Photo: YouTube Screenshot / Tiny Home Tours
Not all adventurers want or need a complicated, fully equipped camper. For some, a smaller, cheaper vehicle with all the essentials will do just fine. That’s the case for Cynthia, the delightful owner of a micro camper I’m reviewing today.
There is no such thing as a “objectively perfect” camper van – it all depends on your wishes and needs. For example, a larger camper van offers more space but is also less maneuverable. At the same time, more space means more features you can add.
However, the more features you add, the more expensive the project will be. You see where I am going with this, right? Your wants and needs will determine the type of camper that is best for you.
In Cynthia’s case, she wanted something small and easy to maneuver. But most of all, she didn’t want the conversion to empty her wallet, especially since she wasn’t even sure she’d like living in a van. So she went with a popular choice among micro-camper enthusiasts: the Ford Transit Connect.
He purchased the van in February last year, expecting the conversion to take two to three months. However, as is usually the case with most camper conversions, the project took much longer to complete.
Photo: YouTube Screenshot / Tiny Home Tours
I'll start the tour from the outside, as I usually do. This Transit Connect has a standard look, as it's finished in white paint. It's also suitable for stealth camping, although a keen eye might spot someone living inside the vehicle, thanks to the exterior accessories.
Specifically, you will notice a curtain above the sliding door on the passenger side of the vehicle. Cynthia also installed exterior lights and a Maxxair roof fan.
Ford Transit Connect vans have two sliding doors, but the entrance to this micro camper is on the passenger side, as the other door is covered. Slide it and you'll be greeted by a simple, welcoming and familiar living space.
Cynthia opted for a slatted wood ceiling paired with white cabinetry. The most eye-catching detail of this fixture is a pop of color in the kitchen: a tiled backsplash. It’s a removable, sticky backsplash that mimics Italian tile.
Photo: YouTube Screenshot / Tiny Home Tours
You’ll also notice an open layout, meaning the driver’s cabin isn’t separated from the rest of the interior. This allows Cynthia to quickly get behind the wheel in an emergency.
Like most micro campers, the interior is divided into two areas: the kitchen and the sofa/bed. However, as you will soon see, Cynthia's layout left no room between the two areas for walking.
I'll start with the first. The kitchen has a decent-sized countertop, a simple copper pot sink, a Dometic faucet hooked up to a fresh water tank under a chest-style refrigerator, and a portable two-burner Jetboil stove.
What about storage? Of course, lack of storage is one of the biggest problems that micro camper adventurers face.
Photo: YouTube Screenshot / Tiny Home Tours
Cynthia has made the most of the interior of this Transit Connect and has fitted two overhead shelves with edges and bungee cords to prevent items from falling out, as well as a fruit net and a shelf for the cabin ceiling. In addition, the space behind the kitchen counter is also used for storage: it is only accessible by opening the sliding door on the driver's side. Finally, the space under the bed/sofa offers plenty of storage space.
In the “daily agreement” Cynthia has a sofa with a backrest that seats two. When night falls or she wants to lie down, she pulls out the sofa frame, which connects to a small bench behind the passenger seat.
Then pull the cushion over the extension. And voila, the bed is ready. As Cynthia said, the only downside to this setup is that you can't reach the storage space under the bed when it's extended. You can only do that from the outside after opening the two rear doors.
When you're dealing with a small van, it's important to find solutions that allow you to spend time outside in comfort. And I'm not just talking about carrying folding chairs and tables.
Photo: YouTube Screenshot / Tiny Home Tours
For that matter, Cynthia uses a large wooden board that she can attach to the back of the interior to use as a bench for sitting outside. She also has two small wooden bars on the doors (one on each) that she can attach the same bench I just mentioned to use as an outdoor table, perfect for cooking outside.
The awning also offers ample protection from the elements, allowing you to set up a simple outdoor seating area.
All in all, this is a nice, simple mobile home. It doesn't have any fancy features, but it has all the essentials Cynthia needs to enjoy life on the road. Ultimately, that's what matters.
The only thing missing is a power system – maybe Cynthia forgot to mention that, or she uses the vehicle's battery to charge her phone and other small gadgets.
