Ford Transit Custom

Italian pop-top roof specialist Sky-Up has announced a new Aviotech model for Ford Transit Custom and Volkswagen T7 vans. The roof raises horizontally, providing a constant interior height of approximately 2.20 m along the vehicle's length. It uses an aluminium frame with polyester sandwich panels and XPS insulation instead of a fibreglass mould. Sales are scheduled for the second half of 2027 at a price of around €5000.

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.

German tuner Loder1899 has converted a Ford Transit Custom AWD into an expedition camper. The build includes an 80 mm suspension lift, 18-inch Hanma wheels with 255/55 R18 Loder AT1 all-terrain tires, a tubular front bumper with two PIAA LED lights, wide fender flares, and a roof platform with a hard-shell rooftop tent, ladder, storage boxes, full-size spare wheel, and PIAA auxiliary lights. The factory all-wheel drive is retained.

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.

German company Ebicos has unveiled the Happy Dreamer slide-out sleeping module, which installs in a van's boot without tools. Manual version costs €6,250, electric from €9,990.

A Ford Transit Custom PHEV converted to a camper in Ballymena received a VRT bill of €8,500 at 13.3%, though the owner expected 8% due to CO2 emissions of 37g/km. Revenue's criteria state that Category B VRT at 8% applies to motor caravans, while 13.3% applies only to vehicles with emissions of 120g/km or higher. If the conversion meets specific requirements (seats, table, sleeping accommodation, cooking and storage), the owner can appeal within 30 days; otherwise, they may need to pay and then appeal.

Westfalia has unveiled the Kipling, a compact campervan based on the long-wheelbase Ford Transit Custom. The 5.45 m model offers four sleeping places, including a modular transverse bed at the rear that can be folded or fully removed to increase cargo space. The starting price is 67,990 euros.

Wavecamper has unveiled the Ford Custom Flex camper van based on the Ford Transit Custom. The model is available in two lengths: 5.05 m and 5.45 m, with a width of 2.032 m and a height of 1.99 m. Inside, a rail system with individual seats allows the layout to be reconfigured; up to 6 passenger seats are possible. Equipment includes lithium-ion batteries, solar panels, 60 W USB-C, a kitchen with a two-burner stove, refrigerator and sink, a parking heater, an outdoor shower with a water heater, and up to four sleeping places. The price in Germany starts at 78,900 euros.

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.

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.

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.

Owners of compact self-built campers based on Renault Trafic, Volkswagen Transporter, or Ford Transit Custom are often denied access to dedicated camper stops in France. The reason is the lack of sufficient self-sufficiency (own water tanks, chemical toilet) and official VASP registration (vehicle equipped for living). Legally, camper stops are not exclusive to large motorhomes, but private owners and municipalities can set their own access rules based on vehicle type and equipment.

Spanish brand Panama has introduced the P09 camper van built on the Ford Transit Custom. The model offers five seats and two sleeping areas (150×190 cm and in the pop-up roof). The indicative price in Southern Europe is around €52,900, significantly lower than the Volkswagen California (from €80,000). Equipment includes a kitchen module with a stove and sink, a refrigerator, and a foldable table. Limitations: a 10-liter fresh water tank, no fixed toilet or shower.

German manufacturer Westfalia has introduced the Kipling 2026 camper van built on the Ford Transit/Tourneo Custom platform. It is offered with 2.0 EcoBlue diesel engines producing 136 or 170 hp, with manual or automatic transmission, and optional all-wheel drive for €4,400. Standard features include a pop-up roof with a double bed, fixed toilet, kitchen, outdoor shower, Webasto heating, and 50-litre fresh and grey water tanks. Prices start at €68,190, roughly €30,000 less than comparable Mercedes Marco Polo models.

Swift Group has unveiled the updated Monza 2026, based on the Ford Transit Custom. The motorhome features a pop-up roof with a double bed, a kitchen unit with a 42-liter fridge and a two-burner Dometic hob, and a portable toilet. Standard equipment includes a 240W solar panel, a 95Ah auxiliary battery, a 2.2kW diesel heater, and a 40-liter fresh water tank. It is powered by a 170 hp 2.0-liter EcoBlue diesel engine with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Pricing in the UK starts at £75,490 (approximately $101,000). Official sales in the US are not planned.

British Swift Group has unveiled the updated Monza 2026 camper van based on the Ford Transit Custom. The model has been granted Ford Pro Convertor status, confirming factory-approved conversion and access to FordPass services. The camper accommodates four people, features a pop-up roof, kitchen unit with fridge and hob, 240 W solar panels, and a diesel heater. UK pricing starts at £75,490.

Fabian Duwanoff from Haldensleben, who travels in a converted Ford Transit Custom, spoke about the gap between the romanticized image of vanlife on social media and reality. He noted that stealth camping is virtually illegal in Germany and that the costs of outfitting and maintaining a motorhome are often underestimated.