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Do Ford Transits Make Good Campervans?

do ford transits make good campervans?

As the popularity of campervans continues to soar, many enthusiasts are left wondering which manufacturer makes the superior modern campervan. Here, we will describe the key factors that position a Ford Transit as an ahead of the pack choice for camper conversions. From its reputation for durability, familiarity to mechanics, and to the multitude of customization options, we will explore what sets the Ford Transit apart in the realm of campervans.

What is the Best Ford Transit for a Van Conversion?

The best Ford Transit for camper conversion is a Ford Transit Trail 148 High-Roof 2024. This van is priced as a luxury chassis for your ultimate van build. While a mid roof transit and older Transit van models are great for conversions, the factory features of the new Transit Trail’s are superior. Besides 3.5” of additional bottom clearance, the van is differentiated by its engine. Ford.com shares that the new Trail comes with “a 3.5L Ford EcoBoost® V6 engine that delivers 310 horsepower @ 5,000 RPM, 400 LB.-FT of torque”. A Sprinter van or Promaster cannot compete with this engine. 

As far as the rest of the build, Ford Transits are standardized, meaning the walls and ceiling kits are readily available for a DIYer or beginner upfitter. New products made for the interior and exterior of the Transit are released each day.

 

ford transit rear doors

Do Ford Transits Make Good Campervans?

As a base for your home on wheels you could not pick a more excellent chassis. Ford Transit vans are known for their durability, ease of maintenance, and variety of models. A Ford always has been and always will be durable. Your van will run far beyond 160,000 miles and could likely make it to 300,000 before it’s done. If you’re creeping towards 300,000 miles we hope that you build a new van (maybe with us). 

Transit campervans have the ability to be worked on by mechanics in small towns. In the Western states, you can travel as far as 200 mile stretches without a Mercedes mechanic. With the Transit you have mechanic options almost every 50 miles.

Ford Transit Camper Conversion Companies

Ford Transit Camper Conversion Companies, like us, have honed their expertise in the art of transforming Ford Transits into top-notch campervans. What we Transit van builders do is create custom wall and ceiling panels, fabricate cabinetry, install overlanding products, and other essential processes in creating a luxury van.


Another bonus with working with a Transit campervan conversion company is learning about new product innovation. For example, if you are familiar with Lagun table mounts, our shop has added a new mounting location for these tables. With the newly created b pillar lagun mount, you can now have tables for the passengers inside the van and for standing near the sliding door outside of the van. 

Is the Ford Transit Good for a Campervan Conversion?

This is a popular question we receive in our customer forms. As described in this blog, the Ford Transit works incredibly well as a campervan. The Ford Transit's reputation as a reliable and versatile van extends seamlessly to its role as a campervan. A  Transit can make a good campervan due to its reliability, customization options, variety of models, fuel efficiency, driving comfort and so much more. The ability to add custom cabinetry and utilities for adventurous life on the road make the Ford Transit a great choice for a campervan. 

The Ford Transit campervan is a perfect travel companion. Ford Transit campervans are built by ford van builders. For example, our shop builds custom campervans that accommodate customer’s input for their dream van. Ford Transit campervans typically come with a comfortable bed, a kitchenette, a composting toilet, solar panels, and more. Ford Transits may be suitable for both urban office like situations and off-road adventures which make it a great choice for a daily driver. 

How Reliable is a Ford Transit Van?

Ford Transit vans are incredibly reliable. Ford has a long history of producing durable and dependable commercial vehicles. The Transit line has been in production for decades, and this longevity demonstrates their commitment to building reliable vans. Ford Transit vans are known for their sturdy construction. They are designed to withstand the demands of daily use in various industries, making them a reliable choice for businesses and individuals. Beyond this, Ford Transit vans are currently the most popular van chassis in the world in 2024. These vans are primarily used as cargo vans for hauling, meaning that they are created to withstand the weight of a camper conversion.

What are the Disadvantages of the Ford Transit?

The disadvantages of the Ford Transit include the increased hardship of building your own van in comparison to Mercedes sprinter vans. One challenge for a DIY build is drilling through hardened steel in the body of the vehicle for mounting walls, ceilings, and more. Another challenge is bending your ceiling material down to the headliner fabric of the cab. These challenges in making the vans in comparison to the Sprinter make the Mercedes a more friendly choice for DIYers. 

Base models of Ford Transit vans used to come with minimal features and amenities, requiring you to invest in upgrades to make them suitable for camper van conversions or long-term travel. Recently, the release of the Ford Transit Trail has shown respectable interest from Ford towards the Adventure Van market. These vans include as many features as the Sprinter if not more. Moreover, Ford Transit vans may experience depreciation over time. While they hold their value relatively well, the initial value of the van can decrease in the first few years. 

Ford Transit Camper Van for Sale

Ford Transit camper vans are for sale on our website. If the idea of owning a Ford Transit camper van has piqued your interest, then you should fill out a build contact form for the opportunity to secure a reliable adventure partner. We have an incredible team with positive reviews surrounding our Ford Transit Campervan conversions with previous clients. The team has become so skilled with Transit vans, we now create solutions like roof racks for transit vans. To start a build inquiry, fill out our form here. 

Conclusion:

Ford Transits unequivocally make excellent campervans, offering a reliable foundation for customization and unforgettable adventures. Whether you're on a quest to find the best model for conversion, exploring trustworthy camper conversion companies, or contemplating the purchase of a Ford Transit camper van, this guide shares van builders insight you need to navigate your decision-making journey. Set forth on your camper van adventure with confidence, knowing that the Ford Transit is indeed a top-tier choice for the ultimate mobile exploration.