The new 2023 Ford Transit Trail is Ford’s upfit-ready Transit model that’s built for vanlife and outdoor adventures. The Ford Transit Trail comes standard with many features that vanlifers will love. But does it live up to the hype? And the cost?
As someone who actually lives vanlife, I think I can provide some clarity on whether or not the Transit Trail is legit. This post helps cut through the fancy (and sometimes cringe-worthy) marketing to actually uncover the truth of this campervan.
Ford’s marketing materials, at first glance, might confuse people into thinking they are buying a fully-converted campervan. But just to be completely clear, the Ford Transit Trail is not a turnkey campervan.
It is simply an empty cargo van with some added features that are beneficial for a soon-to-be campervan conversion.
Most notably, all-wheel-drive, a 3.5-inch ride-height increase, 30.5” Goodyear tires, AC Inverter, and driver/passenger swivel seats.
And there are other optional features, like a Maxxfan roof fan, auxiliary fuse panel, and upfitter package.
So what does it cost for all these vanlife-specific features? And are they going to be enticing enough for people looking to choose the perfect van?
A little disclaimer. As of writing this, the Ford Transit Trail has not yet hit the market. So it’s still a little early to get the full picture. And also, nearly all of the marketing around this van has fine print that reads:
“Preproduction and computer-generated images shown throughout.
Aftermarket equipment shown throughout.”
Translation = The actual Ford Transit Trail might look different than their ads, and the fully-converted campervans shown in their marketing have a lot more bells and whistles than the empty cargo vans that roll off their lot (i.e. full conversions, other off-road mods, etc.)
Standard Features Of The Ford Transit Trail
- Engine: 3.5L EcoBoost V6 Gasoline
- Horsepower = 310 hp @ 5,000 rpm
- Torque = 400 lb-ft @ 2,500 rpm
- 10-Speed Automatic Transmission
- All-Wheel Drive
- Heavy-Duty Trailer Package with up to 6,500-lb. towing capacity
- 3.5 Inch Body Lift
- 30.5” Goodyear Tires
- 16” Black Alloy Wheels
- Unique Black Grille
- Skid-Plate Front Bumper
- Splash Guards
- Wheel Arch Cladding
- Side Steps
- Swivel Seats
Standard Features | Ford Transit Trail
All-Wheel Drive
While not necessarily unique to the Transit Trail, an all-wheel drivetrain is still somewhat unique in the United States van market.
In fact, in the entire list of all vans with 4×4 and AWD, the Transit is the only full-size van that offers a factory AWD option. (*The Mercedes Benz Sprinter is the only full-size van available with 4×4.)
All-wheel-drive is unquestionably a great feature to have on a campervan that wants to explore off-road. Ford’s intelligent all-wheel-drive offers a big step up from 2-wheel-drive.
However, AWD is not quite as good for true offroading when compared to true 4×4. But for most vanlifers just trying to get safely from point A to point B, AWD is plenty good enough. (Do you really need AWD for your campervan?)
And despite the 10-speed automatic transmission, Ford has incorporated 5 selectable drive modes to help deal with any situation. These selectable modes are Normal, Eco, Mud/Ruts, Tow/Haul, and Slippery.
3.5 Inch Body Lift
The Ford Transit Trail has been given a 3.5” lift kit to provide more ground clearance. For campervans who love getting off the beaten path, the increased ride height will be a really nice addition.
30.5 Inch Goodyear Tires & 16” Black Alloy Wheels
The Goodyear Wrangler All-Terrain tires are one of the best tires for campervans. And 16” black alloy wheels give the van that rugged, ready-for-off-road look.
And paired with a 2.75” increase in the overall track width, the Ford Transit Trail has a wider, more stable stance than the regular Ford Transit.
Rugged Features To Go With Those Tires
But these bigger wheels aren’t just thrown on without some accompaniment.
The Ford Transit Trail has wheel arch cladding and splash guards to protect your rig from rocks, mud, and dirt that you are sure to be flinging.
The skid-plate style front bumper gives a little bit more confidence for charging over some rougher terrain. If you happen to catch a large rock, you’ve got a little extra protection. Side steps are included to make it easier to step up into the van.
A unique black Transit Trail grille completes the van’s subtle but rugged look. Integrated into the grille are marker lamps and fog lamps to help navigate when you are far from the nearest street lights.
Swivel Seats
Both the driver and passenger seats come equipped with 4-way manual swivel seats. Swivel seats are a very popular campervan addition because they are a clever use of limited space.
Suddenly, the most comfortable seats in the house can be used for more than just driving. Swivel seats can be incorporated into van conversion layouts in many creative ways for eating, working, or relaxing.
Roof-Height and Wheelbase
The Ford Transit Trail 2023 is only available in the cargo model with a few size options
The Transit Trail has a 148” wheelbase with long length and mid or high roof, or high roof extended length. The regular Ford Transit also comes in a “regular” length, but this shortest size is not available for the Transit Trail.
It’s somewhat notable that Ford would only offer the Transit Trail in the largest sizes. They have excluded the smaller Transit models (i.e. low-roof and 130” wheelbase models).
If they were really hyper-focused on building the ultimate off-road adventure rig, a smaller van with a shorter wheelbase is actually more nimble in off-road situations.
But many vanlifers will probably be fine with that trade-off for the extra living/storage space.
Of all the best vans you can stand up in, the High-Roof Ford Transit is actually the tallest inside. The 81.5 inches of interior space is able to accommodate people up to 6’7” tall, maybe a little less depending on the conversion. (Things like insulation, flooring, and ceiling eat up a little bit of your headroom).
And the Mid-Roof Transit can accommodate standing room for people about 5’9” and shorter (depending on conversion).
ConnectPass With WifiHotspot
The ConnectPass is another standard feature that’s a great feature to offer for vanlife. This built-in modem offers a monthly subscription to basically use your van as your wifi router.
It’s a worthy addition considering the number of people working remotely from their campervans. However, I have not personally vetted how ConnectPass stacks up against similar options in terms of value and effectiveness.
AC Inverter
Ford mentions that an AC inverter comes standard on the Transit Trail. But I couldn’t find any more information on this. (Best Inverters For Campervans)
Nice To Have
And just a few final features that are nice to have, but not the main reason people will choose the Transit Trail.
Keyless Entry Pad, Push-Button Start, Blind Spot Assist 1.0, Reverse and Side Sensing Systems, Adaptive Cruise Control
SYNC®4 with SiriusXM® with 360L, HD Radio™ and Ford Power-Up software updates, 12-inch touchscreen, high-resolution digital camera, 110-volt, 12-volt and USB outlets
Optional Features | Ford Transit Trail
Ford also includes several optional features you can add on. They will install a Maxxfan Deluxe roof vent fan, which is one of the best vent fans for campervans and RVs.
Gas Tank Size
Optional 31 Gallon = roughly 496 mile range
Standard 25 Gallon = roughly 400 mile range
These range figures are just my rough estimates, based on math I did way too quickly.
Upgrading to the larger gas tank can let you get even farther off-grid, or as I find more common, making it a little bit farther to the next town with cheaper gas. It helps take some of the sting out of filling up such a gas guzzler.
But either of these gas tank sizes should be plenty for traveling to remote campsites and destinations.
Range is really only something on people’s minds because electric vans are being introduced.
Upfitter Package
This optional upfitter package includes features to help power auxiliary accessories like a light bar, etc. The upfitter package includes “high-capacity upfitter switches, a larger center console, an auxiliary fuse panel with a high-spec interface connector, dual AGM batteries, and a modified vehicle wiring system.”
Dual AGM Batteries (70 amp-hour each)
I couldn’t really find much more information on this. But I assume one battery is the van’s regular starter battery, and the second battery powers all the van’s factory electronics.
The second battery helps provide some extra juice for charging and powering smaller electronics, without worrying about draining your starter battery. However, anyone shelling out the money to convert a Ford Transit Trail campervan is likely going to add an additional “house” electrical system.
Get Connected With Ford’s Network Of Modifiers
If you are searching for a professional van conversion company to upfit your new Ford Transit Trail, then Ford connects you with their extensive network of expert modifiers.
In my search, they mostly only feature well-established RV-upfitters who do luxury conversions. So if you are looking for more budget-friendly campervan conversion companies, you might be on your own. But here are some professional camper van builders who might fit your camper van budget.
What Is The Price Of The Ford Transit Trail?
Okay that all sounds great, but what does it cost for a Ford Transit Trail?
The entry price for one of these vans is $67,770. And that sticker shock will probably send most people running for the door.
But consider that a base AWD Ford Transit Model with similar specs will cost around $52,000 (price quoted for AWD, mid-roof, long length, 3.5L EcoBoost V6).
So to get your hands on a Ford Transit Trail and all it’s unique features, you pay an additional premium of around $15,770 dollars.
And you still need to convert the van into a liveable campervan. So people will have to decide whether to do a DIY conversion or find a professional upfitter.
And even a mid-range professional van conversion will bring your total cost up over $100,000. However, a pretty basic DIY van conversion could get you ready for vanlife for around $10-15 thousand dollars. Not counting your own time invested.
Is it possible to kit out a normal 2023 Ford Transit yourself with all (or most) these features added aftermarket? Sure you can, and you could probably find some savings with that method.
But if you go that route, then you have to spend lots of extra time and effort coordinating these aftermarket upgrades. That could mean researching modifiers in your area, waiting for an appointment, and other inconveniences.
So really the Ford Transit Trail is really offering the convenience of these upgrades already part of your van from the factory.
Warranty Coverage For All These Premium Features
Maybe less obvious is that the Transit Trail’s upgrades will be covered by the factory warranty.
If you wanted to add these aftermarket upgrades to your van, they will not have warranty coverage. And some could even cause Ford to deny a warranty claim if you don’t use “manufacturer-approved” parts. Or a warranty claim could be denied if your modifications are found to be the cause of any damage.
So I do think that additional features of the Ford Transit Trail are worth the extra cost. If you are going to be spending that much money anyway, then it’s nice to have these upgrades covered by warranty.
And you also have the peace of mind that Ford has tested and fine-tuned these modifications to work harmoniously. If you venture into aftermarket modifications yourself, there is a greater chance of problems arising.
Conclusion | Is the Ford Transit Trail Worth It?
If you are looking to spare no expense and create the perfect campervan, then the Ford Transit Trail can be the ideal base van. It still offers some savings versus the more pricey Mercedes Benz Sprinter.
Some full-time vanlife folks may be willing to finance the van, paying it off over many years. But obviously, with this premium price tag, it’s likely to be more of an adventure toy for rich people than a full-time home for vanlifers.
So the #Vanlife marketing of the Transit Trail is a little silly considering how few of these vans will be used for full-time vanlife. But that’s just because I’m sensitive to people conflating the weekend-type campervan owners and actual vanlife.
But nonetheless, it’s nice to see big automakers like Ford catering to the campervan market. It could spell a future where we see more vanlife-centric options hitting the market.
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All Vans With 4x4 or AWD (in the US) - tworoamingsouls
Sunday 19th of March 2023
[…] out the new 2023 All-Wheel-Drive Ford Transit Trail, a van created specifically for vanlife. It has AWD, bigger wheels, increased ground […]