Ford Transit SWB semi high top
I bought this van in October 2017 to replace our previous 30 year old Renault, and spent the following winter converting it into a camper for my family. Since then we have holidayed all over England, Wales, Ireland and France in it. I also have a car, so the camper is used only for holidays and occasional trips to Ikea. We have enjoyed it immensely, but I have now bought a newer van to convert so unfortunately it has to go.
The van is a 2.8 tonne front wheel drive Transit, with the two litre 85bhp diesel engine. Despite only covering around 4,000 miles a year it’s been serviced by myself every year since I’ve had it, although there’s no history from previous owners. The odometer shows just over 198,000 miles, but the true mileage is nearer to 176,000. This is because the instrument panel became intermittent just before our last holiday in it and I had to replace it with a second-hand one with a higher mileage on it. I’ll include the original for proof, if you can get it to work, and you can look at the MoT history. The MoT is valid until 24th April 2025.
The van had a reconditioned injection pump just over three years ago from PF Jones, and a refurbished Bosch timing solenoid this year. In my ownership it has had a number of new parts, including a radiator and water pump. I have changed the gearbox oil and power steering fluid neither of which should ever need doing again. It had a new alternator a few years ago and there is a spare one included which has been fitted with a new regulator and brushes. The van runs fine but is a bit smoky from a cold start now. It does have a tendency to jump out of reverse gear and has done this ever since I bought it. It’s not serious enough to need repair, and in fact might just need cables, but it doesn’t bother me so I haven’t investigated. All the other gears work fine and the gearbox is smooth and quiet. The brakes are good, the clutch doesn’t bite too high and it steers nicely.
I have welded it underneath for every MoT in my ownership, and it will doubtless need more at some point. I have repaired the bodywork including fitting a galvanised sill under the sliding door and touched the paint up all over the place. It has scratches, dents and rust spots consistent with its age, but nonetheless it comes up pretty well with a wash and polish.
The interior has an L-shaped seating arrangement with a table which stows behind the front seats. In the rear there is a kitchen unit with a Smev two-burner hob and small round sink with tap. The water tank is underneath the sink and holds 36 litres of fresh water which is equivalent to about 8 gallons. We find that sufficient for up to five days. The gas compartment under the wardrobe is designed to hold a 4.5kg Calor Gas butane cylinder; it will also take a 3.9kg propane, Flogas 4.5kg butane or Camping Gaz 907 cylinder by changing the regulator. The gas also runs a 900W catalytic heater which works without electricity so doesn’t deplete the battery. There is an opening roof vent for ventilation. The side windows are opening Seitz double-glazed units; the rear windows are bonded type. Interior height is approximately 5′ 7″ – I’m around 5′ 10″ and I don’t find it cramped at all.
There is plenty of storage under the sink, under the seats, above the cab and in a number of high-level cupboards. In the rear, opposite the kitchen, there is a space for a small Thetford Porta-Potti. The space also doubles as a shower tray which can be used with a portable shower like the sort you can get from Ebay or Amazon. There is a space next to the seats for a 12V cool box with a socket to allow it to run only when the ignition is on.
The electrical system comprises a small leisure battery running three LED lights and the water pump. The leisure battery is charged via a split-charging system when the engine is running; the battery, charging system and fusebox are housed underneath the driver’s seat. There are 12 Volt sockets for charging phones or similar. There is a mains hook-up socket behind the rear bumper, and a two-way consumer unit inside the van. The hook-up powers a 6 Amp battery charger and a double socket. Both batteries have been replaced in the last two years.
Please note: The scatter cushions, sleeping bag, toilet and cool box in the photos are not included because I need them for the new camper I’m building. Likewise the gas cylinder. Although, you know, everything is possible – ask me.
The L-shaped sofa pulls out into a double bed of approximately six feet by four feet, using a futon mattress so that there is no cushion shuffling and no gaps to fall down in the night. We found the mattress a bit uncomfortable after a few days so added an inch of memory foam inside it and now it’s comfortable enough for a two week holiday. There is a child’s bunk which fits across the front seats with a curtain which clips around it. The bunk is made out of a clip-together camp bed which is a little worn; replacements are easily available and very cheap, e.g. from Argos.
Please note: Quirky Campers do not inspect the listings for accuracy or check campervans in person. We have asked sellers to provide evidence of certificates and paperwork however you MUST check yourself that the information provided is present and correct. You will need to exercise the normal due diligence when buying any vehicle.
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