Transit Van Camper Conversion Ideas

Considering a Transit van camper conversion? Great choice: more and more people are turning to # vanlife as an inexpensive way to hit the road… or make profit from their vans by hiring them out!

Converting a van rather than buying one camping-ready can save you money and give you complete control over what to add and where it goes. Below, we share advice and inspiration for turning your Ford Transit van into your dream camper!

Why choose a Ford Transit van conversion?

Ford Transit vans are among the most popular in the UK for camper conversions. They’re easy to source, easy to buy repair parts for, and extremely easy to drive because of their compact size.

Don’t let that size fool you, however: a van like a Ford Transit 250 comes with a 148’ wheelbase and a full height of over 2.5 metres/8 feet, so is suitable for most people and gives plenty of storage space.

Add in the ease of customisation for this type of van and the huge wealth of info out there on Ford Transit camper conversions, and you’ve got a winning formula for your own version of # vanlife!

For more advantages of choosing a Ford Transit for your conversion, as well as a look at other potential conversion vans like Mercedes Sprinters, check out ourbest vans for conversion blog!

DIY Transit van camper conversion ideas

Going fully DIY? Let’s get started! The first item on your to-do list should be to have a weekend break in a Ford Transit van camper conversion to get a real feel for the vehicle and what you like or don’t like.

Note down what you find useful in the van and what you can do without, and go off-grid/wild camping for at least an overnight if the hire allows it. Here’s just a small selection of Ford Transit campervans for hire on Camplify that showcase what you can do with your conversion:

Maximise space

Ford Transit MK7 Camper, Greater Manchester: a 2008 Ford conversion sleeping two, with a lift and fold bed to maximise space. The camper also comes with a TV, fridge and fully equipped kitchenette.

Choose charming decor

Mrs VanDerKamp, in Bonnyrigg just outside Edinburgh: “lovingly converted” Ford Transit van, fully insulated and fully clad, with wooden floorboards, sofa bed, gas cooker and oven, off-grid capability and much more.

Add extra height

Teddy, Ford Transit Custom, Glasgow: conversion sleeping up to four, with heated passenger seat, comfy living/seating area, gas hobs and oven, Bluetooth, heating and solar panel.

Keep it cosy

Frosty – Transit Campervan, London: quirky “stealth” campervan with wood-panelled, professionally insulated cosy interior, full-size double bed, USB charging, Bluetooth speakers and gas cooker, coffee percolator and kitchen kit: check it out for layout ideas.

Include a bathroom

Franny, Billericay: Essex Transit conversion suitable for lengthy trips. Comes with a double bed, plenty of living space and storage, two gas cookers and an outdoor portable toilet and shower.

Go for the scandi style

Dora, London: pet-friendly two-berth conversion with a Scandi-inspired finish and a cosy “bedroom” feel with plenty of storage.

Make a dog-friendly layout

Trixie, Hove: fab van with loads of inspiration for Ford Transit conversions, including an under-bed space for a dog.

Fit in four beds

Big Blue, Northamptonshire: ex minibus with every inch of space utilised, from four beds and a movable table to rear reading lights and a fridge, four gas hobs and a grill. A roof rack and top box on the roof provide space for bikes or canoes.

Building your Transit van camper conversion

Once you’ve gotten some inspiration, it’s time to design your floor plan and layout. Measure the space inside the van and allow room for your bed space, cooking area and bathroom or toilet. Need some more guidance? Look online for Ford Transit van camper conversion layout ideas and your only issue will be narrowing your choices down!

Adding windows, electrics, water, gas, insulation, ventilation and lighting are next, using expert help from a professional where possible (we highly recommend budgeting electrician and gas engineer costs into your overall budget). For detailed advice on these steps, head over to our comprehensive van conversion guide.

Then it’s time to think about your interior, both the functional aspects and the more aesthetic aspects! Ourvan conversion ideas guide has many clever ideas for practical additions to a van, and 20 cool campervan interior ideas has lots of info and picks for adding your own touch to your finished van. Don’t forget collation sites like Pinterest and Instagram, where you’ll pick up thousands of ideas and tips.

Cost of a Transit van camper conversion

How much will it cost for your Ford Transit custom van? As a rough guide, you can pick up a used Ford Transit for anything from £2,000 upwards, and spend £1,000 to tens of thousands kitting it out. Already converted vans start from around £5-7,000 on sites like eBay and Gumtree for basic models perhaps needing a bit of TLC, to around £10-20,000 for a ready-to-go van.

There’s also the option of buying a campervan conversion kit with basics for you to fit yourself: these start from around £3,000. Or hire a company to do the conversion for you, from around £2,500 depending on what you want done. Often the fitting only costs a few hundred pounds more than the flat-pack kit, so it’s a great option if you feel a bit overwhelmed with doing a full conversion yourself.

Interested in learning more about these prices? Ourcampervan conversion cost guide covers all the financial aspects of camper van conversions, including electrics, materials, tools, security, legal and of course base vehicle costs.

Want a high top Ford Transit campervan?

Before finalising your costs/budget, decide whether you want a high top Ford conversion or will keep the roof of the original van. High top means just that – adding a high roof to the van, to give more standing space. As a permanent feature, it’s different from a pop-up or elevated roof which can be lifted and closed intermittently.

Unless you’re an experienced campervan conversion fitter, it’s best to get a specialised company to add a high top roof for you. These start from around £1,800 for this type of van. Another option is to look for a high roof already fitted in your base vehicle – simple and cost-effective!

Earn extra income from your Transit van camper conversion

As the United Kingdom’s fastest-growing van sharing community, Camplify connects campervan owners like you with local and international holidaymakers - all of whom are verified to maximize the safety when you hire out your campervan or motorhome. Discover more of our advantages for owners below:

• It's free to list your Transit van camper conversion.

• If you don’t have all-risk insurance, we can provide you with it when you sign up.

• We give your van 24/7 RAC breakdown cover.

• You have complete freedom to approve or reject guests interested in renting your van. Your wheels, your rules.

• We provide you with tips and step-by-step guides on how to improve your service and your vehicle to get more and more bookings!

Start sharing your van today

The sooner you set up your listing, the sooner it will start to receive visits and bookings! See how much you could earn if you rent out your van with ourfree income calculator or sign up now to start enjoying the above advantages today.

If you still have questions, want to discuss your income potential with an expert or get more information on how to list your vehicle, call us on ☎ 0330 808 1811 or visit www.camplify.co.uk. We’ll be happy to help you with anything you need!