- Ford revealed the Transit Trail, a new van specifically for the van life community.
- It comes with upgrades like knobby tires, and swiveling seats that make it a good base for an RV.
Ford is cashing in on the booming van life movement by introducing a new model specifically for fans of the RV lifestyle.
The automaker on Thursday unveiled the 2023 Transit Trail, an adventure-oriented version of its Transit commercial van.
The $65,975 model comes with numerous upgrades targeted at professional and do-it-yourself camper-van builders alike. Interest in traveling and living in RVs has skyrocketed in recent years, propelled by the work-from-anywhere revolution and changing travel habits spurred by the pandemic.
According to Ford, sales of Class-B motorhomes (van-sized ones) have grown 30% in the last year.
Building out an RV out of a bare-bones commercial van can require extensive modifications. The Transit Trail gives buyers a head start with standard features like a extra ground clearance, all-terrain tires, and a more substantial bumper for deflecting rocks. All that is said to improve the Transit's off-road chops.
The van also gets all-wheel drive, mud flaps, chunky fenders, and side steps for easier access. A tow hitch comes as standard for hauling things like ATVs and dirt bikes on adventures. Buyers can opt for a roof-mounted ventilation fan.
Inside, the Transit Trail features swiveling front seats, a favorite upgrade among vanlifers that lets owners sit facing the inside of their van rather than the road. It also comes with dual 12-volt batteries, an auxiliary fuse panel, and an inverter for powering laptops and interior lighting.
The RV industry saw frenzied demand for much of 2020 and 2021 as people sought ways to travel while socially distancing. Sales have slowed down in 2022 as inflation and rising interest rates have hit consumers' budgets, according to the RV Industry Association.