Keeps fresh groceries, drinks, and frozen food cold on low power draw.
- • Pop-Up Countertop Extension: Instantly adds extra prep space when cooking larger meals.
- • Induction Cooktop: Fast, safe, and flame-free electric stove powered directly by the lithium inverter system.
- • 0.7 cu ft Built-In Microwave: Quickly reheat food and meals on busy travel days.
- • Deep Stainless Steel Sink with Water Filtration: Heavy-duty sink with integrated multi-stage drinking water filter.
- • Built-In Soap Dispenser & Glass Cup Rinser: Effortless dishwashing and fast glass cleaning right at the sink.
- • Pull-Out 3-Tier Pantry & 4 Undercounter Drawers: Dedicated organization for cookware, spices, dry food, and utensils.
- • Upper Wall Storage Cabinets: Secure overhead lockers for daily food supplies, dishes, and kitchenware.