Many people are tempted to start van life, but they think that this lifestyle is only for those with deep pockets. Well, I’m here to tell you that you don’t need a huge budget to create a livable ride. One of the most affordable options is a micro camper like the one I’m reviewing today.
Micro campers have several advantages. They are fuel efficient, easy to maneuver, versatile, and inexpensive compared to other vehicles suitable for camper conversions. On the other hand, they offer little space (which means fewer features you can fit in them) and limited seating capacity.
What we have here is a 2016 Ford Transit Connect converted into a micro camper. It is the creation of Caleb, who is also known online as Pistonpedal. He is a carpenter, van builder, mountain biker, skydiver and much more.
This vehicle, as Caleb describes it, is designed for economical travel and long distances, while still offering car-like maneuverability.
As usual, I'll start the tour from the outside. This micro camper is stealthy and manages to blend in with its surroundings. Most people will think it's just another Transit Connect cargo van.
Photo: YouTube Screenshot / Pistonpedal
However, someone with a keen eye might be able to tell that someone is living inside. The only things that might give away its “RV identity” are an RV window on the passenger side and a custom powder-coated roof rack on top that holds two 100W solar panels. It also offers extra space to store anything else you might need, like a cargo box.
In the rear, you’ll find a Class 3 trailer hitch that supports up to 800 lbs (363 kg) of tongue weight. Caleb installed this so he could mount a motorcycle rack.
Ford Transit Connect vans have two sliding doors. In this unit, the one on the passenger side acts as an entrance. Slide it and you are greeted by a beautifully designed and rather masculine living space. You will also notice an open layout, which means that the driver's cabin is not separated from the living space.
Caleb opted for laminate flooring paired with gray cabinetry and a nice slatted wood wall. But the most unique and eye-catching aesthetic detail in the camper is the ceiling. It has a triangle pattern made from what looks like a wood cutout, highlighted by LED lights. In fact, the triangle pattern is a design motif in this build—you’ll also notice the triangle-patterned trim and two triangular cutouts in the kitchen.
Photo: YouTube Screenshot / Pistonpedal
The kitchen counter covers part of the entryway, similar to what we see in larger RVs. On the outside, the counter contains an on-demand water heater powered by small propane tanks.
The counter has a sizeable countertop that integrates a deep stainless steel sink and a refrigerator. The configuration of the latter is something I had never seen before: it is integrated into the countertop, with the top protruding. At first, I thought it was a stove with a lid. In addition, its lid has a display that allows you to turn the refrigerator on and off and adjust the internal temperature.
For storage, you can use five overhead storage compartments, a drawer and two cabinets, one of which contains a water pump and a 100-liter (26-gallon) fresh water tank, plenty of water for a micro camper. In addition, you can pull the faucet and use it as an outdoor shower.
Other notable features of the cooker are a built-in speaker and a control panel. The latter consists of various switches for lights, fan and more, as well as a solar regulator, a temperature gauge, an inverter regulator and some USB sockets.
Photo: YouTube Screenshot / Pistonpedal
The sofa/bed takes up most of the space on the driver's side of the cabin. You'll notice what looks like a small bench between it and the driver's seat. Lift the cover and you'll discover a chemical toilet. So, no need to search for public restrooms and do your business outside. Plus, as Caleb explained, the toilet won't stink if you maintain it properly.
Converting the sofa into a bed is extremely easy, even by micro-camper standards. You don’t even have to unfold it like in most other rigs: just push a button and the sofa will automatically extend in 30 seconds.
Under the top panel of the bed are two cubby holes and additional storage space under the frame.
If you’re an audiophile, you’ll be happy to know that this truck doesn’t just come with a stock stereo. Caleb raised the driver’s seat 3.5 inches (8.9 centimeters) to make room for a subwoofer. He also mounted a speaker in the ceiling, just above the couch. Additionally, Caleb rewired the stock audio system to run on solar or battery power, eliminating the need to start the vehicle or even have the key in the ignition.
Photo: YouTube Screenshot / Pistonpedal
The last thing I want to talk about is the power system. Caleb has cleverly tucked it into the floor, hidden by a removable panel right next to the driver’s sliding door. Its highlights are a 600W inverter, a switch panel, and a battery isolator that allows the system to charge while driving from the van’s alternator.
All in all, Caleb did a stellar job with this conversion, packing a lot of features into such a small space. This rig looks great, is practical, and has all the essentials for traveling and living full time.
