Ford Transit connect Camper Conversion. Inexpensive camper van set up! For wildlife Photography.
Вставка
- Опубліковано 29 вер 2024
- Ford Transit connect Camper Van Tour. Inexpensive camper van set up!
I am a Wildlife photographer and I built this Ford transit connect to store gear. Easy to access equipment. Simple Build.
We Camp in this van on a regular basis. This is simple and can be constructed by anyone. Get out there and start the Van Life!
Jackery 500 with Solar: amzn.to/3uR0hYL
Yeti 200 Portable power: amzn.to/3abkRv4
Blackweb Battery pack: amzn.to/3thFfT1
Kelty Sleeping Bags: amzn.to/3wNR1Xv
LED USB Lights: amzn.to/2RsgMw1
LIFETIME 28 qt Ice Chest: amzn.to/3tfYs7F
Closet shoe Storage: amzn.to/3sg4LGW
I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
This video was not paid for by outside persons or manufacturers.
No gear was supplied to me for this video.
#ford #transitconnect #vanlife
I have Transit van also fixed up as a camper van and love it. You forgot to mention the good gas mileage.
definitely great Gas Mileage.
You brighten my day, love you and your wife’s sense of humor. Keep the videos coming. You also have great content and present it in very well.
Thank you so much Craig. You made my day.
I'll second everything Craig said. Thanks for making the video.
Hey brother you guys are awesome and honestly after watching this video I am seriously considering doing the exact same thing although obviously it would be much easier with me because I am divorced so taking weekend trips across country just to feed my obsession with photography over the long haul would save me money because I wouldn’t be renting hotel rooms or vehicles and over four or five years I bet it would pay for itself. Thank you for the great video and keep up the great work I can assure you of this and that is your channel will be huge if you keep doing the same thing. Also one more thing Nikon for life brother!!
Right on brother. Make it happen. I saw a used one on cars.com with 20k miles for $17,000
Saving on hotel rooms was a huge motivation!
Nice. I want a van I can sleep in until the sun comes up. I don’t need one where I can cook vegan sausage.
Amen Jim.
I know you guys are kidding around about catheters but as a FYI from a caregiver, catheters are almost a guaranteed UTI.
I am sure! been there.
Great video! If you are still looking for a place to pee at night, the WolfWise popup tents are great! I have the $80 black one, it's dope.
Thank you for the tip. I really need to pull the trigger on that.
Such a great vid! Love the simplicity of how you use your Connect and how you set it up. Personally I would like a bed that spends most of its time as a bench seat and a pop top to increase head room but all that means more $$$. Still less $ than a Sprinter and won’t break down in the middle of nowhere like a Westy.
Those are great points. We are constantly looking for ways to improve it. I have one year review going up today. Our next step is to do the bench modification to give us a little more walking room. thanks for stopping by.
Big favor to ask of you. Can you measure something for me on your transit connect? I’m going to pop the roof on mine when I buy it because I want to put a tent on top accessible from the inside. That way I can stand up to take a shower but I don’t know the distance from the back roof beam the the center beam by the sliding door. I’m guessing it’s about 25 inches, which is enough to pass through to get to the roof-top tent and shower inside on cold days. Also, is it 48” tall to the ceiling height or just to the bottom of the beam?
Hey Ben, you might want to stop by the dealership with a tape measurer. I have so much stuff in the van. that plus the fact that I'm not quite following what you're asking for. I'd probably give you wrong information. 😀
I love that you have almost as much money in camera gear as you do in that ride with the sexy steely wheelies!
Right? Silly huh?
I glued some fibre dust sheets from home bargains on the ceiling of my van £1.99 a roll and a can of spray carpet glue for £3 and it stops all the condensation dripping on me when I'm in the van . Looks tidy too .
That is a fantastic idea.
What about a bug out screens on the doors?
Good idea.
@@BayouJosh I actually find it difficult to do for the Ford Transit Connect. I have one too. If you come up with a solution, please do a video. I would find it necessary if near water and mosquitoes etc.
how much of the interior did u rebuild? i am getting a ford transit connect 2019 model soon and i wanna do this myself! i see people isolate and sound proof their vans but im trying to keep mine on a budget and also kindoff simple since when im not on trips for a few days i need to use to for work and moving things.
so i see yours but i am curious of how much did you like do inside of it if i may ask?
like did u isolate and build very much inside it?
It was a very simple build. Frame for the bed with storage under the frame. minimal insulation and a fan for circulation. The fan is a must-have!
@@BayouJosh we got snow over here in Norway. I don't know how bad that is with the fan. Also trying to figure out good ways to insulate. Any product you can recommend for the insulate?
Is it possible for you to have a narrower bed. so there is room to do your business.
That is a good thought. Yes, but we are already on top of each other.
It's the ultimate F--k Truck! Considering one of these. Hoping Ford takes mercy upon me and cuts me a deal. This would be a great travel option.
It's a fun little wagon. good luck on your purchase.
You can get a used 2010-2013 Transit Connect for between $3K-$12K at used car dealerships, depending on how many miles it has. At least, in my area. I've been eyeing them for a while now.
You could get a composting toilet or porta-potty and make a bathroom out your back doors. Put up some curtains around the doors and your all set! Love the setup!
We have thought about it. We’re honestly just seriously pressed for space in that little thing. If it was one person I think it would be different.
I like that idea. We usually just park near a bathroom. That works just as well.
What about one of those tents that kind of attach to the back SUVs? Should be good enough to hold a porta potty and wet boots.
Many times i've needed that porta potty.
@@BayouJosh Little bbn into heaven at 2am😂
Love it bro
Not only is a campervan thrown away money, with the money saved you just get a hotel closeby and have the Connect purely as a decent backup + like you said much more practical and economical and it will drive much better and much more stealth
I like it I have a 2015 city express I had all the insulated panels put in and it cost Me about 1300 that was the most expensive thing I had done to it every thing else came from Amazon.
Port a potty + Ozark Trail 1-Room Camping Shower & _Utility_ Tent $45 Walmart.
Pull out potty from under bed & put inside utility tent ready for business. Add a cheap shower water bag hanging from the tent.
That is a great idea. 🙌
Yessssssssss
I was looking into it last year, even went to check it out in dealership. I wanted to get a vehicle where. I can sleep in when traveling. Nice setup 👍
Great Gas mileage and very practical over the road.
Exactly! It beats a tent, in my opinion. And It’s a daily car to get to/from work.
There's that damned music again! I can't concentrate on what you are saying for that soundtrack! I'm working my way back thru your shows and I had hoped I was done with the music after that first one (you know? the one where you post-process the Great Gray?). This is actually worse because instead of being irritating, like the Great Gray, this one is actually obscuring your words. I'm serious. How many more videos are like this one?
I have very, very good hearing, esp. for an older guy. I hear everything in any given situation. I cannot "filter out" some sounds for others. They call come into my consciousness in one form or another. So your monologue comes in on channel 1 and this quote-music-unquote comes in on channel 2. I can't turn off #2 so I can hear you better. I guess you can?
I dunno. Maybe it's a generational thing? I have noticed some of the younger generation (don't ask me what "letter" they are) sometimes actually carry their "music" with them OUT INTO NATURE! I'm walking down a nature trail and I hear this noise coming towards me. It's them with their devices all plugged in. I want to ask them, 'Why even come out here when you're not going to hear Nature because of your noise?'. Plus they ruin it for me. I have to listen to their noise as well. Here, thankfully, I do not! I just hit that little button and I'm gone. Thumbs down for this.
But I do relish your dry humor. It's one of your best things.
Yeah, just remember, 66 days of doing video now. You are witnessing the learning curve. trying to get better every video. No more music like this though. I've gone straight acoustic.
The first 10 videos had some cheap equipment that I was using. I've upgraded the sound recently as well.
*MUSIC IS TOO LOUD!*
I agree. I had no idea what I was doing back then.
I bought for $1.00 a gray ugly odd shaped plastic pitcher at the Dollar Tree. Its tall, narrow, and the opening is long enough to cover my entire front to back private area. It fits perfectly when I kneel down in my Chevy Cruze rear seat car bed to pee at night 2 or 3 times. I place it in a safe spot on the front drivers seat until i get up in the morning. The pitcher is way deep enough so no spillage. I love it especially because I don't have to go outside at night to use my Luggable Lu.
I read this to Katie. Great advice.
Excellent video! I'm looking forward to your next update 😊. I bought my FTC PW XLT LWB in December. Getting it ready for Spring-Summer camping right now. So watching your videos are helping me to prepare. Thank You 😀🚐
Well thank you my friend. I'm glad it helped. It is like a tent on wheels. you know how tents are. It's great to sleep in but you don't want to spend too much time in it.
The Jackery w/ solar panel, plus the other power station must be around another $1000, right?
That’s about right.
This is the one right here. If my business rebounds from COVID I want to buy a Transit Connect or Promaster City. Small enough to fit in downtown parking garages and parallel park on the street. Haul my gear for work then switch to adventure vehicle in my off time. No need for major buildout, just the essentials for a few nights out with me and pooches. Would love to insulate but don't want to lose tie-down points I need to secure work gear. But we already sleep on the ground in the cold so no biggie, just bundle up. Sorry for long comment, just stoked on your video!
Thanks brother. Our thoughts exactly. I use it as a daily driver. Fits everywhere and doesn’t break the bank.
Hey Josh, next Wally Mart trip you could pick up super cool hubcaps and really pimp out the ride! I like that you paid 25k to haul around 30 to 35 I in Nikon and other gear ! Ha... Say'in hey... Greg
I kinda like those black wheels. It screams indifference. perhaps even austerity. :-)
Super great, love it 👍👍👍💯💯💯
😁
There are hundreds of Ford Transit Connect van builds on UA-cam. Hopefully they will help in your interests.
that van is going to stay right the way it is. Honestly it is too small for me and my wife.
For the 125,000 you saved over the Mer Benz, you could stay in expensive hotels….. pee in luxury still
Great point. That’s why I don’t own that van anymore. The thing was kind of a pain in the ass. We do tent camping again in a big standup tent and it’s way more comfortable.
I just bought mine this week and I have to say there's something about these things, I just love it. I got the 1.6L turbo and it's kinda quick, handles twisty roads well and is pretty comfortable.
Congrats! Yeah! It's a groovy van. do you have big plans for it?
Buy a female urinal.
Hey Bro, nothing to be ashamed of here. You did great!
It has been fun.
Nice setup!! I also sleep in my Jeep when I need it but I just have a lot less space!!
Yeah man! Jeeps are cool though. No one ever looks at the minivan they way they look at the Jeep. Jeeps are for cool people. we are nerds. LOL.
Great build out! A set of wheels and paint matched bumpers and it'll look great from the outside too.
Thanks man. It's a tool. Not very comfortable but keeps us off the ground.
Did you remove the rear seats or have the dealership take them? I am also curious how it has handled in the snow.
It’s a cargo van. It did not have receipts. As for handling in the snow, it is front wheel drive and does well with snow tires. Ground clearance is not great though.
Thanks for the Awesome video. I am also looking to get a same/similar van for weekend travel and preferably design the bed/storage such that bed can be converted into a couch and most of the heavy stuff can be quickly/easily removed so that van can be used for work/grocery etc. Questions: 1) did you consider Promaster City Tradesman or Nissan NV200 before deciding on Ford? 2)does the van have rearview camera to replace rearview mirror? 3)is there room to add a 40L fridge securely and connect it to Jackery/GoalZero? 4)so GoalZero can be charged using car's 12V but Jackery cannot be? 5)can either of them be wired directly to car's alternator or you need AGM deep cycle battery for that? 6)do you plan to add insulation, flooring/walls/ceiling, any other electronics?
I did look at the other models and the reason I chose the Ford was really a matter of trade value. the ford dealer gave me more money for my trade in. As for electronics. I do have a converter that plugs into the 12v. I plug various items into that converter. I don't run anything directly to the alternator. The Jackery is my primary source of power. I typically use solar to charge that but I do have a 12v charger for that as well. The fan runs for over 50 hours at full power on the jackery. I've run the numbers on the Dometic fridge and it will run for approximately 18-20 hours. I have no need for that. As for a deep cycle, I am not a fan considering I'd have to vent the battery. Yes on the rear camera, No plans of insulating more than I already have. Thanks for stopping by. Let me know if you have any other questions.
@@BayouJosh Thanks for the details. The numbers are going to be very helpful in planning, although i need to read more on the adv/disadv of various battery tech. All the best to both of you. I look forward to more videos on your experiences.
You need a gimbal, badly.
Indeed! Feel free to send me one. UA-cam is expensive. I need a drone to if you make that happen. 😂 thanks for watching man.
@@BayouJosh well. Maybe just stop making shaky videos. If you have to ask for stuff, you’re doing it wrong!
@@Juancholoco710 Definitely doing it wrong.
I thought he did well enough making the video. I got to see his setup and hear his explanation, which I appreciated.
I have a beautiful Silverado 4X4, tonneau cover, not set up well for camping etc...gets me every where and I cant pull the trigger on the Transit. AWD Transit is more like 50K new. It is ugly with all that black plastic front end. Practical? Yes? Perfect photo touring van, but I just cant switch. Thinking SUV or a shell for my truck? It is over a year wait for popup campers. What a dilemma lol Oh they make little portable toilets or you can diy cheapy by using a home depot bucket lined in platic bag, cat litter and a soft seat with pipe insulation for a seat. Safe travels
Yeah, don't do it. I have regretted it. it is not comfortable and the power is so awful. No room if it is for two people. I too have been shopping the pop up campers and the prices are absurd right now. that is if you can find one.
@@BayouJosh Been waiting for the new Transits with the AWD and RV package and still dont see them out there? 4 Wheel pop up campers are over a year wait if you order one. New pop ups cost more than your entire van lol I bought a trifold mattress to try to sleep on the back seat of my extra cab, but if that does not work, I will be sleeping in the back of my truck under a tonneau cover for now. Lots of room but scary in bear country. They make a pop up shell for cheap but long wait. Sigh
Since I have a cool truck, this is my answer, but cant get one. Lightweight aluminun and around 13K...were 11K price just went up. I can get by nice with this. ua-cam.com/video/9wyyiWOXN24/v-deo.html
Now you need to paint the van to camo😅Great bit of conversion 👍🥳
Great Idea.
Practical van for us practical dudes. I dig it!
Right on!
love these vans' nice build!
Thanks!
Another great Vlog,, What ever keeps you oustide near nature is the “BEST VAN”””.
Awe, thanks Jamie. I really appreciate it.
It is already camouflaged to look like all the many other white vans out there that very few people ever notice. That stealth factor makes it even sexier, IMHO.
Sick conti-pro's bro!
😜 only the best.
How is the van holding up?
Meh, wish I would have paid for the bigger van. it is tight. basically a tent on wheels. serves its purpose but definitely not luxury.
I love mine…i got a 2013 and it is bigger….i have a big tide detergent bottle to pee in and a shovel to use outside if i am not near a bathrom
good thinking Leonie.
good thinking Leonie.
Good budget save ! As for the more expensive Sprinter vans, I have many friends who own them and they spend more time in the shop than on the road, More money for more photography gear! I have used the bucket with toilet seat with curtains around the back , it works
Well that makes me feel even better. I can't say that the ford feels like the toughest thing on the road but it's cheap to maintain. that bucket idea has been kicked around. great idea. I just don't have room for the bucket in the car. I guess we need to prioritize space. thanks Patricia.
Was that price out the door
plus taxes.
Love it! Thanks for sharing
Thank you for watching brother.
Damn I'm jelly
She's a beauty
@@BayouJosh Would love to see the food and snacks you bring on your trips as well
What year is it? I can’t decide between this or a promaster city. Brand new one
Bought it brand new 2020. I test drove the pro master city. The dimensions inside the vehicle were a little strange. If I remember correctly, the transit connect was a little more straightforward when it came to putting a bed inside.
@@BayouJosh they never have them on sale here where I live. You got a good deal. I heard they are less powerful though. You get tailgated a lot on the road? I believe it’s a gdi motor?
It’s horribly under powered. I think mine has 160 hp and it struggles to get up hills. That is a downside. Good point. Plus now is not a good time to be buying cars. I bought at the end of the year when the new model years were coming out. Always a few dollars Off at the end of the year.
If possible, wait a year & get a used Transit Connect. Heard they also get 27mpg. Also heard prior to 2014 they had more head room.
Lmao Hollywood!
😄
Perfection
😊
I wish they could do it all wheel drive!
Agreed. Or a little better ground clearance for better tires.
@@BayouJosh a little more expensive but as roomy inside and 4wd would be the Subaru Forrester or even outback but more pricy. Can you choose it with back windows?
@@FredericBonneauPhotography you can definitely get windows. we went without so that we didn't have to black them out for sleeping.
Sorry if I missed this...is this the short or long wheel base? thx
long wheel base
Great video,,,luv my 2016 mini, self build, minimalist 75 yr old fm..200 solar on roof, Rockpal 350, 2000W gas generator(got to learn to live without) started with just the genny 5yrs ago..stay above 7000ft in summer then drop down to desert for winters in Ariz, NM, Nevada, California, somewhere anywhere out West
I hav room for a 5gal bucket with urine seperator(thats what creates the smell the most) mixed with poo, rain or shine , day or nite, don't hav to leave van.
Right on!
That is exactly what I want. What size bed is that?
We bought a queen 4" topper and squeezed it in there. It is about 3" too wide but it worked. 😉