This Funky Camper Van Makes the Most out of Its Compact Interior, It's Cute and Cozy

Even though a micro camper offers the least amount of real estate, it makes up for the lack of space with maneuverability, affordability, and fuel efficiency. If you're fine with this trade-off, I see no reason why you shouldn't build or buy one, especially since you won't need a huge investment, especially if you base your camper on a used vehicle.

The most popular platforms for micro camper vans in the United States are the Nissan NV200, the Ram ProMaster City, and the Ford Transit Connect. I included the latter model in my list of the most reliable vans suitable for camper conversions.

What we have here is a 2020 Ford Transit Connect cleverly transformed into a tiny home on wheels. Its creator is Small Vans Big World, a company based in Valparaiso, Indiana, specializing in camper conversions. It was founded by Christina and Daniel, a married couple with the mission of "making van life accessible to anyone and everyone and not letting price be a deterring factor."

Each Small Vans Big World build is tailored to the wants and needs of each customer. The rig I'm checking out today was built for a couple who, among other things, requested to have a 600 W microwave installed inside their mobile home.

As usual, I'll start the tour with the rig's exterior. Like many other micro camper vans, this rig could pass as your standard Transit Connect cargo van. In fact, that's another advantage of micro camper vans: stealthiness. They won't attract the eye of bystanders, minimizing the chance of ill-intended people breaking into your tiny home on wheels and allowing you to stealth camp.

The only elements that might give away its "camper identity" to a keen eye are the 100 W solar panel on the roof and the shore power connection for the electrical system. You can also use two crossbars to attach cargo boxes, kayaks, or whatever you want.

The Ford Transit Connect comes with two sliding doors. In this rig, the one on the driver's side of the vehicle serves as an entrance, but you can also step inside through the rear. You'll notice a playfully and beautifully designed interior with a white ceiling, funky upholstery, and powder blue cabinetry.

The kitchen occupies the driver's side of the living space. It has a simple setup consisting of a microwave, a flip-up table, and a tiny stainless steel sink with a cutting board cover. Moreover, a water filter ensures you get clean water for drinking and cooking.

There are plenty of storage spaces in the form of two upper cabinets, three drawers, and a cabinet that holds the rig's power system. If you need additional counter space (and you will), you can use two pull-out tables, one under the microwave and the other integrated into the couch.

On the side of the kitchen closest to the entrance, you'll find a control panel comprising two 120 V outlets, two USB plugs, a 12 V outlet, a battery indicator, and an on/off button for the inverter. Down below, two switches allow you to turn heat pads for the water tanks on or off – these two enable you to travel in colder environments without worrying about your tanks freezing.

Opposite the kitchen, Small Vans Big World devised a long L-shaped couch that spans from the rear to the front of the interior. The company usually adds a toilet underneath the couch. However, this rig's customers preferred having additional storage options, so the space under the couch is taken up by three baskets and a dedicated spot that holds the customer's dual-burner propane stove.

Transforming the couch into a bed is as simple as possible. You don't have to remove the cushions and flip the top panels like in other rigs. All you have to do is unlock two latches and pull the couch outward, and then it locks into place. Other notable bedroom features are a sizeable cubby and a reading light with a USB outlet.

Behind the driver's seat, you'll notice a decently sized Iceco fridge/freezer box. What's more, since every single inch of space is important in a van this small, Christina and Daniel added a cushion over the fridge so it can serve as an extra seating spot.

Above, you'll discover a sizeable headliner shelf that holds the custom insulated covers for all this vehicle's windows. On its sides, the builders fitted a hook, a remote for the Dometic vent fan, and controls for a diesel heater. By the way, the heater is attached underneath the van and can be topped up with diesel through an exterior fill port.

Since I already mentioned the plumbing and electrical systems, let me give you some specific info about them. The power system's highlights are a 100 Ah lithium battery, a 1,500 W inverter, and a DC-DC charger that allows the system to charge via the vehicle's alternator. Moreover, the battery can also be juiced up via solar or shore power.

Regarding water inside this rig, both the freshwater and greywater tanks are mounted underneath the vehicle. You have 14 gallons (53 liters) fresh and 2.5 gallons (9.5 liters) grey.

There's one more thing I'd like to mention. This Transit Connect has a single rear door that can be lifted, compared to other models that have two rear doors. To make full use of this feature, Christina and Daniel installed two puck lights on the door and a button that allows you to open it from the inside.

When opened, the door can serve as an awning for you to spend some time outside while having extra protection from the weather. Furthermore, you can attach a shower head to the sink and attach it to a mount on the rear door, allowing you to wash yourself outside.

All in all, Small Vans Big World did a stellar job with this tiny home on wheels. It's better equipped than most micro camper vans I've written about, showing that Christina and Daniel are professionals.

How about the price? Unfortunately, the couple didn't share how much they sold this rig for. Since they make only custom builds, prices can vary depending on what features you add. However, a micro camper with very similar specs to this one, also based on a used vehicle, is priced at about $40,000 (€37,437), and that includes the base vehicle. You can learn more about Small Vans Big World and its products and services on the company's website.