MINIMALIST VAN CONVERSION | FULL TOUR! | 2013 Ford Transit Connect

briarwoodvans.com
This build was created with utility in mind. The Idea was to maximize the cargo space but still have the option to use this van as a camper. Adding a few built in storage options and wood accents, this build bridges cargo and comfort in one tiny little package.
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Products I use:
Solar Panels: amzn.to/2UfeHFe
XT90 connector: amzn.to/3uT6iHv
Charge Controller: amzn.to/3ydh1Lv
Roof Fan: amzn.to/36c2sfa
Shore Power Plug: amzn.to/36aWVWt
12v Fuse Block: amzn.to/364MPGw
Battery Cut Off Switch: amzn.to/367qAzM
Inverter Remote On/Off: amzn.to/365pmoL
Battery: amzn.to/3dy9RJS
Led Lights: amzn.to/3xeSGoB
Fridge: amzn.to/364QeoD
Toilet: amzn.to/2TrJhvk
Sink: amzn.to/3xbHrND
Faucet: amzn.to/36lJhQx
Drain: amzn.to/3AmZXEI
Fresh H2O disconnect: amzn.to/2UjPCsV & amzn.to/3jz81MM
RV Drain: amzn.to/3wb8veS
H2O Pump: amzn.to/3yf9Rqh
Accumulator Tank: amzn.to/3juXqT8
Drawer guides: amzn.to/3haJxb5
Hinges: amzn.to/3yk7x1j
500 lb Drawer Guides: amzn.to/3w6RsdD
Clear Coat: amzn.to/3Am0dDV
ANL Fuse for Inverter: amzn.to/2UlAwTt
Flip Up Table Brackets: amzn.to/2TlUuh4
12v Accessory plug: amzn.to/3hq2Yvl
Gear I Use:
My Camera - amzn.to/2E7m1pZ
My Other Camera - amzn.to/2CksPQB
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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[@glenchilada]

Honestly, this kind of minimalist approach is the way to go I think. Gives the owner lots of flexibility to do things how they like. I mostly like that you didn't go crazy with unnecessary interior counter space. One of those trifold sleeper seats in this would be perfect for it.

[@kellythompson4432]

@Lady Bugout does one of those trifold beds in the back leaving the middle area open for room

[@mindbogglermagic]

its like a tear drop you can drive ....my favorite so far with all these van conversations

[@orangekayak]

This is the way to go on a conversion. Super cheap, and now you have a van that is lightweight and functional. It is still useful to work from and when it is time to camp, you can put whatever you need in it. I did something similar to a 2003 short sprinter with a high top and it functions as my daily driver AND office/camper. Always start with less and add only as you absolutely need.

[@andrewconway7730]

Who would hate on you? Your a talented young man who is humble also.

[@whiteryanc]

Love the simplicity and utility of this. These just seem like the perfect stealth weekend-trip vehicle.

[@MrSITH-qj6zp]

I LOVE LOVE LOVE this idea. This can fit for work during the week and get away camping/beach/hike on weekend. Id just keep the passenger seat and add a welders tool box(for gear, kettlebells, securing electronics)behind the seats. Also some rack to hide the solar panels. Very nice build

[@BradiKal61]

I like the idea of a small van like this that you CAN camp out in but most of the time the interior is useful for work , without losing a bunch of space to built in appliances. when you want to camp you put those items in but they dont wreck the vehicle for daily use

[@A222Z]

I can hardly believe that you get hate comments. You & a few others are near the top of my list for great van builders! 👍

[@saeedmdzverynicewarmstoryl4624]

Jash, you are creative. This time you showed us something different. I wish you had made the two buildings on the sides have a door at the top. It would give you a lot more space. I made it and it could accommodate many camping items, such as the table and chairs that fit. I wish you happiness always.

[@withlovemaverick]

I love how minimalist this is! I would love to learn more about how you made the storage cabinets and overhead storage. Maybe one day you could offer plans to help the DIYers create similar solutions?

[@ShoelessNomadThailand]

Love the flooring

[@TheEthanification]

Some of the best quality vanbuild work and video productions. So simple and perfected. Good stuff.

[@LDR1100RS]

Josh, well done. Very well done.

[@richardpears5267]

its probably the second best camper conversion I've ever seen second only to the time I just threw a mattress in an old MK2 caddy and realized it was perfect.

[@graniteruns2599]

Thats a great layout, really versatile for car camping and hauling bikes, etc round. Thanks

[@daylight5500]

Your builds are getting more and more imaginative and this one looks really good.

[@BERNIE817]

Siiiick! I’m gonna need one with a small tv an Xbox with excellent internet connection, A board rack for skate trips, pull out bed, outdoor shower, small area for cooking mini meals, swivel seat for added seating, an awning for outdoor chillin at the skatepark and I’m good!

[@fuckthisaccount8133]

This is how it should be done then any extra stuff can clamp onto the lil counter tops

[@stevesidare2493]

Would definitely like to see some build plans for that upper storage compartment. No one ever makes it clear how they rig it up and attach it!

[@Josh_Oakes]

Noted!

[@Jacoooify]

@@Josh_Oakes second that!

[@flyinhawaiian7226]

L brackets

[@ruppert5134]

Where the passagerseat was you try to make a low profile porta potty instead of storage Blind the windows and...make it so the whole front part hinges with the floor and then instead of sitting in the passager seat you would shitting in a potty... .... It would the ideal place to put it....@@Josh_Oakes

[@mhans79]

Watching your older videos was the reason I bought a 2010 Transit Connect as my wife and I's adventure van. We found a 2010 mint 1 owner passenger version with low miles. I have been slowly building it out to be our tiny home on wheels for travel and adventure. You pointed out something I like about using a passenger version. You get some extra storage where the passenger footwell is. I found some AGM batteries that will fit in the space on one side for power needs. I fit 2 in there. I have my jack and some other miscellaneous things on the other side.

[@roguesrt]

Brooooo, that idea with the solar feeding the power house and running extensions from it is clutch! I’m jealous I didn’t think of that!

[@rachelcharris]

This is very good well done. This is definitely the future for campervanning because people can have much easier electrics and they can add in toilet and removable stove etc which is so much easier from the habitation point of view to maintain. It also means that if people are doing a lot of vanlife then they can rearrange as they figure their way as they find better ways of doing it as long as they make it cosy and get good window coverings etc. I really liked your cover your cubby underneath the passenger seat ❤️

[@nikolaiburlakoff5503]

Been watching you since your first build. You are getting better and better. Congratulations!

[@AppleBlogTV]

Not a bad idea I'm thinking of doing something similar only with a drop down Murphy bed on one side because I'm lazy and an awning for use of the outside space

[@zackvideo]

This guy doesn't miss! Hope he builds me a van one day!

[@sandrabruzzone.]

Great minimalist work Josh. So glad to see it.👏🏻

[@vradenknight4872]

You always finish everything so well and with thought to the customer, even if they didn’t think about the extra touches!

[@houseportraitscalligraphy7474]

Beautiful! Clean

[@taegerd]

Nice work, it looks great. Can you fit a 4x8 sheet of plywood in there, on it's edge?

[@trevfindley5704]

This is exactly what I want to know too...

[@dross24MA]

That storage area behind the driver's seat is *perfect* for umbrellas and a spare fire extinguisher!

[@theJuniverse]

This is brilliant and exactly what i want to do. As a digital nomad, I'm not trying to live in a van, but I am moving around with things, and cats, and being able to sleep and work between locations is essential. Now, i just need to find someone to do it....

[@thunderbrown55]

Mr. Josh is the guy, let the haters hate. I will be watching until, I can afford one. #Oakland #keepitinmotion

[@johnziegelbauer4999]

Nice build , I'm an aging carpet installer and just bought myself a 2013 connect. Looking to convert it with my carpet skills as I've worked on many full sized Van's and boats over the years . The key for these little vans is not to make them to heavy . You seem to have some great ideas on your channel .

[@Pipboy83]

Excellent mate as always, great idea for those who use it for work but can easily pack up for camping :)

[@Josh_Oakes]

Thank you!

[@rob280]

Nice build, simple and very flexible. You could setup a slide in bed or what ever and if a couple tie downs were added secure them to that. That way you could take it out when you need to haul something.

[@choolisa4998]

Add a sleeping bag and a mini kitchen pod unit will be a perfect conversion ...👍😍

[@freeinFL]

Simply awesome! I just love your transit connect conversions!

[@Cineccita]

This van has a lot of potential. I really like . Congratulations. Thanks for the presentation, Josh !

[@kevinreist7718]

The removed passenger seat would make a nice spot for a chest fridge. You'd lose easy access to the floor cubby but, you could move the fridge and still get to it (for things you don't need constant access to)

[@kiefferkeepinon828]

I love this!! It's got me thinking in a different direction. Thank you--and your client--for thinking outside the box. 🤩

[@sethdawg]

This could be great for not only a pillow palace but utility van. Dual functionality!

[@sandeedobberstine5591]

Another great build Josh! Great to see you 👍

[@Josh_Oakes]

Thank you!

[@AlyssaVanilla]

people are gatekeeping what a “camper van” is??? lol guess they have nothing better to do than be angry on the internet. wonderful job josh!

[@angeladawn805]

For shits and giggles, you can see Transit fans face off against the more basic minivan supporters 🙄 I guess agro idiots will squabble over anything that differs from their 'norms'.

[@a.w.thompson4001]

So glad to see another of your excellent builds, Josh. Love the variety! This has so much appeal because it's a beautiful blank slate for a variety of purposes as one's needs change.

[@alanrobisonPD1960]

Great build so far Josh!! I love the thin grey carpet, it looks great on the walls and cabinets. Keep up your hard work, this is Alan, greetings from Riverside in Southern California.

[@kenhurley4441]

Great for a single person. Small bed, small fridge, and a small portable cooking apparatus and hit the road! 25+ MPG's and see the country.

[@johnbecay6887]

great video. love this minimalist approach

[@saravanroosbroeck5414]

Build plans! Build plans! Build plans, yessss!

[@phazzyd4150]

Great setup. The minimalist look is always the best look in my opinion 🙏🏻 good work!

[@sheiraeaarrell9215]

This is a really good conversion. I like the storage you have managed to utilise, especially the removal of the passenger seat.

[@GaiaCarney]

Nice design, wide open spaces, considering . . . Thanks for sharing this, Briarwood Vans 🕊

[@windspan20]

You do a great job. Love your van rebuilds and the fact that you customize for each client. Have a great day and Happy Thanksgiving.

[@daj2zeta178]

You sir are wery skilled & profesional

[@connief5154]

Love your work Josh.

[@rickhiggins6521]

Love it. I immediately started seeing my bed, cooler, bins , etc etc

[@simplicity6564]

Nice and simple. Nice finish work.

[@eight50]

Bit concerned that you mentioned getting “more hate comments than I usually do”. What is wrong with people?! Your design and build quality looks really great. The slightly more minimalist approach certainly ticks all the boxes for me, and everyone I know that is serious about building well designed, practical camper vans. We get really tired of looking at way over-the-top bespoke luxury builds that must costs many $$$$$$ Seems there’s a lot of competition out there for people to show off their luxury expensive build, however, each to their own. So, many thanks for your videos and please keep up with your awesome designs and builds. It’s very refreshing. And one last thing, your hands and fingers are those of an artist for sure.

[@Josh_Oakes]

Appreciate the kind words!

[@mayramarrero1218]

Love your van conversion and tours

[@BreezyRider66]

Very well thought out, thanks for sharing your ideas & work...

[@Josh_Oakes]

Appreciate it!

[@DavesRabbitHole]

Hi Josh, I'm living in the UK, and i was looking for this sort of build for a Ford Transit Custom style van, (slightly bigger) I want it to be multi purpose, but with some additional comforts and not just a bare van, eg add power, insulation, lighting etc so i can camp in it, load it up for a big trip, lug loads for diy projects etc. this is a useful video for me, i also notice you are an "Oakes" like me, have you ever looked into where the history of your name comes from?

[@mikyo444]

Nice! no freaking jets this time...great build

[@sashagayle-schneider3383]

Hi Josh, it would be so awesome to get the build plans for the overhead cubby! Thanks so much for offering that!

[@anneparrish2247]

Like this. IMO Flex is better use of space. The owner can set up differently depending on plans.

[@gooutsideeveryday2017]

This is exactly what I've been looking for

[@cpt.kimintuitiondemon]

love it! multifunctional!

[@simbadurio444]

It would be nice to see how you sleep and cook with this setup. Say video a weekend getaway with this minimalist design.

[@terrimactavish9547]

Love this for my NV200.

[@lynnedolan7905]

About to embark on a 2013 DIY build out ... thank you for some great ideas. Nice work!

[@videovedo36]

YES PLEASE!! to the plans for the front cabinet :) - as always a neat, clever work 👍

[@lawrencedavidson6195]

Very nice van build. Greetings from Jamaica.

[@gypsygenesis9622]

I love this conversion. I would love to seeee more.

[@qwq203]

I would keep and reverse the passenger seat using the rear foot well instead of the front and still put the power station in that same location as shown. You could fold the seat down for driving, yet have a comfortable place to sit in the van when not driving. Of course, I'm only 5'4", so the rear space would be fine for me to sleep with it like that.

[@markdonovan9247]

Another great video!

[@michaellorenzen8200]

nice build ! I would suggest radius corners on the floor as well as vinyl trim

[@xochiltrodriguez428]

I love it. I want simple. Good job.

[@manny-perez]

Great video, I wish you would do them more often! ❤️

[@Josh_Oakes]

Appreciate it! Only so many hours in a day!

[@tesselund]

Impressive work as always 👏👏👏

[@Josh_Oakes]

Omg thanks Tess!

[@sunnyrivers]

Love your work👌🏼😊

[@mikegruber172]

You are an artist

[@marilynrenaud1892]

Excellent! Decided to subscribe for a while and see what you're all about. 👍😁

[@abarnswell]

You do such good work!! I love how you customize each van to meet the customer’s needs.

[@Josh_Oakes]

Thank you, it’s always fun to see what each person requests!

[@mr.bullion6786]

Well done.

[@Dontbustthecrust]

This is basically what I've done. No need for a couch or sink/pee bowl thing you have in yours, Josh.

[@Josh_Oakes]

Never peed in it 👍🏻

[@Dontbustthecrust]

@@Josh_Oakes you never peed in your pee bowl? Well then why you'd you install a pee bowl?

[@rhett1734]

I'd definitely be interested in knowing how you make that overhead shelf thingy you use in almost all your builds. I'm currently saving up for a transit connect so knowing how to build it or even get some plans for jt would be amazing

[@a.w.thompson4001]

I agree. Thanks for mentioning that you are considering it, Josh.

[@lorimac0260]

Me too!

[@karencallender]

Me too, had my van for nearly a year and still not built the shelf! 😂 (I have tried)

[@amyhewett9941]

me too! me too!

[@jennygow8987]

Yes! This is exactly what I came here for, looking to build over cab storage in my Transit Connect.

[@shirleylaracuente8021]

Very nice and spacious. Love it

[@rose8662]

Brilliant! Thank you!

[@prettykamenke2820]

I love your work☺️❤️👍

[@poppawasarollinstoneboom9396]

nice build

[@WanderlustmanC]

Here on referral from my friend Static Scott...love this as all my vans have had the open space vibe and this is good inspiration for the city or connect that I am wanting next. Great job!

[@mariech6889]

Great build

[@darcymackenzie7654]

great design brother.... just take camping setup out when parked up and booya.... cargo van. Just need a track along the roof to harness the dog so she can roam around while driving yet remain safe

[@bjl8888]

As usual great build!

[@Josh_Oakes]

Appreciate it!

[@wanmorgan]

Great job thanks for the video..

[@100johncarpenter]

Great tour.

[@dixietaal5023]

Looks like a beautiful campervan to me i'd love to own money goes one its perfect

[@Senna-xi1gr]

Hi Josh from England, I like your minimalist design & I would love to do this approach to a vw transporter. Great work enjoy camping. 👍🏆

[@josephpiskac2781]

Great work and design. Possibly when my RAM PROMASTER CITY is paid off we can look at refining the habitation cabin in it. For now it is rough at the ceiling and a forced assembly of off the shelf items.

[@halifaxhiker]

Hmm… how cool would it be to do a modular build. So you’re build this but also a matching bed and kitchen unit that could be rolled in or out (and secured somehow) depending on what you’re using the can for. If you need to haul stuff you could just take out the camping setup. Or maybe even sell the van but keep the modules and reuse them in a new van… like furniture.

[@johnsonjay60]

Bout to do this to my 2013 tansit :)

[@campingadventures8760]

Thank you for the video

[@ellea88]

I like your hand being in every shot lol 😂 it cracks me up! Love the build!

[@Josh_Oakes]

🤘🏻

[@votesudanusa]

These little babies are so stinking cute....