21 Amazing Ford Transit Conversions
Key takeaways
Considering a Ford Transit Conversion for Van Life?
With an optional 6′ 8″ ceiling, tons of power, and plenty of aftermarket accessories, the Transit is a great option.
But how does it compare to other popular models like the Ram ProMaster & Mercedes Sprinter?
In this post, we’ll find out.
21 Amazing Ford Transit Van Conversions
With a high-ceiling and tons of interior space, the Transit provides plenty of layout options… but which looks the best?
Here are 21 of the coolest Ford Transits ever:
Build #21: Ford Transit with Drawer Garage Storage and Ceramic Bowl Sink
- Highlights: This simple transit build has a few stand-out features, like the painted ceramic bowl sink, tongue and groove ceiling, pull-out garage storage, and even a roof deck on top.
- Model: 148” Ford Transit
- Owner: @4raeder.kueche.bett
Build #20: Extended Top Transit with Slide-Out Couch
- Highlights: This transit has a large couch that serves as a workspace by day, and a bed by night. It was originally a low-top Transit that has been converted so there’s more headroom inside the van.
- Model: 2016 130” Ford Transit
- Owner: @spintheglobeproject
Build #19: High Platform Bed Transit with Slide-Out Bike Storage and Interior Cubby Storage
- Highlights: This expertly-designed Ford Transit has a high platform bed, a couch, a three burner stove, vinyl campervan flooring, and lots of countertop space. Storage is a top priority with lots of cubby shelves and a slide-out bike carrier.
- Model: 2016 148” Extended Ford Transit
- Owner: @faroutride
Build #18: Driver’s Cab Sliding Door Transit with Oven, Lots of Cabinetry, & Fixed Bed
- Highlights: This gorgeous van feels like a little studio apartment as it’s separated from the driver’s cab with a sliding mirrored door. The large bed in the back has a sun roof above it for extra airflow and stargazing.
- Model: 2020 148” Ford Transit
- Owner: @wheretheroadforks_
Build #17: All-Wood Interior Transit with Couch and Fixed Bed
- Highlights: This Ford Transit has a log cabin feel with the wood paneling from top to bottom. The couch in front serves as a workspace, separated from the driver’s cab by a curtain. There’s tons of shelving and cabinetry throughout for storage and organization.
- Model: 2020 148” Extended Ford Transit
- Owner: @wayfinderchronicles
Build #16: High-Roof Transit with Large Dinette and Dog Crate
- Highlights: This transit build has it all: a fixed high bed, dining area, kitchenette, countertop space, fridge, and a hidden composting van toilet. Under the bed is a dog crate which is accessible from the front as well.
- Model: 2020 148” Extended AWD Ford Transit
- Owner: @oga_vans
Build #15: Contravans Medium Roof Transit Layout with Fixed Bed and Large Countertop
- Highlights: This smaller Transit van layout from Contravans is straightforward yet versatile. It features a fixed bed at the back with a comfortable foam van mattress and a kitchenette at the front with a pull-out fridge and lots of counter space.
- Model: 130” Ford Transit Medium Roof
- Owner: @contravans
Build #14: High Roof Transit with Port Hole Windows, Wet Bath, and Full Kitchen
- Highlights: This Transit build has a workspace/couch at the front and a fixed bed at the back. They’ve also included a wet bath with a shower and composting toilet. The best touch is those two unique port hole windows at the back!
- Model: 148” Ford Transit
- Owner: @boh_van
Build #13: Engineer-Built Transit with Convertible Couch to Bed
- Highlights: This heavy-duty van build was made with four seasons living in mind. It has a unique couch to queen bed design and a large garage.
- Model: 2021 148” Ford Transit
- Owner: @engineerswhovanlife
Build #12: Transit Build with Captain’s Chairs and Bike Storage
- Highlights: This minimalist Transit build has a platform bed at the back and a workspace at the front which utilizes the two swiveling captain’s chairs. There’s room for a dog crate and bike storage under the bed, and there’s a tiny kitchen and composting toilet up front.
- Model: 148” Extended Ford Transit
- Owner: @silverdragonwagon
Build #11: Boho Style Transit with Pull Out Table and Large Butcher Block Counter
- Highlights: This stylish Transit build has a fixed bed at the back and a pull-out table for the dinette. The gorgeous kitchen has a butcher block counter and a painted ceramic sink.
- Model: 2020 148” Ford Transit
- Owner: @traceythetransit
Build #10: Short Wheelbase Modular Transit Build with Double Pull Out Storage
- Highlights: This simple Transit build has a small kitchen unit and a collapsible double bed. There are two large slide-out storage areas, one out of the side door, and one out of the back.
- Model: 2018 130” Ford Transit
- Owner: @theplyguys
Build #9: Wood Trim Transit with Fixed Bed, Shower, and Hidden Toilet
- Highlights: This Ford Transit has a clean design with its fixed bed in the back, recessed lighting, and tiled shower. There’s even a pull-out cassette toilet underneath one of the dinette benches.
- Model: 2022 148” Extended Ford Transit
- Owner: @thetriointransit
Build #8: High Roof Extended Transit with Wet Bath and 3-Way Dinette/Workspace/Bed
- Highlights: This Transit build has a convertible dinette/bed/work space in the back with a 12 volt television. They’ve included a wet bath at the front which has a sliding barn door, and the kitchen is fully equipped with a sink, a two-burner stove, and a fridge.
- Model: 148” Extended Ford Transit
- Owner: @theforeigndrifters
Build #7: Pop Top Transit Van from ModVans with Lots of Seating and a Full Kitchen
- Highlights: ModVans makes pop-top, 4×4 converted Transit Vans. The sleeping room up top allows for the inside to feel more like a camper with its full kitchen and plenty of seating.
- Model: 2020 148” Ford Transit
- Owner: @modvans1
Build #6: Extended Wheelbase Transit with Slide-Out Bed, Kitchen, and Wet Bath
- Highlights: This Transit van has a unique slideout bed that functions as a day bed and dinette or a queen-sized bed. This Transit build also offers a full kitchenette and a wet bath with a shower and toilet.
- Model: 2015 148” Extended Ford Transit
- Owner: @stokeloafvan
Build #5: FreedomVans High-Roof Transit with Fixed Bed, Gear Drawer Slides, & Hidden Shower
- Highlights: This Ford Transit with a raised fixed bed is made for adventure lovers with its double slide outs that have a holding capacity of 500 pounds.
- Model: 2018 148” Ford Transit
- Owner: @freedomvans
Build #4: Family Transit with Shower that Seats and Sleeps 6
- Highlights: This awesome Transit build can seat up to 6 and sleep up to 8. It’s got a shower, kitchen, bunk beds, and even a hammock up top.
- Model: 2020 148” Ford Transit
- Owner: @van.addict
Build #3: Functional Transit Build with Dinette, Garage Pullouts, and a Hidden Toilet
- Highlights: This Eurovan-inspired build has a platform bed atop some slideout garage storage that is accessible from the front or back. They’ve installed a small dinette with a window above, and a tiny porta-potty under the bench.
- Model: 2021 148” AWD Ford Transit
- Owner: @wildernessvans
Build #2: Long Wheel Base Transit with a Gorgeous Kitchen and Convertible Dinette
- Highlights: This gorgeous Transit has a convertible large dinette to bed and a large kitchen with a high-rise faucet sink and lots of countertop space.
- Model: 2017 148” Extended Ford Transit
- Owner: @transitvanfam
Build #1: Transit with Slide-Out Gear Garage & Hidden Shower
- Highlights: This Transit manages to fit a fixed bed, bench seats, shower, toilet, and kitchen all into 148″ package. Between the two bench seats there’s a hidden shower pan, and out back, there’s space for stowing gear.
- Model: 2021 148” Ford Transit
- Owner: @freedomvans
11 Reasons Why Vanlifers Like the Ford Transit
The Transit is versatile, popular, and cheap to maintain. But is it the number one choice for vanlife?
Here are 11 reasons why vanlifers like the Transit:
- Easy Maintenance: Transit vans are widely used all across the country. That means no matter where you are, a mechanic nearby will be knowledgeable about your van and have easy access to parts.
- Great Ceiling Height: The high-roof Ford Transit has the highest roof of any van on the market right now (6′ 8″). Inside, you’ll have over 6 feet of headroom so you can fully stand up inside.
- Newer Vehicles: Ford started manufacturing the Transit in 2014. All Transits on the road now are pretty new, so they’ll have lower mileage and fewer mechanical issues.
- Relatively Inexpensive Upfront Cost: Compared to many vans on the market, the Transit is relatively cheap
- Surprisingly Quick for a Big Van: The Transit comes with an optional 3.5L EcoBoost® V6 producing 310 horsepower and making it surprisingly quick for a large van.
- Lots of Van Builders Work on Transits: The Transit is one of the most popular vans for vanlife making the aftermarket van builder community quite popular (seconded to only the Sprinter van). If you choose a more unique platform to convert like a school bus, the build process can be a lot more challenging.
- Square Interior Shape: The Transit has much squarer interior shape compared to the notoriously difficult to build on Sprinter van. DIY’ers welcome this as it makes securing wall panels significantly easier than rounder interiors found on the Sprinter.
- Cheap Repair Cost: The Transit is manufactured by Ford so replacement parts are notably cheaper than Mercedes parts.
- Runs on Gasoline: The Ford Transit has a gasoline engine which makes fueling up easy and maintenance related to the fuel system a breeze. Vans with diesel engines (Sprinter) required added maintenance (def tanks) which can cause problems and be expensive to fix especially when traveling outside of the country.
- 148” Length: The Ford Transit has a 148” length wheelbase which provides plenty of interior space yet still allows you to fit in most parking spaces.
- Huge Windows: For those who prefer to have a lot of windows in their van, the passenger & crew models of the Ford Transit have amazingly large windows which offer tons of natural light and make the hours spent cooped up in your van a little less cramped feeling. The views from the cockpit are about as good as it gets.
7 Reasons Why Vanlifers Dislike the Ford Transit
As with every vehicle, there are downsides to the Transit.
Here are 7 reasons why vanlifers dislike the Ford Transit:
- Not Great Gas Mileage: The Ford Transit averages around 17 MPG, so you can expect to spend a bit more on gas compared to some other vans on the market. This is a big factor especially when you consider other conversion options like the Vauxhall Movano that get up to 30 mpg.
- Low Clearance: The Transit is known for having low ground clearance. That means off-roading is probably a no-go for this van.
- Super High Exterior: The almost 6’ 8” interior height comes at a cost – the outside of the high roof Transit is 9′ 2″ (or 110.4 inches) making garage parking and drive throughs impossible.
- AWD But No 4×4: Ford now offers an AWD version of the Transit, but still no 4×4 version. If off-roading is something you plan on doing a lot of, the Mercedes Sprinter 4×4 may be a better option.
- Plasticky Interior: Although fine, the interior of the Transit (and ProMaster) is much cheaper feeling than the Mercedes.
- Not A Luxury Brand: The Transit may be a better value, but for many vanlifers, owning a Mercedes matters.
- Not As Many Aftermarket Options: There are lots of aftermarket vanlife parts for the Transit, but the Mercedes Sprinter is still the king. If you plan on going all out with your build, the Sprinter offers more options.
Cost, Dimensions, & Fuel Economy
Now that you know a little more about the Transit, let’s see how it stacks up against the ProMaster & Sprinter.
Ford Transit Cost
Cost: Ford Transit vs Ram ProMaster vs Mercedes Sprinter
| Model | New | Used | Price |
| Ford Transit 130” | $41,665 | $30,000 | Check Price |
| Ford Transit 148” | $42,940 | $31,000 | Check Price |
| Ford Transit 148” Ext | $48,085 | $34,000 | Check Price |
| Ram ProMaster 118” | $39,490 | $28,000 | Check Price |
| Ram ProMaster 136” | $41,250 | $30,000 | Check Price |
| Ram ProMaster 159” | $44,450 | $32,000 | Check Price |
| Mercedes Sprinter 144” | $41,300 | $60,000 | Check Price |
| Mercedes Sprinter 170” | $45,340 | $70,000 | Check Price |
| Mercedes Sprinter 170” Ext | $50,660 | $75,000 | Check Price |
Ford Transit Dimensions
Dimensions: Ford Transit vs Ram ProMaster vs Mercedes Sprinter
| Model | Int Height | Int Length (cargo) | Int Width | Ext Length |
| Ford Transit 130” | 56.9 inches | 126 inches | 69 inches | 219.9 inches |
| Ford Transit 148” | 56.9 inches | 143.7 inches | 69 inches | 235.5 inches |
| Ford Transit 148” Ext | 81.5 inches | 172.2 inches | 69 inches | 263.9 inches |
| Ram ProMaster 118” | 66 inches | 96 inches | 75 inches | 195.4 inches |
| Ram ProMaster 136” | 66 inches | 120 inches | 75 inches | 213.2 inches |
| Ram ProMaster 159” | 77 inches | 144 inches | 75 inches | 236.2 inches |
| Mercedes Sprinter 144” | 67.7 inches | 132.9 inches | 70.4 inches | 233.5 inches |
| Mercedes Sprinter 170” | 79 inches | 173 inches | 70 inches | 290 inches |
| Mercedes Sprinter 170” Ext | 79 inches | 189 inches | 70 inches | 274 inches |
Related: Ford Transit Van Dimensions (more in-depth stats)
Ford Transit Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy: Ford Transit vs Ram ProMaster vs Mercedes Sprinter
| Model | City | Highway | Combined |
| Ford Transit – 3.5L PFDi V6 | 14 MPG | 18 MPG | 16 MPG |
| Ford Transit – 3.5L EcoBoost® V6 | 18 MPG | 24 MPG | 21 MPG |
| Ford Transit – 2.0L GDI I-4 | 19 MPG | 27 MPG | 23 MPG |
| Ram ProMaster – 3.6 L V6 | 19 MPG | 25 MPG | 21 MPG |
| Ram ProMaster – 2.4 L V4 | 21 MPG | 28 MPG | 24 MPG |
| Mercedes Sprinter – 2.1L L4 Gas | 21 MPG | 24 MPG | 22 MPG |
| Mercedes Sprinter – 2.1L L4 Diesel | 21 MPG | 24 MPG | 22 MPG |
| Mercedes Sprinter – 3.0L V6 Diesel | 18 MPG | 21 MPG | 19.5 MPG |
Related: Ford Transit Van Gas Mileage (more in-depth stats)
Conclusion: Is the Ford Transit Right for you?
There are a lot of reasons to like the Ford Transit: It’s affordable, reliable, and provides tons of interior space – but it may not be for everyone.
We love these features:
- 6′ 8″ ceiling height makes standing up for extended periods comfortable
- 148″ length wheelbase allows for convenient parking
- 300+ horsepower engine makes taking off in traffic and holding 70 mph a breeze
- Maintenance concerns are minimal (all Transits are 2014 or newer)
So should you get one?
Absolutely. We recommend the Transit over the ProMaster or Sprinter for vanlifers who want a premium build, rear-wheel drive, and maximum headroom.
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