What's Inside This Ford Transit Amazon Conversion Project
JMcC Outdoors recently purchased a retired Amazon delivery van—a 2020 Ford Transit high-roof, extra-long wheelbase with just 38,000 miles—and walks through the vehicle's potential as a camper build. The van was sourced from a used car lot in Houston for $40,000, and while not a steal-of-a-deal, it undercut comparable extended-length Transit vans by several thousand dollars and came with a clean title and remaining powertrain warranty. This video documents the initial review, showing the factory layout and the owner's vision for converting it into a mobile base for kayak tournaments and camping trips throughout 2025.
The build philosophy is unconventional: unlike most camper conversions, this one prioritizes interior kayak storage—specifically fitting a 12-foot 6-inch kayak inside the van rather than on a roof rack. That constraint shapes everything else: the bed design, kitchen placement, seating, and power setup. If you're considering a used commercial vehicle conversion, towing a kayak or other gear, or want to see how a real owner approaches the tradeoffs between living space and specialized storage, this review offers honest insight into what you're actually buying and what you'll face on day one.
Key Moments
Key Moments in the Amazon Van Tour
- The front cab, overhead storage, and built-in rear-view monitors inherited from Amazon's fleet
- Double rear doors with magnetic bumper protectors and a sturdy built-in step for easy access
- Three large factory shelving units that the owner plans to convert into a Murphy bed frame
- Loading a 12-foot 6-inch kayak inside the van to test fit and visualize the usable space remaining
- Testing the kayak's clearance when the shelving unit is pushed forward, confirming enough room for a Murphy bed plus the boat
- The Amazon backup alarm sound and a look at the hard plastic, cheap interior finishes that will need replacement
Important Details Before Buying a Used Amazon Van
- Speed governor: Amazon fleet vehicles come factory-limited to 70 mph. This can be removed at a Ford dealership, but it's an extra step and cost to factor in.
- Missing cruise control: This particular van lacks cruise control, a notable absence on long road trips to tournaments.
- Not all-wheel drive: The owner wanted AWD for traction when loading and unloading kayaks via ramps, but opted for rear-wheel drive to keep costs down. It's rear-wheel drive only.
- Interior condition: Expect heavy Armor All coating on all surfaces and a floor that needs deep cleaning. The interior is basic plastic—cheap finishes throughout that you'll likely strip and replace.
- Dimensions to verify: The high roof and extra-long wheelbase are advertised, but the interior has unexplained insulation gaps that reduce usable height by 3–4 inches. Measure your own gear before committing.
- Warranty remaining: This used Amazon van still carries approximately 20,000–22,000 miles of Ford powertrain warranty left, providing some protection against major mechanical failures.
Frequently Asked Questions About Used Amazon Vans for Camper Conversion
Why would someone buy a retired Amazon delivery van instead of a standard passenger van?
Amazon vans come with factory-installed shelving, which can be repurposed as a bed frame, storage infrastructure, and wall structure—saving weeks of design work and material cost. They also tend to be well-maintained fleet vehicles with known service histories. The trade-off is inheriting constraints like speed governors and basic interior finishes.
Can you remove the 70 mph speed governor?
Yes. The owner mentions taking it to a Ford dealership to have the governor removed, confirming it's a routine service. However, this is an additional appointment and cost you'll need to budget for after purchase.
How much space is left for living gear if you're storing a kayak inside?
With a 12-foot 6-inch kayak loaded lengthwise, the owner estimates roughly one foot of extra clearance at one end of the van. He demonstrates that a Murphy bed can still fit with room for a kitchen, power station, and seating. Smaller kayaks would free up 3–4 additional inches of width. The exact layout depends on your exact boat length.
What condition are these used Amazon vans typically in?
Mechanically sound, since they're fleet-maintained. Interior-wise, expect heavy plastic surfaces, Armor All coating (sometimes over-applied by dealers), and basic finishes designed for durability rather than aesthetics. You'll likely want to replace or cover most interior materials.
How do you price a used Amazon van fairly?
The owner researched comparable high-roof, extended-wheelbase Ford Transits and found this $40,000 purchase was competitive but not exceptional. Similar vans with slightly higher mileage were selling for $42,000–$45,000. Private sales on Facebook Marketplace were cheaper but often came with rebuilt or salvage titles, which he avoided. Factor in dealership fees, the governor removal, and your conversion costs when evaluating total ownership expense.
