Convert Your Ford Transit Connect Into a Mobile Camper

Ford may no longer offer a conventional minivan, but it does have an extremely versatile option: the Ford Transit Connect. This can offer both passenger and cargo space and comes with a plethora of configurations and options.

While some people use the Ford Transit Connect as a practical work vehicle, others are finding new ways to give this vehicle life. DIYers everywhere saw potential in the Ford Transit Connect and started designing amazing campers out of these already practical vans.

Here are some tips you can use to convert your Ford Transit Connect into the ultimate camper.

Create Your Perfect Layout

The kind of camper you can create out of a Transit Connect depends highly on the model you decide to buy. You should consider how much space you’ll need for your mobile campsite as well as how well it can navigate through the places you want to visit. For example, you might want something with enough interior space that campers can stand up. In other cases, you might only want something meant for sleeping and hanging out.

You may be regulated to whatever used options fit your budget. Don’t worry. With enough imagination, you can make any model work. Make sure to measure all of your new van’s dimensions. Note the location and size of things like the wheel wells.

Now you can start to play with the actual design. What makes it into your camper depends highly on what you want. Are you interested in converting your sleeping area into a mobile office? Maybe you hope to include a sink or shower. The sky truly is the limit.

If you’re not sure what to include, look for inspiration on places like Pinterest.

Safety Should Always Be On Your Mind

Try to avoid adding any electrical components like batteries or inverters near the fuel tank. Make sure your electrical systems are also easy to access.

If you decide to go with a vent fan (recommended), place it away from any windows, and don’t forget to leave space around refrigerator plans to account for proper venting.

Strip Down Your Transit Connect

Even if your Transit Connect is empty, there are still plenty of components to remove: extra seats, flooring, wall barriers, and more. Strip the van down to its factory sheet metal. Clean the metal with rubbing alcohol to ensure that it’s clean.

You’ll want to add some sound dampening material. There are plenty of peel-and-stick materials that were designed for this exact job. While you’re at it, it may be worth adding insulation along the floor and walls, depending on your intended use.

Before you start building the internal components, add any ventilation fans and cut out additional windows. It’s much easier to do this while the interior is bare.

Build Your Dream Camper

Depending on your design, this is the stage where you start to turn your dreams into reality. Here are some examples of things you may want to include:

• Build a floor. Create wood strips that will act as a subfloor and help even out the bottom of the van. Plywood can cover these strips and the insulation before you add vinyl or laminate tiles.
• Build a bed, desk, couch, etc. Bigger furniture pieces often make sense as far back in the fan as possible, but without blocking your intended entry and exit points.
• Install water and electrical systems. You can find campervan water systems that include freshwater tanks, pumps, and everything else you’ll need. Your electrical system can include solar panels, batteries, and inverters.
• Finish the walls, ceiling, door panels, and more. In the final stage, you can finish insulating any open areas before you put up whatever materials you plan on using for the walls and ceiling. Make sure to cut holes for areas where you’ve added lights.

Enjoy The Journey

Always keep in mind that half the fun of having a Ford Transit Connect Campervan is the process you use to create it. You’ll have a blast planning and implementing your dream camper. The other half of the fun, of course, is using your new toy to explore the world. Start with a short trip to work out any kinks in your design. Before you know it, you’ll be trotting the globe in a customized and personalized DIY campervan.