Ford Building Transit Camper Van With Off-Road Capability
There are two types of people in this world, those that dislike vans and those who have come to the realization that they’re probably the most versatile vehicles money can buy. While vans may not be ideal for every single situation, they can slot into just about any application with a level of ease other vehicles could only dream of. But there are super specialized variants, with converted campers being among the most popular.
Following the stacking hardships the world has been forced to endure these last few years, camper vans have made a serious comeback and companies are popping up everywhere to cash in on the phenomenon by customizing favored models. Among these is the Ford Transit. However, the Blue Oval seems to have grown tired of referring customers to aftermarket firms that’ll do the work and recently teased a factory camper that seems like it may even do some off-road work.
On Wednesday, CEO of Ford Pro Ted Cannis tweeted a video showing a Transit parked in the woods. Shot at dawn, the clip was intentionally dark to obscure some of the details. But we can clearly see a set of all-terrain tires and some additional exterior lightning that helps sell the model as an ORV.
Considering there’s already the Transit Trail van Ford developed for the European market – which comes with all-wheel drive and a mechanical limited-slip differential – the model should be better at tackling treacherous terrain than the standard version. But most testing has shown the Trail to be several steps behind serious custom off-road vehicles while being much easier to live with on the highway than something that’s been lifted a few more inches and issued the most hardcore tires imaginable.
Frankly, that sounds like it’ll make for a more comprehensive recreational vehicle for the average adventurer. Though the latest trends have been all about building up a van that looks purpose-built to survive the apocalypse, rather than something that’s designed to get the family to Yellowstone National Park in relative comfort. We don’t know how “hardcore” Ford plans on going with the Transit Trail Camper. But it might be in its best interest to lean into the theme while offering loads of optional extras some customers will feel they cannot do without.
Sure, you might not need a ladder to help you get up to the optional roof rack with an integrated light bar. But you’ll probably want all that stuff if you’re in the market for a vehicle light this and Ford might as well try to sell it to you because everyone else already is.
Ford has only confirmed that the model will debut this November and offer "interior and exterior enhancements providing do-it-yourselfers and motorhome distributors a turnkey canvas from the factory.” While that sounds more-or-less like what the automaker was already offering the public, it looks like Ford is getting more involved in the overall process and focusing on something a little more trail focused. Adding foldaway beds, sinks, and dining areas may not be at the top of Ford’s list just yet, however.
It’s also incredibly unlikely that the model we’ll get in the U.S. will be identical to the European Transit Trail. North Americans tend to prefer larger vehicles utilizing heftier powertrains, so odds are good that Ford will nix the 2.0-liter diesel found across the pond and go with the 250 (or larger) cargo trim as a base. Look for the standard 3.5-liter V6 and/or twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter EcoBoost to be installed beneath the hood.
An electrified model is also possible, though it’s a little early to assume anything. In fact, the only other prediction we can realistically make (based on manufacturer assurances) is that assembly should take place at Ford’s van plant in Kansas City, Missouri. But we should learn a lot more about the camper van (template?) next month.
[Images: Ford Motor Co.]
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A staunch consumer advocate tracking industry trends and regulation. Before joining TTAC, Matt spent a decade working for marketing and research firms based in NYC. Clients included several of the world’s largest automakers, global tire brands, and aftermarket part suppliers. Dissatisfied with the corporate world and resentful of having to wear suits everyday, he pivoted to writing about cars. Since then, that man has become an ardent supporter of the right-to-repair movement, been interviewed on the auto industry by national radio broadcasts, driven more rental cars than anyone ever should, participated in amateur rallying events, and received the requisite minimum training as sanctioned by the SCCA. Handy with a wrench, Matt grew up surrounded by Detroit auto workers and managed to get a pizza delivery job before he was legally eligible. He later found himself driving box trucks through Manhattan, guaranteeing future sympathy for actual truckers. He continues to conduct research pertaining to the automotive sector as an independent contractor and has since moved back to his native Michigan, closer to where the cars are born. A contrarian, Matt claims to prefer understeer — stating that front and all-wheel drive vehicles cater best to his driving style.
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@ EBFlex. Yes, it does. I don't tow, need to drive to animal hunting country, or haul several hundred pounds of farm/construction supplies at this point in my life. I do need something that fits in a parking garage and has open storage for dirty boots/wet waders/the fish or shrimp cooler, and an occasional IKEA run.
What turns me off is my local Ford Dealers switcheroo; No Sir, we don't have any NEW Mavericks in stock. We have three used ones in stock with only 200 miles on them. A NEW Bronco? Same situation sir. No Sir, 50% above sticker price is the (our) corrected Local Market Adjustment.
The B&B are a flint-eyed, nerves-of-steel, ultra-thrifty bunch. Here's a possible QOTD of the day, two possible QOTDs: 1. Which dealer has upset you the most with outrageous (see above) corrected Local Market Adjustments? 2. For the same price as the corrected Local Market Adjustments, did you buy something else?
Next on the Grand Tour: A Man in a Van in the Woods!