VAN TOUR | Solo Female Engineer Van Life in TINY Ford Transit Connect

Hey everybody! I built this TINY Ford Transit Connect out over the summer to go mobile with my school work this year and wanted to show her off! Drop your comments and questions below - would love to share more about the build!
Fridge that I have: amzn.to/3jttlSS
IceCo 12.8L Bluetooth enabled!
Power Source that I use: amzn.to/43CCygN
Paxcess 300 - 288wH
Foldable Solar Panels: amzn.to/2ZeburQ
100W ETFE Portable Solar Panels, BigBlue Folding
Ceiling puck lighting: amzn.to/3Ca55fU
Dimmer (Capacitive touch switch): amzn.to/3vyYvxe
Fan: amzn.to/3jttVQy
These are amazon affiliate links, meaning that if you decide to buy the item, I get ~1% of the price. It's no more expensive for you, and I get a lil' something to keep my channel going - thank you!

[@ChrisW228]

The bed/table is genius. People struggle with how to put such a nice dinette in larger vans, and here you are nailing it. :)

[@jugaadityourself8950]

Eyyy, thank you so so much! I think it's one of the features I'm most proud of. So much love for the bed!

[@debbiedebbie9473]

I'm super impressed. I saw a transit connect and they're SOOO small inside, I thought, absolutely no way. But somehow you magically made it grow inside. That's not even normal. Lol

[@jennyb360]

this might be the most creative, efficient use of space I’ve ever seen.

[@jugaadityourself8950]

Hi jenny! Thank you so much for your encouragement, made my day :) Wondering if you're thinking of a tiny home / build for yourself!

[@jennyb360]

I’ve dreamed of hitting the road for several years now. One day! For now I’ll live vicariously through you!

[@theroaminggnomad]

The Van is adorable, the build is smart & super functional. If you can live on less, the better!

[@briancarter9927]

the drawer sliders are such a nice touch, sweet tour

[@RosiepooUnowho]

my parents after hearing you say, "I hand made all of the curtains" - WELL OF COURSE SHE DID. hahah you're incredible. Brilliant build Kayla.

[@ianofthetaylors6288]

The centre section of the bed that transforms to a table top is a superb idea. The Walnut looks stunning. Fabulous van.

[@jugaadityourself8950]

Thank you so much! The walnut definitely brings the van together and is probably the single-most time consuming piece of the build haha (hours of planing, sanding, screwing, sealing, drying, re-sanding, re-sealing etc)

[@DannyHustle]

Super nice build! I have been looking at Transits for about six months and Transit builds here on KZbin. Your build is super elegant in it's engineering. Love, love, love the table with the folding bit so you can use the table then still flip it out for a bed. I have seen a ton of convoluted beds that are just so over complicated. Yours is so simple, elegant and multi functional. This is really a killer build. Great job! (I liked and subscribed. Can't wait to see what’s next.)

[@jugaadityourself8950]

Danny! Thank you so much for your encouragement! The multi-functionality of the bed is definitely a fan favorite. Excited to share more and would be interested to know if you've got any questions about the build or the design!

[@breakfree2154]

Okay this is impressive. All the design you place in this, many may call it engineering. It's the best I seen for a space as small as yours. Very creative and unique. Can keep you busy remodeling things for usage but the use of space is on point.

[@jugaadityourself8950]

Thank you so much! Some may call it engineering, but I call it Jugaad :D

[@Ack-119]

This is spectacular. One of the best builds I've ever seen without a doubt.

[@justjudy7320]

❤ oh you just made my day❤ I was staring at the windows of the Sprinter today thinking you are too lazy to make a template and would rather just hang up the blackout curtains that I already have❤ a couple of the ladies and I have been talking back and forth in the threads about the different ways to hang curtains and the one of them used PVC elbows to hold up a broomstick she used as the curtain rod.❤ welcome to the tribe yes we're mostly a bunch of old ladies but we're wise and we're wise enough to learn from the yunginz❤😂❤

[@flowersafeheart]

This is so, so detail-oriented and thoughtful a design. So practical. Right on! And wow, having opening windows while still I imagine reasonably stealthy is wonderful. Shower I can see living without (showering elsewhere). But wondering about a toilet just in case. Haven't finished video though. Also in keeping with the Murphy theme, I wonder about a fold-up bike instead.💚

[@flowersafeheart]

Also YT won't let me edit my comment so I'll add to it. I'm curious what your other ideas are to add to it. As it already is practically perfect use of a Transit Connect. I'm positive they'd all be very clever ideas cause of your engineer mind.

[@irisgardener4141]

I'm very impressed. I'm converting a Berlingo so know what you were up against. I'm also an experienced architect and I can definitely say your creativity and problem solving ranks up there!

[@jugaadityourself8950]

Thank you!!

[@judyong2251]

I love how well thought out your space is. So many vans don't have a comfortable seating area, but you have also made it so flexible too. Love it. Happy travels!

[@jugaadityourself8950]

Thank you so much! 😊

[@mkatyo]

Wow, what an amazing job. The table for two in a micro-camper is my favorite part! I wish you had all the specs for others to recreate what you did.

[@kristiharman2843]

This is such a great build, especially the kitchen that you can access two ways! Also I just love your energy and enthusiasm. I bought my minivan and did a pretty basic build and then got discouraged. Its time to brush that off and get going! Also yeah, im from the west coast, so cal, and its pretty amazing and so much to explore. I can't wait to get up to the PNW

[@OffbeatLiteracy]

I love the van! This is the size I feel like I would probably be comfortable with especially if it's just myself if I converted one! Can't wait to watch more and get to know you! Lost Renegades introduced to me your channel and I'm so glad they did!

[@jugaadityourself8950]

Awww, I'm so glad you're here! Do you have any questions about the build? Sounds like you're considering starting a build yourself!

[@crystalwriter]

When you pulled the middle of the bed out I was so surprised. Never saw that before. I thought, whoa, great idea.

[@jugaadityourself8950]

So much love for the table bed, I love it! :)

[@LostRenegades]

Yessss!! Can not wait to see so much more 🤘🤘

[@jugaadityourself8950]

Thank you for your encouragement from day one - would not be here without your enthusiasm!

[@lynnescaddan8919]

Thanq for sharing This is a great build its been fantasticly though out. Please stay safe on your journey.

[@snowygirl131]

Very well done! You may not realize it now, but designing & building this - and using it to explore -has given you soft skills, people skills and confidence that will enhance any college degree. I, too, love the custom cushions and table! Happy Adventuring!

[@jugaadityourself8950]

I couldn't agree more! I built this out while working an internship for a company remotely and I'm not sure where I learned more - from the internship or from youTube on how to build out my van!

[@jenlb78]

Love the sofa/bed into a table. Well thought out!

[@jugaadityourself8950]

Thank you so much!

[@dianastoevelaar9548]

Thank you so much for posting your beautiful and unique creation. I admire your handiwork and especially your annuity. Creating a very unique design that addresses the need for both a place to sleep and a place to work. I love the pop-up table design! I’ve never seen it anywhere else. Bravo! A great job! I’m a new subscriber because of how I’m impressed. I am with your build and YOU!!!❤😊

[@dianastoevelaar9548]

Annuity should read ingenuity. 😆 Please allow some editing in the future?😅

[@alexandrastevens8892]

What a super little home on wheels and well planned, nice young lady too, might go fins and follow because I really like the kitchen set up and want to see how well it works

[@jugaadityourself8950]

Alexandra! Thank you! Would love for you to follow along and happy to answer any questions you might have, especially about the kitchen!

[@nomaddogs1464]

Can't believe I got to meet Murphy in person 😉 great job on the video Kayla!! 👏

[@jugaadityourself8950]

What a week that was! Holding out for round 2 of our adventures at Gutted 2022

[@petertarantelli]

Nice video. Yours is the first I’ve seen using the passenger version of the van with all the windows, love it!

[@marytikalsky1174]

Amazing- love your innovative and strategic, well thought out design! You inspire me! Happy, safe travels! Enjoy 😊 and hope I can visit you one day. Miss you!

[@jugaadityourself8950]

MISS YOU MARY! Come visit me and Murphy in California!

[@marytikalsky1174]

@@jugaadityourself8950 I would love that! Miss you, too! :) xo

[@lucylou5766]

Multipurpose features are top notch! Well done, great job!

[@jugaadityourself8950]

Thank you so so much!

[@shirleyholt2851]

I love the versatility of your build

[@lynnedolan7905]

Probably one of the nicest conversions I've seen. Fantastic job! (Doing my own DIY conversion in the next weeks).

[@debi909]

Yeah, like in some campers. Table/sitting area/bed and everything came out very nice.

[@realMDizzy]

Damn, This might be the most awesome micro van! You did a really awesome job cramming all those features in there. Wonder what you could do with a bigger van!

[@angelalewis150]

Thank you I got some really good ideas for my van build ☺️

[@josephjuno9555]

I was thinking of "Murphy's Law?" What ever can go wrong Will go wrong! 😅 Great Job!

[@BlackDogDesigns]

Fantastic Van build, it’s beautiful!

[@jugaadityourself8950]

Thank you so much!

[@elliothagen9874]

Good video. Like what you did to the van. Great job

[@travissmith1297]

Coolest set up iv seen yet

[@bigshortsfilms6321]

REALLY BEAUTIFUL VAN BUILD THANKS.

[@bschultz213]

I like the detail and effort you put into it.

[@donnakano282]

You had some interesting and unique ideas in your build. Especially interested to see that you started with the passenger version of the Connect. Hope you put out some drawings of your ideas. Thanks for the video!

[@syrupuusabc5774]

Probably one of the best mini van build i've ever seen. We need blueprint or if you have a time you can build other van and record it. It's nice price too if you are sold it.

[@missglenellen]

Genius, simply genius! I love it!

[@marcoaurelio6941]

amazing build Table bed is genius

[@amyhewett9941]

You engineered the hell out of that small space! stellar build! saved as my dream build. ✌🏻

[@edwardmonserrate1524]

The best layout I've seen by far... I'm going to copy it I hope you don't mind...

[@jugaadityourself8950]

Would love to see pictures when you're finished!

[@yvetteboheme2789]

I love your design. I have a promaster city that i want to build out. I’m interested in the bed/dinette setup dimensions. The walnut countertop is really nice.

[@megbaxter8720]

Great little van.

[@Ms.Frankenbuilder]

Great job, just starting mine. New sub

[@Denisemaria853]

So unbelievably nice.... i have same vehicle 2012...sky blue...Love it. But need help converting, can't seem to finish, and mechanically got taken in, with ongoing short problem and now door locking problems. I am hoping to trade it in for another, from a hopefully reliable dealer... wanting the same vehicle... Great Job Kid on yours, God Bless You.

[@Fenerbahce_1899]

wonderful design

[@a.w.thompson4001]

Nice design! Thanks for sharing.

[@jugaadityourself8950]

Absolutely, thanks for watching!

[@mrtwinkie0]

I love this design. It is simple. but innovative. I love the idea of having a dedicated desk. That is something I would need in my van build that I would do someday. Happy adventuring!

[@jugaadityourself8950]

Thank you! Would love to hear if you ever build out your own van!

[@mrtwinkie0]

@@jugaadityourself8950 nothing at all as complex. I've only built a few platform beds for myself and a few friends. Have them posted on my channel. Nothing fancy, but effective.

[@kennyborahae]

This is brilliant!

[@clrobinson1776]

This is very similar to what I want to do when I build out my van.

[@clrobinson1776]

@@jugaadityourself8950 Possibly. Still doing research.

[@jugaadityourself8950]

What kind of van are you looking in to?

[@clrobinson1776]

@@jugaadityourself8950 Not really sure yet. Just really started doing research.

[@Martin-qg5kr]

Hello, amazing job 👌. Nice and practical 👍. I wish you beautiful experiences on the road. Sincerely, Martin.

[@landonkauffman251]

Beautiful build. Well thought out.

[@jugaadityourself8950]

Thank you so much :D

[@danwhiteman2529]

Nice Build!

[@shirlamgold8597]

You did a very good job on your converting your van.

[@jugaadityourself8950]

Thank you!

[@widodowaw3517]

Simple and complete for solo daily use

[@jillw.2524]

Awesome set up & build..the couch/bed/table is the best. Kitchen set up so useful. Great job. Prayers for safety & comfort. Keep us posted.

[@jugaadityourself8950]

Thanks so much!

[@jillw.2524]

What brand is you refrigerator??

[@jugaadityourself8950]

@@jillw.2524 IceCo! I actually made an entire video about it here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pHObYZafjqiGiqc

[@DarcoSix]

Nice design. Well done!

[@jugaadityourself8950]

Thank you so much!

[@rtp4u2]

wow you did a great job .

[@JonWuClimbs]

The build looks great! I love how you efficiently used space and I'm impressed that you did it in a couple of months. I'd also be interested in videos of you building out the van if you still have footage. And I know it's not the right type of board but do a kickflip! 😉

[@jugaadityourself8950]

Yes, I do have some footage of unique spots that I thought would be useful to share. Would love to know if you've got any specific questions!

[@JonWuClimbs]

@@jugaadityourself8950 I don’t have specific questions right now. I’m interested in seeing how long it took and how difficult it was to build out different parts of your van. I especially like how the middle section of your bed turns into a table and your drawer systems. Thanks for sharing!

[@jugaadityourself8950]

@@JonWuClimbs Just released a video showing the bed in a bit more detail! Hoping you find it helpful! kzbin.info/www/bejne/lZu4ho1veriba68

[@HammVan]

Your van is amazing. Simple love it.

[@jugaadityourself8950]

Christine! Thank you! Would love to hear if you've got any questions about the build!

[@ewakraft5770]

I really like this build, especially the pullout bed in 3 pieces, that gives u so much variety! Question, where do u store ur water?

[@amyhewett9941]

fantastic design! ...my only question was about water storage as well.

[@sallygalfriday]

great design

[@crystalfrye8554]

Wow… the engineering and hard work… very impressive! You should be sooooo proud of your incredible van!

[@lavanturera1133]

I just loved it!!!

[@kennethsherburne7232]

like the table set up I'll have to try and make some thing like that in my van

[@jugaadityourself8950]

Hey! Just released a video showing the design and layout of the bed a bit more. Let me know if you find it helpful or have any more questions! kzbin.info/www/bejne/lZu4ho1veriba68

[@diornoel7448]

My favorite.

[@pretor706]

Kitchen is definitely my favorite part of the van. So versatile.

[@ShawNshawN]

Hi Jugaad, I hope all is well with your Ford Transit Connect. I have the same car and wanted to make a camper soon. I dropped it off at the dealer for a warranty fix and they aren't even honoring the warranty or fixing my car after a week. You may want to let other vanlifers know that this van is unreliable for repairs at the dealer.

[@dwolfe2907]

I thought that hole in the wood was perhaps for a bucket ... >.> glad to see it was just for some modular thing lol.

[@martinsoto686]

Hi Kayla. Very nice set up you have there. Wish you the best on your future endeavors.

[@stephenbrickwood1602]

Excellent design. Step one is always the design and it's functionality. Tailgate cooking is a natural USA thing, it would not look out of place. The centre section of the bed that transforms I thought was your inside 'toilet'. But I was wrong. How do you achieve the bathroom needs, local gym?? Great video.

[@stephenbrickwood1602]

@@jugaadityourself8950 Yes, Engineers are practical people. Hahaha.

[@stephenbrickwood1602]

Ultimate Stealth Camper Van Tour | Nissan NV200 Self-Converted Build Walkthrough Google this, he has done some interesting fit out work. good luck.

[@rrhopewell]

Awesome design

[@jugaadityourself8950]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@ails_imo]

Brilliant!

[@mrexnx]

Love it Kayla!!!

[@jugaadityourself8950]

Eyyy, you were the pioneering youtube star of our cohort. I can only hope to follow in your footsteps.

[@restfulfaith6940]

This is my favorite...

[@limgoReisenundmehr]

Cool thanks 👍

[@Sarahdrybones]

Great build

[@jugaadityourself8950]

Thank you so much!

[@elismycat]

If your kitchen top could pull up and down, when its down it could be the same height of the bed and the ypu could use that to make a wider bed!!!!!

[@gordongrigsby5172]

Thats nice I like the build just please stay where its warmer I am in Chicago Ill doing van life and its so cold Lol.

[@mbappe6035]

Kayla is awesome , with great ideas . ✌🏻keep it up

[@jugaadityourself8950]

Thank you!! 😊

[@morenita4u750]

Pretty van.

[@pamelahomeyer748]

Great job

[@YJ-xg2pd]

Super awesome build! Love the way the bed and cushions and sofa come together. You definitely have the best ford transit connect build on the market. How big and tall is your fridge? Would you mind sharing your build dimensions and details? Thank you!

[@jugaadityourself8950]

Video in the works regarding the fridge, but for now I've got a video up about the bed and sofa - hoping you find it helpful! kzbin.info/www/bejne/lZu4ho1veriba68

[@tmacfan16]

Dope van

[@LadakhiOnTheMove]

Hello from India...... Jugaad setup 👍

[@TravelWithTheLinthwaites]

Hey could you please share where the drawer sliders are from? Great build!

[@jugaadityourself8950]

The large ones for the Kitchen? Or for my drawers? The kitchen ones were from Home Depot. The kitchen ones were from my friend's garage 😅 I'll ask them where they got them

[@mariaruiz7318]

Admirable

[@sharongardner7527]

Love it girl❤❤❤❤❤

[@af5148]

Wow, nice build! 😃 Could you show us a picture of your bike in the van? Do you transport your bike inside the van, or do you have a bike rack on the outside?

[@raymisuto9872]

I see the same mistake in basically every build, why does no one put rotating seats up front. Just the amount of space you get by not sacrificing half of the floor to a permanent couch is huge and you can simply have a murphy's bed on one of the walls. I love how you put everything on tracks so that you can pull it out easily with the kitchen.

[@jugaadityourself8950]

I also really wanted rotating seats but it's nearly impossible in these tiny vans because there's a center console up front that prevents a seat from rotating unless you raise it up high. Would be an interesting problem to solve though!

[@raymisuto9872]

​@@jugaadityourself8950 A lot of the people I see put rotating seats in just pull the center console and stuff out and lower any mechanical components like a breake or gear shift forward and down. I've been binge watching van tour videos for 2 days and seen a lot of different solutions to questions I've been having to different problems. Seeing all these van videos made me go buy one, going to start converting it once I get home.

[@AlyssaVanilla]

You made such great use of such a tiny space! I love this!!

[@jugaadityourself8950]

Thank you!

[@JodyCortes]

The table and bed setup is perfect my question is did you find this design online or did you make it yourself ? Do you have a link or something to the plans itself I would love to do this. Great bulid❤

[@eileeninmaine333]

What a great design!!! How tall are you? There is a good amount of room between you and the ceiling!

[@CleverGeocacheHides]

I’m wondering how easy it would be to just lower the counter top a couple inches and raise the bench a few inches so that with cushions on the bed reaches across the entire van instead of just 2 thirds. Hmmm. The possibilities. This would allow more space for a second sleeper.

[@jugaadityourself8950]

I've thought about this! The only thing is then your head would hit the ceiling while sitting and you would lose storage in the kitchen. But it just depends what your priorities are!

[@jugaadityourself8950]

You would also lose the natural desk feel if the bench and kitchen were the same height

[@CleverGeocacheHides]

Ya so much to ponder. Have comfortable bed space for two 6 footers is high on priority list to trying to figure how to work that is. Something gotta go for sure

[@chefclaudin6206]

I’m waiting for you to built mine.

[@alvaradacosta293]

Wow 😲 girl, the dinette table was an awesome idea. Where do you put your bike at night when your in sleep mode?

[@jugaadityourself8950]

Good question! If I'm traveling with my bike and want to extend the bed to the twin size, I have to lock my bike outside. But if I'm in stealth mode and want to keep my bike in the van, then I just sleep in 'single sleeper' mode. I describe it more in my other video here! kzbin.info/www/bejne/lZu4ho1veriba68