Ford's Latest 'Winter-Proof' Van Could Be A Game Changer For Camping In Europe

The joys of experiencing the open road and embracing the freedom to change locations anytime you want is a pace of life that Europeans are drawn to more and more. Imagine driving through epic landscapes during your summer vacation in countries like Spain, Italy, and Germany during the day, then parking for the night under the stars. Although considered mostly a summertime activity, Ford's latest camper van could be a game changer for camping in Europe, even during the cooler winter months.

The Ford Transit Custom Nugget exploded onto the European market in 2023. After elongating the wheelbase in its 2024 model, Ford has an enticing upgrade for the 2025 model that, unlike Chris Farley's beloved "SNL" character Matt Foley, will make you want to live in a van down by the river. This isn't your grandpa's 1970s TransVan. Called "winter-proof" by Ford Authority, this camper van is bound to shape the way Europeans camp, and has the potential to be the go-to vehicle for winter escapes.

Camper vans were originally made popular by hippies, surfers, and traveling nomads back in the 1960s, with the quintessential colorful cult classic Volkswagen Westfalia dominating the roads — and the new Nugget was developed in cooperation with Westfalia. Without a doubt, van life has now grabbed the modern traveler's attention, and with good reason, since it's easy to see why renting a camper van is an affordable way to explore a destination.

The popular van life lifestyle trend has gained immense traction in recent years, in both the U.S. and across Europe, thanks to remote working capabilities, the feeling of freedom, and flexibility to change locations on a whim. Just look up the hashtag #vanlife on Instagram and you'll see how popular this way of life has become. Europeans are changing their views around what they now call "home," and more van-lifers want to explore in the winter as well as during the warmer months. Van-life fanatics range in demographics, and whether they are enthusiastic about embarking on full-time, long-term adventures or just looking to travel and live on the road part-time, the Ford Nugget makes wintertime camping much more comfortable than other Class-B vehicles, thanks to its unique new feature: its high, hard-top roof. 

While retro campers and RVs with old-school charm may have dominated the roads of yesteryear, the Ford Nugget's 2025 model is modern. In addition to its longer wheelbase (16.5 to 17.9 feet) and the smart addition of an interior bathroom (also good for winter), its hard-top roof is designed for all-weather protection that works well with the van's built-in heating system, putting the emphasis on winterized camping. The new Westfalia converted pop-up roof offers a large sleeping area, additional space for storage, and an entirely different look than its previous version, focusing on practicality and functionality. 

Though disappointing to van-lifers in the U.S., the Nugget is not yet available in the States, but renting a camper van is one of the best ways to tour the U.K. and New Zealand. Fully-equipped Nuggets that can sleep a family of five can be rented through Roadsurfer starting at $88 (£65) per night.

Despite the price tag that hovers just over $100,000 (£80,000), the Ford Nugget is enticing camping fanatics all over the United States. Redditor u/inyerself posted in the r/VanLife group and asked "Alright Ford.....When is the Nugget Camper Van coming to the states?" Redditor u/Daisybella420 pleads with crying face emojis, "How do I get one imported from Europe?" "Fingers crossed this could be the starting point for the Ford/VW collaboration expected to bear fruit soon," chimes in Redditor u/PNW_Hombre.

As much as Americans are yearning for Ford to bring the Nugget to the U.S. market, there are comparable options to consider that are currently available. Camper van conversion companies like Winnebago are able to turn the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and the Ram ProMaster chassis into drivable and livable homes on wheels, and depending on your budget, the sky is the limit as to what kind of home away from home you can dream up. 

Two of the Winnebago converted Class-B camper vans in the U.S. market are the Solis and the Travato. These are gas-powered, available in a variety of floor plans, and built on the Ram ProMaster chassis, offering camping enthusiasts a wide variety of options, including excellent technology features, a pop-up rooftop, lots of living space, and flexible seating options. The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter diesel-powered options, like Winnebago's Revel, Era, and Boldt, have a four-wheel drive option, a kitchen in the larger models, and multiple floor plans to choose from, depending on your specific van-life wants and needs.