Owner guides
Transit Van Conversion Layouts
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Chosen to go with a Ford Transit van? Good choice! The Transit is one of the most popular campervan conversions in New Zealand. But have you chosen a layout yet?
There’s a tonne to think about when it comes to designing a campervan conversion. Whilst our campervan conversion guide is a great starting point, this guide to Transit van conversion layouts is specific to your vehicle.
Making our list of the best Transit campervan layouts is:
Fixed rear sideways bed - Most popular layout
Fixed rear lengthways bed - Second most popular layout
U-shaped dining area - Best layout for a balanced living space
Twin single sofa beds - Best layout for sleeping separately
Rear single sofa bed - Best layout for storing large items
Below, you’ll discover the benefits of each Transit van conversion layout. Every idea has been sourced from a Camplify listing in New Zealand or Australia, so just click the links for more pictures and information.
If you find a layout you like, we recommend that you “try before you buy”. Consider hiring the campervan through Camplify and test whether you like the layout before sawing and drilling into your own Transit.
Best Transit van conversion layouts
Fixed rear sideways bed - Most popular Transit layout
Seats and sleeps Seats 2-3 and sleeps 2 internally.
Layout and features This is often considered the most comfortable Transit van layout in terms of internal cooking and eating.
Placing a queen bed sideways in the rear means that you gain more kitchen and dining space in the front of the van. Some people also find fixed mattresses to be more comfortable than convertible bedding options.
However, be aware that sideways beds are normally slightly shorter than lengthways beds. This will also mean that you have less storage space underneath the bed due to its shallower design.
This conversion layout allows you to access the campervan through the rear but you’ll have to crawl over the bed.
Best for This Transit van conversion layout is ideal for solo travellers or couples who want a spacious kitchen and dining area at the expense of a slightly shorter bed and shallower storage space.
Campervan examples
Sandy the Tiny House on Wheels (Hawkes Bay, New Zealand)
Pam the Transit Adventure Cabin (Hamilton, New Zealand)
Fixed rear lengthways bed - Second most popular Transit layout
Seats and sleeps Seats 2-3 and sleeps 2 internally.
Layout and features This is often considered the most comfortable Transit van layout in terms of bedding.
Lengthways beds tend to provide a slightly longer sleeping area than sideways beds. Some people also find fixed mattresses to be more comfortable than convertible bedding options.
This layout can also lend more storage space underneath the bed due to its longer design. This is great for stowing away long or bulky goods that need a bit of extra length.
However, be aware that placing your bed lengthways might mean that you lose some kitchen and dining space in the front.
To save space in the dining area, install a fold-out or slide-out table. Alternatively, build a slide-out table under the bed for outdoor eating and entertaining at the rear of the van.
This conversion layout allows you to access the campervan through the rear but you’ll have to crawl over the bed. Best for This Transit van conversion layout is usually best for solo travellers or couples who are willing to give up kitchen and dining space in favour of a longer bed and extra storage space.
U-shaped dining area - Best Transit layout for a balanced living space
Seats and sleeps
Seats 2 and sleeps 2 internally.
Layout and features
This Transit van layout is great if you want to create an equal balance of dining, cooking, sleeping and storage space. It has a large convertible dining area in the rear which provides extra living space during the day and an oversized bed at night.
The U-shaped dining area in the rear consists of three sofas around a removable dining table, meaning that 2-3 people can eat at one time.
You can quickly and easily convert the U-shaped dining area into a queen-size bed by folding out the sofa seats.
Under the sofa seats, you’ll find an abundance of storage space. You can access the storage by simply lifting the top of the seat or you can create slide-out drawers at the rear.
This van conversion layout allows access through the rear but you’ll have to crawl over the dining area.
Best for
This Transit van conversion layout is best for couples who want a balance of dining, cooking, sleeping and storage space inside their campervan.
Campervan example
The Transit Freedom (Christchurch)
Twin single sofa beds - Best Transit layout for sleeping separately
Seats and sleeps
Seats 2-3 and sleeps 2-3 internally.
Layout and features
This Transit conversion layout removes some obstructions at the rear and makes it easier to enter through the back doors. It’s a good option for people who want to cook, dine and entertain under a rear awning.
The rear dining area consists of two sofas on either side of a removable dining table. It provides enough space for 2-3 people to eat at the same time.
The two separate sofas can be used as two single beds or they can be converted to form one queen bed.
This layout offers plenty of storage and drawer space in the rear, underneath the two sofas. You can also slide and store large items (e.g. surfboards) on the floor between the sofas.
Best for
This Transit van conversion layout is best for couples who would like the option of sleeping in two separate beds. It’s also handy for those who want to use a rear external awning or store large items on the floor of their campervan.
Campervan example
Libbit (Auckland)
Rear single sofa bed - Best Transit layout for storing large items
Seats and sleeps
Seats 2-3 and sleeps 2 internally.
Layout and features
This Transit van layout is similar to the twin single conversion above. However, this option only has one sofa bed rather than two. That leaves almost half the width of the van for storing long and bulky goods in the rear (e.g. surfboards, skis and bicycles).
Individuals will find they have more than enough sleeping space on the single sofa bed as is. However, couples can use a slide-out or fold-out design to convert the single bed to a queen or double.
Opposite the sofa bed in the rear, you can install a storage solution with drawers and cupboards. When it comes to dining, simply slide out the sofa as a seat and use the benchtop as a table.
Another benefit of this layout is that it’s much easier to enter the campervan through the rear.
Best for
This Transit van conversion layout is best for solo travellers or couples who want to travel with large items like surfboards, skis or a bicycle.
Common features amongst Transit van conversion layouts
Most Transit van layouts share these common features:
A full kitchen is often installed at the front of the layout, next to the sliding door. On sunny days, you can extend your kitchen out underneath the awning by installing sliding drawers (e.g. a slide-out cooker) and/or a fold-out table.
Most Transit models feature 2 - 3 passenger seats in the front cabin.
All of the above Transit layouts allow you to install a rear slide-out kitchen and dining table under the sofa/bed.
Discover more Transit van conversion layouts
Use the search feature on Camplify to discover more ideas for your Transit van layout. On our homepage, simply click “Find a van” and then set the van type to campervans.
Take a peek into dozens of privately owned rental campervans around New Zealand. Flick through the photos to source endless layouts and campervan interior ideas for your Transit conversion.
Make a return on your investment in a Transit van
You might be questioning how much it cost to convert a campervan?
Regardless of your budget, there’s a quick and easy way to start earning a return on the money you spent converting your Transit - rent it out on Camplify when it’s not in use!
Don’t just let your campervan gather dust while it sits in the driveway. Lease it out to other verified travellers on Camplify and make money from home.
Why Camplify?
Each year, heaps of Kiwis earn up to $10,000 by hiring out their campervan through Camplify. It provides a quick and easy way to generate long-term passive income and earn a return on their investment.
And the best part is, Camplify takes care of many of the expenses involved in hiring out your vehicle, including:
Comprehensive hire insurance.
24/7 AA nationwide breakdown cover for hirers.
Dedicated customer support.
If you’re interested in joining Camplify as an owner, try our earnings calculator and see how much income you could generate each year by renting out your unused campervan!