The idea of a van being "too small" (or "too big", for that matter) is totally subjective. If you're happy with it, that's all that really matters. Thanks for discussing through your reasoning and the research you did before purchasing.
I watch your videos and consequently I bought bought a2013 high top Ford transit connect. I did a bare bone no build buildout. I loved the van, wish I could have kept it 😢but I needed the money to buy a F150 to pull a travel trailer. I just used the van for weekend camping. But up graded to a 22 foot trailer when I went full time nomad. The state parks were ℹ volunteers for a free campsite requires that a park host’s rig have gray and black tanks.
All you need is a place to sleep and some shelter. We often forget that the world is our home not the dwellings we tend to box ourselves into. We nomads that’s realize this have the grandest home of all, we have the world.
If you're content on who you are, there's no need to explain. I'm from Iowa. Will be moving to Hawaii. People who have huge houses and yards here can't imagine living in a 500 Sq ft place. But if I'm in Hawaii I can be outside all day. It's the lifestyle, not the material things. Give me a nice bed, nice shower and I'm fine. I relate it to your situation. What are huge RV's getting that you don't get? Nothing. It's all that makes you happy from within yourself. Don't ever buy into someone else's "standards and expectations." Be who you are, not who you are not. Love the vids Dee! 🤙 Much Aloha!
I live in Hawaii 6 months a year and only bring carry on luggage on my flight. A comfortable bed and decent shower and keep away from crazies is all I need. Simplicity as David Thoreau taught.
I think your van fits you perfectly! So many people purchase a vehicle and later find out it doesn’t work for them. You did your research and it shows!
Yep, it’s easy to get sucked into the fantasy of it. I’m so glad that when I was beginning my search it quickly became apparent that a bigger van just wouldn’t be feasible. I still think it’s a great option for couples or those with pets. But for solo vanlife, it’s hard to beat the tiny van options!😛
This is a perfect example of why I love your channel. You’re always a proponent of figuring out what works for each of as individuals instead of doing the typical van life thing. Such a good thing for van life and everything else too
Too small, definitely not. I've slept in a narrow walk-in closet for several months as a teen. During a deployment to Cuba I shared an "according shelter," designed to house 10 personnel with 27 other fellow military for 3 months. Your van is a Palace size space from my experience perspective.❤ Nice van/dwelling.
I loved this video. Went from a huge house on the lake (when kids were growing up) had all the toys etc...to off grid cabin in the woods to a tiny home on wheels near the beach. I've loved each place and all hold a special place in my heart, but now ❤️ the tiny living so much. It's so easy and carefree, stress free, and low maintenance
I built my 2016 Ford Transit connect to travel in with my German Shepherd service Dog Archer. It was way too small after I finished. I put $7000. into the build. I paid $10,700. for the van. I ended up selling the van for $10,000. plus 1 year of rent $4,200. The new owner is my landlord that needed the van for business, not camping. So I stripped it of everything. Selling what I wasn't going to use in my next build. I recouped enough money to break even on the build. Now I have a 12' box truck. 2020 GMC SAVANA G3500. I am half way through the build. It is plenty big enough. Gas millage is not bad as it is a 6 cylinder. If I would of been smaller than 6', and didn't have a German Shepherd, my Transit connect would of been fine. My truck has a BLUETTI 200MAX power Station, and a Life4po 280ah lithium battery with 400w Renogy solar panels. I also put a 9000btu mini split Airconditioner to stay cool. Sooner or later I will say goodbye to Florida. Keep your eyes out for a big yellow former Penski rental box truck. David and Archer 12:34 12:34 12:34
Sounds like a good build. Yes, a FTC would be way too small for more than one person… or pet. Glad it all worked out for the best, David (and Archer).😊
I left Florida two months ago in my older Dodge Ram cargo van partially built out by previous owner. I haven’t regretted one single moment even though some of those moments were difficult. Happy travels when you & Archer get on the road.
@@scubaval08I am 67 years old. Born in Florida. I need to get to a dryer, cooler climate. I have to work on my box truck at night. It is way too hot during the day. I go to bed at 6am, get up at 2pm. Get motivated when it gets dark. I was installing solar panels last week at 2am. Learned to work with a headlight. At least now I can work with Airconditioner inside, now that I have a new mini split. It is a 12v Airconditioner. I am trying to find someone who can build me a fold down door so I can take out the roll up door. My rig was a Penski rental. Hope to see you on the road soon. Thanks for your reply. David and Archer
@@davidhale3107 I am subscribing to your channel in case you are recording your progress on your rig AND maybe some road adventures! My channel right now only has my “practice” videos. I have a lot of footage to edit but hope to begin sharing my journey from stationary to mobile very soon. We saw a moose right where we’re parked for a couple of nights! Oh my, something I would have only watched on tv! I’m a bit envious about the mini- split because I’ve been chasing cooler weather for two months now. I fell asleep last night in 54° mountain air with a smile on my face!!
I love my minivan life! 1. I'm on a very small SSI (disability ) and between insurance, $65 in gas a month streaming channels, black card membership, and wifi I'm pretty broke. Lol 2. I'm a tiny person (4'10") and those big vans are way too much vehicle for me. 3. I have running water in my indoor /outdoor kitchen, fridge power, all the luxuries the fancy sprinters or transits have! I'm living my best life in a 2003 Chevy Ventura! Lol
Thanks for this review- I am jumping into van life in 3 years and can't wait. I'm looking at the connects, because it has more standing room. I like the smaller vans for stealth and gas mileage. I'm not sure if I'll have a pro buildout or a DIY buildout. Safe travels.
I love your small rig. It’s practical, easy to park, and being a Ford, definitely easier to find a place to service it. I have a Honda Element. I don’t live in it but I do like the size for camping, moochdocking when visiting family or friends, etc. It’s fully loaded with what I need. Including a toilet and shower if needed. You keep doing this lifestyle how you want to do it😊
@@ZiptiesAndButterflies when I bought it it only had 100k miles on it and an eCamper on top! It’s come in handy for camping in and moving furniture. Love it!
Really interesting video. I'm considering a tiny van to help me travel and stay at craft events. I've always been drawn to tiny vans. However, nothing beats hearing it from someone with the practical experience of living in a tiny van. Many thanks.
SUV camper here *waving*. I'm actually stationary for a seasonal workamping job, so I bring a little more than I would normally, and I set up a kitchen tent for cooking and storing extra gear. But I love, love, LOVE my suv camper!
One of the things I really like about your set up is that you don’t have to contend with multiple window coverings. I am in a mini van and wish I had a ford transit connection for more privacy.
Thanks for this video. You have inspired me on single woman vanlife. My favorite video is when you spray painted the inside of the van. I already picked an apple green paint, but it’s too hot in Texas to do this now. I bought a 2012 FTC last November. It is so fun and easy to drive and park. I spent winter and spring cleaning sawdust out of it and replacing the windshield & minor broken parts all around. Looking forward to traveling and hope I see you sometime.
I have a Metris - and love its small size. I agree with all your points about why a small vehicle. When I first laid my eyes on the transits years ago, before watching RU-vid, I instantly thought how much fun it would be to convert one into a camper. At the time I had a really large class C just taking up space in my driveway. It's gone and I don't miss it! I think a small rig is especially great for a solo camper. Thanks for sharing your journey. I really enjoy seeing your travels.
If I could have found one like your’s I would have bought it. Ultimately ended up with the larger Ford Transit. Glad you are enjoying your best life Dee. God bless you and thanks for all you share.
A really good, useful and throughly thought through presentation that has given me the final kick, to go see that Transit Connect that's up for sale, about an hours drive from here. Been thinking too long now about doing something like you have managed and if I wait much longer, i'll be too old, and won't wanna give up my home comforts anymore...., i've been thinking too long, it's time to start doing, especially now that i'm retired. I think it was during the pandemic years that I first saw you here, or at least shortly thereafter, and was quite taken with what you had done. Now, having found you again, quite by chance, i've subbed you so I don't lose you again. Drive well, have fun, stay vigilant and healthy and thanks for this video, Steve in Switzerland.
For a solo traveller, vans such as ours are definitely the best bang for the buck. My criteria for choice of van varied slightly from yours which is why I chose the Promaster City. I’m very happy with my tiny van, for all of the reasons you mentioned. A few other things that come to mind are: towing capability, cargo volume, and the ability to switch between a cargo hauler, and a campervan. Can’t say enough good things about them, would certainly consider another mini cargo van when it comes time for a replacement. Love your videos Dee, keep ‘em coming! 🤗
I've had to live in a garden building (12' x 10, that was palatial!) a friend's attic (too small to stand up in) and even a 2-man bell-tent. So, it's all relative. Loving your Channel.
Dear Dee so good to hear all the reasons for your van pick ..love the idea of getting outside and not being bogged down with a lot of stuff..hope u have great weekend and be safe and careful as always
I like your little van and how you have set it up. When I first looked at the title, I thought "oh no, she's getting a bigger van!" I was happy that wasn't the case, because this one works quite well for you. Plus, you are very much a minimalist and it's obvious you thought it all out beforehand. Your van life is also different from others', again by choice. I started out in a minivan, because I already owned one free and clear. My biggest problem, being a tall woman, was I kept hitting my head. Second problem was, I had to get out of the van to get into the back and vice versa. I now have a truck and trailer. I don't hit my head, have plenty of room, my cats are much happier, and I still have to get out of the truck to get into the trailer, but I can live with that. Thanks for the video, Dee!
Everyone is different. What works for one does not for another. Personally, I would go stir crazy in anything where I could not stand up during those days of long storms that are a deluge of rain.
For fulltime living you are absolutely right, it is nicer to be able to stand inside but when your looking for a van for quick getaways and weekends the smaller cars/vans are perfect.
I find it inspiring what people with little vans and vehicles have done. I'm amazed at what you have created with such a tiny space, the color palate really opens it up and is calming. Wow you got such a great price on and super gas mileage too. Well done!! And so much creative use of space for storage.
My van is about the same size as your (Peugeot Partner. Hello from France, by the way ). I tried an RV and a bigger van before. As much as I Ioved the extra space, comfort and all, I must say my micro van is a lot better in many ways. Besides the costs, the most important is that I can park just about anywhere, even in places where they don’t accept RVs : I’m more discrete, People don’t know I sleep in there. Today, I just came back from Oleron Island (France) where it’s impossible for RVs to park anywhere excepted camping sites or RV paying parkups. I parked in villages and even by the beach for free… Noone saw me, as of course I never slept in the same spots I cooked, chilled or whatever during the day. In such a small car, I did learn to use less and less water, electricity and to take less unnecessary items or piece of clothing and all. I realized I always use the same spoon, fork and knife, washing them right away, so why take 4 or 6 of each ? If friends join for a meal, they can come with their own cutlery. Same for bedsheets : I go to the laundry and wash and dry immediately so why take an extra one « in case ». It helps building a healthy minimalist mind and stop worrying about those « in case » that never happen or are easy to solve… And if one day I do need an extra fork or bedsheets, it’ll be very easy to just get some in any store, yard sale or whatever. Or even just take this opportunity to go talk to people and ask them : they’ll probably be more than welcome to help and you might make a new friend.
Yes, I think a lot of us go through that same process of realizing that we don’t really need as much as we think we do. Sounds like you’ve struck a good balance and have a good set up.
@@LadyBugout Exactly, we don’t need much to be happy and I often tell my friends that I love living in very small spaces as I then get to spend more time outside, closer to nature, less internet (I don’t have a powerbank to charge my ipad, only a small one for my smartphone). It’s the 3rd car I use for traveling, each one smaller than the previous one, and I tried 3 different settings in this one. And yes, I believe I finally found the best place for each « furniture » or item and what I really need to bring or not. I was very inspired by your ideas too. It’s good to see how others can manage in their own micro van. So thank you for sharing with us.
I love the idea of those smaller cargo vans! I am hoping I come across someone who will let me hop into the back of theirs so I can see how much room there is. (I’m only 5’3” on a good day.)
They’re a great option. You still would not be able to stand straight, but I’m almost 5’8” and I feel like I have plenty of space. I can stand with my knees slightly bent to put on pants and move around. Hope you get to hop in one soon 😛
I have lived in a Van during the workweek and come back to my condo outside of commuting range on the weekends for about a year and while I wish my Van were alittle bigger the money I'm saving by not paying exorbidant city rent, not spending hours in traffic and the freedom to move around are huge pluses. The key to successful van is not so much having alot of space its 1) having a way to keep you're van warm in winter/cool in the summer 2) having you're van well organized so you don't have to spend alot of time searching for stuff 3) having a few basic essentials hand pump water jug, minifridge, microwave, bag with toothbrush small mirror, hand sanatizer and a couple basic medical supplies, good sleeping bag/pad, phone that is capable of being a wifi hotspot, laptop, small tash bin, small clothes bin, small bag of plates/cups/utensils and doing social activities/not getting too isolated. I have a physically demanding job so sitting down for hours after work doesn't bother me but it could be a problem for someone with a desk job.
My husband owns a 2013 Connect self build conversion, and I own a 2020 poptop conversion. Before that I had a 2010 self build conversion. We chose these wonderful little vehicles for the exact same reason as you have stated, and are proud of our daily drivers that are also used by us for camping. We are older, so we camp close to home, so it works great for us having companion cars. I wouldn't trade them for anything else! Thanks for sharing your insights.
I absolutely love your van! And I’ve stolen a few of your ideas. But I’m not a small person so I did get a cargo van that I can almost stand up in. I’m still working out the build part but went ahead & got on the road to be with my daughter. We’re traveling together now & have been meandering through Colorado. I love it, so far. Although there’s so much to get used to. I definitely brought too much “stuff” with me that I haven’t used at all or switched up. Some things I’ve given away to vehicle dwellers I’ve met. But little by little in the two months I’ve been in my van, I’m whittling down the possessions & learning not to buy too many groceries at once! Lol I’d love to meet up with you & Bunny & Riley one day. My daughter would too! Maybe our paths will cross one day.
That’s awesome! Yes, the dwindling process comes with time as you are in your rig and see how you function in the space. If you ever see my van, please stop by to say hi!!!
I love the logical breakdown in this video. I often have friends ask me about what vans to look at. I do much the same as you, look at realistic costings etc but most want vw’s….the most expensive here in the uk.
An intelligent and thoughtful decision made on great research. Thank you for this valuable information and education! I pray for your safety and happiness!
I really like how you set up your van, Dee. I was looking for one like yours as well, for the same reasons as you; but at the time I was looking, they were $12-15 for ones with 70-150k miles. I ended up ordering a new Transit Connect. It took almost two years to come in, and it's the last year they made them, 2023. I absolutely love it, and since I ordered it, I was able to get exactly what I wanted, and nothing I didn't. The van is super smooth and comfortable, and I'm getting 27.4-27.6 mpg around town. So far I have about 2,500 miles on it, and I'm starting a "no build" build to travel and camp. Gas cost is a big consideration when out on the road, and I couldn't be happier with my van.
It most definitely is spacious to me! It’s all personal preference, but I just wanted anybody who wondered about it or is not sure to have good questions to ask themselves 🤗
If cost and upkeep are key factors, then my experience with a Promaster also holds its own. I had a 2019 model that was inexpensively built-out in Colorado Springs by the previous owner. I paid $50,000. I drove it cross-country during Covid, visited 40-states, putting on 15,000 miles. I had zero mechanical problems-not even a wiper change. Upon returning to my home in Maine, I sold the van for $5,000 more than I paid for it. The extra interior space was well worth it: it' offers over 6-feet in headroom, and allowed me to sleep comfortably across its width. I got between 19-20 miles per gallon. I travelled with my wife and was surprised in the room available for us to share.
Thanks Dee for a very informative discussion about smaller vans. I’ve seen a couple of van dwellers who upgraded to a larger (stand up) van only to down size back to a smaller van due to the high running costs.
Love my Ford Transit Connect. DIY (cheapskate build), single occupant space. Also chose it for price, fuel economy, roof height, availability of parts and super cuteness! Works great for my travels. Thanks for the video Dee. Happy Trails! 😊❤
You are a very intelligent practical lady. If you feel you will need a bigger space in a year or two..Just stsrt saving your money, asking the vanlife community, studying different modelo, and do your thing. I think you are doing great with your beautiful tiny home. Remember, the minimalism concepto also means that you wont have on your shoulders all the burdens that comes with it. I admire you precisely because of how well you manage yourself in that cozy beautiful tiny space. Im planning on going for vanlife style . Not now. Im the only caregiver for my mom. But, you have given me so much knowledge and confidence... Send you BLESSINGS from Puerto Rico. ❤😅
I know. I think I’ve honed it down to what I really need. I really weigh every purchase. Has to check at least three boxes-small enough, useful enough, and has its place!!!😝
@@LadyBugout Sometimes the ‘small enough’ thing is tricky. For example, I have some tools that I carry in my van in case I need to repair or change something, and I have a battery charger for them that is designed to work on 12 volts. I guess for tradies who are on the job a lot and away from mains power. However, the charger itself is way bigger than the one that plugs into mains power. I’m sure there are reasons, but it’s really annoying!
You presented very good reasons for the choice of your vehicle. For me being able to stand and to have a comfortable bed would be very important. And I am larger than 6 foot (1,92 m) so a camper must be big enough to give me that space.
Same. Chose a 2014 transit connect but went with the long wheelbase. Did a no build setup. Been using it for over 3 years. Now about to go full time. Cost to purchase and gas mileage was major consideration.
I have the same year as you but I did not do enough research and “waiting” for a van that didn’t have a ton of miles on it and I REGRET it so much now! I’m still building it out myself but I won’t be able to do a lot of long trips in it unfortunately! Now I’m seeing a ton of the same van with so many less miles on it and if I had waited a little longer and looked more closely I could have bought the right one. I’m sad about it now, but it is what it is..😢😢 I am glad we have EBay for our parts and such because it’s been a life saver for sure! ❤❤
Awww darn. Sorry to hear that. Maybe it would be worth an investment to fix some things to make it last! I know it will eventually come to that for my van too so I’m preparing for that when it comes 😛
Your van is and has been perfect. If we have more space then we r tempted to have more “stuff”. Love what you’ve done with your little home on wheels ❤
To each their own, in my opinion! I spent 9 mo in my old minivan, but I am no minimalist and travel full time with a 90-lb pup. It was cramped. Then I blew the head gasket-and what was available was a 1-ton, ford E350 super duty XL-an extended length former passenger van. We love the space to stretch out, but it drives like a school bus and gets dreadful mileage. I hope to be able to get a middle-sized van in a few years-tall enough to stand (at least mostly), but shorter. A mid roof swb transit would be perfect!
Your van is the perfect size. I have to be able to stand up in my van so it's much bigger and taller, but I'll never be able to build it out as perfectly as yours.
I bought a 2000 Chevy Astro about 8yrs ago (white / passenger) that I converted. I paid $3000 for it. It had 108,000 miles on it, for that model, it was just broke in. (I've always been a Chevy guy / I have not had to put much into it). Like you I love how I can go anywhere in it without drawing any real attention. I paneled the inside so you can't see through the windows. I just love It. It drives better than any vehicle I've owned. Stay Safe... 🚐❤
I think you did all the proper research and made all the right decisions for yourself on your Ford--I just love the way your home on wheels looks, and I have always enjoyed seeing your design and style as well.! Thanks for sharing and as usual, I always want one too😅🥰
Absolutely right ? And many spend too much money on vans that aren't even good for long trips & fulltime dewelling to start off. I started out looking for a $500.00 used van under real time pressure. I got very fortunate and suddenly unexpected funds came out of nowhere. Many people have told me stories like my own. Their the ones that didn't "Crash & Burn". Sometimes the universe smiles on a van dweller 😊. You're one of us. 👍 Rock on 🙂.
Yep! I do think it’s better to start out with less and maybe build up to something else if need be. But, I like the tiny van life-but recognize it is not for everyone 😝
@@LadyBugout I always figured that if I needed bigger, I would learn what I need by building and traveling in my FTC, then sell the FTC to someone else who is just starting out, and use to money to buy something like a Nissan NV 2500.
Thank you for candid comments. Started about same time & travel same regions. Some additional perspectives. #1 Travel purpose to experience "new". #2 Need space - go outside. #3 Plan 2 yrs in advance to assure success - then go "ready or not". I'm 20+ yrs older, so to assure success started with new vehicle -no maintenance first 5 yrs, better gas mileage, vehicle designed for 'off-road' conditions & RV towing capacity as "back-up" plan. Newbies bring a medium size dog, an awning & 2 great chairs. Biggest surprise last 12 months costs have escalated 30% for everything so plan longer stays or consider short-term employment. So far, it's been good. If you cant go long term anyone can go for a 3 day trip to the closest national park or forest.
Ladybugout, love watching your utube! You are so right in your pick of van! Like someone else said, it’s to sleep and a place to relax. Otherwise the outside is your living space. The reason for choosing this life style. Now I need to go back and watch your past videos! Happy to watch your travels!!🇨🇦
I recently saw a bumper sticker on a pickup with a camper that said "One less Sprinter". I like the 25 mpg with my Ford Ranger with a camper shell and it has all the room I need to travel and camp. I have my sea kayak on top, my bicycle touring gear and my backpacking gear so I spend a lot of time 'OUT THERE'.
I have been searching for the right thing for me for around 2 years and camping in my Kia Soul while I looked. I was interested in the transit connect but I need more of a luxury ride on my back. They are more of a cargo van and would bounce me around too much during test drives. They also have a small clearance. I love yours and am happy it is good for you. I ended up finally purchasing a Kia Sedona and am doing a no build right now. It's exciting to finally find the 'right' one for me.
Thanks for sharing. You touched on all the major factors that I have found relevant (except that I am thinking of it as something for me and my beloved to travel in temporarily or for fire evac).
I really wanted a Transit Connect and even looked at one and when your nickname is "Big Rob" ... it just wouldn't work for me. The best advice is to look at lots of vans and decide what meets your needs the best. Glad you found one that works for you!
Appreciated this update! Many of the factors you shared played into my own process for choosing a van. I'm in an NV200 - it's still young and low miles, so no need for repairs at this point. But the gas mileage is what makes me want to stay small. I hope the market changes a bit over the next few years, and that a hybrid or electric small van becomes possible.
Hey Dee! Love this vid. I finally bit the bullet, sold house, bought a truck and now I am doing the truck life. Get in touch when you’re around. I was previously Flatwater Nomad.
Spot on, I'm in a Ram Promaster 3500 and it has been a challenge to access even basic service on the rig. Most Ram Dealerships will immediately decline service when they learn that its a commercially up-fitted campervan..
I just bought a van. It's a Mercedez. I was looking at small vans like yours too but found a larger one for the same price ($7,000 AUD (approx $4,700 USD). Pretty reasonable miles on it too. My life is going to change!
thanks Dee for the pep talk about your Transit. i was on the fence as to what tiny cargo van to get and you have confirmed ford transit. i'm only 5'1 and will be full time when i retire. love those trans connect
Right On Girl! I did a lot of research too and opted for a minivan. I don't need to stand in it. I'm not lacking anything I need. Gas mileage and maintenance were high on my priorities also. Thanks for sharing. ~ 🦋
Hello Lady Bugout, you are a great person, I also prefer very small van, and i live in a Kangoo in Paris, I love it is discrete, that you can have a confortable free life, or close to free. And the freedom which come with :) :) :)
If you are happy, space does not matter, sometimes you live in a spacious place and are not happy, and we only use small areas of large houses. Your little house on wheels is beautiful. keep enjoying it. 🤗🙋🏾♀️
Good post. I rented a Class C in April to deliver from Indiana to Salt Lake City. It has 17 miles on it at pickup and 1738 miles at drop off. It was a Chevy express chassis. I spent about $80.00 a day on fuel. I did like the kitchen, bathroom, the other amenities and a fairly comfortable bed. That said where I live here on Maui a van like yours would be a great camper.
Ford should make a Transit Connect with a pop top! Then standing would be possible. Just think of versatility Ford. You have comfort and style with your build. Enjoy!
That's exactly what I have! Top was added by Moxie Van Co in Chattanooga TN, and not only is it great for camping, but it even gives me extra headroom when the top is down versus if there was no poptop at all. 2020 FTC.
I made the same choice and wow, every time I go camping I wish I had something slightly larger. but then i factor in gas mileage and ferry costs (i live on an island), the ease of driveability and let's also factor in the connect is SUPER easy to work on. basically any mechanic will work on it, they may even have parts laying around for it as it shares the same motor and transmission as the earlier Focuses. Just keep at it! I wouldn't suggest these for full time, but wow do they make for great getaway vehicles. Just watch that transmission. I had to get mine replaced which was almost $6k (CAD pesos)
