I have a 2010 FTC built out with a single bed for a solo traveler. Loved your video. Got a couple of good ideas from you. BTW: This vehicle/microcamper is an absolute blast to drive and camp in! Key points: Great to drive. Easy to park. Good gas mileage and parts are available everywhere. Thanks for your video!
What an ingenious use of space! so sleek. i appreciate the choice to let the bed take up the whole van instead of trying to cram a sprinter floorplan into a connect.
HI Guys. I just saw you subscribed to my channel Dan,s Van. Thank you! It's too funny that you saw my video. I am looking for a Ford Transit Connect to convert 2010-2014. Not having much luck. Anyways, I wanted to thank you both! You and your channel have inspired my to convert this van and make my dream come true. Thanks again, Dan
Hi Dan! That makes creating the content worth it! We definitely drew most of inspiration from youtube videos too! Let us know if you have any connect questions! Best of luck finding the perfect van!
If you need more storage you can extend the shelf above the passenger area so it goes all the way back to where your curtain is. I haven't needed to do that yet in mine but I've seen videos showing how others have done it. It looks like it adds a lot of storage. I have a transit connect with solar system, fridge, diesel heater, table, etc in it and still have a little extra room. However, all of my trips are just me living back there. Amazing how you found room for 2 in one of these once you factor in clothes, food, etc. And I'm definitely not able to fit a full size bed in mine with all the other stuff I have...lol. It sleeps one comfortably though.
Thanks for sharing that tip! We actually thought about doing that! Erik made the point that if the back of the van is tight quarters he'd prefer that open feeling and headspace in the front while driving. Kind of like a Frank Lloyd Wright's design of contraction and expansion!
I'm very impressed, I have seen probably 20-25 of these smaller size van builds and this is the first one I think I would fit in to sleep. Very well thought out and organized Definitely a thumbs up 👍
Your design has give me new inspiration. Thanks so much. I love that you live out of your van and not in it. I think I can live with your design, we will mostly be weekend or weekly travelers. I just am concerned that I won't have a place to sit and read if the weather is bad - but I guess I can sit in the front seats. Well done, thanks for sharing your thought out plan with us!
Thank you for your comment! We absolutely "live out of it" and not "in it"! There have been a few rainy days where we had to find things to do inside (museums, shopping, movies) because staying in the van all day is not what she's built for. A few days of inconvenience are okay with us because we have been able to see so much and sleep for free all over the country!
Thanks so much for sharing! I just got a 2020 Ford Connect Cargo with this idea. I've been searching, reading and designing ... You guys gave me bunch of hints 👍
I was so excited to see that little door step, I have a carrier on top of my mini van but have trouble reaching everything in it so I tie twine around each bin to pull it to where I can reach it. I think you have made my van life so much easier. I really liked your setup, I've had my minivan for over a decade, the inside has been redone so many times but you can always learn something new by watching others conversions. thank you- stay safe.
Thanks Yora Sum Bodie. Very nice compliment. We love hearing that we made someones life easier. We owe a lot of saved build hours to van life youtubers. Be well!
That's cool guys, you might want to try putting some runners in your side access, so those areas come out to you, would be easier for the cooler etc. Hope you're having a great adventure 😉
Thank you Scott, that's very helpful information! We are the customers who drive those home centers crazy trying to explain what we are looking for! We'd look like pros asking for building strap!
Hey! I also have a 2010 FTC XLT but in Dark blue! Bought "dobby" last may and have been working a little here and there. Just added an aluminum unistrut roof rack!. These van's are so much fun!
Thanks for the ideas! I've got a tc but it was a wheel delivery van with a cage and it has 280k miles so I'm not going to dump money in but I'm planning on taking it for some mini trips with some temporary stuff in it but I got some good ideas to fit more things..mines all metal so magnets will work great lol
I would like to have more information on the making of the bedframe. I would like to see underneath the mattress what the bedframe looks like if that’s at all possible?🙂
Hello and God bless you two 💓 You have great organizing skills, and are very practical in prioritising your essentials. Safe travels. Thank you for sharing your ideas in converting your van.
Nice job with the build on your Transit Connect guys! We also travel in a Transit Connect for two + our dog. We are on our third build redesign trying to make it all work. The Transit Connect is a great vehicle and it does get fairly good gas mileage for a van as you know. I'm a new sub to your channel as we Transit Connect DIY conversion owners can really benefit from each other's ideas and designs. Safe travels!
Wow what Gorgeous hair . Great Ideas , We are getting a Transit connect in a few months , Waiting to pay cash . After a simple conversion we will hit the road . I cant see having a huge vehicle and spending all our money on fuel . our goal is to see places not spend time "glamping" we use our van to get to places and to sleep . we don,t need to be burdened with a monster size camper or trailer . Thanks
That was exactly our feeling as well :) She's mostly a place to store our things and sleep so that we can be outside! Best of luck with your conversion!
Is a great build very nice and neat all in a good place and very creative . Wood work is awsome ..there isn't anything bad at all .from 1 to 5 stars my self I give you 10 .congratulations and enjoy it ,keep traveling and having fun , I will love to see how you guys will do it in a VW van !!
Nice, but if you minus some weights, it will be easier for the small 4 cylinders engine, plus better gas mileage.. Good luck with your future, stay safe and take care of each other. Peace and Love.
That is awesome. That is not a generator it's only a battery recharged by solar you can get the same result with a deep well battery charged off of your alternator
Thank you for sharing so many details about your build out! We bought a FTC yesterday and are now doing loads of research on the best way to build it out so we can hit the road. Five years ago we built out a '99 S10, so this feels like luxury. But now we have a toddler so we'll fill it up quickly I'm sure. I saw that you were originally in Chicago- we're in Indy! If you're ever driving through we'd love to connect. :)
Congratulations on your new van! Let us know if you post any videos about your build, we would love to see what you come up with! We will definitely let you know if we are back in the Midwest! :)
That's really not to bad! I am still searching for a build with a more flexible beddesign which can be used as a sitting space when its raining. Maybe its to much to ask for such a compact van and that amount of storage. Let's see :)
There are a lot of Transit Connect builds that would fit your need! If you are traveling alone the space should suffice for both sleeping and sitting. We installed an awning as a way to be able to hang out around the van in inclement weather.
I think you guys have done an amazing, thoughtful build! We’re suppose to be living out of them anyway. I really like a few of the features: the drawers are fantastic! And that little step thing is perfect! Hope you have links. Congrats on a wonderful build that isn’t cookie cutter! Bravo!
I have seen many CONNECT VAN videos....But...First time seen yr van....Full Bed...WoW....How U manage to use Fan and Cooler at full night...(Personally I have no experience of van tour but I eager to know this)
Glad you enjoyed our video! Our cooler is not powered, it is a simple insulated storage cooler that we pack with ice to keep food cold. The ice lasts for days because it is a very thick-walled cooler, the brand is Yeti. The fan does not use much power off of our generator. If we run the fan at night we will use less than 10% of our power source. Hope this helps!
Very nice. I agree about cooking outside only. A Ford Transit Connect is one vehicle we are considering when we can afford to "build" a camper. I like your setup, but have a question. What is the head clearance you have when on the bed? My husband can't stand not to be able to at least sit up in bed and could never do a type of bed build where there is very little clearance when lying down. Thanks.
Hi Robin! We haven't actually measured the distance from the top of the mattress to the ceiling. I can sit up and my head just touches the ceiling, I am 5'4" - you can see this around 4:45 in this video. We do have a thick mattress with a topper, so it would be possible to increase the head space with a thinner mattress. You could also build the bed lower to the floor which would mean for shorter under-bed storage but more head room! We have also seen pictures of Transit Connects with a pop-up roof so that's something to consider as well!
looks great! Im trying to get a ford transit connect, also! is this a swb or lwb...sorry of this question has been asked 1,000 times before..im just trying to see how well I'll sleep in one (I'm 5'6!)
We did not use any literature. Almost all youtube videos! We really just studied the inside workings of our van and got creative. It may be a hinderance to have a step by step instruction as it would be difficult to find a book that covers all the makes and models used in van building.
Bought this van already insulated/panelled/ electrical with folding bed/seat/cabinet/little sink. But how do you open the rear door when inside wanting to get out especially during the nite.
Great video. I have a Fiat Dobló here and did very similar things, and just got new ideas from you guys. I like how small vans can fit all the essential and still behave like a normal car. Every time I think about getting a bigger van, I ask myself: Do I really need it? And really, right now I don't!
Just when I thought i couldn't anything new - you pull out that 'door step'. Genius product! Thanks.
Yes! Thanks for the comment!
The doorstep that she put right beside the big wooden construction you can step on? Yeah, very smart
@@herrmuslingYou mean the 'bed frame'? lol It's too far in.
Perhaps if you are 80y old and 300 pounds.
Such a well thought 💭 out set up happy for you guys look’s comfy and your hair is SO beautiful 🤩
Van owner for 3 years now and I am amazed at how much you were able to fit in your van. Great build and thanks for sharing!!
Thank you, we appreciate it!
Like it best one seeing so far
Adorable 🐶 ❤
Great setting for the places with a warm climate and friendly people around.
I have a 2010 FTC built out with a single bed for a solo traveler. Loved your video. Got a couple of good ideas from you. BTW: This vehicle/microcamper is an absolute blast to drive and camp in! Key points: Great to drive. Easy to park. Good gas mileage and parts are available everywhere. Thanks for your video!
What an ingenious use of space! so sleek. i appreciate the choice to let the bed take up the whole van instead of trying to cram a sprinter floorplan into a connect.
Thank you! 🙏🏼
Amazing use of space! That door step is brillant! Thanks for sharing!
finally a functional van thats not just bed and kitchen but you could actually work in it
HI Guys. I just saw you subscribed to my channel Dan,s Van. Thank you! It's too funny that you saw my video. I am looking for a Ford Transit Connect to convert 2010-2014. Not having much luck. Anyways, I wanted to thank you both! You and your channel have inspired my to convert this van and make my dream come true. Thanks again, Dan
Hi Dan! That makes creating the content worth it! We definitely drew most of inspiration from youtube videos too! Let us know if you have any connect questions! Best of luck finding the perfect van!
Thank you Laura. Thanks for your reply. Stay healthy and safe! Keep on Vanning! 😎✌️
It's amazing you two have that much equipment organized into that little van!
Great job.
That is a compliment! I think we amazed ourselves too. Very rewarding to see it come together.
If you need more storage you can extend the shelf above the passenger area so it goes all the way back to where your curtain is. I haven't needed to do that yet in mine but I've seen videos showing how others have done it. It looks like it adds a lot of storage. I have a transit connect with solar system, fridge, diesel heater, table, etc in it and still have a little extra room. However, all of my trips are just me living back there. Amazing how you found room for 2 in one of these once you factor in clothes, food, etc. And I'm definitely not able to fit a full size bed in mine with all the other stuff I have...lol. It sleeps one comfortably though.
Thanks for sharing that tip! We actually thought about doing that! Erik made the point that if the back of the van is tight quarters he'd prefer that open feeling and headspace in the front while driving. Kind of like a Frank Lloyd Wright's design of contraction and expansion!
I'm very impressed, I have seen probably 20-25 of these smaller size van builds and this is the first one I think I would fit in to sleep.
Very well thought out and organized
Definitely a thumbs up 👍
AMAZING JOB! Thanks for sharing it
A bed on wheels. That's hella cool guys.
I ve been watching thousand of camper van video but with your i still learn so much mire tips. Thanks I suscribe🤩😍
Very nice...uh, sorry got distracted from the Transit tour by the adorable alpacas, er, llamas!
Dude this is great for me for a weekend warrior camping love love
Your design has give me new inspiration. Thanks so much. I love that you live out of your van and not in it. I think I can live with your design, we will mostly be weekend or weekly travelers. I just am concerned that I won't have a place to sit and read if the weather is bad - but I guess I can sit in the front seats. Well done, thanks for sharing your thought out plan with us!
Thank you for your comment! We absolutely "live out of it" and not "in it"! There have been a few rainy days where we had to find things to do inside (museums, shopping, movies) because staying in the van all day is not what she's built for. A few days of inconvenience are okay with us because we have been able to see so much and sleep for free all over the country!
Nice happy free couple! Beautiful van. Like the mahogany inserts. Simple to do and gives the van some style.
Thank you very much friend - subscribe for more happy free videos!
EXCELLENT VIDEO!!!
Very Informative and educational. Keep making those videos, people like me need to learn more of what you already know. Thanks.
You love magnets in your Connect as much as I do. That MaxxFan must feel great in hot weather. Happy travels.
Thank you the magnets are so easy! The MaxxFan works great! We hope we can get some good use out of it this Summer!
very practcal & simplified
Well done……luv my TC mini too, 4yrs still building, travel weekly
Great build! Cant wait to see where y’all go! Hope you have a great time on the trip!
magnets, velcro and clips good idea. wise use of space. bravo form France
Thanks so much for sharing! I just got a 2020 Ford Connect Cargo with this idea. I've been searching, reading and designing ... You guys gave me bunch of hints 👍
Love to hear it! Thank you!
I was so excited to see that little door step, I have a carrier on top of my mini van but have trouble reaching everything in it so I tie twine around each bin to pull it to where I can reach it. I think you have made my van life so much easier. I really liked your setup, I've had my minivan for over a decade, the inside has been redone so many times but you can always learn something new by watching others conversions. thank you- stay safe.
Thanks Yora Sum Bodie. Very nice compliment. We love hearing that we made someones life easier. We owe a lot of saved build hours to van life youtubers. Be well!
Very well thought out and built. I have a 2011 connect and I think I'll attempt to copy some of your ideas
Copy away! Make sure to share your progress! Thanks for watching.
That door step was new to me, and genius.
Nice tour, very nice build.
Great, glad you liked it!
Very nice job. Good luck on your travels.
LOVE your guys design! I my girlfriend and I have a connect conversion as well and this has given me some good ideas to modify ours with. Thank you! 😊
Thanks Joshua! We are happy you found our video useful! We watched a lot of youtube videos to inspire us during our build!
nice comfy build and i like the dual draws pullout
A lot of great ideas. Thanks for sharing. So neat and organized!!
Appreciate that thank you
Great job ... so practical, organised ... Lol ..! a place for every little thing and everything in it's place ... WELL DONE ... really EXCELLENT
Thank you for the kind comment Lalita! It took a lot of though to figure out how to use this tiny space.
That's cool guys, you might want to try putting some runners in your side access, so those areas come out to you, would be easier for the cooler etc.
Hope you're having a great adventure 😉
Great job organizing. I understand why you didn’t insulate. But I think insulating with Thinsulate is worth it for comfort.
That's the perfect size van. Great job. It turned out well!
It really is. Very easy to get around large cities and drives really nice on the open road! Thank you for the kind words!
@@LauraConnected absolutely. I'm buying one, used of course in June and doing what you did. Can't wait. I really can't. God bless and take care 👍🤟✝️
"Metal bar" you hang your cutains from is builing strap. Readily available from Big Orange or Big Blue home centers.
Thank you Scott, that's very helpful information! We are the customers who drive those home centers crazy trying to explain what we are looking for! We'd look like pros asking for building strap!
@@amymalimichi377 Yup.
I've never seen any Van build that prioritized the bed like that.. Interesting.. Happy trails..🤠👍
Thank you!
Thank you, be well!
Such a clever use of space!
Thank you! It was a fun challenge!
I love your van. It's such a nice compact size, and yet you've crammed so much in there.
Hey! I also have a 2010 FTC XLT but in Dark blue! Bought "dobby" last may and have been working a little here and there. Just added an aluminum unistrut roof rack!. These van's are so much fun!
Love it! Let me know if you have found any ladders for the FTC, we're thinking about getting one for the back doors to access the roof.
@@LauraConnected Yeah I have thought about that myself!
The portable solar generator is a good idea because they are expensive and if you sold the van you can take it with you.
Thanks for the ideas! I've got a tc but it was a wheel delivery van with a cage and it has 280k miles so I'm not going to dump money in but I'm planning on taking it for some mini trips with some temporary stuff in it but I got some good ideas to fit more things..mines all metal so magnets will work great lol
I would like to have more information on the making of the bedframe. I would like to see underneath the mattress what the bedframe looks like if that’s at all possible?🙂
Awesome job guys! Good use of a tiny space!
Thanks!
So cramped an on a rainy day safe cooking crazzy
Absolutely Genius , love the van very inspiring
Wow, thanks for the love!
You guys did such a great job on that van
Hello and God bless you two 💓
You have great organizing skills, and are very practical in prioritising your essentials. Safe travels. Thank you for sharing your ideas in converting your van.
Thank you Guadalupe! We are happy you enjoyed it!
Love your vid! Like the time you take and the clear explaination. Smart set-up.
Thank you for the kind words Marco!
Nice job with the build on your Transit Connect guys! We also travel in a Transit Connect for two + our dog. We are on our third build redesign trying to make it all work. The Transit Connect is a great vehicle and it does get fairly good gas mileage for a van as you know. I'm a new sub to your channel as we Transit Connect DIY conversion owners can really benefit from each other's ideas and designs. Safe travels!
Lot of undeniable truth WannBFree. We love the van, it suits the way we travel perfectly. TH-cam is an invaluable source!
would be good to see some of your trips and adventures..
Wow what Gorgeous hair . Great Ideas , We are getting a Transit connect in a few months , Waiting to pay cash . After a simple conversion we will hit the road . I cant see having a huge vehicle and spending all our money on fuel . our goal is to see places not spend time "glamping" we use our van to get to places and to sleep . we don,t need to be burdened with a monster size camper or trailer . Thanks
That was exactly our feeling as well :) She's mostly a place to store our things and sleep so that we can be outside! Best of luck with your conversion!
Beautiful build! I have a Ford Transit Connect 2010 too, with 288,000 miles I have done a little travelling with it 😁
Thank you! We are very happy to hear the van has lasted that long! It never too late to travel!
Is a great build very nice and neat all in a good place and very creative . Wood work is awsome ..there isn't anything bad at all .from 1 to 5 stars my self I give you 10 .congratulations and enjoy it ,keep traveling and having fun , I will love to see how you guys will do it in a VW van !!
Thank you very much for your kind comment! 10 out of 5 is amazing :)
Nice, but if you minus some weights, it will be easier for the small 4 cylinders engine, plus better gas mileage.. Good luck with your future, stay safe and take care of each other. Peace and Love.
That little Xenon “zoom zoom zoom” was the cutest!
Well done! Thanks for sharing!
Thank you for watching!
Lilian Tong, wanna build one with me?
Nice job you guys! Got some great ideas from your build.
Good job on your conversion! And your spirit makes me smile
Thank you Josilyn! What a compliment!
wow really great build! lovely van and amazing use or space
Thank you Bianca! It was rewarding to see the space come together!
Love it...you have put so much thought into every detail
Big brain big thoughts! Subscribing hoping you'll bake up some content!
I wish they would build a cab over bed for the transit...that would really free things up.
Greetings from Corpus Christi Texas. Freaking Outstanding video👍👍
Hey, thanks! So glad you enjoyed it!
This is great! So compact and cozy 😄
Thank you! :)
Very cool!
That is awesome. That is not a generator it's only a battery recharged by solar you can get the same result with a deep well battery charged off of your alternator
Thank you for sharing so many details about your build out! We bought a FTC yesterday and are now doing loads of research on the best way to build it out so we can hit the road. Five years ago we built out a '99 S10, so this feels like luxury. But now we have a toddler so we'll fill it up quickly I'm sure. I saw that you were originally in Chicago- we're in Indy! If you're ever driving through we'd love to connect. :)
Congratulations on your new van! Let us know if you post any videos about your build, we would love to see what you come up with! We will definitely let you know if we are back in the Midwest! :)
Love the finished van.............................Happy Trails
Glad you enjoyed! Cheers!
That's really not to bad! I am still searching for a build with a more flexible beddesign which can be used as a sitting space when its raining. Maybe its to much to ask for such a compact van and that amount of storage. Let's see :)
There are a lot of Transit Connect builds that would fit your need! If you are traveling alone the space should suffice for both sleeping and sitting. We installed an awning as a way to be able to hang out around the van in inclement weather.
I was expecting to see pull-out drawers from the side doors also!
Well done,building my own van to ps love the lama's
Yesss, more love for the llamas! Thank you!
Wonderful space 👍 Looking forward to following along on your journey.
Thank you! Looking forward to sharing!
I think you guys have done an amazing, thoughtful build! We’re suppose to be living out of them anyway. I really like a few of the features: the drawers are fantastic! And that little step thing is perfect! Hope you have links. Congrats on a wonderful build that isn’t cookie cutter! Bravo!
So kind! We are like 30% cookie cutter!
I have seen many CONNECT VAN videos....But...First time seen yr van....Full Bed...WoW....How U manage to use Fan and Cooler at full night...(Personally I have no experience of van tour but I eager to know this)
Glad you enjoyed our video! Our cooler is not powered, it is a simple insulated storage cooler that we pack with ice to keep food cold. The ice lasts for days because it is a very thick-walled cooler, the brand is Yeti. The fan does not use much power off of our generator. If we run the fan at night we will use less than 10% of our power source. Hope this helps!
Love the van
Thank you
I love the doorstep
Very cool! Thanks for the animals too. Ah my boots would go outside of van or in a bag! Nice thank you!
Thank Steph! We have a little tote that hangs from the cooler where we though our shoes before getting in!
Amazing!
Awesome utilization of every inch!! Hope you guys have tons of adventures....Thank you for sharing. :-)
Thanks Chris. The vans been good to us!
Very nice. I agree about cooking outside only. A Ford Transit Connect is one vehicle we are considering when we can afford to "build" a camper. I like your setup, but have a question. What is the head clearance you have when on the bed? My husband can't stand not to be able to at least sit up in bed and could never do a type of bed build where there is very little clearance when lying down. Thanks.
Hi Robin! We haven't actually measured the distance from the top of the mattress to the ceiling. I can sit up and my head just touches the ceiling, I am 5'4" - you can see this around 4:45 in this video. We do have a thick mattress with a topper, so it would be possible to increase the head space with a thinner mattress. You could also build the bed lower to the floor which would mean for shorter under-bed storage but more head room! We have also seen pictures of Transit Connects with a pop-up roof so that's something to consider as well!
@@LauraConnected Thanks!
looks great! Im trying to get a ford transit connect, also! is this a swb or lwb...sorry of this question has been asked 1,000 times before..im just trying to see how well I'll sleep in one (I'm 5'6!)
Great job! I am looking now, for a similar vehicle. Thanks for the share.
You're welcome! Good luck!
know if any Connects are tall enough inside to stand up in, for using a standing desk?
What do you do when it 🌧Rains? NO toilet? Water 💧 source?
Minimalists....As long as you can sleep comfortably it doesn't matter where. Such an inspiring video TY
Thank you David! Glad you found some inspiration! We are still trying to master the minimalists aspects.
can you tell me which goal Zero kit you have installed in there? is that the 500x?
It’s the Yeti 1000 : amzn.to/2QQcTPd
Simple and Nice.... Awesome guys
Thank you Guna. Stay cool! Thanks for watching
Well done 👍 have a nice journey 👌
Thank you. We have been enjoying the adventure!
Really worth to see ur vedio great love from Jammu Kashmir India 👍🎉🎉
So kind, thank you! Love from California USA!
This is awesome!!! That’s what I think ❤️
Thank you!
Very nice do you have a book on how to do what you have done .cause I will buy one now.?
We did not use any literature. Almost all youtube videos! We really just studied the inside workings of our van and got creative. It may be a hinderance to have a step by step instruction as it would be difficult to find a book that covers all the makes and models used in van building.
Bought this van already insulated/panelled/ electrical with folding bed/seat/cabinet/little sink. But how do you open the rear door when inside wanting to get out especially during the nite.
Nice, congratulations on your progress! We don’t, we use the sliding doors to exit.
Would love to know what brand of folding big table? Great job.
Wow, amazing!👍👍👍
Thank you Porcul Tau!
@@LauraConnected No problem, great job!
You did a wonderful job. Beautiful.
Thanks for the kind words!
Great video. I have a Fiat Dobló here and did very similar things, and just got new ideas from you guys. I like how small vans can fit all the essential and still behave like a normal car. Every time I think about getting a bigger van, I ask myself: Do I really need it? And really, right now I don't!
We couldn't agree more! Each setup is different but we love the size of our van for the same reasons! Happy we could spark some ideas!