In the world of homebuilt campers, vehicles like school buses and Mercedes-Sprinters are often used as a starting point. However, Terri, the woman behind the Misty Miles YouTube channel, took a different approach by converting a 2010 Ford Transit Connect into a micro RV.
The Ford Transit Connect that Terri used for her conversion is a long-wheelbase, high-roof model. According to a brochure from that period, it has a cargo volume of 131 cubic feet (3.7 cubic meters), which increases to 152 cubic feet (4.3 cubic meters) when the front passenger seat is folded. Despite its small size, Terri managed to make the most of this space.
Terri purchased the Transit Connect on eBay without seeing it firsthand. She bid for it while driving and ended up paying just 2,800 pounds ($3,557) for the vehicle. She affectionately named her new motorhome Blanche.
The conversion process began with insulating the cargo area to improve climate control. The insulation has proven effective, allowing Terri to live in Blanche during the freezing temperatures of February in Scotland. Surprisingly, there is no heating system installed in the camper.
Terri made the interior of the van cozy by utilizing inexpensive materials. For example, she created the countertop using pieces of pallets, and her bookshelf is made from the same wood and a stick. She even built a shelf using just a length of wood and some rope. Her sink is a waterproofed bamboo bowl with a hole in the bottom.
The camper features a couch that extends to become a bed, providing enough space for Terri to sleep comfortably. However, it can be tight if two people share the bed.
Underneath the couch, there are drawers for additional storage. A cupboard in the front is large enough to fit her duvet. There is also a dedicated area for the battery that powers the lights and other utilities in the van. Terri plans to install a second battery soon to meet her power needs more efficiently.
Terri documents her travels around Europe and Scotland with Blanche on the Misty Miles YouTube channel. Her most recent video features the tiny country of Liechtenstein. She also shares photos of her adventures on her Instagram page.