The Ford Transit Connect’s mobility and versatility make it a fantastic city van, but its unpolished nature as well as unremarkable engines offer a lot to be desired. However, for the many craftsmen who will find it most beneficial, those major drawbacks should be simpler to tolerate. Offered as a hollowed-out cargo van or just one that’ll carry up to seven occupants, the Transit Connect may be adapted for a myriad of jobs. Also there is an option of short or long wheelbases with a rear liftgate as well as symmetrical rear doors.
Ford even includes popular amenities including such Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and also driver assistance like as adaptive cruise control as well as blind-spot monitoring. As long as interstate slogs are minimized, and routinely used roads aren’t too bumpy, the Transit Connect is easy to go around in, and also its go-kart-like handling is appealing.
Introducing the Ford Transit Connect Camper Van
The versatility of the Transit Connect lies in the fact that it may be designed and outfitted to satisfy a wide range of transportation requirements. The mid-level XLT model, in our opinion, offers the finest value. The standard touchscreen infotainment system, which includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as built-in navigation and a Wi-Fi hotspot, are all included in comparison to the base model, which does not. Blind-spot monitor and rear cross-traffic warning are also standard on every XLT.
Only adaptive cruise control, and also front and rear parking monitors, lane-keeping assist, as well as passive entry are individual features we’d consider adding to the vehicle. Additionally, the Trailer Tow package is a worthwhile addition because it enables the van’s 2000-pound towing capability.
The Transit Connect is only available with front-wheel drive, however it is also available with a choice of two four-cylinder engines that are optional. The 2.5-liter engine is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission in this configuration. Particularly when trying to pass on the highway, this combination is not particularly swift.
The turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder with an eight-speed automatic transmission has one available configuration. The Transit Connect has a towing capacity of up to 2000 pounds and a payload capacity of up to 1570 pounds. As a result of its precise steering and well-controlled body motions, the most recent long-wheelbase model that we tested felt extremely agile in urban environments. However, it felt bouncy when driving over uneven terrain and had erratic tracking when travelling on the interstate system.
EPA-rated fuel economy for the Transit Connect with the turbo 2.0-liter engine is up to 24 miles per gallon in the city and 28 miles per gallon on the highway. The 2.5-liter engine is capable of up to 20 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the interstate. The Ram ProMaster City, which is rated at 21 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the interstate, is the only other direct competitor of the Ford.
The front seat of the Transit Connect will be familiar to everyone who has ridden in a van before, whether it is a cargo or passenger van. The latter can be ordered with a third row of seats, which allows for seating for up to seven people. Every model has a low seating height that makes it more like a car than a truck or a crossover, which is a nice touch.
The dashboard is designed with an ergonomic center stack that houses physical buttons for the climate control and infotainment system, among other things. The cargo van has a cargo capacity of up to 127 cubic feet, while the passenger van has a cargo capacity of up to 105 cubic feet when the second and third seats are folded. Automatic climate control with multiple zones and wireless charging are among the desirable features.
The prevalence of van living has soared in recent years, particularly in the United States.
There’s an excellent explanation for this! Van life is a fantastic way to travel around the country on a budget and in great comfort.
However, with so many different camper vans on the market, it can be difficult to determine which one is the finest. The Ford Transit Connect Camper is one of our personal favorites.
In comparison to the popular Ford Transit, the Ford Transit Connect camper is just a smaller version of the classic Ford Transit. Because of its boxy appearance, it is extremely simple to outfit the interior and turn it into the camper van of your dreams.
In addition, because it is compact, it gets excellent gas mileage and is easy to drive about town. In addition, you’ll be able to park it almost anyplace you like. We’re going to be doing some stealth camping!
The Ford Transit Connect Camper is available in two different configurations. Depending on your taste, you can choose between a short wheelbase (104.8 inches) and an extended wheelbase (120.6 inches) chassis. When it comes time to outfit your van, you’ll have a plethora of alternatives to choose from!
And if you’re a handy person, you may also want to consider designing and building your personal Ford Transit Connect Camper from scratch. However, even if you aren’t particularly handy, you will still have the camper van of your desires.
If you choose the do-it-yourself method, you can do almost anything. As previously stated, the cargo portion’s square design makes woodworking a breeze due to its square shape. It is not necessary to be an expert carpenter in order to achieve excellent outcomes.
However, if you want a professional-looking design, you can also purchase a kit that is specifically designed for the Ford Transit Connect Camper.
Bed arrangement, storage cabinets, wall and ceiling paneling, a vent fan, an electrical system, and lighting are all common components of a bedroom package. Cutting, measuring, sanding, and staining are all eliminated from the equation. Simply get the kit, install it, and you’ll be ready to cruise down the highway in comfort.
If you choose a kit or a do-it-yourself van build, you have the option of adding on accessories. Roof racks, outside storage solutions, a sink, a portable toilet, insulation, solar capability, and other features are all possible options. These puppies can even be covered with an awning if you want.
The Ford Transit Connect Camper is extremely popular among campers. Despite the fact that it is a somewhat less expensive option than some camper vans, it is an excellent way to travel in elegance and luxury.
This van is also excellent for stealth camping, allowing you to avoid having to pay for a campsite on a consistent basis.
Furthermore, because it is small and compact, it is easy to drive and park anyplace. In order to take your RV on daily travels, you will most likely require a tow truck. The Ford Transit Connect, on the other hand, has everything incorporated into a single vehicle.
Ford Transit Connect Camper Van Conversion Ideas
Tiny Camper Van With a Secret Shower Designed to Your Needs
This fantastic camper van is fully equipped with everything you could possibly need. The owner outfitted the interior with a combination of overhead and low storage. Besides that, he has some really cool storage ideas up his sleeve. Spices stored in mason jars that are suspended from the ceiling? This is pure brilliance!
The presence of a solid wood countertop makes you forget you’re even in a moving van. During the day, the bed can be folded down to use as a couch. However, after everything is folded away, there is plenty of space for sleeping. Because Ford Transit Connect vans are smaller than some other vans, it is essential to have furniture that can be used for both purposes.
Additionally, the addition of mosquito netting is a great touch. You can enjoy the outdoors without having to worry about mosquitoes bothering you.
The wonderful outdoor shower in this van is the coolest feature of the entire vehicle. If you have visions of yourself taking ice-cold showers with a shower bag, reconsider. Van lifers are well-versed in their craft. In fact, this Ford Transit Connect Camper provides you with a hot shower just outside the vehicle.
The construction of this van cost approximately $2000 and took almost a year to finish. We were a little taken aback by how great his van looks for the money he charged! Because the owner only worked on it on weekends while also attending school, it took longer to complete than expected. For those who are interested in van life, you can easily start traveling much sooner than you think.
Camper Van with All of the Necessities in a Small Package
Once again, this is a fantastic Ford Transit Connect Camper that has been custom-built for life on the road. The van contains an open counter area when cooking and eating, as well as a large amount of built-in storage. We particularly appreciate the sink cutout, which can be used to create more storage space or as a cutting board.
To block out the drive area and provide some more seclusion, they erected some darkening shades in the front of the house. You will be able to sleep peacefully as a result.
There is a ton of storage room beneath the bed, to mention a couple of things. It has enough space to accommodate skis, snowboards, as well as an awning. Slats are used to pull the bed out when it is time to sleep. In the evenings and on weekends, the bed may be transformed into a couch be slid back into position.
Ford Transit Connect Camper Van with a Stealthy Exterior
The next vehicle on the list is an incredible Ford Transit Connect Camper, which is ideal for covert camping. This van is without a doubt the best thing ever. Even as we type this, we can’t help but feel a little envious.
The first thing you’ll notice about this room is that all of the cushions have been expertly upholstered. The craftsmanship of a professional job may be clearly seen in the finished product. We believe that the additional cost is justified by the stunning finish that it provides to this van.
In addition, a slide-out portable toilet may be tucked away beneath the seating area when not in use. This is unquestionably an excellent addition. The bathroom situation is one of the most inconvenient aspects of van life. The fact that there is a toilet immediately inside the van eliminates the need for this inconvenience.
The couch can also be pulled out to make practically the entire back of the couch into a bed. With this layout, there is enough of space for a couple.
The kitchen includes some lovely counters, as well as a slide-out for eating or working on a laptop or computer. In addition, the drawer knobs are just stunning. At first glance, the handles appear to be missing. However, you may pull out the drawers by pressing a button that pops out from the cabinet
Their kitchen sink (which is enormous) is situated in such a way that you can easily take the sink faucet out. This faucet can then be used as an outdoor shower after that. What are you talking about?! It’s possible that you’ll have to see it to believe it. Additionally, this Ford Transit Connect Camper is equipped with two seven-gallon tanks that may be heated overnight if necessary. They also have a solar power system that is ideal for off-grid living.
Ford Transit Connect Camper Van with All of the Extras
There is a Ford Transit Connect Camper that has been completely outfitted. A traditional, sleek aesthetic is achieved through the use of black and grey, as well as wood cabinetry.
A large number of the cabinets are devoid of any outside hardware. They open by flipping or sliding open to maximize available space. Large amounts of secret storage may be found throughout the primary living space, with leather straps to keep things in place as necessary. Even more electrical system storage is concealed in the van’s rear compartment.
This Ford Camper is equipped with a large cooler, which is concealed beneath the counter so that you won’t even notice it is there. The addition of additional pull-outs provides you with even more counter or work space. In addition, there is a modest hand pump faucet with a little basin.
The bed/couch does not appear to be able to be extended. As a result, this van is most likely only capable of accommodating one person. If you’re a pair, on the other hand, you could certainly put up a slide-out system with relative ease. There is even a built-in litter box for a cat who lives in the van with you.
Morgan and Michelle’s “Do it Yourself” Ford Transit Connect
Morgan and Michelle had planned a trip to Hawaii, but suddenly Covid happened to interrupt their plans. The couple made the decision to go by car rather than by plane to begin their journey.
They turned a Ford Transit Connect into an extremely cute DIY van conversion while working within a limited budget. The majority of the parts were purchased from Amazon and other internet retail outlets.
Lots of storage space, two slide-out benches that can be converted into a double bed, and a kitchenette are all included in the interior campervan arrangement.
The space beneath the benches is really useful for storage. The cooler can be found underneath the smaller bench. If you want to make additional space behind the cab of the van, you can relocate this bench to the back of the vehicle. In addition, the pair installed a roof vent to offer ventilation during the night.
Morgan and Michelle made a number of thoughtful additions to their Ford Transit Connect camper conversion in order to make it easier to enjoy the outdoors while traveling. A large awning that can be rolled out is located on the side of the van.
A table and an outdoor sink can be found at the rear of the camper, which is made possible by a series of wooden components that can be pulled out. On the roof, there is a storage pod where they put part of their equipment in case of emergency.
The duo has a portable solar panel that they use to generate electricity. The ability to park within the shade and allow it to charge in the sun is particularly convenient during the summer months.
Chad and Claire’s Ford Transit Connect modification cost them $6,000 in total.
Chad and Claire worked on converting their 2013 Ford Transit Connect over the summer of 2020. It has a highly functional interior that is full of ingenious tiny elements that make it stand out.
An place for toiletries and medication is located on the left hand side of the side door, next to a moving funnel sink that the pair utilizes to brush their teeth. When they stop to camp, they may place their cooler on a stand directly next to the passenger seat.
When they are unable to use a public restroom, Chad and Claire resort to using a toddler’s toilet and a large jar to go to the bathroom. They have a solar shower with them for showering.
Because Chad and Claire are often on the road, they decided to build a sliding couch bed. This enables them to put up the couch throughout the day and work on their laptops while sitting on it. When they go to bed, they slide the bed out to make a double bed. Instead of using slats to construct the platform, they used plywood panels to do it. They store their clothes, shoes, and accessories in the space beneath the couch.
Their batteries, food, and cooking equipment are all stored on a bespoke shelf that has been placed in the back of the van for convenience. It also includes a flip-out table that can be extended even farther with the use of a slider. They use the desk for a variety of tasks, including working, cooking, and dining. Claire keeps all of her cookware in a secret compartment behind the flip-out table.
They added two flip-out tables to the back of the van, which were mounted on the doors. This is where they fill up their water jugs for doing the dishes and washing up afterwards.
Pros and Cons of the Ford Transit Connect Camper
Pros:
Awesome Gas Mileage: The Ford Transit Connect van gets between 21 and 28 miles per gallon of gas.
Afraid of being little and nimble: Small campervans like this one are extremely easy to drive and park; driving one is more like driving a small car than driving a van.
It’s simple to fix: Ford vans, for example, are often easier and less expensive to repair than Mercedes vans.
Stealthy: If you plan on living in your van and stealth camping in a city, the Ford Transit Connect camper van conversion is the best option available.
Affordable: If you’re looking for a reasonably priced campervan, a Ford Transit Connect is an excellent option because there are numerous used examples available on the market.
Cons:
Reported transmission problems: Transmission problems are more common in some model years, such as the 2012. If you’re driving a Ford Transit Connect camper, don’t anticipate anything except a bumpy ride. According to reviews, the ride is a little noisy and bumpy.
Extremely small: In a Ford Transit Connect, there isn’t much in the way of living space. This van is best suited for a single individual or a couple on a short budget who don’t mind living in extremely cramped conditions.
2WD: If you want to pound your campervan down difficult boondocking roads, drive on the beach, or drive in the snow, the Ford Transit Connect may not be the ideal choice for you. You could wish to consider an all-wheel-drive van, such as an older Chevy Astro or a newer Toyota Sienna.
FAQs
Q. Can you make a Ford Transit Connect into a Camper?
A. Dual sliding doors are standard and van models have an alternative to swing-off rear cargo doors with a rear liftgate and rear a. It can be a fun and efficient travel vehicle and makes an awesome campervan or cargo trailer.
Q. Can you sleep in Ford Transit connect camper?
A. The Ford Transit Connect seems a little smaller than most campervans. There’s no way around it, but LWB models are long enough to sleep in most normal proportions. There are just two seats and this really is an option for solo travellers, couples or close friends.
Q. Is Ford Transit good for Camper Conversions?
A. It is the most economical cargo van for transporting goods and is the first option for van conversion of life. RV companies are also noticing by adding Ford Transit base to its luxury class B caravans lineup. The Ford Transit vehicles are ideal for conversion.
Q. Is the Ford Transit Connect good for Van Life?
A. A Ford Transit Connect caravan can be a useful option in a van life if you are looking for a lightweight, efficient, compact and easy to drive. Remember that these vehicles are extremely small, meaning there’s not enough room inside for a larger vehicle.
