The new design from Cave Creek Custom Vans is here!
This is a 2026 144 AWD, high roof, Sprinter 2500 that literally has the biggest pop-top that can be installed on a van. This model challenges what is possible in a Sprinter. Of course, the Treehouse Edition has our trademark live edge, floor-to-ceiling pieces, including a hand carved ladder to climb up to the pop-top. We are a craft van builder, using hardwoods such as Maple and Bamboo for the cabinetry, Western red cedar for the ceiling and wainscoting, and we never, ever, use particle board, plastic, veneers, or other cheap nonsense.
Pop-Top
Forget clamshell designs where you’re lucky to squeeze in a sleeping bag. This monster expands ALL 4 SIDES of the pop top 48″ high along the entire roof of the van, creating an actual room on top of the van! With 6 full size windows containing bug screens and privacy curtains, the bedroom (as we call it) makes you forget you’re in a camper van. Anyone who has tried to cool a van in a warm climates (such as the Arizona desert) knows that it is hard to keep the sleeping area comfortable. Since the AC is mounted on the roof of the fiberglass pop-top and vents directly into the fully insulated bedroom, keeping it cold is easy even with temperatures over 100 degrees. The electronically controlled top can be raised and lowered by a built-in switch or via remote. There is also separate, dimmable, lighting in the pop-top which allows for either primary lighting, or amazing accent lighting at night. There are also USB charging ports, storage, and an extra DC and AC circuits for future expansion. There are two removable floor panels in the front of the bedroom that creates 10′ ceilings in the lounge area below.
The ladder is carved from solid Acacia wood, and a second, traditional, aluminum telescoping ladder is available.
Mercedes Chassis
We love building on the Mercedes Sprinter AWD chassis, which has important advantages for van conversions. This van has all the convenience and comfort packages from Mercedes (such as 360 degree cameras, electric powered swivel seats, upgraded infotainment center, the HO twin turbo engine, and all the other cool stuff). The one item we put in ourselves is the digital rear view mirror, as we prefer the Wolfpack Pro dual front and rear camera system that records in 4K, has a built in GPS and can be controlled by voice or touchscreen.
The Lounge
The pop-top opens up so many possibilities inside the actual van. A lounge with a bench and recliner chair allow for 5 people to comfortably fit in the front of the van. A 50″ TV (not a typo) comes standard. But what really separates our lounge is its flexibility. By placing the mechanical systems further in the rear of the van, we are able to design the lounge so that the furniture is removable, and you can reconfigure the van for whatever you need at the moment. For example, if a second sleeping area is needed on a particular trip, the standard bench with storage can be easily removed and a pull out couch put in its place. The recliner chair can easily be pulled out and placed on the ground for use outside the van.
Pass through design
We believe that a true pass through design for a van makes it much more comfortable and user friendly. Without a fixed bed taking up the rear half of the van, the rear doors become a second entrance. With 6’3″ of headroom, a WIDE walkway down the middle of the van, and two true entrances, the van feels downright roomy.
Kitchen
The kitchen is nicer than many homes! The cabinetry is custom built in-house with solid Maple. The cabinetry is solid 3/4″ Bamboo, with hand built Acacia countertops. The sink is from Tec Vanlife, with their innovative faucet system, and comes with a wooden cover. The fridge is lifted off the floor for better access, creating the perfect cubby for shoes and anything you want out of the way. Lots of storage for a loaded 144, with deep long drawers on full extension slides. The cabinet doors provide extra storage for larger items while providing easy access to the mechanical systems.
Rear of van / ‘Bathroom’ area
We use live edge pieces to help separate the bathroom area from the rest of the van, and ceiling mounted, removable curtains to create privacy that is unheard of in a typical 144. The shower is the incredible Tetravan fold down shower, which reduces to a 3.5″ footprint when not in use.
The same flexibility that we built into the lounge extends to the toilet box. We upgraded the Laveo dry flush toilet with a battery to allow for the toilet to be removed and placed into a separate ‘bathroom tent’ outside. Besides creating privacy when nature calls, it opens up the rear corner of the van for storage, coolers, or flip up shelving. According to Woody, it is the perfect space for his oversized dog bed.
The rear doors are completely weatherproofed, with the full Van Essentials storage system in each door.
Electrical
We use the no hassle, Ecoflow system. This 48-volt, all-in-one electric system is very easy to operate, and can be controlled with a smart phone. With a massive 5000 KWh battery (easily upgraded to 10000 KWh for $3700), a built-in 4000W inverter, and a native 48-volt cable directly powering the 13,500 BTU AC, the demands of the modern camper van are met. And with three sources of power (30 amp shore power, alternator charging, and 400 watt portable solar panel array), keeping the batteries topped off is easy. We put A/C outlets throughout the van, and have run extra AC and DC circuits to ‘futureproof’ the van.
Plumbing
The van has a 28 gallon fresh water tank and 25 gallon grey water tank, both mounted under the van to free up space. Our goal is to make the plumbing system something you never think about. We use marine grade equipment, and replace weak tubing with stainless steel braided water lines. We also make the system convenient, with easy tool-less access to all the controls, and an electronically controlled valve that empties the grey water tank.
Outside
The van comes with a rear step, side steps, and a rear wheel carrier/ladder in the rear. The best way to protect the outside of a camper van is to apply Raptor liner in high wear areas, (front grill, hood, rear bumper, side and rear steps, side rocker panels, wheels, wheel wells, etc). We are able to add any additional exterior add-ons such as winches, awnings, etc. We have learned that for every person who wants an inconspicuous low profile van, there is someone who wants two gas cans, orange tractions boards, and 3 shovels. Whatever you want to add, let’s do it!
[Note: we are installing lights on the roof and will have pictures soon!]
Other appliances
The Deisel heater runs directly off the van’s diesel tank. Internet is provided by a mini-Starlink mounted on the roof. An Induction cooktop can be stored away when not in use, and a microwave mounted up and out of the way round out the kitchen appliances.
Warranties
This van has been used solely by Cave Creek Custom Vans and all milage is from being brought to a recent van show. The original warranty on this van from Mercedes is still in effect and can be extended. All the work performed by Cave Creek Custom Vans is warrantied for 3 years from the purchase date. In addition, we provide complimentary annual checkups to help make sure everything is working right. Our support line is the same as our main number. If you need help, we are here.
If you like 98% of this van, but want a different kitchen wall covering, or different furniture, no problem. we can tweak this van for you.
And if you like our work, but want a completely different build, we can build a custom van to your exact specifications and desired finishes. After all, we are Cave Creek CUSTOM Vans!
