Is the Ford Transit Trail the best camper van chassis?
At Vanlife Customs, we’re passionate about building campervans that are as rugged as they are comfortable. The Ford Transit Trail Edition is a fantastic starting point for adventurers looking to hit the road with a factory-built off-road package. But here’s the thing: while the Trail Edition adds some impressive features, it’s just the beginning. We take it to the next level, ensuring your van is truly built to handle the weight, demands, and challenges of a custom campervan conversion.
Let’s break down the Ford Transit Trail Edition’s $13,000 package, and then we’ll show you how we can make it even better.
Transit Trail Image Courtesy of Ford
What’s Included in the Ford Transit Trail Edition Package?
The Trail Edition package is designed to give your Ford Transit a more rugged, off-road-ready look and feel. Here’s what you get for $12,000:
2.5-Inch Body Lift
Ford raises the body of the van by 2.5 inches, giving it a more aggressive stance and slightly improved ground clearance.Trail-Tuned Suspension
Ford claims the suspension is tuned for off-road performance, but it’s still based on the stock Transit suspension systemWheel and Tire package
The package includes exclusive 17-inch black-painted aluminum wheels designed for off-road durability which are wrapped with rugged all-terrain tires, great for tackling dirt roads and light off-road trails.Style
The Trail Edition features a skid plate-style bumper, aggressive grille, and stylized wheel arch cladding, along with unique badging and decals for a bold, distinctive look.Other Features:
Swiveling captain’s chairs and a factory installed vent fan are also avaible when ordering the Trail Edition.
Why the Trail Edition is a Good CAMPERVAN CHASSIS OPTION
The Trail Edition package is a solid foundation for anyone looking to build an off-road-ready campervan. The added ground clearance, all-terrain tires, and rugged styling are great for light off-roading and give the van a more adventurous look. However, when you add the weight of a full campervan conversion—think cabinetry, appliances, water tanks, and gear—the factory upgrades start to show their limitations.
Where the FORD TRANSIT Trail Edition Falls Short (And How We DO BETTER)
The Factory 2.5-Inch Body Lift Doesn’t Improve Ride or Handling
While the body lift gives the van a taller stance, it doesn’t address the suspension’s ability to handle the added weight of a campervan conversion. The stock suspension, even with Ford’s “trail-tuned” adjustments, can feel overwhelmed, leading to a rough ride and poor handling on and off the road.
Suspension Upgrades
At Vanlife Customs, we install the VanCompass Stage 3 Topo Suspension Kit. This system features upgraded front coil springs, heavy-duty rear shocks, a rear leaf pack for stability, and a lift kit for ground clearance. We spec the spring rates to match your van's weight, ensuring a smooth, stable ride for your adventures.
The “Skid Plate-Style” Bumper Offers No Real Protection
The Trail Edition’s front bumper is designed to look rugged, but it doesn’t include actual skid plates to protect critical components like the engine, transmission, or fuel tank. This means you’re still vulnerable to damage on rough terrain.
Skid Plates
We install skid plates to protect your van’s undercarriage, including the intercooler, oil pan, transmission, fuel tank, and differentials. Made from strong materials, our skid plates are built to withstand tough trails, ensuring you can enjoy your adventures worry-free.
Styling and Functionality Upgrades
The Trail Edition adds some aesthetic touches, but it doesn’t maximize functionality or style for serious adventurers. For example, Ford places the fan in a central location on the roof, taking up valuable space that could be used for solar panels or roof racks.
Side Steps and Rock Sliders:
We offer a variety of options from top brands like Owl Vans and FVCO to improve both functionality and style. Whether you need side steps for easier access or rock sliders for added protection, we’ve got you covered.
Aluminum Front Bumpers
Replace the factory-installed plastic bumper with a rugged aluminum front bumper from Backwoods Adventure Mods or Aluminess. These bumpers offer superior protection and a more durable, off-road-ready appearance.
Your Roof Layout
We design and install your roof layout to meet your specific needs. Whether you want solar panels, roof racks, AC, Starlink or a combination of all, we’ll maximize your roof space for functionality and efficiency.
Styling
We can order and install the aftermarket wheel arch flares, and grilles in addition to other custom aesthetics upgrades, such as vinyl decals. These enhancements will allow you to personalize your van to better reflect your style and needs. Whether you want to enhance the overall look or improve functionality, we have a range of options available to suit your vision.
Why Choose Vanlife Customs for Your Ford Transit Conversion?
At Vanlife Customs, we don’t just build campervans—we build dream machines. Here’s why our approach is better:
Custom-Tailored Solutions: We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all upgrades. Every van we build is customized to your needs, travel goals, and budget.
Proven Off-Road Expertise: We collaborate with the industry’s top suspension builders to ensure the best performance, reliability, and ride quality for your van.
Premium Components: From suspension upgrades to skid plates, we use only the best parts to ensure your van is exceeds the quality and performance of OEM parts.
Attention to Detail: We sweat the small stuff so you don’t have to. Every inch of your van is designed and built with care.
Ready to Build Your Dream Campervan?
The Ford Transit Trail Edition is a great starting point, but with Vanlife Customs, you’ll get a van that’s truly built for adventure. Whether you’re tackling rocky trails or cruising down the highway, we’ll make sure your van is up to the task.
Contact us today to start your custom campervan journey. Let’s build something amazing together!
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