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

[Photomike]

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

[Photomike]

wvabeer wrote:
We still have ours and added this to the fleet so we can offroad or smoothroad.

VERY nice!

[wvabeer]

We still have ours and added this to the fleet so we can offroad or smoothroad.

[Photomike]

ISBRAM wrote:
We’ve been truck camper people for a long time; we tried a travel trailer but didn’t care for it. Now my wife is talking about wanting a class c or class a so we can have a lot more room and travel around the country in it.
We’ve been retired for almost three years now so we have plenty of time to enjoy one if we make the jump.

I think I would still have my TCer if it was not for my illness. I loved the TCer but we need to change to make us happy and to fit our needs.

If you can rent a C or A before you buy. I love the C I have but like I stated it is wide, a lot wider than the TCer and driving is a lot different. LOVE the C when I am parked for a few days at a camp ground as there are fewer steps to get in and out & more floor space. I bought an electric bike to use to get around when I am parked, I understand more why people tow a vehicle now.

[ISBRAM]

We’ve been truck camper people for a long time; we tried a travel trailer but didn’t care for it. Now my wife is talking about wanting a class c or class a so we can have a lot more room and travel around the country in it.
We’ve been retired for almost three years now so we have plenty of time to enjoy one if we make the jump.

[Photomike]

realter wrote:
What is the interior height. I have considered doing the same, seems like that type of vehicle would quietly blend in just about anywhere. Does anybody here have any cost estimates for a simple interior finishing?

I don't have the height with me but it is an inch or so over what I need 🙂 I think the medium roof is 68". They have a higher but I wanted the less wind resistance / side profile possible.

[realter]

What is the interior height. I have considered doing the same, seems like that type of vehicle would quietly blend in just about anywhere. Does anybody here have any cost estimates for a simple interior finishing?

[whizbang]

Congrats on the purchase. We sold our TC and bought a C about the same time you did. I enjoyed following your exploits on both forums.

Good luck. Have fun.

[work2much]

Tons of youtube van conversion videos out there for ideas. Look forward to updates chronicling the build out!

[GpnAZ]

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!

[time2roll]

Dark side? Looks more like a white out 😉
Enjoy the new ride wherever it takes you.

[coolmom42]

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.

[SidecarFlip]

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.

[mockturtle]

A friend has one she outfitted very nicely. Maybe she will post some photos here.

[DWeikert]

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.