The Transit is arguably a better base van than the NV200. Look, we all dream of a fully kitted EarthRoamer, but in the meantime, “there’s too many places [you’ve] got to see,” so plop this petite, cozy camper van straight in your driveway and play “Free Bird” again. And again.
Whereas the NV200-based Free Bird was a two-seater (just like a regular NV200, which only comes as a cargo van here in America), the Transit Connect version doubles that seat count thanks to a pair of rear captain chairs. A 2022 Free Bird camper van runs about $50,000 (and that’s including the van), meaning you’re more likely to be “free as a bird” from mortgage-size payments (but apparently not the children, who can now come along). Plus, it’ll get about 26 mpg, since the conversion only adds about 140 pounds.
The Free Bird has a rear slide-out “kitchen box” that contains a propane dual-burner stove (with prep board) that nests nicely with a flip-out collapsible sink. A 2.5-gallon water jug, stored in a 2.2 cu-ft storage area in the same slide-out, supplies water for the sink. Next to the slide-out is a 32-quart Dometic refrigerator and a cool slide-out cutting board that doubles as a multi-position table for the second-row seating area.
Two mattress halves store on top of the slide-out and fridge. With the two rear captain chairs folded down, the cushion halves easily convert into a fully supported 47-inch by 78-inch bed via an easy-to-use bed system. All area rearward of the driver and passenger front seats becomes sleeping area. There are insulated push-in privacy curtains for every window, two of which have built-in bug screens. Four dimmable flush-mounted LED lights illuminate the interior, and a ceiling fan keeps air circulating.
A deep-cycle auxiliary AGM 85-Ah battery powers the camper’s electrical features, managed through a Blue Sea Systems automatic charging relay. There’s a 300-watt inverter, 110-volt outlet, and a pair of USB ports.
Throw on the optional iKamper Skycamp Mini roof top tent, a rear tent, a 23Zero Peregrine 180 awning, a Thule Force XT Roftop Box, a Backstage Swing Away dual-bike carrier, and all the other overlanding gear imaginable. The 2022 Free Bird starts at $49,810 (for an XLT-trim Transit Connect) and $51,990 (nicer Titanium-based version) in six colors, pending availability. Want an affordable, right-size camper? This is it, and now it seats four.
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