Forum Discussion

Photomike's avatar
Photomike
Explorer III
Nov 30, 2017

I have gone even further to the dark side.....

Sold my truck camper almost two years ago and I missed it every day since for many reasons mostly how easy it was to drive on narrow roads. I bought my Class C just over a year ago and I LOVE it but it is not for me in my photography. GREAT for camping as it has everything and it is all one unit but not good for commuting and back roads. So for a while now I have been looking for something that drives like the TCer but was one unit, and last week I found it.



2017 Ford Transit van, completely empty so I can put what I want inside. For the first time since selling the TCer I feel at home and it is still empty with nothing in the back yet. Drives more like the TCer in that it is lighter and narrower. Comfortable to sit in and fun to drive. Took a while but I can say that I have now officially said good by to my Tcer and don't miss her any more.

Started a build thread here
Truck Campers
  • Kayteg1's avatar
    Kayteg1
    Explorer II
    Nov 30, 2017
    Congratulations.
    My scuba buddy drove Ford Transit 40 years ago and I have only good memories about the vehicle.
  • Camper_Jeff___K's avatar
    Camper_Jeff___K
    Nomad III
    Nov 30, 2017
    This will be interesting to follow. I'm doing pretty well the same thing in the next year or so when I retire. I'm looking at the high roof transit or sprinter in their longest heaviest forms with 4x4 conversion. I plan to go with the diesel and a webasto heat system. I will figure a way to fit a decent oven in there, not a cooktop. I know the transit is touted as nicer handling than the sprinter but the sprinter at this time still offers the most space.

    Here is a Transit van build you may get some good ideas from.
    Transit build

    One thing I have been thinking of doing in my build is using a couple rollaway tool boxes less the castor wheels for cabinets. Nice steel construction about 16-18 inches deep. Roller bearing door glides and lockable. Various drawer size combinations available.
  • Buzzcut1's avatar
    Buzzcut1
    Nomad II
    Nov 30, 2017
    Keep an eye on the wheels and brake areas. we have 3 of those vans in Paratransit service in CA and have experienced corrosion and wear issues (addressed under warranty) in those areas. Aside from that they have been very reliable, we have them running over 200 miles per day seven days a week in heavy stop and go conditions.
  • woodhog's avatar
    woodhog
    Explorer
    Nov 30, 2017
    Van Conversions are very interesting, re the Ford Transits, they look like a nice van for the purpose, my main concern would be getting around in the snow, I guess one could put chains on...
  • DWeikert's avatar
    DWeikert
    Explorer II
    Nov 30, 2017
    Having owned a conversion van in the 70's I can appreciate your choice. I looked into going that route briefly before getting my current rig, but for now I have too many uses for a pickup to dedicate another vehicle for camping. I also wish they'd come with 4x4 from the factory.

    Sportsmobile has a nice Design Your Own utility that let's you experiment with floor plans.
  • mockturtle's avatar
    mockturtle
    Explorer II
    Nov 30, 2017
    A friend has one she outfitted very nicely. Maybe she will post some photos here.
  • SidecarFlip's avatar
    SidecarFlip
    Explorer III
    Nov 30, 2017
    My wife owns one and has for a while. It's our 'out west hunting vehicle' for hauling us and gear and meat in coolers back home...

    Just put brakes all around on hers. What a PITA to do brakes. It looks simple but in reality is fairly hard to work on.

    I outfitted hers with agressive mud and snow tires all around and it will negotiate 90% of the unimproved 2 tracks my 4x4 will.

    I prefer the TC over the van however, especially for the headroom and the room inside.
  • coolmom42's avatar
    coolmom42
    Explorer II
    Nov 30, 2017
    I have seriously considered one of those as a blank slate to build on. If you google around, you can find some nice custom setups.
  • time2roll's avatar
    time2roll
    Nomad
    Nov 30, 2017
    Dark side? Looks more like a white out ;)
    Enjoy the new ride wherever it takes you.
  • GpnAZ's avatar
    GpnAZ
    Explorer
    Nov 30, 2017
    I have one foot in the other camp as well and one in the TC camp. We just bought a 2011 Airstream Avenue for my photo adventures and some spur of the moment camping trips or road trips in the SW. I am currently having it lifted and 33" tires put on it so it is more user friendly on the back roads and two track roads, plan on keeping it 2 wheel drive, right now anyways. We will keep the TC because it's like a mansion now, compared to the van. Have fun with your Transit, I think it will make a good base for your conversion!


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