2007 Ford Transit Connect Camper/Day Van

This is ‘Juf’ (see license plate), my comfy and reliable companion on many travelling adventures. I am having to sell her because I’m moving to central London and I can’t take her with me.

The van is a 2007 Ford Transit Connect that I converted into a single berth camper. I deliberately kept the conversion simple as I wanted to keep the weight down (and because I like simplicity). I’ve used her as a daily vehicle, as well as a handy getaway for weekends and longer trips.

I bought the van from an ex-military transport mechanic who had molly-coddled her for 6 years, giving her a full service every September. He bought the van from a neighbour who used it to take grass clippings and garden waste to the tip. It has never been used as a works van, and currently has only 81,000 miles, although this will increase slightly as I still use it for local errands.

The van was fully serviced in September 2023, including all filters changed. I had the cam-belt changed at the same time, so that’s one large expense that the new owner doesn’t have to worry about. The MOT is valid until September 2025 and it passed with only advisories. There has been some welding on the van over the years but it is solid and ready to go.

I had a slim-line wind-driven vent installed on the roof, and then I applied sound-deadening panels to each wall of the cab. I then covered the cab and wheel wells with thermo-acoustic fabric and put plastic wool insulation inside any cavities in the frame (I don’t like to be cold…). Then 4-way stretch carpet over the walls and wheel wells. I put up very sturdy hook boards with plenty of hooks for hanging bags, clothes etc. I built the bed and a long drawer to go underneath, ideal for outdoor things like awnings, tyre-inflator, frying pans, etc. There is a drop-down table on the back door that can be used indoors or out. There are wind deflectors on the front windows so the windows can be cracked without rain getting in. Finally, I put up narrow shelves either side which were perfect for storing my spices, wet wipes, mirror, cutlery, etc. The shelf over the bed is just the right size for bed-time books, atlases and newspapers.

The bed is 165 cm and if you need extra length (as I did) the front passenger seat folds flat and I slept very comfortably (I’m 6 ft. tall). The bed is 73 cm wide and the mattress is professionally cut medium-density foam which I covered myself with cotton covers. I made the bed in two sections so that it’s easily removed and carried if you need to clear the cab for any large loads. I have the original rubber mat for the cab which I’ll include with the sale. There are also curtains dividing the driver area and the cab, for privacy when the blinds aren’t in place and additional warmth.

Also included in the sale is an ‘instant’ utility tent (see photos). This is very easy to erect on your own and works brilliantly as a kitchen/sitting/shower tent, depending on what you need it for. There is one small repair on one side and it held up very well in a rainstorm in Cornwall with no problems.

Finally, I am including some custom-made thermal blinds for the windows from Campal Campers. I tried a generic brand from ebay and they were awful – low quality and ill-fitting. The Campal blinds were a revelation – they keep the cab very warm and nicely dark when you want to sleep.

The only thing I didn’t get around to was carpeting the roof but I have enough carpet to do the job and I will include this with the sale, along with a few camping bits and bobs that might come in handy (see photo), including a cargo net that hangs from the hooks and extends the length of the cab – ideal for storing sleeping bags, clothing, towels, etc.

Juf has been to Scotland, Wales, Cornwall and the Cotswolds with the longest stay (9 nights) in Cornwall, and she’s been a dream to drive. If you’re thinking about van-life (as so many are these days) this is a wonderful starter van to find out if it’s really for you. I’m very sorry to let her go, but I’d love it if she took someone else on more adventures.

I have uploaded photos but I have many more of the conversion so please let me know if you’d like to see them or if you would like any further information.

I don’t expect to get my costs back from this conversion, the adventures I’ve had are the compensation. On that basis, and I’ve given it a great deal of thought, I believe I’m asking a fair price for the van. In fact – dare I say it – it’s a bargain…

Point to note: the windshield has a crack in the lower right-hand side but it has passed several MOT’s with no problem. The van also has a tow-bar.

I’m very happy for any potential buyers to come and view the van.