Minimalist Micro Camper Van Tour (Ford Transit Connect)

[@Scruffybirdd]

Finally a build I can see myself being able to do!

[@paulwhent1370]

I was just thinking the same

[@dawnedwards8336]

It's really great to see a minimal build on a newer FTC van. I bought a 2016 and discovered most videos are on the 2012 or older models. You gave me a lot of great ideas. Thanks for sharing!

[@dawnlapka2433]

I am liking the minimal ideas. Add some decent battery power and a toilet and I think I can make it work full time...

[@JacksonTravel]

Getting a nice rug is half the battle

[@dawnlapka2433]

@@JacksonTravel I agree! It seems like most of the vans I have seen with the minimal ideas have really nice rugs and mattresses that can be put away in a compartment above the van, or they stuff it in a rubber maid container and do an air bed of some kind. Seems reasonable to me....

[@CobraKyle]

I just saw your comment on my video...came over here and realized I watched this video when I was looking into purchasing mine! Small world, and I decided to leave a comment this time. I like what you've done with this van!

[@caroleolson6736]

Best set up yet I’ve seen in Ford transit connect! Excellent use of space on the walls.

[@johnburakowski61]

I think the minimalist approach is the best way to go for a FTC. They don't have a great deal of weight capacity , and most builds I've seen are overweight , before they add their gear . My daughter has a 2010 and I have a 2012 and both are light builds . Aside from risking suspension damage , I don't want to be hauling 500 pounds of decorative lumber around the country . Nice build and happy trails !

[@JacksonTravel]

John Burakowski thanks John, it would be fun to get a weight reading to see how heavy i am.

[@stevedownwind]

Is that really a concern? Its a cargo van. I have the passenger version lwb and I removed 3 of the seats. They were easily 60 or 70 lbs each. If you carried passengers besides, you'd have 100s more on top of that. Mine is a 2014. Removed seats, built out a platform, roof rack, kayak, 100w solar panel, fridge, 100 amp lifepo4. Drove it over 100k so far with zero issues. Great micro camper. Its like a transformer van. You can change configuration depending on your needs. In fact, I just boat a frame hitch. You can tow up to 2000 lbs with these. I will be at half that and only once in a while, short hops. Some day I'll put a video up

[@S.G..E555]

The organisation and minimal life is so peaceful to me.. love this.. sending love from north west.england 🙏

[@JacksonTravel]

D S&S cheers from Damariscotta Maine!

[@PaliAha]

Since 2015 I’ve slept in a 2012 Ford Windstar CARGO minivan. On the floor with a sleeping bag. Yours is the nearest to minimalistic I’ve seen. 🍕🍧🍡🍩

[@gary-fp8rw]

For your windows use gutter guards cutting to your window size. For good air flow. Good video and good luck.

[@MoceansParadigm]

Got here from the transit connect forum 😊 Nice van! Just bought a 2014, gonna do something minimal like this for my trip in September.

[@JacksonTravel]

Thanks! Where you headed? Out west?

[@MelindaMc]

Love the rug and space. Not a lot of clutter of toilet, sink, table, heater.. this is what I want.

[@JacksonTravel]

Melinda. Mc lots of versatility

[@susanyoung3190]

I love this. And that rug!

[@TrustNotMyHeart]

I really love this simple set up. Especially the bed!!

[@oldmanonroad.7843]

Man you and I are on the same page I have the same van perfect

[@JacksonTravel]

Let’s see the van

[@GinaKayLandis]

Van video pls!

[@reagan4583]

Very nice and NEAT!

[@dvfreelancer]

Using sound suppression material as insulation is genius.

[@ramontoro]

Hello from Puerto Rico , that’s a good way of living, and the organization of the transit box is interesting

[@JacksonTravel]

Hello from Minnesota

[@mikeadams7643]

Like the stick on lights :)

[@kaykrochet9099]

Thank you for sharing your van. Saving up for my Transit .. I like your barrier behind the seats. I have a idea for mine. When I do get it. I just saw a great idea for a portable sink on the back door. They put a folding shelf with a cut our for a collapsible sink.. Also you could put just folding shelves. I am thinking about a a shelf on the door that I saw that will hold my camp stove them fold down to cook on it or out of the van. Looking forward to your adventure.

[@JacksonTravel]

Karen Donaghy i like those ideas! Once i buy a nail gun ill be on to some more building

[@classicZEPP]

I was literally planning on getting a van and moving to oakland or east bay and doing this next year. I'd love to see a video with you voicing your concerns or ideas for a more comfortable van stay.

[@lindamcdermott2205]

I love this organization!

[@minimutt1408]

This was one option I was thinking of for a camper van (sleeping on the floor, maybe a bean bag chair for lounging. It's good to see it set up.

[@JacksonTravel]

The beanbag chair might be a little obnoxious to store but, yeah that would be comfortable to sit in and chill

[@S.G..E555]

There’s a foam bed seat that’ folds out to a bed my mum had two in her camper so light easy and practical.. .. 👍

[@tmr3513]

Just remember folks the Transit Connect Cargo vans still have the 2nd seat foot wells under the cargo floor! A lot of extra storage if you know it’s there!

[@JacksonTravel]

I have lost some stuff back in those! I would have no idea they existed otherwise

[@BIG1TOWER]

Good simple build, I love it

[@JacksonTravel]

Thanks BT!

[@juusokarhu8821]

Greetings from Finland! I found it very funny, that I have almost the same system in my Peugeot Partner van (long model). Almost the only major differences are that I don’t sleep on the floor, but I have a bed made of a piece of plywood and a couple of plastic storage boxes, and my van doesn't have two side doors. My portable toilet can also fit under the bed. The advantage is that there is a lot of storage space under the bed and I can also sit on it. On the underside of the bed I've made 4 little "stoppers" to prevent it from sliding around on the sorage boxes and it's easy to lift the bed from the other side, when I need somethig from those boxes.

[@JacksonTravel]

Juuso Karhu your platform must be pretty tall if you can fit a portable toilet underneath it! Do you use a sleeping pad inflatable?

[@juusokarhu8821]

@@JacksonTravel Actually, it's not. My portable toilet is 30 cm high only. (11,8 inches) Same as the storage boxes and I had to put 1 cm pieces of wood under them, so that I can easily slide the toilet in and out.

[@MissJnet]

😂 the clapping 😂

[@JacksonTravel]

The fact that you made it to the end of my video😘

[@hamzaboufous9791]

very goood video

[@JacksonTravel]

Hamza Boufous thanks Hamza

[@marmitechickenlegs8331]

Love it

[@Seyirdefteri24]

carpet is great.👏👍

[@gailjohnson6670]

Thank you for the video. What do you for shower/bathroom? Blessings in your days.

[@JacksonTravel]

I was looking into getting a portable propane shower that uses the little green Coleman tanks. But usually I would shower at truck stops or Gyms

[@gailjohnson6670]

@@JacksonTravel I watched a video that a man had the Costway hot water heater in a Dodge Caravan mini van. But he didn't have a description link for it. I wonder where he purchased it.

[@chrisgathomeboy]

Awesome! I like the simplicity, is they the version with a higher roof or?

[@JacksonTravel]

No it’s 4’ high inside there

[@mjay512]

Hi, I was wondering what the vents are for in the back that you are using for storage. I noticed them in the Van ads and called a dealer who told me they are for the air conditioning and heat to heat and cool the back of the van. I see most conversions covering them. Did you notice anything in there that would confirm that or are they just open spaces behind the vents.

[@JacksonTravel]

they are not for air-con. certainly not in the cargo van.

[@terijackson2251]

great updates to the Connect

[@JacksonTravel]

🤣

[@allana8253]

MPG? Don't worry no one ever mentions it. I'm angling towards the long wheel base Transit. What years was that an option?

[@JacksonTravel]

27 MPG average - now with solar panels it seems to be 1 or 2 less

[@Campingandtravelgopgenukja]

I try to buy same van like you to using for my trip. I like you made in your car

[@spywriter007]

I am looking to buy a brand new Transit Connect and turn it into a part time camper. Have you had any problems with your van? I have heard that these vans can have transmission issues but I think it might be the older generation of the Connect that had the problem. Anyway would be interested to hear what mechanical problems you have had with your vehicle.

[@JacksonTravel]

Hello again haha no I didn’t have any issues with my TC

[@spywriter007]

@@JacksonTravel Hahaha... sorry about that. I didn't mean to post that question twice, lol.

[@Catman1798]

Nice but I really wanna know what you do in 100 degree weather like my region is getting as I type this?? The Prius has appealed to me very much for the reason you can leave it on all night with the AC on and burn about a gallon of gas so they say. I think I would slim down on the cargo and sleep in a Prius 😃. And wouldn’t it have been better to buy a new van?? 125,000 miles and you are paying in payments?? I would have gone for a new one especially if I’m gonna be driving it a lot like I’m sure you are doing. They are cheap now as well. Never buy used. Especially if you plan on traveling a lot.

[@JacksonTravel]

Joel Martinez i’ve heard that your vehicle loses about 30% of its value as soon as you drive it off the lot and economically your best option is to buy a vehicle that is five years old. That being said I probably could’ve gotten a better price than 12,000. It’s also worth noting that I have no credit history, and I’m paying 17% right now. I was in 110° weather in Las Vegas for about a month. It was horrible. A/C is a must However you look at it. And hey man, sleeping in a prius is fine by me “if thats what youre going for”

[@Catman1798]

Jackson Travel I wanted a van like yours but then I researched more about this lifestyle found about about Prius cars. I was sold in an instant when they said you can leave it on all night. I said hell yeah. I will lay out in a Prius as long as it keeps me cool at night. Lol. Just occurred to me about your van. 150,000 miles you said now?? Wow. Have you had and issues?? Engine stuff etc.? Critics are not in favor of ford vehicles but that’s a lot of miles on your van. Very impressive. What engine does it have? What year is it?

[@JacksonTravel]

Im at 143,000 no issues yet. As far as small cargo vans go, Ford is the most popular in the US.

[@JacksonTravel]

I didnt know that about prius - seems bad for the battery - and expensive to replace a battery system

[@Catman1798]

Jackson Travel yeah it charges the battery when it needs it over night when it’s on. AC will run on the battery etc. I think so as well that it’s not good for it. It would work for someone who just travels a few days or so. Living full time in it could be a problem doing that everynight for months. But from what I heard that doesn’t seem to be an issue for those Prius people.

[@emmacassidy4148]

How did you make that shelf ? Can we get a tutorial?

[@1ACL]

Hi! Is this the Small Wheel base or the larger one? thx

[@deepsky6268]

where did you get the colored lights that are magnetic

[@JacksonTravel]

amazon search "puck" lights. i recently got a new color light that i really like called the Aputure MC

[@danieltraxler4840]

Is this the wagon or the cargo version?

[@JacksonTravel]

Cargo long wheel base

[@taradead]

Ford dealer told me the wagon has rear windows (& seats) and the cargo does not have any rear windows.

[@relaxedsunshine5816]

No insulation needed? Doesn’t it get too hot or cold like that? I plant on buying transit but I don’t think I can do insulation by myself. So I was wondering what if no insulation?

[@JacksonTravel]

It is not worth the time and money

[@tulipsbedwell5537]

Is this a Ford Transit Connect, or a Ford Transit??? Seems long for FT Connect….please clarify~1🌈 thanks!

[@JacksonTravel]

@@tulipsbedwell5537 it is the Ford transit connect long wheelbase

[@josinora]

This is a fantastic van set up👍. Would be pleased If you could share your cloth wadrobe? This is really minimal. Stay Safe and Blessings from Germany 🤗🖖

[@JacksonTravel]

Great idea. I’ll make an update soon and include that! 👍🏼👍🏼

[@gnarly1020]

Have the acoustics inside the van lost some quality since removing the foam sound panels? And if so, is the extra storage worth it?

[@JacksonTravel]

Storing all that soft stuff on the sides of the van works better than the panels ever did - which doesnt say much. (Youre still going to hear that garbage truck driving by as you sleep)

[@tobewiser6738]

5 doors, 2 front side, 2 mid side, and back door.

[@JacksonTravel]

6 doors

[@davidhammond8098]

Have you had any transmission problems?

[@JacksonTravel]

David Hammond not yet im at 147,000

[@GinaKayLandis]

The earlier Connects weren't too good for transmission longevity.

[@jeffhayden2737]

Why did you get a parking ticket?

[@JacksonTravel]

Jeff Hayden street sweeping

[@jeffhayden2737]

Thanks for reply, I was curious because along time ago I lived in a van in SF and had no problems, and was wondering if it was getting almost impossible to do it . Or if it was an error that caused you to get a ticket. Good luck on your travels!!

[@cecilia.bianchi3]

Love...brasil

[@vanceandthelion1729]

👍

[@shaneclay7926]

How tall are you?

[@JacksonTravel]

Six two

[@jenniferh.7219]

Does he sleep in a sleeping bag?

[@JacksonTravel]

Jennifer H. Sometimes

[@jmccarty480]

What do you do to create revenue for food, fuel, etc?

[@JacksonTravel]

Recently i have been doing Postmates

[@antoinesmart4015]

What year is your van do you sleep in this van???

[@JacksonTravel]

2016 - and yes i do sleep in there haha