Ford Transit Camper Van: The Ultimate Guide

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So you decided that you want to invest in a camper van conversion. You might start looking on social media for some inspiration. You’re infatuated with all of the beautifully designed and creative campervan interiors.

During your search, you’re likely to see tons of immaculate Mercedes Sprinter campervans that look like a luxury apartment on wheels. The excitement grows until you look up the cost.

Like me, you may have realized that a camper van, although incredible awesome, probably should not cost double your annual income.

Fear not, there are many other options out there. In this post, we are going to explore the benefits and disadvantages of choosing a Ford Transit camper van for living the van life full-time.

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Ford Transit Camper Van: The Facts

When making a decision as large as moving into a camper van full time, it’s always best to have all the facts and all the options. This is the ideal way to make the best decision for you and your goals. So let’s review the basic facts for this type of van.

In 2014 Ford came up with (intentionally or not), another large cargo van option for camper enthusiasts with the Ford Transit. This van simulates the size of Mercedes Sprinter but for a fraction of the cost. If your van camping dreams include more space with a discounted price, a Ford Transit camper van may be the answer for you.

Ford Transit is a large passenger or cargo van that is a great shell for your home on wheels.
Like the Sprinter van, there are varying height options. For full-time van living, a high or medium top would be the best choice.

Ford Transit simulates the size of the Mercedes Sprinter but at a fraction of the cost.

For low-roof and medium-roof vans, there are Ford 150/250/350 options and for the HR model there are 250/350 options available. This equates to engine power and weight capacities. Depending on what your needs and desires are, this will be something to pay attention to in your search.

The specs and measurements for all Ford Transit vans can be found here. A 2019 Ford Transit van can start at $33,000. For comparison, a similar size 2019 Mercedes Sprinter starts at $41,000.

The Positive of a Ford Transit Camper van

Purchasing a large campervan will be a big decision. With any large decision its best to research all your options and the pros and cons of each.

First, we’ll go over the positives of a Ford Transit campervan. 

Cost

As mentioned before, a Ford Transit van can be a money saver when considering a large cargo van conversion. When searching for a used Ford van, converted or not, you will find a significant cost decrease from a Mercedes. In addition, Ford vehicles are less expensive to maintain and repair. Since the main reason for most to venture into van life is to travel, regular repairs and servicing will be expected and inevitable. Thus with a Ford Transit, you will have less recurring cost and less upfront cost.

Easy to Drive

The Ford Transit is known for very easy driving for such a large vehicle. Steering is noted to be responsive and the van has a tight turning radius. With a standard V6 engine, it offers decent power for all your van life adventures.

Lots of Space

A large cargo van offers endless possibilities for your conversion dreams. Check the specs for exact measurements. There is easily enough room to comfortably fit a couple, family, and travel pets.

Rent a campervan before you buy (coupon!)

Want to rent before you buy? Use the coupon code wayward40 to get $40 off any rental through Outdoorsy. Click below to browse rentals.

 

The negatives of a Ford Transit camper

Now, we’ll go over the negatives of a Ford Transit camper van so you can make an informed choice as to which van to buy for a DIY camper.

Towing capacity

The Ford Transit does have towing capacity but not as much as similar vans in its class. So if your van life plans involve frequent heavy towing, this may not be the best van for you.

Drivetrain limitations

The 2020 Ford Transit is in the first of its class to have AWD capabilities. The 2019 and earlier versions you will only find 2WD. This can limit some harsh weather and off-grid adventures.

DIY Ford Transit Conversion V Professional Conversion

When looking at the numbers a DIY conversion will always be cheaper. But it’s not always a black-and-white money decision.

A DIY Ford Transit campervan conversion requires space and time. It’s important to consider all these factors when deciding which way to go.

A professional conversion can be beautiful but can cost 10s of thousands of dollars for a custom build. There are benefits and drawbacks to both options.

A well known Ford Transit conversion company is Sportsmobile. Many professional conversion companies are beginning to work on Ford vans as well as Sprinters.

Another company that does gorgeous Ford Transit custom conversion is Van Life Customs. Their latest Vincent Van-Go van is a jaw-dropper.

If you find you want to go the DIY route there are a few resources on the internet to help guide you in the process.

• Far Out Ride
• Spin the Globe Project: A Ford Transit conversion for $3500!
• Vanspiration

If you want something in between DIY and professional conversion, a campervan conversion kit may be a great option for you.

Try out a Ford Transit camper van before you buy

Even with all the information at your fingertips, deciding which van to turn into a camper is still a really large decision. With such a large van and a large price tag it’s best to try it out for a few days before diving in full time.

Outdoorsy is the “Airbnb of Recreational Vehicles.” and a great way to get started. You can rent any type of camper van to try out. Use the coupon code wayward40 to get $40 off your rental!

Check out this post for more campervan rental companies to try.

Things to pay attention to when renting a camper van

Type of van: Once you pick a Ford Transit to rent get all the specs regarding size, roof height, and other specs to give you an accurate picture of how these different items work for you.
Conversion layout: Note the positives and negatives you enjoy about the layout. Do you like where the bed is? Is there a kitchen? Is there a bathroom? etc.
Driveability: How does this type of van drive? Is it easy to drive and park?

Click here to browse rental vans on Outdoorsy.

Ready to start with your DIY Ford Transit campervan?

If you’re ready to start building your own Ford Transit camper van conversion right now, there’s an amazing book that will help you convert your van. And despite the title, this book doesn’t only apply to Sprinter vans. I asked the author this question myself as I bought the book to help me with my Chevy Astro.

The Sprinter RV Conversion Sourcebook is 378-pages of pure conversion gold, written by Greg Keith, who is currently on his THIRD Sprinter van conversion. I’d say this guy knows what he’s talking about when it comes to camper vans.

Here’s some of what you’ll get from the book: 

• An RV plumbing chapter on pipes, fittings, tanks, pumps, water heaters, toilets, you name it
• How to get internet access in your van
• The five criteria to think about when insulating your camper van
• Advice on choosing solar panels
• How to install blackwater, greywater and freshwater tanks 
• Fifty pages of information on designing an electrical system and wiring your campervan conversion
• And soooo much more!

Check out the Sprinter RV Conversion Sourcebook and start working on your Ford Transit camper van right now.

Remember, so much of this info can also be used on any type of van.

Conclusion on Ford Transit campervans

If you are looking for a van to live in full time with more than one person and in need of large space, a Ford Transit can be a great option for you. You will find the price to be less upfront and less throughout the miles you put on it for your van adventures.

These vans are easy to drive and reliable, which is a must for long road trips.

The Ford Transit 2019 and older vans will not be the best option if your adventures will often require 4 wheel drive. It may also not be the best if you are in need a van that needs to do heavy towing.

But remember, the newer 2020 Ford Transits will come with an AWD option.

Overall, a Ford Transit is a great option for those looking for a spacious, reliable, and cost-effective van!

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