After several months of research and weighing my options, I’ve finally decided on a 2024 Ford Transit to kick off my van life. The order is in and my projected delivery is 4-6 months. While the delivery date is not guaranteed, at least it’s a step in the process. This takes a huge weight off my shoulders.
The Big Three
I was pretty committed to the idea of getting a cargo van, and I liked the idea of having access to lots of preexisting upfits, if needed. Let’s face it: in the world of van life, there are 3 models that you see most – Sprinters, ProMasters, and Transits. And for good reason. Any of these models can be easily converted into an amazing home on wheels. However, the higher cost of maintaining the Sprinter, and the potential extra travel to find Sprinter-certified shops for service, took that one out of the running early on. So, that left me to choose between the ProMaster and the Transit.
Weighing the Options
Both the ProMaster and Transit have their pros and cons, but overall, the base models are very comparable in features and price. I feel confident in saying that I could have vanlifed my ass off in either model. So, it really came down to which one would offer the most living space. One the one hand, since I’m 6′ tall, only the ProMaster would allow enough space for an east/west bed. On the other hand, the Transit’s cargo space was 13″ longer and 4″ higher. Decisions, decisions.
Making the Decision
While I was leaning toward the Transit based on the cargo space, what really sealed the deal for me was its configurability. Whereas you can customize some aspects of the ProMaster, you can customize most aspects of the Transit. The specs and features were highly configurable and interchangeable. And so it was. Now, just in case you’re thinking I’m fan-boying or being loyal to a brand, you should know that I’ve only owned Chevy since the mid 90s.
The Juicy Details
The build is a 2024 Ford Transit, 148″ wheelbase, extended length, with a high roof. It’s your basic 350 HD, single-rear-wheel, all-wheel-drive, #9950 GVWR cargo van. I went with the 3.5L EcoBoost engine and it has a 10-speed automatic transmission. I also opted for the RV prep package, expanded gas tank, privacy glass, and windows for the side and rear cargo doors. Everything else was pretty much stock.
And So It Begins
Now that the van is decided and ordered, and I know exactly how much cargo space I’ll have, I can focus more carefully on the actual build itself. Sure, there’s already a long list of things I’m intending to incorporate, but now I can start thinking more critically about the exact dimensions of all these things. I’ve watched a ton of DIY van build videos and especially like those where people talk about what they do and don’t like about their builds, what they’d do different next time, what they definitely did right. It’s great information. It’s great inspiration. And so, today is the day; even though I don’t yet have the van, I’m declaring my transition toward vanlife official. Please join me on this journey.
