I ordered the base transit in Dec 2020. Picked up the base van in Sep 2021. Picked up the completed / built-out van in March 2022. COVID screwed up the whole timing, was originally projected to be done by May 2021.
I had a builder do the work - Colorado Camper Van in Loveland Colorado. I gave them drawings on the overall layout and features I wanted, and they did the rest. The pop top is their big differentiator vs many other van builders. It’s like you have another room on top of the van. And it’s the only way to be able to sleep 4 in a 20 ft transit, while still having a decent sized garage in the van. If you’re looking for a customized van, I’d highly recommend them.
If I recall, the price for the pop top was in the $10-12k range. Not cheap - but worth it for what you get. They also did the rest of the build out. I’d like to think of myself as being able to build a van like this, but I’d get everything wrong 5 times before I got it right, and it would be a never ending project. So was easier/quicker to get a pro to do the job.
Very cool! I love it! Would love to do something like this in a few years when my kids are older, but we’ve got four so I’ll probably have to get the full length Transit.
Hard to fit 6. Doable. But would need to make trade offs. Pop top for 2. Double bunk in the back. Not a very big garage. Bikes on a rack outside the van. Lengthways bench seat for 4. Full length transit or 170” wheelbase Sprinter.
Most of our actual driving is on paved roads. But when we get where we want to go, it often requires leaving the pavement. We have a lot of opportunities for that given we live in Colorado.
I just retired early and want a cheapish way to travel around the UK for walking and hiking trips. My wife likes her luxury though, so exploring options that might work. I’m tempted to get something like this and just use it for short trips where just crashing in the van at the end of the day works not worrying about trying to get something more luxurious that suits her as well?
These two things are usually opposites! Camper Vans these days - at least in the US - are very expensive. Used ones are cheaper than new obviously, but still expensive vs. several years ago.
The more you try get a van to have the amenities of home - shower, toilet, space to move around in, full sized fridge, microwave, etc… the more expensive it gets.
We came from tent camping, so our van feels like a big step up. But it’s reasonably spartan compared to the fully built out vans that you can get from the likes of Winnebago eg
yep - had a look at a few and the prices over here are extortionate as well - the Covid tax has spiked prices big time, but maybe there will be lots for sale in the next few years.
Can’t go too big over here as acces is simply limited and the minute you go to proper motorhome size you are already starting to create challenges.
Biggest issue for my wife is bathroom and washing facilities and I totally understand where shes coming from. I’m not too bothered about roughing it for hiking and cycling trips but she wants a little more home comfort for trips. A caravan is an option, and new ones of those are amazing, but then there’s storing it, towing it etc etc.
That’s the great thing about vans - everyone can have what they want. I’d hate that; they’d hate mine. I would not want to have that wood stove behind me in an accident.
Saw this thread get bumped, figured I’d drop an update on the homemade rooftop tent I posted about earlier. Not as glamorous as van life, but I had my first trip in it this weekend and got the best night of sleep I’ve ever had camping up in the mountains. I’m driving this bad boy 1100mi to Emporia for Unbound 200 this week!
I had a Land Rover Discovery, built a foldable platform & pitched a pup tent. Had a way to anchor it on the platform. Regular extension ladder. It all stowed away real nice - theft proof, and had the best of both worlds if there was a better advantage to set up the tent on the ground. Loved my setup, sometimes I wish I still had it.
Me & my wife just bought a used 2015 Ford Transit that we are currently converting into a camper. We plan on using it as a camper to go travel & also use it to pull a trailer togo to race events. I want to buy ford transit camper conversion kit Conversion Kits - Ford Transit - Van2b and I’d love to hear from anyone who has experience with the pre-made beds and cabinets. Is it worth it if I don’t want to build everything myself?
