This is a woman who is living solo in her Ford Transit Connect van.
From the outside, you’ll notice a stealth white van with colorful flowers on it.
When you go inside, you’ll find a twin bed with under-bed storage and a kitchenette. There’s even a pull-out burner for making food or tea.
Please enjoy, learn more, and re-share below. Thank you!
Woman Living Solo in her Ford Transit Connection Van
Images © Enigmatic Nomadics via YouTube
Images © Enigmatic Nomadics via YouTube
Video: Living and Traveling in a Ford Transit Connect Conversion
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Natalie C. McKee
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I believe the title of this post is a bit misleading. The woman isn’t yet living in her van, she’s just using it for travel now. At least that’s what she stated in the video on the Enigmatic Nomadic channel on YouTube.
This was so interesting to me. It tells me that Geri,(sp)? if you can do this, then I should go ahead with something similar to your Ford Transit. I have been considering this for quite some time. I just haven’t been able to decide which vehicle. A SUV, Van or very small trailer. Is the good MPH one of the big reasons you chose this vehicle? Thanks for any more info that you might provide.
I have a Transit, though not converted to a RV. I like it for the taller cargo area in the back, and (so far) good reliability. The one above is like mine – the European version. You can special order them in the US, but otherwise they have a new body style. More like a regular mini-va, lower roof but you can get a longer wheelbase. The Euro models get 27 mpg, though I don’t go freeway as much so I get closer to 30 mpg. The new ones get about 22 mpg. Compared to a full size van (usually 13-14 mpg) or most small RVs (most I have looked at were under 10 mpg), that’s a nice bonus, if you are willing to make the tradeoff to go that tiny.
John, I love having that great gas mileage. I can deal with the small space easily enough. So, I will look for a used European version. I wonder where would a person go to get some of the electric hookups etc. Some of the inside conversions. Thanks for your response.
Full-size vans today get MUCH better than “13-14 mpg”. I have a 16-year-old Chevy Astro with 250,000+ miles, which I use for bringing HEAVY merchandise (books) to science-fiction conventions. Even with a full load, and at its current age and state of disrepair, it’s getting a MINIMUM of 17+mpg on road trips. When it was newer, even fully loaded, I got over 20 mpg.
AmyCat, thank you for that information also. I will consider that. I will start looking at my different options. I had contacted a company that rents out vans that are already made to sleep 4 and have the inside converted over. They sell them used. It just worries me that they have up to 150K miles.
Kim, if you maintain them well, you can get years of use from a good van. Granted, at about 220,000 miles, I had to get a new transmission (about $1500), I’ve replaced the shocks twice, and the fuel guage hasn’t worked since 2004 (I keep track of the miles driven, and know I can get about 450 miles on a tank). Keeping an “old faithful” van running, though, is a lot cheaper than it’d be to replace it! Things to consider: get the higher-level AAA coverage (the 100 miles free towing kept that transmission incident from costing much more!), find a reliable mechanic and follow the maintenance schedule religiously! (My mechanic has a program which keeps records for all his clients’ cars, including the maintenance schedule, and sends out notices when you’re due for things like tune-ups & oil changes, brake checks, and the more arcane stuff like changing transmission fluid or replacing various belts & filters. You can also get free or fairly cheap apps to do the reminding yourself…)
Given that I regularly drive 200-900 miles with 20-30 large cartons of books, plus “fixtures” (folding bookshelves to hold all those books, cash drawer, etc.) and personal luggage, I think I’ve gotten a LOT more use than you’d expect from my van, and I credit my mechanic for a lot of that. (Wayne’s Garage in Eugene, Oregon…)
If you’re looking to buy a high-mileage, older used van, ask to see the maintenance records… If it’s a rental, rent it for awhile before buying, sorta like a REALLY extended test-drive. Measure the MPG *yourself* in YOUR driving conditions, rather than just going by the advertised MPG. And get the vehicle inspected by your OWN mechanic before buying!
Amy, I have been through your area many times. It very pretty. Your driving conditions would be similar to mine here in UT. I am not so lucky to have a trusted mechanic tho. Your idea that I should rent the vehicle first is a good way to go for checking on MPG. I think I will do that. It will also allow me to see if the setup in that amount of space will work for me. Thanks for your thoughts.
Wow I never realized Chevy Astros did that well on gas!
Hi, AmyCat,
I have a 2012 Ford Transit Connect that I purchased new for the same reason you have a van. I write and (when medical issues don’t interfere) I travel around to cons with loads of books plus some gridwall on a roof rack. If I drive 65mph on the freeway I can get up to 33mpg with a full load. The older Transit Connects are weird bodies placed on a Ford Focus with a beefier suspension to handle 1600lbs of cargo. I’m now looking to add in some living space for the long drives so I don’t have to go to hotels. I’ve been out to cons in Pacific NW, including Radcon, Bizarrocon, and Spocon.
It was nice to hear about another author’s experience. Take care!
Best,
Guy
The trailer is out of stock (4/2016) and costs $3000.00. Just for info! It’s cute–but perhaps over priced. They have a wider selection of different camper and trailers but spendy.
More like sleeping in the van and living around the outside of it. No room inside for anything else. I hesitate to say “live in” if you have no bathroom facilities. If she digs it though good for her and more power to her!
I wonder how well insulated this transit is? Will it take the cold weather up north in the US?
Awwww man! This video is now private. I watched it a few months ago and wanted to share it with my mom. I hope she is well. Joining you Road Warriors soon. Good thing the original setup is also out there…
Oh, I did the same. I have kept it for future reference. I guess the pictures will have to do.
Rats! Sorry guys! — Tiny House Talk Team