Big Shorty Camper Van Redefines Family Road Trips With Hidden Bathroom and Smart Interior Design

Published On: May 6, 2026 1:32 am

Big Shorty Camper Van Redefines Family Road Trips

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Finding the right family camper van is never easy. Most adventure vans are designed for solo travellers or couples, but creating enough room for a small family without making the interior feel cramped takes serious planning. That’s exactly where the Big Shorty camper van by Field Van is making headlines in the growing luxury camper van conversion market.

Built on the highly trusted Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 170 wheelbase, this custom adventure van brings together comfort, storage, off-road performance, and a surprisingly clever hidden bathroom layout. For families looking for a van that can handle both weekend escapes and long-distance road trips, this build offers something refreshingly practical.

The camper van industry is evolving quickly, and more buyers are searching for off-grid camper vans, Sprinter van conversions, and family-friendly camper vans that feel more like compact homes than vehicles. Big Shorty fits perfectly into that trend.

A Mercedes Sprinter Built for Real Adventure

The Big Shorty is crafted by Field Van, a respected family-run van conversion company with locations in Reno and Fresno. Known for building practical yet premium custom camper vans, the company has built a reputation among outdoor enthusiasts who want reliability without sacrificing comfort.

This particular model is based on Field Van’s Summit S3 platform, one of its most versatile adventure van layouts.

What makes this build stand out starts with its rugged exterior upgrades.

The van rides on durable alloy wheels paired with all-terrain tires, giving it the confidence to tackle rough roads, gravel paths, and remote campsites. It also features the Van Compass Stage 4.3 suspension system, a major upgrade that improves ride quality and off-road capability.

For families who enjoy national park trips, mountain routes, or desert camping, this suspension setup can make a noticeable difference.

Another thoughtful addition is the powered step system. Since lifted Sprinter vans often sit higher than standard models, getting in and out can be awkward, especially for kids or older passengers. The powered steps automatically deploy when the side door opens, making access much easier.

The exterior also includes:

Fiamma F80S awning with integrated LED lighting
Water and power hookups
Expanded body flares for additional sleeping space

These upgrades turn the van into a true road trip-ready camper van.

The Hidden Bathroom That Changes Everything

One of the smartest features inside Big Shorty is its concealed bathroom.

At first glance, the area behind the driver’s seat looks like a standard kitchen counter. But with a quick lift of the countertop and access through a front panel, it transforms into a compact bathroom setup.

This hidden design includes:

Built-in toilet
Shower system with handheld sprayer
Wooden floor mat
Ceiling-mounted shower curtain attachment

This is one of those features that solves a common camper van problem: space.

Traditional camper van bathrooms often eat up valuable interior room. By hiding the bathroom inside the cabinetry, Field Van managed to preserve open living space while still offering full bathroom functionality.

For families traveling with children or planning longer adventures, having a private bathroom can make life on the road dramatically easier.

It’s the kind of practical engineering that makes this Mercedes Sprinter camper conversion especially appealing.

A Comfortable Interior Designed for Family Living

Step inside Big Shorty, and the first thing you notice is how open it feels.

There’s no divider between the cab and the living area, which helps the interior feel larger and more connected. The design uses soft cream wall upholstery, wood-look vinyl flooring, and sleek laminated cabinetry that gives the space a bright and welcoming atmosphere.

The kitchen packs impressive functionality into a compact footprint.

It includes:

A deep stainless-steel sink with a folding faucet, microwave oven, and a 130-liter refrigerator with a freezer compartment.

For a family camper van, this matters more than it might seem.

A larger fridge means longer trips without frequent grocery stops — something every road traveler quickly learns to appreciate.

Nearby, a touchscreen control system lets users monitor power usage and manage utilities with ease. This smart control setup reflects the growing trend toward tech-enabled van life solutions.

Across from the kitchen sits a cozy dining and lounge area featuring a custom bench and Lagun swivel table.

This flexible setup works well for meals, laptop work, board games, or simply relaxing after a long drive.

Better yet, the bench hides substantial storage underneath — a must-have for family travel gear.

Smart Sleeping and Storage Solutions Make It Road-Trip Ready

The rear sleeping area proves that compact doesn’t have to mean cramped.

At first look, the bed appears modest in size. But it features a fold-out platform extension that expands into an almost king-size sleeping area.

This clever expandable design allows the van to maximize daytime living space without sacrificing nighttime comfort.

Thanks to body flares, the sleeping layout runs sideways across the van, saving valuable floor space.

Instead of using the extra width solely for mattress extension, the owners chose to create side storage compartments that function like bedside tables.

It’s a small detail, but one that adds major convenience.

Additional bedroom features include:

Reading lights
Overhead storage cabinets
Removable soft cabinets for extra headroom
Net storage pockets
Ceiling-mounted air conditioning

Temperature control is often overlooked in van builds, but it can completely shape the travel experience. A strong A/C system means restful sleep even during summer adventures.

Underneath the bed is a practical garage storage area with a pull-out tray for easier access to gear.

This space houses the van’s utility systems, including:

A robust battery bank, inverter charger, freshwater tank, water heater, and greywater tank.

At the rear, a roll-down bug screen allows travelers to keep the back doors open while keeping insects out — perfect for evenings parked near lakes, forests, or campsites.

Why Big Shorty Is Getting Attention in the Camper Van World

The Big Shorty camper van stands out because it solves real travel problems with thoughtful design.

It doesn’t rely on flashy gimmicks or oversized luxury features. Instead, it focuses on usability, comfort, and adaptability — exactly what families need for life on the road.

With demand rising for custom Sprinter van conversions, builds like this show how modern camper vans are becoming smarter and more family-focused.

For anyone researching the best luxury family camper vans in 2026, Big Shorty offers a strong example of how efficient design can create a truly comfortable mobile adventure home.

Disclaimer:
This article is created for informational and educational purposes only. All details related to the Big Shorty camper van, specifications, features, and design are based on publicly available information and may change over time. We do not own, manufacture, or sell this camper van. Readers are advised to visit the official website of the manufacturer or contact the company directly for the latest updates, pricing, customization options, and availability. Any product names, brand names, or trademarks mentioned in this article belong to their respective owners.

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