How She Transformed Her Tiny Ford Transit Van with a Super CLEVER Van Kit! TOUR

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Preassembled Van Kits for an Amazing Fuel-Efficient Lifestyle in a Tiny Ford Transit Van!
Carolyn, lives in a tiny 2012 Ford Transit Connect, getting 25 MPG! She chose Van Packers Van Kits for her van home. These preassembled van kits provide all the essentials for a super functional living space!
Contact Carolyn at: [e-mail]
Van Packer Van Kits: vanpackers.com
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Thanks for watching!

[@cbryce9243]

Carol, nice setup! Before you said the cost, I looked them up and see they also have a couple less expensive, smaller kits too. You made a very good point about having a smaller van and being able to park without being noticed. I might have to rethink what I buy. Thank you both for doing this interview, it was very helpful!

[@pamreneick464]

For washing dishes buy a cheap bottle of rum or vodka much cheaper then rubbing alcohol👍

[@BrittMFH]

I love the kit idea. It's so versatile and well made. For only $4K it and the price of the vehicle are a lot cheaper than premade van builds.

[@bernfran1313]

The preassembled kits seem like a wonderful idea for those just starting out or the non builders. Cute little set up.

[@Jodisgemboree]

Having previously owned a TC, I would have enjoyed a kit like this immensely. So clever! My homemade version didn’t serve me too well…. So, I switched to a minivan (sienna) and purchased a camper kit (by Riverleaf)--they offer quality conversion kits and I requested acouple changes to the model, it’s been a total joy! They ship from Kansas, included in the prices too. I picked up my kit (in GA) at my local FedEx facility on a pallet- it weighs 150# installed it well enough til I got home and leveled & anchored it. The cost was under $4k. I have added on some of my own special touches to make it more versatile and increase functionality- but the quality of the kit is top notch! Thanks for sharing this tour, I really enjoyed it and adore our community we have!! 🙌🏼🚐☀️

[@carolyndonohoe-mather1557]

Wow! I hadn't seen the Riverleaf site before, but I found it just now. It looks great! I'm always happy to learn more in this process. Thank you! ~ Carolyn

[@milestogo1636]

I love that it has everything she needs, is convenient, and still stealthy, at a low cost.

[@markweis3483]

I really like your kit and practical set up. I’m trying to decide between full size van and mini. Mpg’s are an issue but also general cost of maintenance as well. Minivans probably have half the cost when you consider gas, maintenance, tolls, and insurance and parking too. It could be a big deal. Also considering the ease of driving a minivan vs. full size.

[@janet1744]

I drove a full sized van, backing up was a problem. I loved the height of the seat and window view.

[@miriamhawkins7825]

This van is not rated for a heavy load. This set up is really nice looking but quite heavy. Larger vans are rated for more weight.

[@Loud2013]

Hey first comment! Awesome rig 🙏🏾❤️

[@rebelgirl7289]

Very organized and practical. I really love Carolyn's energy and personality. Happy travels.

[@johnhuff393]

Thanks for highlighting Carolyn and her set-up. We're only limited by our lack of imagination. A great kit for the carpenter challenged. You both stay safe and happy travels 😎

[@cindygray4533]

I've seen the kits before and for a none diy person they are amazing 🎉🎉

[@jenkp8179]

OMG I LOVE that idea of a conversion KIT. It’s like the perfect combination for those of us who don’t have the diy skills but also cannot or do not want to afford professional conversions. I love it. I bookmarked their site. Thank you for sharing!

[@mrj-charles6383]

I keep my Dodge Grand Caravan simple. That way I can remove everything easily. Makes it nice to clean the van inside a couple times a year. I just have one of those fold up beds like you would have at home for when guests stay over.

[@CarrieMtn]

Wow. Great ideas! I don’t have a transit- but I think I can borrow some for my SUV camper! Thanks for sharing

[@saram1447]

Hi! My cousin and I both live full time (by choice) out of our Promasters in HB California. I work full time as a nurse and she’s retired USMC. If you’re ever in the area let us know we’ll give you a tour and insight into non nomadic vanlife.

[@judyroth9449]

As non-nomadic do you rent a space to park permanently?

[@user-a1.-_a1.-_]

Hello. I have a few questions. Where did you purchase your Promasters - was it locally in HB? Was it from a dealer or private party? For how much? Thank you for info!! 🙂🏖️☀️

[@carolyndonohoe-mather1557]

@@judyroth9449 - Not sure if your question was for me or Saram1447, but I have a home base in NorCal.

[@saram1447]

@@judyroth9449 I just boondock, it’s easy.

[@saram1447]

@@user-a1.-_a1.-_ dealer and it was about $25k partially built out when I bought it and I’ve modified the rest for a few hundred dollars.

[@clairebourassa5943]

Wow! So neat and clean for this compact van! You have done a great job dear lady 👌👍👍!

[@homelessnomad101]

Lovin' the "Vanpackers" Kit / those Ford Transits are just so made for one person.

[@didlidoodles343]

So proud of the ingeniosity of me fellow Montrealers! Go Vanpackers! go! 😊

[@lauriewalsh420]

Awesome job

[@Frank-James]

Great set up! I am kind of impressed with the Vanpackers kit. I am not sure what it would cost to do it myself, but that seems to have a lot of value for the convenience alone! I hope that the folks at Vanpackers can give some feedback on how many hits their web sight gets from this video and fill us in. That is a really interesting product and they certainly have my attention!

[@alineanderson4320]

That’s genius, so simple and so functional! Thanks for sharing this!

[@bensonsspeedshop1191]

👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@mbd6054]

That is the best kit I've seen. Thank you for sharing.

[@morpheuszzz662]

I've never seen that kit before. It's brilliant, and a decent price to have it all engineered for you. Lovely lady, too. Thanks for sharing your little home away from home.

[@Drmikekuna]

I used a Wayfarer kit for my Dodge Promaster. The great thing about it was that I had a functional camper in less than a day. Since then, I have extensively modified my rig with solar panels, swivel seats, and the like. However, I was able to gradually do these modifications, and I could still go out into the wild.

[@carolyndonohoe-mather1557]

Wow! The Wayfarer kit looks really nice! Thanks for sharing what you decided on! ~ Carolyn

[@cangal58]

Cool kit. I'll be looking into the Vanpackers site

[@myyou2b]

Great job, Carolyn! Very clever.

[@sueg2658]

Excellent build! Very cleverly designed components.

[@maobfh]

I had seen the kits somewhere and wondered. Seeing them set up shows how well thought out and practical they are. Going back to look again. Brilliant!

[@angeladawn805]

I watched this (at the kitchen table) while my son is building a Lego kit house, there's similarities here: both (van build and Lego build) are well thought out, well constructed, genius level use of space, lots of hidden easter-eggs, and reconfigurable. And cute of course! Well done 😊🤗

[@chuckwalla2967]

The kit seems overpriced for what it is.

[@josepep4970]

Carolyn, what a nice job you did with your Ford Transit Connect. I know you purchased the nice set up inside but with your vehicle and the set up, you made everything so comfortable and practical . Your set up is great. If I was going on the road, I would copy what you did. Thanks to you and the nice guy who helped you show us your great set up. Have fun and enjoy your life which I wish I was also doing. God bless. JP

[@outterlimits1]

Off topic, but Bob's channel is the best on the internet if you're looking for ideas to live cheap in today's economy. I admire that Bob doesn't go crazy with the money he makes from his channel like, many other channels do. He has van give-away builds along with many good ideas on how to live on a small budget. I get turned off by these channels that start off living small and as they become more popular, they buy the big RV's with washers/dryers and slides all over the place. I unsubscribe after that. I like the way that Bob keeps things simple. great channel👍

[@amyrodgers9887]

Love how it all fits together

[@serenityjewel]

I like her setup and I want to do something similar myself. Can she sit up on the bed? I'm guessing she can but it wasn't stated in the video. Be careful carrying vodka in an open container. Her van doesn't meet the definition of RV under Arizona law. I doubt anyone is going to search her cleaning supplies but knowledge is never bad to have, especially if she keeps a larger bottle around to refill that smaller bottle.

[@carolyndonohoe-mather1557]

@serenityjewel - Yes, I can sit up in the bed by raising a similar lid that sits above the water and refrigerator. You make a good point about the vodka. I was hoping that since it is in the far back where I can't reach it from the front, it wouldn't be a problem, but I really need to research different state laws. Thanks so much! ~ Carolyn

[@ramontoro]

Hello, hello from Puerto Rico to all of us

[@s.alphachica4301]

Hola from New Orleans

[@errata101]

Hi from PA...

[@carolyndonohoe-mather1557]

¡Hola! ~ Carolyn

[@lorihamilton6233]

Agreed it is very nice. However, anyone coming to this lifestyle just on $800-1000 will be hard pressed to enjoy such costly amenities, particularly if they had to spend 5K-10K on their vehicle as they needed a vehicle to get started, not including any solar or build having no family and no friends with building talents here in Las Vegas. 😢

[@iloveschicken6527]

Very nice!

[@normaevett]

Looks almost perfect. A suggestion for the curtain. The pieces of flat bar that go at the sides of a chain link fence for a curtain holder behind the seats. Bend slightly to fit close to the roof and the ends tuck into the trim. Slide thru the hem on the bottom of the blackout curtains.

[@carolyndonohoe-mather1557]

@normaevett - Thanks for the suggestion! I'm not sure that I completely understand, but I'm going to send your comment to my husband and hopefully we can figure it out together. It sounds like a good idea! ~ Carolyn

[@mrwdpkr5851]

@@carolyndonohoe-mather1557 If there is bare metal then the 18" long tool magnets from harbor freight are very good at holding blackout curtains in vans . The same goes for the small round magnets .

[@randy1203]

That gas mileage really caught my ear.. impressive!! I just purchased a 2005 tioga fleetwood class c. I'm still watching all of the van builds it's so interesting. Who knows maybe I might sell my class c and grab a van!! Thanks for sharing this video...

[@claridee0765]

Love this! I cannot believe the timing of this video. I was just looking at these vans and trying to compare with my budget.

[@marilynrenaud1892]

Wonderful little van! 👍

[@stormdavies250]

Very interesting about the kit. Would love to see it with the cushions.

[@toddsnyder5135]

I love the VanPackers kits, so geeky cool!

[@carolyndonohoe-mather1557]

@toddsnyder5135 - I love the geekiness too!

[@vicaroo001]

Nice! Love the "kit" aspect of this build! (perfect for someone like me who doesn't have ANY carpentry skills!)

[@MarcillaSmith]

Hey Carolyn! So good to see you on here, and at the nomad meetups :) Hopefully one day, it will be IRL. In the meantime, thanks for all you do for the community and safe travels!

[@JeanneKnits]

Wow, I had no idea there were kit makers now. I'm interested in the Transit Connect for future, and LOVE your setup. Thanks for showing us!

[@christinebubb2168]

Does your husband mind that you are out traveling??? If you prefer not to answer, I totally understand!

[@MommaBear360]

Very creative. Thank you.

[@Mike-kr9ys]

Very nice build! I love how you 'figure it out' to make things work the way you want.

[@trishrobbins9942]

Love minimalist set up.

[@patriciatilden3720]

Love that build kit! So versatile, sturdy, and beautiful

[@leanbean8376]

Really nice easy setup, however, the cost too me is rather pricey, which appears to be easily constructable! Just my opinion!

[@stephaniemcbroom9615]

Really nice set up..😊❤

[@MBMCincy63]

That's an amazing kit! I am still in "the watching and considering" stage of van/camper/ anything but apartment life. Thanks for the tour 🙂

[@johnshaw4140]

That van packers kit is amazing , saves so much carpentry , great idea

[@desertdeb]

I love the kit she has in there

[@thyslop1737]

Would think it would be hard to live in a space that small.

[@saras1458]

Really like this!

[@marcbee1234]

Great interview, would have been good to know if her ceiling and walls were insulated and how!

[@carolyndonohoe-mather1557]

@marcbee1234 - No, I do not have insulation, so I am only comfortable down to 40 degrees F. Insulation would be a definite plus! ~ Carolyn

[@bque9444]

Why did you choose vodka over distilled white vinegar? Vodka costs more than "cleaning" vinegar , ie "30%" distilled white vinegar sold in household cleaning sections of some grocery stores and home improvement stores.

[@carolyndonohoe-mather1557]

@bque9444 - I chose vodka, not because it is better than vinegar, but because I don't like the smell of vinegar. BUT after reading several comments here, I think I might switch back to vinegar. Thanks for your comments! ~ Carolyn

[@wrylife57]

Nice kit, thanks for sharing.

[@errata101]

Did she say spray bottle with the vodka method?

[@mrj-charles6383]

yes but best to use vinegar instead.

[@anitasimmons3599]

Any digestible 80 proof alcohol will work. Vinegar is cheaper, but just slightly less effective against certain germs, but either will leave your surfaces cleaner than most restaurants tables...

[@carolyndonohoe-mather1557]

The method is to wipe off all the food particles, and then spray your plate/bowl/utensils with vodka or vinegar. Let it sit for a minute, and wipe it off. This saves a lot on water usage! After seeing the comments, I will likely go back to vinegar. ~ Carolyn

[@kenhurley4441]

I'm not a "wood worker"! This is a great idea. Simple, easy, and affordable! Great fuel mileage so you can travel some. I'm liking it!

[@lonestarlaurel]

VanPackers! Thank you both for an interesting ideas video.

[@gadget_hack]

Love the kit. Makes it less cumbersome so that people can make the move. Less people renting an apartment the better. Save up for that house for when those landlords have to put it up for sale on the cheap.

[@manemobiili]

Very cozy!

[@ramonaneyrinck2292]

Thank you. I am not in a van so far but I’m gonna be going into a car. Thank you for the simple ideas sometimes my brain feels like overwhelmed because I don’t know. Thank you for keeping it simple for me

[@XiLi-o4f]

$4,200 american or quanadian money? Did she say what she did with her husband?

[@carolyndonohoe-mather1557]

$4,200 US dollars. My husband happily stayed at home. He prefers a 4-star hotel to camping! ~ Carolyn

[@shavaunaronan3188]

Really enjoyed seeing Carol's setup. The kit is simple yet really quite clever. She is very stealth as well so that is a real bonus, all in all a wonderful easy conversion.

[@lasinmt106]

Love it too! Very inventive for super small mini Class B if you will. I've been camping as a solo female much of my adult life and starting at the age of 18. I used to say Never would I dream of owning an RV. Bought my first this Feb. Turned out I was taken a bit but even though no experience with RV's of any kind I am not one to throw in the towel. I'm updating my Miss Mini Mo and fixing much needed repairs to water damage in a wall and floor both for 2 different ignored problems by past owners. It's often more than I wanted and still kind of love the idea of something much smaller. Miss M. Mo is 22 years old and is a 21' class B+. I wanted something to compromise with life styles when say visitors arrive we have a carriage to carry up to 7 extra passengers. Many of which are over 70 and a few in their mid 80's. We have a group that moves in pack of 4-5 people. Having a loo is helpful and a fridge and sink also contributes to comfort with us older folk. But the rest of the time it's all mine. So I figure once I get Miss Mo updated and repaired I'll get her value up again so I wouldn't loose if I were to sell her to trade down so to speak for smaller pure van. My main negative for her is she looks like a small C and thus no hiding she's an RV. Stopping along a street or parking lot in areas where folk or cities or businesses worry about homeless visitors might draw unwelcomed attention to me. But at this time I am camping in the boonies and public property for the most part like forest service lands. I rarely pay for utilities but sometimes pay for campsites that are minimal. My husband of 51 years is not a camper. But he's been fine trusting me to get out and enjoy the life. I almost always run into other ladies solo across all ages and styles. Few tents but I've met fellow ladies with tents too. I'm going to have trouble adapting to an enclosed feeling with the RV. I don't feel safer in a hard shell and probably less so than a tent which if need be I could always slip out any wall. I've never had a problem with an animal but I have with people a few times and always late at night. Also not sure about keeping an RV level compared to tents where I just orient so my feet are lower than my head. Not always possible to park an RV so that's the outcome. I do love this wee short Van. I think the storage cubicles is brilliant for this too. I think I might build the bed up higher. Add some drawers below and have a few hanging pockets to keep daily utensils handier to avoid having to open the rear door to access items from the rear. If it's raining or snowing up here in the North which can occur year round I'd like not to have to work at the rear with open doors which could get bedding and supplies wet and build up moisture that causes condensation problems. Love your home made window covers. Very close to my design I'm working on. I never thought of using fleece. Often can find it on sale too and in many colors and designs too. I've been using this type of single burner stove for the past 20 years. I bought a coleman similar style that's called a fameless style but it's really just contained but is often allowed if you in a fire restricted period. I've yet to use it though have owned it for over 5 years. I'm 73 and here's to all my lady campers out there who are happy campers and lucky if they have fellows who understand and support their need to be camping when it's not their cup of..Happy Camping everyone.

[@morphergaming0531]

Love the organization. Anyone else notice that after your kids grow up you just can't handle the clutter like you endured for 20 years, lol.

[@bridgetoconnor7229]

Such a cleverly built system! I especially love the slide-outs in the back of the van! Also, this is the first I've heard of cleaning with vodka. It sounds like it might be better than vinegar. Thank you! God bless and safe travels!

[@krisb7465]

Hmmm... I think I would not want an unsealed open bottle of vodka in my vehicle in case I was pulled over! I'll stick with vinegar for cleaning dishes!

[@carolyndonohoe-mather1557]

@@krisb7465 Good point!

[@carolyndonohoe-mather1557]

Vodka and vinegar both do a good job, but I prefer vodka because it doesn't have the strong smell that vinegar does. ~ Carolyn

[@kelliecorum5427]

❤ TFS

[@aprilbaxter2578]

Very nice interview! Carolyn seem very happy with her build!

[@hopeonthetrail6984]

I love all the neat different idea. The table is great. Building my own design into my conversion van has been a wonderful experience. So getting new ideas is exciting. Just built a platform for the passenger seat for my Lab Maddie. Thanks for all you do . Blessings, Hope on the Trail Teri Hope and Maddie in Virginia.

[@cotter9751]

So glad for this review. I'd spied the Vanpackers units on another vanlifer's channel and just started research. So nice to see someone putting in place and to have more than one person's use for comparison. Thanks!

[@markflowers1573]

Love the van and how you have it set up. That would be what I would want if I started van lifeing. I'm confused about her being married but traveling alone. Maybe she needs a break from the hubby 😊😂

[@carolyndonohoe-mather1557]

LOL! My husband hates camping unless it's at a a 4-star hotel. He enjoys staying home, and I like spending some of my time either alone in nature or on the road with our amazing nomad community, so it's a win-win for our marriage. ~ Carolyn

[@cb4874]

Love it! …. I have a new transit connect and hope to do this to mine!😊

[@XiLi-o4f]

Very smart lady living a wonderful life and enjoying every moment 🎉

[@profuy.]

Great idea for the toilet.

[@lynnbb]

Just enough 😎💙💚💛

[@Nick-zd7nk]

😊👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@chrislaborio-garner1289]

I’d love to find a used transit camper van..any suggestions on where to look? 😊

[@thyslop1737]

Good videography and excellent host. Says just the right amount. No filler, just right to the point.

[@patriciatwalsh4479]

Nice layout van packers kits are very nice. I have checked them out for my Pacifica.❤😊

[@trinafea]

I just bought a Van Campers kit for my Honda HRV. Terrific company

[@ChrisW228]

I thought Connects got even better mileage. I wonder where that wrong impression. Now I’m even happier with my Honda Odyssey camper van. :)

[@beckyelliott2871]

I have been looking at getting a Ford Transit to build into a modest camper for travel to my GPAA\LDMA campgrounds and also visiting my cousins and other places of interest to me. This vehicle needs to be where I can stand up and walk inside easily due to physical limitations. I have a cat as traveling companion. I am considering a 150 or 250 short bed with basic electric and safety equipment. I can do some work on the interior with a Murphy bed, and places for essential storage, food and hygiene areas - basics for living and cat care. Financing is a category of concern for me, as I refer to live within my SOCIAL Security and savings limitations . Vehicles are not cheap to keep up or maintain. I would sell the vehicle I now have and downsize to minimize “stuff”. Does anyone have any suggestions on where I can get such a vehicle?

[@allegrosotto2126]

Brilliant especially the table!

[@janetkoball44]

Very nice van set-up. She is really enjoying her travels. From Central Oklahoma

[@lynnedolan7905]

Almost done with my FTC build and needed inspiration for the curtains. Thank you😊

[@susansmith1636]

Thanks for sharing your wonderful setup with us! Which REI mattress do you have? I would be very interested in buying one.

[@radrcer]

Can anyone expand on “vodka to clean dishes”? Is it 50/50 water vodka or pure vodka? Do you use it to sanitize after cleaning with soap/water or do you just wipe surface with dry towel and then disinfect with vodka?

[@AnnieGill7]

Nice little set up! Happy trails!

[@brianleonard6885]

Brian 🎉 Great video and Carol wow Beautiful home. Thank you both for your service to our community! ❤🎉🎉🎉

[@judyhobday4760]

I had a 2014 Trans connect. Mad I no longer have it. Traveled a bunch with my mother. I now have a 2018 Ford Escape which I use for short camping trips. would go back to a trans connect if I was younger and not on ss so cannot afford. Love this one, thanks so much for the set up.

[@flyinhawaiian7226]

This kit is pretty cool. I would put in a window and 2 cabinets and an overhead compartment. Other than that, this a grrreat starting point. Hang lil hanging tables on back doors.

[@PismoKam1]

Not able to travel to q area yet. But, please keep me in mind. I have mold illness and mcs. So, I am looking for a more comfortable way to camp out. I currently am in a 2008 Toyota Sienna with a brain conversion. It was working out until I got gut issues a year ago. I can no longer load and unload my camping bins. So, I need something else to camp out in now.

[@angelaratzay9034]

What a lovely young woman.very clever and independent.ad.lre you greatly Good luck trough you wandering Love that you take care of your vans engine.

[@teacherskoolie3044]

I would like to convert a 1989 Volvo SW. Any ideas?