AESTHETICS
FORD TRANSIT CONNECT
RAM PROMASTER CITY
NISSAN
NV200
Van aesthetics, well what can I say, I want a van with a short side skirt and a loooong wheelbase
VISUALLY
LOW-KEY
BY ALMOST ANY
UNASSUMING
APPEARANCE
MEASURE
The claim to fame for all 3 of these long wheelbase (LWB) mini-cargo vans is that they can each fit, flat, 4′ wide sheets of plywood in the rear cargo area. I’ve also been able to transport a full-size couch in my Connect. There’s no question that these urban delivery vessels are highly utilitarian in nature.
Even if you’re not looking to go the whole hog with a camper conversion (right away anyway), the transportation utility coupled with the convenience and gas economy of a typical daily driver commuter is a combination not matched by many other vehicles.
STEALTH
Fun graphics aside, people are all over the place when it comes to a consensus of opinion on “stealth” van campers. If any converted camper van with a venting fan protruding from the roof is going to be
considered stealth though, it’s definitely these three models. Whether you’re in a Connect, a Promaster City, or an NV200, all of these vans are likely to maintain a low-profile in most environments.
IT’S ONE THING TO TALK ABOUT THE STEALTH FACTOR
IT’S ANOTHER TO SHOW THE RESULTS
These are just some of the photos I took in the morning of places
I camped for the night while road-tripping this last summer.
Six weeks on the road and never once a knock or any trouble from anyone.
As you can see, I’m not an early riser either.
THE BASE MODEL SPEC CAN BE HELPFUL TO MAINTAIN
STEALTH FACTOR
Just my opinions below, but there are a few practical reasons you may want to consider sticking with the discrete base model exterior spec for your future mini cargo van.
WHITE PAINT BENEFITS
LOW-PROFILE – blends in with average urban delivery vans
COOLEST – keeps temperatures manageable in hot climates
MAINTENANCE – easy to touch-up minor cosmetic damage
AFFORDABLE – usually cheapest paint option from factory
RESALE – best color for retaining max resale value for vans
CLEANLINESS – does a good job hiding dirt over other colors
which is particularly important for residential camping
UNPAINTED BUMPER BENEFITS
IMPERVIOUS – hides minor scratches unlike paint
REPAIR-ABILITY – simplifies replacement repairs