Custom Ford Nugget Camper: How Much Does It Cost?

The Ford Transit Custom Nugget is a compact camper van that seats five and sleeps four. It has a dedicated kitchen, a convertible dining area, a lounge, and a bedroom. The Nugget is available in two versions: the standard version and the Nugget Plus, which has a built-in toilet and hand basin. The standard version of the Ford Transit Custom Nugget starts at around \$60,000, while the Nugget Plus starts at around \$67,000. The price may vary depending on the market and additional features.

Ford Transit Custom Nugget features and specifications

The Ford Transit Custom Nugget is a camper van with a difference. It is a direct rival to the Volkswagen California, but with a unique name and some impressive features.

Features and Specifications

The Nugget comes in either short or long wheelbase forms, with both seating five people and sleeping four adults. The long-wheelbase (LWB) version has the added benefit of a toilet. The Nugget has a dedicated kitchen, a convertible dining area/lounge/bed, and an upstairs bed. The kitchen includes a dual-burner stove, a sink, and a 40-litre fridge, with flush tops for added countertop space. The three-seat bench and swivel cab seats provide space for five around the table, and there is also an outdoor dining option with a folding table and chairs.

The Nugget has a pop-top roof or a fixed high roof, with both options offering a double bed. The pop-top roof can be lifted out of the way to create more headroom when not in use. The interior has a unique multi-zone layout, with a larger kitchen area and enhanced storage for a more home-from-home experience. The longer wheelbase variant also has the option of a built-in toilet.

The Nugget is well-equipped with technology, including Ford's Smart Camper Touchscreen, which allows centralised control of the camper's functions, such as lighting, heating, and water levels. It also has a Sync 3 infotainment system, and a variety of driver-assistance features, such as cross-traffic alert, pre-collision assist, and adaptive cruise control.

The Nugget is powered by a 2.0-litre EcoBlue engine, with a choice of power outputs: 128, 148, or 168 bhp. It is available with a manual or automatic gearbox.

The interior of the Nugget has comfortable seats with lumbar support and height adjustment. The seats can be rotated to face the living area, and the front and rear parking sensors, heated windscreen, automatic lights and wipers, and Xenon headlights are all standard features. The dashboard has an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with DAB radio, Bluetooth, USB, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto.

Price

The Ford Transit Custom Nugget is priced roughly on par with the VW California, which means it will set you back more than £70,000.

How does the Ford Transit Custom Nugget compare to its competitors?

The Ford Transit Custom Nugget is a direct rival to the Volkswagen California, with similar features but at a lower price point. The VW California has become the default camper for many families, but the Ford Transit Custom Nugget is a brilliant alternative. It has a nicely laid out interior, sleeping four adults, and has a fully functioning kitchen. The long wheelbase version also has a toilet.

The Ford Transit Custom Nugget is also similar to the larger VW Grand California, the Mercedes V-Class Marco Polo, and manufacturer-approved conversions of the Renault Trafic and Vauxhall Vivaro. However, the Ford Transit Custom Nugget is not as plush as the VW California, and the interior materials are not as premium as the Mercedes Marco Polo.

The Ford Transit Custom Nugget has a powerful 2.0-litre EcoBlue diesel engine with various power outputs, and you can choose between a manual or automatic gearbox. It is softer sprung than the VW California, but it still fidgets over bumps and has loose body control. The steering is well-weighted and precise, but there is a lot of lean when pushed. The diesel engine can be a bit coarse when worked hard, but it is quiet when cruising.

The Ford Transit Custom Nugget has a high starting price, similar to the VW California, at over £70,000. However, you are likely to find bigger discounts on the Ford Transit Custom Nugget.

The history of the Ford Transit Custom Nugget

The Ford Transit Custom Nugget is a small camper van, or campervan, sold by Ford and converted by Westfalia. It was launched in select European markets in the spring of 2019. The Nugget name has been around for over three decades, but it was in 2019 that Ford began selling the camper van directly through dealerships.

The Transit Custom Nugget is based on the Ford Transit Custom, which was unveiled at the 2012 Commercial Vehicle Show in Birmingham, England. The Transit Custom is a mid-sized, front-wheel-drive van produced by Ford Europe since 2012. It marked a split in the Transit range, with the Custom being the smaller version and the Ford Transit being the larger one. The Transit Custom is not sold in the United States or Canada but is available in Mexico and, since 2016, China.

The Nugget offers sleeping space for four people, with one double bed in a pop-up roof and another formed by flattening out the rear bench seat. It also features a well-equipped kitchen, including a sink, a 40-litre refrigerator, and two gas hobs. The van has various features for overnight camping, such as a fold-out bed, an outdoor shower, and a 42-litre freshwater tank. The Nugget is available with a choice of 2.0-litre diesel engines that provide adequate performance.

The interior of the Nugget is split into a dedicated kitchen, a convertible dining area/lounge/bed, and an upstairs bed. This is different from other campers of this size, which tend to merge their kitchen, living, and dining areas into one central space. The three-seat bench and swivel cab seats provide space for five people around the table. The Nugget also offers an optional retractable awning, as well as an outdoor table and chairs for al fresco dining.

Ford Transit Custom Nugget reviews

The Ford Transit Custom Nugget is a quirky-looking camper van that offers a smooth driving experience. It is a compact camper that can sleep four people, with two beds—one made from the folded rear seats and the other a bunk that drops down from the pop-top. It has a slick six-speed gearbox, a powerful stereo, and a touchscreen that works with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The front seats are adjustable, and the rear passengers have ample leg room. The kitchen has a sink with hot and cold running water, a double gas burner, a decent-sized fridge, and a good amount of space for food preparation. The Nugget also comes with outdoor tables and chairs for al fresco dining.

The Nugget has a 2.0-litre diesel engine and various power outputs (128bhp, 148bhp, or 168bhp). You can choose between a manual or automatic gearbox. The van is easy to drive and manoeuvrable, even with its van-like dimensions. The seats are comfortable, and at the end of a journey, they can be rotated 180 degrees to face the living area. The Nugget has ample head and leg room for front-seat occupants, and there is plenty of storage space throughout the interior.

One of the drawbacks of the Nugget is that it is not cheap to buy. It is also not as plush as its closest rival, the VW California, and some of the equipment and features are awkward to use. The bench mechanism is tricky to operate, and the pop-top doesn't raise electronically. The kitchenette's L-shaped arrangement restricts luggage space. The Nugget's diesel engines can sound coarse when worked hard, and the ride can feel twangy and fidgety over bumps and uneven surfaces.

Overall, the Ford Transit Custom Nugget is a well-equipped camper van that offers a good balance of performance, functionality, and comfort. It is a strong competitor in the camper van market and is perfect for families or groups of four looking for a unique and adventurous way to travel and explore.

Ford Transit Custom Nugget availability and pricing

The Ford Transit Custom Nugget camper van is available in Europe, including Austria, Belgium, Germany, Italy, and Switzerland and the UK. It can be purchased directly from select Ford dealerships.

The Nugget is not a new camper van, dating back more than three decades. However, the Transit Custom, which serves as the base of the Nugget, was updated in 2023. The Nugget will be available for order through select Ford dealerships in Europe starting in November, with deliveries beginning in Q1 2021.

The price of the Ford Transit Custom Nugget camper van starts at €56,669 (approximately US$66,950) for the pop-up Nugget Plus model, according to Westfalia. The high-roof Nugget Plus model is priced at €53,178 (US$60,550), while the base model with a pop-up roof is €52,576 (US$59,875).

The Ford Transit Custom Nugget offers a unique combination of functionality and comfort, with features such as a dedicated kitchen, convertible dining area/lounge/bed, and an upstairs bed. It is a direct rival to the Volkswagen California and comes in either short or long wheelbase forms, both seating five people and sleeping four adults.

In late 2024, Ford plans to release a flexible new plug-in hybrid (PHEV) version of the Transit Custom Nugget, offering even more options for potential customers.

Frequently asked questions