A camper conversion DIY project is a big undertaking, but one that will ultimately pay off if you’re looking to make van life your full-time way of living. Converting an existing van into a home means you’ll have intimate knowledge of the systems that make up your living space – something you can’t get from a pre-built camper van (such as those you might get from Wayfarer Vans.)
In this article, we’ll look at why you might want to choose a Ford Transit for your van conversion, and give you a rough overview of the process of converting your camper so you can make an informed decision about how to go about your own build.
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Why use a Ford Transit in your campervan conversion?
Ford Transits make quality camper vans for van lifers, particularly those interested in winter camping adventures or off-road enthusiasts. It’s robust and reliable (Built Ford Tough!) and has ample towing capacity.
Its spacious interior and blank, boxy design make it perfect for those looking to customize. However, despite its size, it still handles remarkably well, meaning it’s safe and easy to maneuver in tight urban centers, windy back-country roads, and other wild spaces.
Lastly, the Ford Transit is highly fuel-efficient for its size and power. While there are certainly more fuel-efficient vehicles out there (smaller vans, for example), the Transit is highly competitive and will save you money in gas long-term.
Choosing Your Van
Building out a van for full-time van living isn’t like getting a van together for a weekend road trip. You need to consider space for things like your water tank, propane, house batteries and other electrical systems. Not to mention your bed, kitchen, and any toys you want to take with you for mountain biking, skiing, etc.
Ford makes a couple of different Transits that are great for van life: the Transit Trail, Ford Transit 148, and Transit Connect. Let’s take a look.
Ford Transit 148
The Ford Transit 148 is one of the most popular van life models, and for good reason. It’s a cargo van that can be customized with a high roof and extended length, giving you plenty of space inside for your build.
New models are all-wheel-drive, and older models are either rear-wheel-drive or can be converted to 4×4 if you choose that route.
It comes standard with two crew seats in the front (no bench seats or passenger seats) which is perfect for a van lifing couple. If you have kids or travel with more than 2 people, you’ll need to order after-market seats (The Swivel Shop is a great place to do this).
Ford Transit Trail
The Transit Trail is another super popular van life model – so popular, in fact, that campervan conversion companies like Wayfarer Vans uses them as the base of one of their most popular builds.
Why is the Transit Trail such a big deal?
Of all the Transit models out there, the Trail is getting the most attention right now. Why? It’s the first Ford Transit built specifically with van lifers in mind. It comes with some basic van life upfitting standards (things like comfy swivel seats, off-road tires and lift, a 3.5L EcoBoost v6 engine, and intelligent AWD). The appeal is that all of these items are covered under Ford’s warranty.
It has the spacious interior of a 148-cargo van, but with the conversion needs of a van lifer already in mind. That makes the van conversion process much easier for you, as the space is built specifically to fit components like a bed platform and kitchen counters.
Ford Transit Connect
The Transit Connect is another excellent cargo van for a conversion. Smaller than the Transit 148 or Trail, it nevertheless offers good length, a high roof, and a wide wheelbase. It also has very steep, square, boxy walls, making it ideal for counter and bed installs. It’s a small van, making it a more affordable choice for those on a tight budget.
Comparing the Ford Transit to Other Popular Vans
There are a lot of benefits to choosing a Transit over other vans like Mercedes. Let’s take a look at some of those.
Engine
Unlike some other types of vans, the Transit runs on gas rather than diesel. That can make filling up the tank much easier if you’re in a spot where diesel isn’t available. It also makes engine maintenance less expensive and less likely to require a specialist to diagnose issues.
For its size, the Transit is quite fuel-efficient. The rear-wheel-drive model’s fuel-economy rating is 15/19/17 mpg city/highway/combined, and the all-wheel-drive version’s is 14/19/16 mpg.
AWD
The Transit comes standard with intelligent AWD, which can be crucial for adventurous van lifers who plan to do a lot of off-roading or winter driving.
Ford Transit High Roof Extended Option
The Transit can be upgraded to have an interior roof height of over 79″, which is great for tall folks and for those who want to have their bed lifted for more storage space below. Plus, a tall interior roof makes the whole van feel bigger and airier, and gives you more options for shelving space.
Compatible Components
There are a ton of after-market components for the Transit and many people who have either pre-built components or make kits specifically for converting it. It’s a well-known van life model with many enthusiasts who can not only help you find components but can also share their knowledge about their own builds.
Maintenance
The Transit does not have complicated computer systems to worry about (like the Mercedes Sprinter), meaning you can work on it yourself much more easily. It’s also well-known among mechanics, so it won’t be hard to find someone to fix it for you if you encounter a problem you can’t handle on your own.
Converting Your Ford Transit
Whether you’re going for your very first DIY van conversion or your tenth, the Ford Transit is a great choice. With the advent of the Transit Trail, converting a van into a full-time house has become easier than ever. Don’t let the size of the project overwhelm you! With a little research and patience, anyone can have a beautiful custom van.
