I have a 2012 Transit Connect I’ve built out to boondocks in . Space is very limited compared to a full size Transit or Chevy Express van, so I considered adding a Thule container box, but reading an article by Consumer Reports, tithe container, and accompanying roof rack, can cut your mpg by between 10-20%. In a Transit connect that can be anywhere from 3-6 mpg, a significant cut in mileage I got the van for. Another shortfall I commonly see in small van designs is they’re not carrying enough water. I’ve seen videos where they’re proudly announcing they have 3 gallons, for two people. That might last them a long weekend if they don’t brush their teeth! I’ve found the old axiom “1 gallon / person / day” is very true. I carry 16 gallons in three Jerry Cans. Can easily last me 10 days, to 2 weeks, comfortably. Very important in the western United States.
i must agree there, as the only elixir i ingest is the sacred bean "coffee" i buy twelve gallons minimum a week. and would definitely limit my intake for sure. great advise, Im getting excited to start my decorating, practicing minimalism, has always been a passion. Walking my talk even more in this lil moving castle.
I just bought a 2012 Transit XLT passenger van with 40K miles Monday. It has a medium roof and 1 row of seats that are coming out. These Vans regardless of cargo or passenger are hard to find without someone buying it fast. I got very lucky after I gave up. Now in my carport. I am a fabric artist and I have just about all I need to repurpose. 3 Small chests of drawers I use for art supplies and my late husbands pieces he made me. Perfect for a small van. Just have to decide which prices I want in van. I did buy a sink I liked, small one. It's so fun to design it. Been wanting to do this for years with my husband but he got sick. Major build will come later, when I decide what I want. Maybe even upgrade in a couple years. It's a start for now. I want to travel part time and do my art.
It’s totally possible! I started with what I could afford and upgraded from there. When I first bought Ophelia (this van) i has to finance almost all of it so I could afford the build. So worth it though!
Your van has a great set up, I wouldn't mind to have something like that as a weekend adventure van. Here's looking forward to seeing you in your new van and ne adventure.
Congrats to the new owners and on your new beautiful van! Transit Connects are definitely great starter vans....but can easily see the appeal of going bigger!
I have a transit connect that I’ve used as a daily driver and want to convert. This set up is amazing and almost identical to what I was thinking of building (I was going to do the kitchen drawer on the side). It’s good to actually see it done on the newer model tc though. Thanks for sharing this video!
Yesterday I just bought a 2017 Transit connect. I totally understand the frustration of selling/buying. Every time Id find the exact one, It was one thing after another. JUST remember, no matter the conversion. THE KELLY BLUE BOOK price range IS WHAT LOANS base on. PLEASE if ur selling your conversion, PLEASE SAY whether it is registered as a rv, or vehicle van only. Often the increase in price of the tech involved, self sustainable, from solar panels to inverters. THE instant the banking institutions see it. DENIED loan as the cost asking price is way above the KELLY blue book. Three times I thought i had my conversion bought. But if it wasnt within blue book, deny. I totally understand charging for the tech involved, as I APPRECIATED it being all done. As a clueless women, unskilled at such things. Instead I will use portable systems i.e the jackery w/ mobile folding solars. For water the usb charged pump that connects right to your 3-5 gallon jugs. THESE are tiny spaces. I think it came out four ft wide by six feet from back doors to back of driver seat. I am leaving the interior walls as they are. as I will only be weekending it in my rig at this time. Being a passenger van, not a work van, the interior is too pretty and in excellent shape to start ripping it apart. As i feel it must already be shielded w/ vapor barriers etc, factory set. WE shall see, I pick her up tomorrow, and I will be videoing the whole experience. As im an old disabled lady on the last leg of this adventure we call life. YOUNG AND wild at heart. See u out on the black ribbon! fyi, (truck driver term for highways) Safe journey #vanlife
Loved seeing all the custom storage and details that went into making Opheila a home on wheels. Definitely the goal to have a van one day. May I ask where your sweet overalls are from? 💚
What year was the van? How many miles did you have on it and did you have any reliability issues with it at all? I see you decided on a ram promaster for your new van. Why not ford? I’m trying to decide on a promaster city or a ford transit connect. Brand new ones not used. Reviews are very mixed for both brands. Van lifers are the best ones to ask lol. You drive them a lot. I need it as a daily driver and haul crap around. Also easy to clean out too. No carpet etc. I’m just lost what brand to get.
I got the promaster as an upgrade because it was a great deal and it was front wheel drive but I was originally planning to get a ford because I love my little one so much. SUPER reliable. No issues at all! Highly recommend!
Who did you go through for the conversion? We have a Transit Connect XLT and we've been looking to do a bit of conversion, but haven't found anyone who would do something a little more minimal like what yours was.
I’m about to by a similar van to convert. When you were sitting on the bench it seemed that there wasn’t much head room? Was this an issue? Did you do any insulating?
I am 5'4" and can sit upright but if you are taller only under the vent and it may still be too short. My fiance is 6'2" can he couldn't sit upright. It's just a small van. Tiny but mighty! lol There is insulation but I'm not sure the materials used. I don't think it was spray foam so likely the more tradition insulation.
@@ajndmt23 the older Connects (2010-2013) have a bit more headroom by 4 inches i think but are a bit shorter (10 inches) than the newer models but also have the smaller 2.0 4 cyl engine. I have a 2012 and had the same dilemma between head room and storage. I ended up having 15 inches space under my bed and have a 3 inch foam mattress and can still sit up. I'm 5-10
I started watching because of my interest in the T.C. I got distracted by the rings in your nose and realized I wasn't listening to what you were saying (looks infected). When I came back to the dialogue you were whining about selling this van......that's when I bailed. Not interested in your story, this is about the old van, the one for sale....right?
Van sold a long time ago my friend. The new owners drive home with it IN THIS VIDEO. I put the time stamp in the description for anyone not interested in the Vlog portion but my channel is a vlog channel soooo yeah- if you don't like it you can just click somewhere else. Crazy as it might sounds you can even click off the video without writing your asshole opinions about my appearance. Crazy concept, right?
