MICRO CAMPER | FULL TOUR!!! (2010 Ford Transit Connect)

briarwoodvans.com
This build was designed as a weekend camper not a full time living situation. With long weekend trips being the main goal we worked towards making the clients vision come to life!
Thanks for watching and enjoy!
Gear I Use:
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My Mic - amzn.to/2CjDlay
My Little Tripod - amzn.to/2BQ9pBX
My Favorite Light - amzn.to/2Cks7mp
My Favorite Lighting accessory - amzn.to/2C6aJoC
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Instagram - / justamanwithavan

[@kylemartinpaintings]

I love the simplicity of this van. It looks perfect for weekend trips!

[@felixbaum48]

Josh you have INSPIRED ME. I'm BUILDING one of these! You and your work are AMAZING!

[@JimmySlaughter]

I love seeing these Transit Connect conversions. I always spot something that I wish I had done in my van.

[@russellrlf]

Literally..... Perfect.

[@ChadandClaire]

You were a huge inspiration for our build. Totally used your funnel idea from one of your build tours. Thanks for posting these Josh!

[@rayneday-trippin2554]

Funnel? I must of missed that

[@aymarienicole6240]

The slat bed is a great idea!! I’ll definitely use that in my van.

[@vamboroolz1612]

As a carpenter of 38 years experience it’s a nice build and good use of the limited space. Well done.

[@pyrojelli1]

pretty clean build but I wish there was a water supply or faucet and bathroom. No complaints though, it looks nice 👍

[@sunilnand62]

That eeeezzz fennnnnnntaaastic Mate... 1. The pull out bed is for single, when pushed IN. Pulling out should be a double bed, can two sleep when pulled out, 'coz there's lot of gap in the slats when pulled out. 2. I would put a 200 Watt solar panels flexible/foldable on Hinges or slide-able on the roof. 3. A 4 or 5 inch dia , rectangular shaped pipe line around the roof rack, painted black, with one 3-4 inch opening with a hand threadable lid. Cap , end with a garden hose for an open air shower. You may slide in or hook a shower curtain onto the opened rear door. Now you have an instant bathroom..👍🤪🤪

[@hannahlouise333]

I would be so chuffed if I was the client for this van, your builds are great!

[@mjremy2605]

Very nice, Josh! Lovely mini camper and well laid out. The two rear tables are so useful. When it comes to curtains, you need something called drape. It has to drape well, so don't pick a stiff fabric. You can get IKEA blackout curtains, check the AS IS section downstairs for discounted fabric or curtains and pillows. Otherwise just buy Roclon rubber cloth and sew it on the backs of any curtain to make it blackout. Look into IKEA curtain tracks and wall or ceiling mounts. The ceiling mounts are easiest. Wall mounts come in short or long and the longer ones allow two types of curtains to mount - sheer and blackout. Tracks can be cut to size with an angle grinder, and also joined for larger ones with some of their hardware. I used this in my RV. It is so easy to pull the curtains now, they roll nicely along. You will also need shirring tape (sew this on the top of curtains) and large drapery hooks, also from IKEA. Don't buy small hooks, only large ones with no pokey pins. Now you can take them off for cleaning so easily. Cut curtains always 1.5 times the length of the window or 2 x if you want more fullness. When pulled across, there should be some folds in the material not flat cloth. Fabrics with good drape is what you want, and some UV resistance. If the backing is Roclon, fabric won't fade as much. You can buy Roclon in White, Black, Beige. Look at Kaffe Fassett if you like colors! His shot cotton is more subdued and very lovely. It will add a pop of color to your builds. www.flyingbulldogs.com/kaffe-fassett-collective-1/

[@abbeyjane1306]

Nice seeing you back

[@sdnlawrencej5662]

Nifty little build. Clean & simple. I like it, I'm thinking about a set-up like this to pull my little Runaway micro-camper; mostly to carry a little extra gear.

[@ladywhytecraftingnook8913]

The color of the house makes me feel at home already🙉🙉🙉 it's beautiful.. Great build💃💃💃💃💃👍👍👍👍

[@Kiliegh95]

Incredible build

[@stretchingmiles]

So excited to see you have new videos :)

[@sylvieplamondon5681]

Wow very nice built

[@AlyssaVanilla]

yessss! can't wait to upgrade to one of these, love your builds!

[@sandeedobberstine5591]

Exceptional build. Thanks for the video, it’s inspiring!

[@Josh_Oakes]

Appreciate it!

[@lizapassemard520]

Great van! Nice job

[@rickgeller6043]

Another nice professional clean conversion.

[@markhall3323]

I like the open way from the side door through to the back good use of space and not too cramped like many builds. With small vans I like to minimise the equipment and maximise the space. The van is for the person, not the equipment. The first thing I look at is not the layout of the equipment but the layout of the “space” that is available for living in.

[@saeedmdzverynicewarmstoryl4624]

Great work, you always amaze us with beautiful equipment. I wish you a wonderful future, Jash

[@jeffkarrow6924]

I did my '98 Windstar with a full kitchen. I want more head room so I'm going to get a TC and have a bed like yours. Right now I sleep on a memory foam mattress under my sleeping bag on the hardwood floor. I like the way you did the wood accents.

[@24barron]

Awesome build man. Super inspiring. Your transit connect vans are about the best budget nomad rigs I’ve seen. Keep it up! 🤙🏼

[@Josh_Oakes]

Thanks, appreciate it!

[@trtech7496]

Nice job man. Can't wait to see when the rest comes in

[@martingutsch6985]

Really like your style of building smaller campervans, defs gonna borrow a lot these great ideas if I ever get to building one myself!

[@johnny1556]

Hey Josh you just did a great build there love those little Vans but they're hard to come by with low mileage I sure like to get a hold of one with low mileage. And built it up like yours keep up the good work you are giving me great ideas and if I'm ever in California maybe I'll stop by and say hello.

[@charliewilkins8888]

Looks really good

[@markdonovan9247]

Another great video!

[@PhamVans]

Definitely got an eye for those little vans my guy, nice build!

[@Jaanisson_Traveler]

So nice looking!

[@sayitloud3237]

Nice clean build!😊

[@dfros1957]

Love this great job

[@tech12mods]

sick as always dude!!!

[@sandrastevens2793]

This was very easy to understand basics. I would like to see this in full sized van how he would do one with sink and fridge. Also, must have shower and toilet. Area. I missed getting an ambulance. And this was an easy sample of away to convert with the electrical systems.

[@Debrajoy]

Totally awesome as usual! You are taking up my whole Tuesday by making me binge-watch! LOL good thing I'm retired!

[@reysdatnig]

Extremely cool and creative. I have the same van. To small for me but extremely creative

[@annnd16]

I love love love this build! A Transit would be perfect for my weekend travels if a ‘bathroom’ could be included. The only thing keeping me from considering a Transit is the fact that you’re not able to access the living area from cab-that’s crucial for me as a....’more mature’ solo traveler.

[@terryhalvorson7704]

You can get a small cassette toilet! 👍🏼

[@a.w.thompson4001]

Nice!!

[@ginangan8892]

Smart way to put the bench

[@leilal8053]

Nice 👌...but I would have incorporated some hanging space at one end of the counter/cabinet. Love the roof deck too.

[@angelroe5133]

Love it. Need add toliet and out door shower

[@Megan-nm9lz]

like your honesty and id like a small camper like this but will sleep 2 my son and i

[@veteranveteran9915]

Awesome!!!! Can you leave a link for the hardware used for the rear door pop up tables please? LOVE everything ❤️

[@marlenen6130]

What would be great is if you used those table brackets for the couch backrest, so it can be at an angle? That way you can sit at a more comfortable forward sitting and have back support. Just an idea. I guess it could also pop all the way up to use as flat space too.

[@Sonja25997]

That is a beautiful build! One thing I was wondering is: The outlets are all at a point were the closed door seems to make them unaccessable. Why is that? Or does it only seem like it? The speaker positions are great! And it seems so nice and airy despite it being a smaller van.

[@hilarylauren6112]

This is exactly what I've been looking for! I'm not all that keen on living in a van full time, but I live in NYC and have found myself constantly wishing I had an affordable way to take short trips out of the city (especially as a journalist - it limits my options when I need time to figure out travel & accommodations). But at the same time, would need a reasonably sized car for regular use around the boroughs, so this sort of build really fit the bill. It seems most van builders are out West though - do you know if you have a counterpart back East that does these sorts of micro-campers?

[@AmelieFilby]

I love this so much! I just bought my own (2007) Transit connect and have just started converting it! My plan is to do the same sorta layout as yours! Do you have any electrical tips like where to run the wire from the started battery to the secondary one?

[@theblukatlife]

How much did it cost? And how many miles does it have? I just found one and im thinking on getting it, it's a 2010 one but it has 200k plus miles. Thanks

[@MsJess27]

Hi Mr. Josh , love your creations if only you can send some of your work here down under (Australia).

[@juliecastagnaro2868]

I like it.

[@itsjaredoakes]

Ayyeee dope bro 🔥

[@Josh_Oakes]

Thanks Jared 👊🏻

[@davesullivan8073]

Great job , very efficient; my only comment would be that if I’m gonna have a rack on top I think I’m gonna try my best to make it as stealth as possible if I’m in a van like that. because if it wasn’t for the nice cedar rack on top that thing could be parked just about anywhere, anytime. so would probably go with something that would at least disguise the wood or cover it somehow... and I’m just talking about framing it, give it a more industrial look.

[@LadyBugout]

Beautiful build. I had started watching you a while ago and haven’t seen notifications for a bit. So glad you’re back. I have a 2010 Ford transit connect that is just a no build build so far. Love your ideas. Might have to contact you also to see your availability for a build😝

[@nicolecottle102]

You are very insiping!!! I cant afford a big high top, super extended, Mercedees or BMW(whatever they are!😂) van....but I'd really like to build out a van and travel for a year. With seeing your builds in smaller vans, I see it is possible in a smaller van and still look nice and be useable! So, all that said, Thankyou for your channel!! 👍👍

[@Josh_Oakes]

Appreciate it, glad to spark some inspiration!

[@johndobb8239]

I'd like to get more information on the cabinet above the seats. I'm trying to figure out how to do it in my transit connect

[@claudiaebregoli77]

I have been thinking about putting the drop down shelf on my doors as well, could you go into details on how to build them and what are the materials needed. Thank's Great build.

[@carolhewett3756]

Love everything, so clever. But why all the speakers? You just need that little cylinder wireless thingy. Take it and your smart phone from the van to the picnic table or the boat or whatever. Thanks for a great inspirational build out.

[@petertarantelli]

Great build! Any idea what the carrying capacity of the roof is, could you put a lawn chair up there (and sit on it)?

[@monthakhompatlub4523]

That is cool

[@KaltrinaDemiri]

Nice! Simple like it should be :)

[@krystalA5379]

Awesome

[@ZacGordon]

So cool! Do you remember the dimensions of the roof rack by chance? Trying to figure out size for solar panels. Love this deck design too!

[@brown55061]

Very clean and simple, I'm looking to do this same kind of setup. I don't hear you mention insulation much though, just curious how much/kind was used for this?

[@aidanoconnor5532]

Josh, your builds are great! Working on my own transit for my first build, and would love to have a TV. Would you recommend 12v tvs, or is a solar setup similar to this enough to run a tv alone? Thanks

[@adamdove680]

Excellent build Josh, is that the SWB version of the transit connect?

[@normak63]

Great design and use of space. I just notice the carpet on the kitchen backsplash. I just hope that it’s fire resistant if the cook indoors. If not Maybe a piece of stainless steel would be safer plus easier to clean off cooking stains. Just a thought.. I tend to be very safety cautious,.

[@happycamper5900]

How did you attach to the ceiling and walls? Great video and a thoughtful build. Thanks!

[@Josh_Oakes]

I start with anchoring thicker lumber to serve almost as “studs” that I can then use to attach other materials to!

[@seeshellslife7273]

Hey Josh, love it! I have a Nissan 200Nv and I want to copy your back doors. Lol what kind of brackets did you use ? It looks amazing ! 😎

[@jedwoodtree29]

clean build. what kind of hinges are on the flip up tables for the rear doors?

[@Josh_Oakes]

I used these! amzn.to/2UjolUc

[@regginaldwilliams9381]

Cool.

[@thefrub]

You think about sewing some magnets into the hem of the curtains so they'll seal better?

[@Cre8tivediva]

I could use that as a little office to get out the house with the dog. Work at the park.

[@jjohnson9781]

Thanks for tour-- is that a a Surco 103 ladder or some other model?

[@trevorbest5715]

Nice build. Where do you see cooker, sink etc going?

[@gailresources8120]

Cargo hammocks on the ceiling would be great here.

[@louis-philippeyargeau2497]

I love your builds. Clean an simple! Question for a future video maybe... Why this generation of Transit Connect? They are roomy and good on gas for sure but they don't seem reliable and, thanks to our canadian winter, they get rusty pretty fast.

[@Josh_Oakes]

Thanks! These tend to be he vans clients reach out to me about, happy to take on other van builds!

[@questioner1596]

I did notice Ford's peeling paint on this example, but that higher roof makes it far more usable than a conventional minivan. I also wish there was no centre console, my old minivan makes it much easier to move from front to rear.

[@Jamie-re9cv]

You should sell door up grades per pre order.. love idea

[@asraja]

Bro really awesome, wanna live in

[@Josh_Oakes]

Thank you!

[@asraja]

@@Josh_Oakes where are from bro? Am from india

[@mad-lex]

Hi Josh ! Amazing van that you have here ! It must be a lot of thinking to create a van in small place like that but you did such a great job ! I'm considering to do one similar but I wonder what size in length is your bed ? As I'm pretty tall, not sure if I would fit :o ! Thanks a lot !

[@TheLsimas]

Hey Josh! Where did you find the ladder? I've been looking for one to fit our 2010 transit connect. Nice job on this one! I

[@tillhilbertz4800]

Amazing work! Is this the normal version of the ford transit connect or the bigger one?

[@MrRockstar1968]

Nice job. Where did you purchase the ladder from?

[@justaprankbro]

Nice build! How did you attach the roof though? Looks like some kind of railing holding the wood together?

[@habelrubio431]

How can I have more information about creating something like this? It's very cool and very excellent.

[@doerrm73]

Cool. I also have a Ford Connect with a similar bed/compartment construction. How did you fit in the roof window? My concerns are getting it waterproof in this uneven shape of the van roof.

[@CindyCaVANas]

I wonder what kind of a cushion you'll use for the bed/seating. Gosh! Are you in California?

[@joshuaj9713]

I like the carpet to cover up the sides. Using the tongue and groove on the sides hasn't worked in my build. Are you making panels and gluing around and then securing into the van?

[@jacobhardy5395]

I built my transit connect based on some of Josh’s work. For the walls, I used Masonite or hardboard and secured the carpet with spray adhesive and a staple gun. Then I drilled directly into the van with self-tapping sheet metal lath screws. In the areas that I glued the carpet directly onto metal, it seems to want to come off, so you might use superglue or something around the edges

[@hfortenberry]

That’s a great little build! How much would that cost to reproduce exactly?

[@69indigoblue]

Nice build...another one which came without a water system...what could be ok, but what about those big gaps between the planks in the bed? Do you feel them under your matress? I would have made them smaller and more of them...?!

[@Josh_Oakes]

It’s possible if you went with a thin mattress. I had roughly 4” memory foam in my van and had no issues!

[@carpenterfamily6198]

So the alternator is strong enough to charge the 2nd battery ( long term ) without premature failure ? Also, I’d like to details on recharge time for depleted battery.

[@jeffvpoole]

Nice job. Where do you put a cooler or icebox, and what about extra storage? Does it go up above on the roof? Thanks. Glad to see you back at it again.

[@Josh_Oakes]

For a cooler I would imagine using the platform in the passenger seat like I mentioned in the video!

[@jeffvpoole]

@@Josh_Oakes I’ve got a 2019 Transit Connect LWB and live in the Colorado Rockies. Have you done any conversions on them? I’d be up for seeing what you could do for me. How do we talk?

[@Josh_Oakes]

@@jeffvpoole I just finished one up, video will be posted pretty soon here. My contact info is in the description!

[@TheMilkybarkid69]

Can l ask what were the " brackets " you used for your pop up tables please ?

[@mysticalmisfit1332]

This is perfect🙌🏽🙌🏽 No solar panels?

[@Josh_Oakes]

Just being used for a weekend camper, so didn’t need all the bells and whistles this time!

[@tennisbum3686]

I would have installed solar panels plus a small refrigerator freezer and induction cooktop which can be put away in a drawer period. Better curtain setup, the wrinkled ones look tacky

[@halfawhiteguy3145]

have you done any builds on astro vans?

[@Mahseerken]

Lovely build. Very neat work. MAy I know what type of budget you were working with.

[@Josh_Oakes]

If I remember right, this build had a material budget of around $4k

[@Mahseerken]

@@Josh_Oakes Thank you mate. That was helpful. I am trying to get my act organised before I jump into this.

[@bigtime3719]

Nice construction. Only electricity is too exposed to rain.

[@familiajewgeniukj2705]

Esta genial coml para armar en un pequeño van..

[@camperunterwegs]

👍👍

[@avimah274]

Hi 👋🏽 I saw this van in some app I see the video is a year old.. do you have another one for sale?