After about two months of watching lots of different peoples conversion here and overseas, I decided to purchase the Ford Transit Connect shown in the pictures above. This model of Ford Transit Connect was produced between 2002 to 2013, and offered several positive attributes that would work well for me.
- AFFORDABLE
- COMPACT SIZE
- HIGH TOP
- EXISTING FITTEDWINDOWS
- ONE SIDE DOOR
COMPACT SIZE
Easy to Drive
While I had driven cars before, I had never driven large cars or vans. So the compact size makes it easy to manoeuvre and park in urban environments, making it an ideal choice for city driving and delivery services.
Room for one (two if intimate)
I only needed enough space for me. I had watched lots of videos on youtube of couples using the Ford Connect. While I think it’s possible, I definitely don’t think it’s comfortable if any significant amount of time is spent in the van. But for one, it was perfect.
HIGH TOP
Design
Ford stopped producing the High Top van after 2013 so if you want this feature you will be buying a second hand van. I think from a design perspective it is an absolute classic. However, practically I believed at the outset that sitting up comfortably in the back of my van would be important as I wanted the van to be both a sleeping and living space.
Comfort: Being able to sit up comfortably allowed me to move around freely and engage in various activities inside the van, such as reading, working on a laptop, eating meals, or socialising with others. It enhanced my overall comfort and enjoyment of the space.
Functionality: The additional headroom provided greater functionality and versatility than the lower vans. I was able to install amenities like overhead cabinets, a shelf, at a height that allowed easy access while sitting on the bed in the final design.
Health and Well-being: Spending extended periods in a confined space where I could not sit up properly at my age I knew would lead to discomfort, stiffness, and even back pain. Don’t get me wrong living out of a micro-camper is still confined, but when it’s raining I can have a life and get on with stuff. Later I would travel with a tent that attach to the van and provide me with another room, another space to stand-up in and move around, but beforehand the extra headroom offered much needed space.
Social Interaction: I had space to have companions sit inside the van with me. It It’s intimate but it doesn’t feel particular cramped or restricted unlike sitting in the driving and passenger seat.
Overall, being able to sit up comfortably in the back of my van enhanced my overall quality of life, during extended travelling and contributes to a much more enjoyable and functional living space.
Existing Fitted Windows
When you are buying a second hand model, you need to search around to find a vehicle that either has the specification you want or be prepared to adapt it yourself. In the case of extra windows, I knew that if I could find a vehicle that had them installed already this would save me a job and an expense I could do without. This meant compromising by being drawn into buying one that was not quite right, I found the perfect model for me. This was one with windows at the back. They offered several benefits that contributed to a more comfortable and enjoyable travel experience:
Natural Light: Windows allow natural light to enter the interior of the campervan, creating a brighter and more inviting atmosphere. Natural light helps reduce the reliance on artificial lighting during the day, saving energy and creating a more pleasant environment.
Scenic Views: Back windows offer occupants the opportunity to enjoy scenic views of the surrounding landscape. Whether parked in a picturesque campsite or traveling along scenic routes, windows allow passengers to connect with nature and appreciate the beauty of their surroundings.
Enhanced Spatial Perception: Windows create a sense of openness and spaciousness within the campervan, making the interior feel larger and less confined. The ability to see outside helps prevent feelings of claustrophobia and enhances the overall comfort of the living space.
Privacy and Security: While it may seem counterintuitive, windows in the back of a campervan can also provide privacy and security. Tinted or frosted glass can obscure the view from the outside while still allowing natural light to filter in. Additionally, windows allow occupants to keep an eye on their surroundings and monitor activity outside the van, enhancing security while parked in remote locations.
Emergency Exit: In the event of an emergency, such as a fire or accident, windows in the back of the campervan can serve as additional exit points. They provide an alternative means of escape if the front doors become blocked or inaccessible.
Driving Visibility
Back windows in a van are useful when driving because they provide additional visibility of the road behind, enhancing overall safety by helping drivers monitor traffic and surroundings more effectively.
Overall, windows in the back of a campervan contribute to a more comfortable, functional, and enjoyable travel experience by providing natural light, ventilation, scenic views, and enhanced spatial perception, while also offering privacy, security, and emergency safety benefits.
ONE SLIDING SIDE DOOR
Having one side door in a white van offers several advantages:
Accessibility: A single side door provides easy access to the van’s interior, allowing for efficient loading and unloading of cargo or passengers. It simplifies the process of entering and exiting the vehicle, especially in tight parking spaces or narrow streets.
Space Optimisation: With one side door, the interior layout of the van can be optimized for maximum storage or seating capacity. It allows for strategic placement of shelves, cabinets, or seating arrangements along the opposite side of the van, maximizing usable space.
Structural Integrity: Having only one side door helps maintain the structural integrity of the van’s body, reducing the number of potential weak points where leaks or structural issues may arise. It simplifies maintenance and repairs by minimizing the number of access points that need attention.
Security: A single side door can enhance security by limiting entry points and making it easier to monitor access to the van. With fewer openings, it’s easier to install and maintain security features such as locks, alarms, and surveillance systems to protect valuable cargo or equipment.
Cost Savings: From a manufacturing standpoint, equipping a van with only one side door can reduce production costs and streamline assembly processes. This cost savings may translate to lower purchase prices for buyers, making the van more affordable.
Overall, having one side door in a white van offers practical benefits in terms of accessibility, space optimization, structural integrity, security, and cost efficiency, making it a preferred choice for many commercial and personal transportation needs.
MECHANICAL ASPECTS
Overall, the Ford Transit Connect MK1 provides a balance of efficiency, versatility, reliability, and affordability, making it a practical choice for a wide range of applications.