NewVideo ·Feb 11, 2026

The Ultimate 2026 Ford Transit Ordering Guide: Build Your Dream Camper the Right Way

Hey everybody, Matt here for AVC! Welcome back to the blog.

Ordering a brand-new van is the most exciting—and nerve-wracking—part of the conversion journey. Every year, Ford tweaks the options: they add new tech, take away fan-favorite colors (RIP Avalanche Gray), and change what comes standard.

If you want to build your dream camper, you have to get the "bones" right from the factory. Today, we’re walking through the 2026 Ford Transit configurator to show you exactly how we spec our professional builds here at AVC.

1. The Foundation: Model and Dimensions

When you head to Ford's website, skip the "Trucks and Vans" tab and go straight to Commercial Vehicles.

Cargo Van vs. Passenger Van: Always choose the Cargo Van. Passenger vans come with side-curtain airbags that run the entire length of the vehicle. While safe for passengers, they are a massive headache for builders—you can't easily mount cabinets or wall panels without interfering with them.
The Model: We’re looking at the Gas Transit Cargo Van. The E-Transit (Electric) is great for local deliveries, but with current range limitations, it’s not quite ready for cross-country adventures.
Wheelbase: 148-inch (Long Body). This is the most comparable to a 144-inch Sprinter. It’s the perfect balance of interior space and maneuverability.
Roof Height: High Roof. This gives you 6'8" of interior headroom before your buildout. Even after floors and ceilings, you’re looking at about 6'6" of standing room.
GVWR: 350 (9,500 lbs package). Choosing the 350 over the 250 gives you a max payload of over 4,000 lbs. This provides plenty of "wiggle room" for heavy batteries, water tanks, and cabinetry without sagging your suspension.

2. Power and Performance

This is where the Transit really shines over the competition.

The Engine: Go for the 3.5L EcoBoost® V6. This turbocharged engine is the main reason people choose Ford. It provides the pep you need for mountain passes and highway merging.
The Drive: All-Wheel Drive (AWD). While rear-wheel drive is more fuel-efficient, the Ford AWD system is incredibly impressive in snow, sand, and mud. It provides that extra layer of confidence when you're looking for that perfect remote campsite.
Rear Axle: The EcoBoost/AWD combo automatically locks you into the 3.73 Limited Slip gearing, which is a great all-around performer.

3. Electrical and "Must-Have" Packages

Even if you're building a custom power system, these factory options make your life 10x easier:

Dual AGM Batteries: We don't use these to power the "house," but selecting this option grants you the Auxiliary High-Spec Power Interface. This gives you a 175 amp stud on the seat base, allowing you to easily charge your house batteries (like an EcoFlow or Victron system) directly from the alternator.
Single vs. Dual Alternator: Stick with the Single Alternator. It’s more than enough to pull 60 to 100 amps for your house system. If you need more power, it's more efficient to add a dedicated secondary 24V or 48V alternator later.

Key Packages Comparison

Package	Verdict	Why?
Exterior Upgrade	YES	Includes black HID headlamps (which look way better) and front fog lamps.
Heavy-Duty Tow	YES	Includes a 2-inch receiver and wiring. It's cheaper to get it now than to add it aftermarket.
Co-Pilot 360™	YES	360-degree camera, adaptive cruise, and blind-spot monitoring. Essential for a 20-foot van.
Upfitter Package	MAYBE	Only if you plan on running a light bar or winch off the vehicle's battery.
Factory Swivels	YES	They are quiet, safety-tested, and way less clunky than most aftermarket options.

4. Windows, Doors, and Exterior Details

The Best Deal on Glass: Adding fixed rear and sliding door glass from the factory costs around $275. This is a steal. If you try to buy and install an aftermarket window later, you’ll pay more for the glass alone—not to mention the stress of cutting into your brand-new van!
253-Degree Rear Door Opening: These allow your doors to swing all the way around and pin to the side of the van. The standard 180-degree hinges leave the doors sticking straight out, which is a nightmare in wind or tight parking spots.
Digital Rearview Mirror: This is a live-view monitor. When your van is packed with gear or your window shades are up, a standard mirror is useless. This camera-based mirror lets you see exactly what's behind you at all times.
The Wheel Strategy: Skip the factory $1,000 black alloy upgrade. Your spare will still be a silver wheel! Stick with the standard 16-inch silver steel wheels. You can have all five powder-coated locally for around $800, ensuring they all match.

5. Final Touches and Dealer Strategy

Overhead Shelf: Crucial. If you don't order the factory shelf with sun visors, you cannot easily mount an aftermarket "headliner shelf" for extra storage later.
The "Armrest Trap": Double-check that your passenger seat includes an armrest! It sounds silly, but it’s an easy box to miss.
31-Gallon Fuel Tank: For $285, this extra capacity is essential for backcountry trips and running your Espar furnace.

Final Tally: ~$66,880

Our total build today added about $9,000 in options to the base MSRP. This van is now "conversion-ready."

How to play the Dealer Game:

Email 5 Dealers: Send your PDF spec to multiple fleet managers. See who has the best inventory allotment.
Service Packages: Negotiate! We've seen $3,500 service packages dropped to $1,500. One brake job makes that worth it.
Extended Warranty: Consider extending the drivetrain warranty to 100,000 miles. It’s great for peace of mind and a huge selling point if you ever decide to sell the van.

Get Started on Your Order

We’ve made the exact PDF of this build available so you can use it as a template for your own dream van.

Download the AVC 2026 Transit Spec PDF: Here
Questions about a specific package? Shoot us an email!

Thanks for reading, and we'll see you next time!