Ford Nugget

At the Kampeer en Caravan Jaarbeurs in Utrecht, camper vans based on the Renault Trafic with diesel engine and the electric Renault Trafic E-Tech Electric, already available for order, are on display. Exhibits include the Florida and Nevada by Buscamper op Maat on Volkswagen vans of 4.90 and 5.30 metres, the Wally-Van Classic and Air with slide-outs, the Ford Nugget in bright red, the Westfalia Kelsey on a 5.45-metre Ford Transit Custom with four seats and four berths, and Amigo Campers conversions of the Volkswagen Transporter, Ford Transit Custom and Mercedes Vito. Electric models include the Outbase Delta and Flow on the VW ID. Buzz, the Vantrack LC on the Kia PV5 Passenger (available in Base, Flex and Pop versions, on sale mid-next year) and the Ventje T7 with seven seatbelts and up to four berths.

The Ford Transit Custom Nugget in extended L2 version with a 2.0-litre EcoBlue turbodiesel (125 kW/170 hp), 8-speed automatic and AWD was tested in Italy. The living area is by Westfalia: kitchen with a 33-litre fridge, two beds (upper 1270×2050 mm, lower 1200×1900 mm), pop-up roof with three ventilation openings. Fuel consumption over the trip was around 8 l/100 km against the manufacturer's combined 9.2 l/100 km. L2 dimensions: length 5450 mm, wheelbase 3500 mm, height with awning 2090 mm. The lack of independent air conditioning in the living area and interior heat build-up when parked in the sun were noted.

In 1986, at the Caravan Salon in Essen, Westfalia began producing a camper based on the Ford Transit for Ford. The model, named Nugget, featured a rear kitchen and a spirit stove instead of gas, allowing it to be registered as a passenger car. Unlike the VW California, the Ford Nugget is still available with all-wheel drive and a diesel engine.

German Ford camper van specialist Nugget Schmiede has launched a high-roofed Nugget Twin, offering a winter-ready camper van with four solid walls and space for four people. Unlike Ford's own high-roof Nugget, it is available in all-wheel drive. The roof will also be offered for Volkswagen vans and campers, though not for the California. The insulated, lined roof with bed starts at €11,000, and an upgrade kit adds €3,950. The complete Nugget Twin First Edition is priced at €95,980, with base models starting at €89,680.

Ford has discontinued the Transit Nugget campervan in the UK due to slow sales. The model, built with Westfalia, continues to be sold in left-hand-drive markets on the continent. It is still listed on Ford's website from £63,150 excluding VAT but no longer appears in the configurator, and orders are subject to available stock.

Ford has unveiled the Transit Custom Nugget Plus camper, developed with Westfalia. The roof extends to a maximum height of 2.4 metres, 37 centimetres more than the standard variant. The interior includes a kitchen and living area with a dining table, a second-row bench for three passengers that converts into a bed, and a double bed in the upper section. Two power outputs are available for the 2.0 EcoBlue engine: 130 or 185 hp. First deliveries are scheduled for the first quarter of 2021.

At the Düsseldorf Caravan Salon, Ford presented the Nugget Hochdach 2027, a high-roof version developed with Westfalia. The model offers increased interior space, the ability to stand upright, an optional toilet, and better insulation. Two diesel engines are available: a 2.0 EcoBlue with 150 hp and a 170 hp variant with an automatic transmission. Prices in Germany are about 3,000 euros higher than the pop-top version.

The CARAVAN SALON trade fair in Düsseldorf is holding its anniversary edition, marking 65 years of the event. New this year are the official mascot Campi, a fan shop, and the StarterWelt program for beginners. The winners of the 'Golden Motorhome' award by Auto Bild Reisemobil were announced, including Ford Nugget Hochdach, Sunlight Cliff Vanlife 540 V, and others. From September 3 to 5, the Movie Days will feature film screenings.

The Caravan Salon 2026 opened in Düsseldorf on August 28 and runs until September 6, featuring around 800 exhibitors across 250,000 square meters. Highlights include the fully electric Volkswagen ID. California Cruise based on the ID. Buzz, updated Mercedes-Benz Marco Polo and Marco Polo Horizon, and the first electric Ford Transit Custom Nugget by Wavecamper. The European camper market is growing: registrations rose 10% in the first four months of 2026 to 64,406 units, with over 6.5 million campers and caravans in circulation.

Ford will present an anniversary edition of the Nugget camper at the Düsseldorf show. The special model costs 89,646.65 euros, and a restored 1986 example will also be shown.

At the Caravan Salon 2026 in Düsseldorf, manufacturers are showcasing mature models, focusing on weight reduction, electrification, and self-sufficient energy systems. Pure electric campers remain a niche, while hybrids and range extenders become the main choice for long-distance travel. Key highlights: Ford Transit Custom Nugget PHEV with an electric range of about 60 km, the updated VW ID Buzz LWB, and models like Hymer ML-T 580 Crossover 4×4 and VW California T7 Ocean Plug-in-Hybrid 4motion. Manufacturers such as Knaus Tabbert are implementing lightweight technologies to comply with weight limits, and the 48-volt architecture is becoming standard in mid-range and premium classes.

Messe Düsseldorf hosts the international trade fairs CARAVAN SALON and boot. CARAVAN SALON will take place from August 29 to September 6, 2026, and boot from January 23 to 31, 2027. CARAVAN SALON will feature 93 exhibitors with camper vans, including VW Bulli, Ford Nugget, and Mercedes Marco Polo. boot expects around 1,500 companies from nearly 70 countries.

Auto Plus magazine investigated which used campers can realistically surpass 300,000 km. Leading candidates include the Volkswagen California based on the Transporter with TDI engine, the Mercedes Marco Polo based on the Vito, and the Ford Transit Custom Nugget with EcoBlue engine. The more affordable Renault Trafic SpaceNomad is also considered a reliable option. Fiat Ducato and Iveco Daily, used as bases for many motorhomes, can reach this mileage but require attention to injectors, turbo, DPF, and corrosion. Experts advise choosing a vehicle with a full service history and checking the conversion, including roof seals and gas equipment. Annual maintenance budget for a high-mileage vehicle is 1,500–2,500 euros.

Some camper van models, such as the Mercedes-Benz Marco Polo, Volkswagen California, Renault Trafic SpaceNomad, Iveco Daily, and Ford Transit Custom Nugget, can exceed 300,000 km with regular maintenance. Key factors for longevity include robust diesel engines and quality construction. Demand for campers in France has grown significantly since the end of pandemic restrictions.

Carwow has compiled a list of the best vans for DIY camper conversions available in Spain in 2026. The selection includes Volkswagen Caddy California, Toyota Proace Verso Camper, Mercedes Clase V (Marco Polo), FIAT Ducato, Ford Tourneo Connect, Ford Transit Custom Nugget, Renault Master, Nissan Townstar, Peugeot Rifter, Citroën Berlingo, and Opel Combo Life. It notes that many manufacturers now offer factory-built camper versions ready for use without external conversion. Prices range from about €25,511 for the Opel Combo Life to €85,500 for the Ford Transit Custom Nugget in top trim.

The annual gathering of Ford Nugget camper van owners took place in Kirchzarten (Dreisamtal region). 63 vehicles of this model were present. Campground owner Jens Ziegler said the site is already 70% booked from mid-July to mid-August.

Approximately 280 Ford Nugget motorhomes and 650 people attended the largest gathering of this model in Germany at Lake Gedern. The four-day event featured Switzerland as the guest region. Organizers emphasized that the focus is on exchanging practical tips and ideas for vehicle customization rather than entertainment. This year, Ford provided financial support for the first time, coinciding with the model's 40th anniversary.

In 2026, the Ford Nugget celebrates its 40th anniversary. Based on the Ford Transit and converted by German specialist Westfalia in 1986, the model receives a limited retro edition. The anniversary version features black-and-white stripes, a yacht-style wooden floor, and exclusive badges. The Nugget evolved through several generations: in 2000 the kitchen moved to the center, in 2013 driving dynamics improved, in 2021 Active and Trail variants appeared, and in 2023 all-wheel drive and hybrid powertrain were introduced.

What Car? has published a ranking of the best campervans for 2026, based on hundreds of hours of testing. The top models include the VW Grand California, Mercedes V-Class Marco Polo, VW California, VW Caddy California, and Ford Transit Custom Nugget. In 2025, approximately 215,000 new leisure vehicles were registered across Europe, with the UK accounting for about 12% of that figure.

The Ford Nugget camper based on the Ford Transit has been in production since 1986. A retro version in black and white has been presented for the anniversary.