Ford Transit Custom Campervans: The Practical Choice, Explained

The Ford Transit Custom has quietly become one of the most popular campervan bases in the UK. It is cheaper to buy than a VW Transporter, friendlier to drive than a big panel van, and every town has a garage that knows its way around a Ford. If you want a camper that doubles as an everyday vehicle, it is very hard to beat. Start with the current Transit Custom campers for sale to see how the market is pricing them.

Why it works as a camper

The Custom is built to be driven, not just carried. The cab is car-like, with a sensible driving position and light controls, and the 2.0 litre EcoBlue diesel gives decent economy at a steady 60 mph. There is enough width for a proper transverse bed in most conversions, and the standard load bay length means you can usually fit a bike or two on a rack without the whole layout collapsing.

Engines and gearboxes

The 2.0 litre diesel came in 105, 130, 170 and 185 horsepower versions. The 130 and 170 are the popular middle ground — the 130 is fine for gentle touring, while the 170 makes motorway hills far less stressful.

• The 6-speed manual is tough and cheap to fix if it does fail.
• Ford's automatic is a conventional torque-converter unit — more relaxed than a DSG, and generally reliable.
• Avoid the very early 2013–2015 diesels without a full service record; injector issues were more common on the first EcoBlue units.

Common faults to look for

Check the rear doors and sliding door for sagging or sticking, and look at the cab floor for damp around the A-pillars. On higher-mileage vans, ask about the EGR valve and DPF — both are more likely to cause trouble if the van has spent its life doing short trips. A V5C that shows a previous life as a builder's van is not a deal-breaker, but it should mean a careful look underneath.

The verdict

The Transit Custom is the practical, sensible choice. It lacks the VW badge and its residuals are softer, but you get a modern, comfortable and affordable camper that is a pleasure to drive every day. If you are torn between a van and a proper motorhome, the coachbuilt vs van conversion guide explains the trade-offs.