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Ford Transit 300 2.2 TDCi SWB FWD
This ex-AA van was used by the AA for around 3 years, then by a pub landlord for about 7 years, who apparently just used it for short journeys. I bought it in 2021 (with around 100k miles on the clock) to convert to a camper. Since then I’ve used it mainly for occasional trips to the Lakes/Wales/Cornwall, as well as one longer trip around France and Switzerland (for around 2 months). It is an ideal size if you want something compact, as the short wheelbase and low roof make it very easy to handle around town, but large enough to be comfortable to stay in. There is a window in the back door and and opening window in the sliding door. These make it much easier to drive and park.
6-speed
MOT until 6 September 2023
Full spare tyre
2x winter tyres
Air conditioning
Work I’ve had done since owning it (since 2021):
– Fuel pump replaced last year
– Steering fluid hose replaced this year
– plus other smaller replacements (EGR cooler hose, brake pads, wiper blades, tyres)
Negatives:
– There are a couple of rust spots on the lower edges of the bodywork (e.g. below doors) but these are just cosmetic.
– Starting can be a little slow when cold (apparently this is common in Transits). It has never failed to start, but may need a new starter motor in the next couple of years.
– The turbo vanes can be a little sticky, meaning if you get up to 80mph, or try to go uphill on the motorway in 6th gear, the computer might cut the power to the turbo and you’ll slow down a bit. This is easily solved by turning the engine off and on again next time you pull over. I’m told this is not an issue and not worth fixing! If you stick to 70mph, and drop to 5th gear when going uphill on the motorway, it will not do it. It hasn’t happened to me for ages but I wanted to mention it for full disclosure!
Summary: The van is fully insulated, has a retractable double bed, kitchen counter, fold-out table with seating on both sides, 12v electrics (including compressor fridge and inverter), and still has loads of storage space for such a small van (plenty of room outdoor gear e.g. bouldering mats). There is linoleum flooring throughout which is really easy to clean.
There is a large sofa area with loads of storage next to it. The bed is made by sliding out one very simple mechanism. Opposite the sofa there is a bench with lots of storage inside. There is a rear window and an opening side window, and there is no bulkhead so the cab can be accessed from the living area. There curtains for each window and a large curtain to separate the living area from the cab. There are thermal screens for the cab windows.
There is a large kitchen counter (I put my two-hob camping stove on here – not included). In front of the counter there is a table which folds up from the cupboard door and secures into place to ensure it doesn’t fall whilst in use. There are 2x 12.5 L water containers, which fit perfectly into the bench storage area. There is a lid with a tap so these can be placed on the counter as a water dispenser.
12v electrics:
130 Ah AGM leisure battery
Compressor fridge
LED lighting: 2 ceiling lights and 2 spotlights (one over the kitchen counter and one over the bed/sofa)
Voltage display to check battery charge level
2x USB sockets
Inverter (Victron Phoenix Pure Sine Wave Inverter 250VA)
Split charge relay, so leisure battery charges from the alternator when driving (kill switches also installed)
Storage:
Shelving next to bed (2 shelves with doors, 2 shelves without doors, 2 large lower storage areas)
Storage inside bench (access through hinged bench lid)
Wooden drawers under the bed, accessed from the main living area
Drawer and two cupboard doors under kitchen counter
Very large storage area under the bed, which is accessed from the rear of the vehicle. This is over 130 x 100 x 34 (is this is just the space between the wheel arches and up to the lowest part of the bed, so the useable space is even bigger than this). Perfect for bouldering mats or other outdoor gear!
When extended, the bed 135cm x 187cm (3cm shorter than a standard double, and the full width). This slides away to form a large sofa area (135cm x 135cm), and the parts of the mattress which are removed from the retracting section can be used as backrests/cushions. The sliding mechanism is very simple; just undo two clips and slide it out, then put the cushions into place. The mattress is 10cm thick foam which is still firm with no worn out areas.
The contact details for this vehicle are no longer available because it has either sold or the listing has expired.
Insurance options are available through our partner, Ripe Insurance.
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