VAN TOUR | 2010 Ford Transit Connect

[@CharleneOrtizTraining]

What an awesome build. I love seeing women being so independent and self sufficient at such a young age. You're living a life that most people will never experience. Van life isn't for everyone and it's not easy, but the experience of traveling and seeing the country is amazing. Please be safe because you are an attractive young girl that will be a target for creeps. Don't trust anyone and it's good to have mace or something to protect yourself. Not everyone is comfortable with a gun, but plenty of van lifers travel with one. Either way you should have something to defend yourself. It's also good to have a dog because first of all they're awesome, but even a small dog will alert you in the middle of the night if someone is creeping around you. If they hear a dog it will be a deterant because the element of surprise is gone. Of course a dog is a big responsibility and not everyone is ready for one. Anyways I'm sorry to sound negative. It's just so important to be safe. Enjoy your travels and maybe some day we'll see you on the road!

[@johnrobertson7583]

Yep even a non-lethal pepper pellet device...I wont use any mfgs....because the one that starts with a B is only decent at best with terrible customer support.

[@susanstrickland6774]

So proud of you for having the courage to do the build. You remind me of one of my granddaughters. You did a great job, impressed. I see your Mom is your #1fan. Only thing, about cooking area, I would put a piece of metal behind the stove area, otherwise perfect. Congratulations. 🙂👍

[@heritagetourswexford]

Well done young lady. So glad to see an honest camper video and I love when you utter the words "I'm not sure" because I bought a camper and honestly I'm not sure about a lot of things that was already done to it but it works for me. Great camera work Mom.

[@guillermomenes6806]

I love how natural you are, thanks 🙏

[@edwardstephenson5702]

That was a very sweet tour... very nice job. I'm a musician and have two vans I use. My smaller one is a 2014 Transit Connect I guess that's why this video caught my eye. I randomly watch these videos... yours was very down to earth and nice to watch.

[@johnrobertson7583]

My buddy does the same thing. For one-nighters at out of town races he uses his 2016 transit...for multi he has a full size transit with ambulance accessory package new from dealer and about 1000w of dc which can keep a freezer at 0 for 4 days, and power for his mobile office also...

[@josephjuno9555]

There are window vents w louvers and screens, u open window, insert these and lose window, gives Great ventilation keeps rain and bugs out, made of metal so that are safe! I use mine all summer - except when driving? Blocks view out top 4" of side windows.

[@101perspective]

One thing you might have wanted to add (which you could do for your new van also) are rain guards for the front windows. Those are nice since they allow you to crack the front windows without having to worry about rain and stuff getting in. They are also tinted which means people won't be able to tell easily that your windows are cracked. Also, if you plan to do cold weather camping at all you might want to look into a diesel heater. Those are sooooo nice since they not only are safer to use but don't put water into the van like a propane heater will. The diesel heater also vents to the outside vs the propane. Only thing I would recommend is getting a tank you can mount on the outside. Mine is inside which has worked okay. However, you have to be super careful refueling. I've gotten just a few drops spill on it and took forever to get rid of the smell.

[@abbyjbennett]

Thank you - rain guards are a great idea! I now live in my ford e-250 and I installed a diesel heater in that one. I absolutely love it. The transit connect was a little small for the heater.

[@mendozaconsultation]

So cute. Very nice job. I hope you implement some type of security/safety measure and keep it to yourself or Mom of course.

[@UnWindDaily2]

What a great set up amazing mother to have helped you through the process 🫶 maybe 🤔 maybe buy a medal back splash so it doesn’t melt more 😊I see a lot of people using them cooking on their door areas ❣🌲🍁♥

[@wrylife57]

New sub here. What a delightful person you are! :) I love this simple but functional build. You thought of everything. I'm watching this 4/16/23 so I assume this van has been sold and you are in the new-to-you E250. I have the same van (2009) so will look forward to seeing your build videos in that.

[@kitaoden703]

I love 💕 your van tour great job on your build Can't wait to see your new build

[@markmcsharr8777]

Amazing van and happy vibes 👍

[@abbyjbennett]

Thank you 😊

[@MrRKWRIGHT]

Good Saturday morning Abby. What can I say? These videos just keep getting better and better. Thanks so much for your review of the 2010 Ford Transit Connect - and for sharing a chronicle of your journey living and camping in the Great Outdoors. 😍😍😎😎

[@quidestveritas8713]

Very nice tour. You did a great job on this one. ☺️I hope you are happily settled in the Ford. I will look for more of your videos. Stay safe out there and have a blast, every chance you get. 😊

[@KrystalLeighHarman]

I love watching Hannah Lee Duggan too!

[@pauldonnelly9783]

Well done to you. I know how hard it can be to build out a van, I finished mine 2 years ago gor family of 5. Love the way you kept it straight forward, too many over complicated van conversions. Enjoy your new van, safe travels.

[@junaidmansourmahdi1392]

Your 🚌 so nice 👍 Thank you for tour 🙋

[@outsidebrendan]

Such a great setup! I recently got a Transit Connect and I've been watching dozens of videos looking for inspiration. Yours looks lovely!

[@Flash1857]

Thanks for sharing your van build. Looks awesome, you did a great job with the construction.

[@johnrobertson7583]

Additionally...for a low key ventilation approach...investigate using the floor and the frame channels and duct the air down vs thru the roof...

[@beckywilliams1388]

I think your set up is awesome! Have great fun on your travels sweet girl 💕 I’m sure your mom is proud of you🥰

[@espnmk]

nice build the only tip I can give on cabinet building is as you make more of them you get better at it. great job on the slat bench very utilitarian on them being able slide. thanks for sharing keep up the great work.

[@deemelton6925]

I love your set up.im making a van over always looking for space ideas... love your bed😊 you are talented ❤

[@PagodaRolls]

Just wanted to say hello and nice build on the little van..also new sub here and look foward to watching the build on the new van

[@shmuelteichman7222]

Thanks for the video ! Building my 2012 transit connect now and this gave me a ton of ideas

[@pandemicarsondaily]

this is a beautiful van. well done! you seem like a very down to earth genuinely kind soul. best of luck on all your future adventures! may the universe guide you well

[@abbyjbennett]

Thank you so much!! :) you as well!

[@RabbieMcCrabbie-do4tt]

This is exactly the info I was looking for. Thank you. I'm borrowing ALL your ideas!

[@lareneandpipsqueeksully]

I love all the wood work! You did great!

[@johnrobertson7583]

Thx for sharing your cool buildout. I am hoping my employer lets me buy my 2012 when I retire!!! it only has 29,000 miles and Ive been the only driver since new. Its been serviced twice per year since then. Only recommendation I have is your bedframe issue. Dont try to re-engineer the whole thing for comfort...get two pieces of 1/8" paperboard or 1/16" melamine for under your mattress...in a pinch those would even make something you could sacrifice for snow or mud traction...

[@VegasD702]

The inverter beeps when it can't handle anymore wattage

[@NomadicBillyGoat]

Awesome Transit! You did an amazing job! I can't wait to see what you do with the E250! Subscribed since Wyoming. 😁

[@abbyjbennett]

Thank you friend :) I hope to get out west again soon! Have you been travelling?

[@NomadicBillyGoat]

I've been stuck on the East Coast working, but hope to make it back out West soon. It's almost like an addiction. Lol

[@myyoutubechannel3161]

Abby over here doing it right ✅👏 lol you give me hope Abby I will doing this soon . You have a great setup 👍 the vans are just the perfect size.. the bed is fire fuego 🔥 lol you killed it with that bed :) I really liked that a lot 💪

[@petemarron6677]

You are meant for this. Very entertaining.

[@josephjuno9555]

Very Nice build! I was thinking about Ford Transit Connect but went w Promaster so I cud Stand up inside. My plan was similar to yours! Safe Travels and Have Fun!

[@HawaiianStyle1994]

I definitely can't wait for the New Camper Van build

[@jon7713]

Great job and set up !!

[@deborahaharvey8312]

Looks great! Love the simplicity. Too many "fancy" vans out there. Good luck on the new build.

[@abbyjbennett]

Thank you! Agreed. My new van isn't super fancy either but it works great for me to live in!

[@valappleby9960]

I think you did an AWESOME job on this!!! I wouldn’t even know where to start.

[@abbyjbennett]

I didn't either - KZbin helped so much, but just dive in! It'll all come together somehow :)

[@wimgrondman5542]

put some cheap 3 ply on top of the slats drill a few holes in it for air

[@SaiPhet]

You did amazing. I’ve had my van for two years and I ripped out apart and haven’t touched it since 🤣

[@lone982]

We'll done, you go girl...

[@athollmcnicoll1028]

Nice van but too short for the likes of me as I am 6'1" tall and hate sleeping in the foetal position. Thanks for sharing and look forward to seeing the new van outfitted in its various stages.

[@HunterMann]

Thanks for a great tour Abby. I’m curious if this sold already. I like your design elements, you did a lot with a small space.

[@abbyjbennett]

I did! Thank you :)

[@benjaminmartz8855]

Most cities or county's police dept teach self defense classes free to women. It's really a fun and educational thing to do with your friends. Some girls I went to high school with took it and they loved it.

[@tonyh4528]

I Was Just Going To Say That You Have Done A Great Job ! I Would Suggest That You Add An Open Bar Of Irish Spring Soap In The Area Where You Keep Dry Foods As It Is A Great Repellent To Prevent Any Mice That May Be Snooping For A Place To Stay....It Can Happen, Occasionally.. Stay Safe Always

[@tonyh4528]

Also Peppermint Oil On A Cotton Ball May Be Something Else You Would Prefer to use.....Look Forward To Your Next Build As Well

[@Raykenn1]

Nice job on the van 👍

[@cindynok]

I am elderly and wanting to do just about what you have done. How high is your bed and your height, I see you can set up. I am 5ft 2in. Great job!

[@sacredstonecards9051]

This is an affordable video. Mom what a beautiful daughter you have.

[@jon7713]

And she’s a good cook!!

[@FloGrown863]

Impressive young lady. Good job!

[@havechopstickswilltravel2990]

Congratulations. Can’t wait to see the new build videos. Question, how long does your jet boil fuel last if you only use that for coffee?

[@philippecoustic7695]

Bravo belle réalisation pour ce petit espace !

[@christopherritter9185]

great video! I'm considering the Ford Transit Connect as my first build out. I'm 5'8" though, and concerned about headroom and bed size. Do you have any suggestions?

[@leonie2316]

You did amazing!!!!!!!

[@josephjuno9555]

I have a jackery 1000 w power and USB rechargeable lights ect so I didn't need to wire them, they have magnets so stick to any metal surface.

[@bagsarepacked8753]

Hi, my name is Kim, I have a 2012 Ford transit connect, I’ve been working on it a few months and I’m getting nowhere, not minivan lifers have that van and I’m not very skilled. I’m working on the subfloor for the second time and it’s still crooked lol I would love to get any advice or help you could share. Thank you so much.❤

[@abbyjbennett]

Keep trying! I had to redo the sub floor a few times. It’s really hard. Ultimately, don’t be a perfectionist with it. Gaps are ok. You got this!

[@cheyenneyakima8695]

Great job young lady.

[@THE-RIVER-RAT]

You have done a fantastic job with the van you should be very proud of yourself. However as you are planning on selling it I would suggest you get an electrician to look at it first because as you said that wiring is a little bit risky. But apart from that you should be proud well done love

[@frederickv.9300]

If you have a Lowe's near you. Buy your plywood there and make a rough cut list and Lowes will cut it for free. Get a Kreg pocket hole jig and make all your screwed connections. All connections are strong and hidden.

[@abbyjbennett]

I used a Kreg jig for a lot of this, very helpful!

[@leonie2316]

You can get a protector to put around your stove to protect your car i am sure

[@josephjuno9555]

I didn't Build cabinets, take used ones from a house and use those! Cut backs to fit the van, the fronts will all look normal! Save the work and repurpose things u already have. U did Great Job!

[@abbyjbennett]

This is super smart and if I did it again, this is what I’d do! Thanks for the pro tip :)

[@pearlsaphier3458]

Folgers coffee makes a ground coffee in teabags. Put in mug & add hot water. Steep It taste great too.

[@abbyjbennett]

My partner introduced me to that recently! It is amazing. I do look forward to the pourover vibe when I'm on the road, though 😊

[@pearlsaphier3458]

@@abbyjbennett You go for it girl. The whole world is out there waiting for ya.✌

[@deezr]

I was watching your video and thought to myself, I wonder if she would ever sell it because it's perfect. :) I will be watching for it to go on sale - where should I look at?

[@abbyjbennett]

Thank you so much!! 🥰 and I’m sorry, it is already sold 😭 it sold within a few days! But if I can do this build, you definitely can. Just find a good van!

[@adrianbartlett3450]

Good job. Nice van. I you haven't yet watched Bob Wells in you tube he has some great vids which may be helpfull for your next project.

[@angelinamanly8483]

How are you going to change a tail light bulb?

[@tinale3643]

You did a good job❤❤❤❤

[@KATSUMI-511]

Im On my way to build my van soon too 2011 ford transit

[@kenhamlett1]

Did you sell it yet?

[@mielesutter4159]

You are selling it? How do I find out info on that?

[@jimbarnes6979]

good luck!

[@orbi7429]

Thanks for sharing!

[@gurzair998]

You go girl!

[@jaimesanchez9207]

Nice build Abby! Have you sold your van yet?

[@abbyjbennett]

I have! Thank you :)

[@TKGZONE]

whats the mileage and what are you looking for the transit?

[@melissa-jh4wb]

Awesome!❤

[@cindygray4533]

Good job 🎊🎉

[@robertstewart209]

So cool!

[@jamiee172]

Pretty cool

[@monita1967]

Have u sold this van yet? How much are u selling?

[@abbyjbennett]

Yes, sorry!

[@rossanasemperboni6374]

Per non essere volgari ma il bagno dove è?

[@josephreed8176]

I don't drink much water 😂, now that's an understatement.

[@abbyjbennett]

How am I just seeing this LOL thank you for the affirmation ✨

[@dennis.teevee]

she's baaaack.... edit: aww, no more vanlife 🙁 edit: new van? cool! document everything 🙂

[@nomadicyak2462]

Doing good 👍

[@Krzysztof-wp2ju]

super you are realy good

[@nonoi9987]

is she have channel? i really like her

[@nonoi9987]

my fall sorry,🙂now i see to this is she channel.

[@slaszlo9088]

9:28 🥰🤩

[@MagneticOriginals]

An air mattress with auto fill will solve your boney feeling mattress

[@MagneticOriginals]

Very cool!! Ever use magnets for your art? Drink more water, you really need to hydrate your body!

[@abbyjbennett]

Good idea! And yes, I’m better at hydrating now thank you 😊

[@setsailatnoon]

"And she's a good cook"...sounded like Mom is looking for a doctor for you to marry? LOL

[@abbyjbennett]

We just appreciate the basic human ability to feed ourselves, which any adult should be able to handle. On top of that I’ve also funded my own van builds, bills, home, and life.

[@setsailatnoon]

I admire you for what you've done...and I appreciate your Mom being your videographer...I just thought it sounded kinda like Mrs Maisel's mom. A joke. Sorry.

[@abbyjbennett]

@@setsailatnoon I appreciate that, thanks for clarifying 😊👍🏻 thank you for your support!!

[@amylee6038]

It's amazing the reaction American women have to this kind of suggestion. Cook for your husband and children?! Shameful! I funded everything I have too. By being a housewife and homeschool mom. Every hour I spend working at home frees him up for $175-$350/hour work. Having my husband do laundry, dishes, cleaning, cooking, etc. is a ridiculous misallocation of our time. A bunch of us foreign girls are living on wonderful homesteads in rural Alaska and we find the van life girls a morbid curiosity. They're too proud to do anything for a husband and children so these professional men travel five thousand miles to find young wives that will. We're thrilled to take the job, thanks!

[@johngrant1337]

Stop the 2"x4" and 2"x 2" and use 80/20 alum square tube ( bolt together) lighter.

[@CharleneOrtizTraining]

What? 🤣🤣🤣

[@giftoftheroad7651]

Not everyone has the budget for 8/20. Not everyone knows how to plan an 80/20 build. Not everyone has the tools to cut 80/20. Wood is so much easier to a noobie to learn.

[@MichaelSmith-os1pp]

"And she cooks good" ..... My son is single as well, wink

[@EarthCamper]

Nice

[@kevpage]

What a wonderful young lady, I hope you have some fantastic adventures

[@josephsalazar2456]

Hi abby❤❤❤

[@teifaf6036]

Gotta drink more water Abby! :)

[@khalidalhot5253]

Maaaaaama u have Cut baby 🫡☕️🍫🌹🌹🌹 see you soon

[@MrJbold25]

I’ll peigh any price

[@abbyjbennett]

I was charging $8 million but I’ll give you a special deal of 25% off

[@MrJbold25]

@@abbyjbennett That’s a steal I’ll take it

[@fairworld2522]

Thanks Mum for allowing your daughter to stay in a van instead of the house

[@darkwhitedirewolf]

nice

[@gaetanozuccarello9802]

😉😉😉👍👍👍😊