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As an avid outdoors and mountain biking enthusiast, I wanted a small van in which I could sleep in to facilitate and enhance my weekend adventures. I stumble upon a brand new 2019 TC that was already a bit converted (minimalist set up, but still), so I jumped right in and I haven't regret it! The initial set up allowed me to start using the TC as a little campervan right off the start which was awesome, but the optimization-design-comfort-lover in me wouldn't settle forever with that set up... So I made a mid-term iteration plan to get the van to my perfect set up, slowly but surely. Here's how it goes: PHASE 0 (aka what was already included in the initial conversion) Duration: 0 weekend, 100% completed Interior paneling finition Sofa-bred module (including 2" mattress) Amovible table Side and back windows Curtains tailored to each windows PHASE 1 (easy, quick and mostly necessary add-ons for the van's purpose) Duration: 1 weekend, 100% completed 2" Hitch at the back Bike Rack (Sportsrack 2 bikes, but upgraded to Panache T6 in 2022) Roof bars (Thule) Solar/roof shower (Yakima RoadShower, 10 gallons) Awning (GoXplore) Roof cargo box (Thule Pulse Alpine) Interior roof light switch (so that it doesn't turn on in the middle of the night whenever I open the door) That Thule roof cargo box also didn't make the cut in the next phase, although I loved the extra storage, I loved even more the solar pannel. PHASE 2 (body work and not-so-fun stuff so that my dog can stay cool in the van during summer) Duration: 2 weekends, 100% completed Sound deadening (Kilmat) Insulation (Thinsulate) Ventilation (2 Maxx Air Dome fans) Lighting (4 DEL 12 volts lights) Plumbing (23L water container, small electric pump and faucet) Solar panel (1 Renogy 100w) All-in-one battery (Goal Zero Power Station, 1000w) Secret flooring storage (backseat feet area of the Passenger version is unused/covered in the Cargo version) Even if I love the dark look, the interior space being so tiny, It just made the interior feels even more cramped. So since I already have to remove all the panels for this phase, I figured, eh, why not just pull out the black carpet finition and paint everything white. Looked less "finished" than before, but I knew this was only temporary. PHASE 3 (Interior finition and added storage) Duration: 2 weekends, 75% completed Roof & wall panelling (5/16" x 3" x 8' lambris) Overhead storage in the cabine (not shown in the pictures) Added Reflectix to the curtains (not shown in the pictures) 1.5" suspension lift kit New all-terrain summer/four-season tires is we can find something that fits! (got advice? comment away please haha) *Wow! Now it's starting to look like a tiny home ? PHASE 4 (New slide out sofa-bed & kitchen counter construction) Duration: 2-3 weekends, 0% completed Slide out sofa-bed construction Kitchen counter construction with a sink (finally) Refrigerator (probably an Iceco 12volts model) *Sorry for the few french notes, but I figured you would get the idea anyway! * ADVICE REQUEST ABOUT TIRES/SUSPENSION LIFT * I'm looking to buy new all-terrain tires for this little baby and I'm not exactly sure up to which tire profile I can go. The original tire size is 215-55R-16, but I would like more sturdy, heavy load capable and good looking tires. Last time I got towed, the guy told me the original Continental tires were not rated for such heavy load (considering the bike rack, bikes, fully loaded roadshower, etc.). I was thinking of these Falken Wildpeak or these BF Goodrich Mud-Terrain, but they got high aspect ratio which worries me a bit event if I'm thinking of adding a 1 to 1.5" suspension lift kit. Got tips? Please help this is waaaaay out of my comfort zone! Got questions? Don't hesitate, I might add product links and more specifications if there's an interest. That's it, I hoped this can be of use to you somehow ? For more photos and future updates on the van conversion you can go checkout my Instagram account @sarahthibo !

Hi fellow Connect-ers! I'm Sarah, french-canadian from QC, Canada. Here's my little TC micro camper story for those it might interest (and some questions for the TC pros at the end) ? As an avid outdoors and mountain biking enthusiast, I wanted a small van in which I could sleep in to facilitate and enhance my weekend adventures. I stumble upon a brand new 2019 TC that was already a bit converted (minimalist set up, but still), so I jumped right in and I haven't regret it! The initial set up allowed me to start using the TC as a little campervan right off the start which was awesome, but the optimization-design-comfort-lover in me wouldn't settle forever with that set up... So I made a mid-term iteration plan to get the van to my perfect set up, slowly but surely. Here's how it goes: PHASE 0 (aka what was already included in the initial conversion) Duration: 0 weekend, 100% completed Interior paneling finition Sofa-bred module (including 2" mattress) Amovible table Side and back windows Curtains tailored to each windows PHASE 1 (easy, quick and mostly necessary add-ons for the van's purpose) Duration: 1 weekend, 100% completed 2" Hitch at the back Bike Rack (Sportsrack 2 bikes, but upgraded to Panache T6 in 2022) Roof bars (Thule) Solar/roof shower (Yakima RoadShower, 10 gallons) Awning (GoXplore) Roof cargo box (Thule Pulse Alpine) Interior roof light switch (so that it doesn't turn on in the middle of the night whenever I open the door) PHASE 2 (body work and not-so-fun stuff so that my dog can stay cool in the van during summer) Duration: 2 weekends, 100% completed Sound deadening (Kilmat) Insulation (Thinsulate) Ventilation (2 Maxx Air Dome fans) Lighting (4 DEL 12 volts lights) Plumbing (23L water container, small electric pump and faucet) Solar panel (1 Renogy 100w) All-in-one battery (Goal Zero Power Station, 1000w) Secret flooring storage (backseat feet area of the Passenger version is unused/covered in the Cargo version) PHASE 3 (Interior finition and added storage) Duration: 2 weekends, 75% completed Roof & wall panelling (5/16" x 3" x 8' lambris) Overhead storage in the cabine (not shown in the pictures) Added Reflectix to the curtains (not shown in the pictures) 1.5" suspension lift kit New all-terrain summer/four-season tires is we can find something that fits! (got advice? comment away please haha) *Wow! Now it's starting to look like a tiny home ? PHASE 4 (New slide out sofa-bed & kitchen counter construction) Duration: 2-3 weekends, 0% completed Slide out sofa-bed construction Kitchen counter construction with a sink (finally) Refrigerator (probably an Iceco 12volts model) *Sorry for the few french notes, but I figured you would get the idea anyway! * ADVICE REQUEST ABOUT TIRES/SUSPENSION LIFT * I'm looking to buy new all-terrain tires for this little baby and I'm not exactly sure up to which tire profile I can go. The original tire size is 215-55R-16, but I would like more sturdy, heavy load capable and good looking tires. Last time I got towed, the guy told me the original Continental tires were not rated for such heavy load (considering the bike rack, bikes, fully loaded roadshower, etc.). I was thinking of these Falken Wildpeak or these BF Goodrich Mud-Terrain, but they got high aspect ratio which worries me a bit event if I'm thinking of adding a 1.5" suspension lift kit. Got tips? Please help this is waaaaay out of my comfort zone! Got questions? Don't hesitate, I might add product links and more specifications if there's an interest. That's it, I hoped this can be of use to you somehow ? For more photos and future updates on the van conversion you can go checkout my Instagram account @sarahthibo !

I bought a white 2019 Transit Connect XL for 24K on 5/3/19. I got the tow package, cruise control, and SYNC3. My long term goal is a modular set up that allows it to be both a camper van and a moto van without a lot of hassle. Moto Van Requirements: Able to secure my 2008 WR450F without it bouncing around on a dirt road (a second dirt bike would be nice) Able to fit riding gear Able to fit camping gear Campervan Requirements: All equipment removable for motorcycle hauling purposes Lightweight for the mpgs and modularity Pretty wood and cool design for the future lady Secure for when leaving valuables at a risky trailhead Able to sleep 2 Immediate goals: Floor mats Sun shade Equipment for securing motorcycle

Howdy! Greetings from sunny Portland. I recently finished a significant renovation to my passenger wagon, and wanted to share photos and info here. This forum was a constant source of info for me, and I am very aware of the challenges of a passenger van conversion now. Posting here to show my solutions to some common challenges and share my build. Not the straightest cuts or fine detail, but I'm thrilled with out it turned out. Airbag navigation - Did not want to remove or fiddle with the sensor tricking. It was actually pretty easy to mount what I was using for studs, 1x2s, above the airbag and around the components down the whole side of the van. From there, I used metal braces to 'hang' a 1x3 below the airbags. It's super solid, and I wasn't expecting it to work this well. This creates a clean gap for the airbags while keeping them out of sight. Sunroof - Yep, got a van with a sunroof. Cedar tongue and groove was placed to fit on the inside of the original sunroof outline. For those that know, the glass actually goes from wall to wall inside the car, so adding studs around it was not an option. The side planks are actually supported on the front end by the cross beam where the curtain is. The motor for the sunroof slider is up front, so not involved at all. Functions perfectly. Cross beam, curtain, extra storage shelf - I knew I wanted to extend the overhead storage cubby, as I've seen in many conversions, but as with everything on this van it was a puzzle. The cross beam itself is held by the aforementioned studs above the airbags, very solid. I also didn't want to cover the sunroof entirely, so adding the shelf over just the passenger side was my solution. It also helped reduce the head bonking when climbing from the driver seat to the back. I'm not trying to be incognito with this van, but it can work with this curtain. Its main use is to keep the back of the van impossible to see when parked at trailheads, parking lots, etc. Rear windows are all 5% tint as well to aid in this. Bed side wall - Minimal effort went into this side, will be covered with bed/couch cushions and largely unseen. Slider bed - 1-off made by a conversion company that ended up unused on someone else's rig. Lucked out with some connections for this one. Much lighter and smoother than what I would have built. Things I'm using: Goal Zero Yeti 400 + Boulder 50 solar panel mounted up top Standard LED puck lights + sting lights as recommended by most all van folk Alpicool C20 fridge - best bang for your buck fridge on the internet. ~2-5 watt power draw once at temp Basic hand pump faucet + dog bowl converted sink LED dimmer switch - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FAAPHQW?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2_dt_b_product_details Fuse box - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B092LSB9HF?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2_dt_b_product_details Small dimmer switch for under sink lights - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07Y2XC225?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2_dt_b_product_details Reading lights (mounted lights next to curtains) - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09BJ2GMVP?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2_dt_b_product_details Fan - Ventline Vanair Happy to discuss further or offer insight where needed. I don't have many photos of the build process unfortunately. Happy travels. Cheers

Before we design and make insulated window coverings ourselves, I wanted to see if anyone has them for sale. A search of this forum and a Google search haven't turned up any. Do any of you know of a company making them? Thanks, Joe

I just bought a 2021 TC XT LWB Cargo Van to convert to a rudimentary campervan. Plan is for a 7 ft long bed (folding into thirds lengthwise) and a pullout kitchen. I would *love* to make the seats able to swivel. First little task: install noise dampening. First big task: relocate the fuel filler so I can make the RHS wheel well the same height as the LHS so out bed can sit on top of them and have full van width for the mattress. I'll be doing lots of searching and asking strange questions. And sharing photos of interesting successes & failures. Thanks!

Made a kit for campervan conversion. Just has the wood for the floor and the bed. drivanlife.com for more details. Also installed in a UHAUL https://youtu.be/heR74dkloLI

Fully converted 2015 Ford Transit Connect camper van with lots of extras. An amazing small and stealth camper van perfect for the city or the mountains. Black - XL Long Wheel Base model Rear liftgate door w/ fixed glass Trailer tow hitch Cruise Control 107,000 miles Full aftermarket sound system: Pioneer SPHDA120 Appradio Kicker 4ch speaker amp / Kicker 1ch sub amp Kicker L5 subwoofer Alpine speakers front (new 09/19) Kicker speakers rear Camper Van: Secondary battery (new 09/19) - Charges off Alternator w/battery isolator Krieger 2000w power inverter Sink with manual pump 7 gallon fresh/gray water tank Origo 1500 Alcohol cook stove Carbon Monoxide Detector / fire extinguisher Lots of interior lighting including color changing lights w/ remote control Maxxair Vent fan w/ remote control Rhino Rack roof racks w/ wind fairing and 4 pair ski rack Sentry Safe X105 safe Lots of storage under bed / next to sink Van fully insulated with Foam it Green spray foam / reflectix Entire rear floor has Mass Loaded Vinyl and Fatmatt for sound deadening Cons: Typical wear for a New England car with 100,000 miles (could use a good exterior detail) Apple USB cable / HDMI cable need to be replaced on radio Drivers side door unlock button (inside door) not working Passenger side window doesn't go down all the way One wall panel is removed because it has a stain, needs to be sanded or replaced or put back on as is Interior paneling could use some touch up paint in spots Will need new tires soon More images: 2015campervan.tumblr.com Also on Craigslist Northshore, MA. Recent Carfax report pulled on Van for buyer to see Please reach out with any questions. Asking $14,000 or best reasonable offer.

Brand New Campervan Conversion on a like new 2016 Ford Transit Connect. Bumper to Bumper Warranty!2016 Ford Transit Connect CampervanModel Year: 2016Make: FordModel: Transit ConnectColor: Magnetic MetallicVIN: NM0GS9F74G1252966Mileage: 23,800NEW Campervan Conversion by DLM-DistributionCAMPER VAN FEATURES-Bed: 72 x 40 slide out bed with high quality/ high density very comfortable 4" foam with dunbar steel (grey) cover.-Cabinetry/ shelfing with flip out table matching factory grey interior-LED overhead lighting and shelf lighting-Privacy - Blackout front window privacy curtain included. Easy to install and use for privacy or heat control for parked vehicle when not in use.-Limo tinted rear windows provide one way privacy glass. See out but not in.-Vehicle auto start capability by temperature. Programed to check interior temperature every two hours, if temperature goes above 72 Degrees engine starts to run AC cool unit down and shut off in 15 minutes automatically (feature can be turned on and off as needed)-Roof Fan, 10 speed reversible with built in thermostat. Can be open when driving and or when raining.-100Watt Solar Cell with digital controller/ monitor-120V power outlet with built in USB ports-Side window mosquito screens-Camper starter kit: multiple totes for storage under bed and on shelving, Single burner portable stove w/fuel, water jug with on/off spigot, wash basin-Rear air ducting and vents with airflow controls for engine run air conditioning and heater-400W Power inverter with USB ports and two 120V outlets-120 to 12V converter w/4-stage smart charger-High end AGM house battery- 55ah-Shore Power plug- 15amp service-Refrigerator- 24 Quart settable between -8 and 50 degrees F-Interior- Custom Camper Conversion trimmed with factory greys and black-Cloth headliner-Overhead front storage shelf-Remote start- two way remote lets you know when vehicle starts, how long it has run, how long it will stay running and interior temperature.With plenty of room for two this campervan is like no other! Standard with Solar power to keep your house battery charged and refrigerator running without hook ups. Outstanding LED interior lighting, limo-tinted windows provide one way effect- See out but not in. Front privacy curtain which can also be used as sun shade when parked and used as a daily driver. Solar/Battery monitor system provides plenty of power along with the status of your house battery. 120V shore power outlet with USB charge ports for shore power use. 12V access/port which runs from house battery, inverter for "off-grid" 120V needs. (400W max) High end easy to clean and maintain vinyl flooring, easy access under bed storage and rear cabinet storage for your outdoor cookware, bags and travel necessities. Low maintenance and easy to use campervan! Remaining 3 Year 36,000 mile bumper to bumper Ford warranty and 5 year 60,000 mile Ford powertrain warranty. Full 12 month conversion and camper systems warranty. Side window screens provided for bug control and ventilation when camping. Refrigerator is 24 quart highly efficient compressor driven with the ability to set temperature from -0 to 50 degrees F and maintain it for safe food and beverage storage. Refrigerator will hold the equivalent of 27, 12 ounce cans and can hold a 2 liter bottle upright.This 2016 Ford Transit Connect Campervan is just: 79" high (with roof features) and 189.7" long- Fits in standard 7 foot garage and can go through any drive through car wash!BASIC VEHICLE SPECS:Trim Level: Wagon XLT LWBBody Style: WINDOW VANEngine Type: 2.5L L4 DOHC 16VTransmission-short: 6ATransmission-long: 6-Speed AutomaticDriveline: FWDTank: 15.80 gallonFuel Economy-city: 21 miles/gallonFuel Economy-highway: 29 miles/gallonAnti-Brake System: 4-Wheel ABSSteering Type: R&PFront Brake Type: DiscRear Brake Type: DrumTires: P215/55R16 97HMaximum Towing: 2000 lbs50 state emissionsVEHICLE FEATURES:16 Inch Wheels4 Speakers4-Wheel Disc BrakesAM/FMAdjustable Steering WheelAir ConditioningAnti-Lock BrakesAux Audio AdapterBraking AssistBucket SeatsCD (Single Disc)Cargo Area LightCenter ConsoleClockCloth SeatsCruise ControlDriver Adjustable LumbarFront Floor Liners- WeathertechFog LightsFront Airbags (Driver)Front Airbags (Passenger)Front Bucket SeatsFront Side Airbags (Driver)Front Ventilated Disc BrakesFront Video MonitorFront and Rear Stabilizer BarFull Size Spare TireHeated MirrorsHigh Performance TiresIlluminated EntryIndependent SuspensionIntermittent WipersKeyless EntryLWB- Long Wheel BaseLow Fuel Level IndicatorMP3Passenger Sensing AirbagPower LocksPower MirrorsPower SteeringPower WindowsPrivacy Glass- FactoryRadio Data SystemReading LightsRear A/C ControlsRear Air ConditioningRear Air DuctsRear Head AirbagsRear Heat ControlsRear Side AirbagsRear Window DefrosterRear-View CameraSemi-Independent SuspensionSide AirbagSmart Device IntegrationSpeed Sensitive Volume ControlStability ControlSteel Spare Wheel RimSteel WheelsSteering Wheel ControlsSuper Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle IITachometerThermometerTire Pressure Monitoring SystemTorsion Bar SuspensionTraction ControlUrethane Shift Knob TrimUrethane Steering Wheel TrimVanity Mirror/LightWheel CoversContact DLM-Distribution ~ Campervans today at 651-285-7089 or 507-382-9446 for more information.Ask about financing, trades and delivery or pick up logistics.On sale by DLM-Distribution of Lake Crystal MN / 651-285-7089 / https://www.dlm-distribution.com

Hey, guys! Glad that I found this site. There's all kinds of great info here. I have a 15 Titanium that I got an awesome deal on and have done some camping in with seats flat. But I knew that something was missing. It was a no-brainer that by removing the seats I could gain at least 6" of headspace. r1alvin and Don Shockley, among others, have provided some great info which motivated me to do a more thorough build out. At this point, I've got the rear area stripped and ready for the flooring. Thinking of going with a dense foam for sound/heat barrier, then install .05 sanded plywood topped with adhesive vinyl flooring. Anyway, that's where I'm at for now. Any input and suggestions would be awesome. And I think it's worth mentioning, I'm on a tight budget. Who knows... I might become a permanent van dweller.

I'm searching for a TC to drive / add a bed platform for frequent rock climbing trips in California. Parking here is a nightmare so I'm optimizing for the shortest length that I can reasonably sleep in (5'10"). I'd prefer a wagon so that I can remove the bed & put the seats back in for group trips. Options: A.) I absolutely love the 2014/15 SWB TC's with the 1.6L turbo. The SWBs look great and the 1.6 offers slightly more power/economy. This is my top pick but the specs show the distance from the front seat @ the belt to the rear doors is only 60.9 inches (5 feet). I assume this is with the 2nd row seats removed? Do the front seats lean forward? Does anyone know of any SWB conversion posts? I can't find them... especially if the owner is 5'10" or more. B.) 2012/13. Great overall length & extra height but slightly less peppy & less efficiency. Few wagons for sale. Less frills overall and they seem to cost about the same as low-mileage 14's. Bad safety ratings. C.) 14/15 LWB. Argh, I'm just less excited about these overall. They seem too long for my needs. http://www.ford.com/trucks/transitconnect/specifications/interior/

I am loving my new little Woody TC! Just returned from a week in Sequoia/Kings Canyon National Parks. Have a few ideas now of how to make this work even better for camping. It is definitely a conversation piece. Posted more photos in the gallery section. I don't surf . . . but my last name has to do with a well known Southern CA surfboard company. I do quilt so in the next few weeks, I plan to make a surfboard/Woody quilt for the van as well as some curtains and even a dressing room for the rear open doors. It is a work in progress. Wrap done by: http://www.iconographystudios.net/ Surfs Up!