Featured Van: Rachel’s Ford Transit ‘Bea’
Rachel’s Ford Transit, affectionately named Bea (short for Beatrix), is more than just a van—it’s a carefully crafted home on wheels designed to support the life she wants to live.
Living with a chronic fatigue condition meant rethinking what ‘daily life’ could look like. For Rachel, that meant freedom, comfort, and the ability to follow New Zealand’s natural beauty, whether that’s in a coastal town, deep in the bush, or parked outside a friend’s home while house-sitting.
Bea’s thoughtful conversion makes it possible for Rachel to bring her lifestyle, personality, and values wherever she goes.
A few of our favourite things about this Ford transit Conversion:
Clean aesthetic
While this Ford Transit follows Matt & Dan’s signature pine-and-white palette to keep the space light, bright, and open, Rachel’s not afraid to bring her own personality into the mix. A bold blue ceiling ties the space together—a colour choice inspired by a throw she fell in love with. Large windows keep the space airy, flooding the living area with natural light and framing the ever-changing landscapes outside. Shelving nooks give Rachel a place to keep books, plants, and other homey touches, surrounding her with the little things that make a space feel uniquely hers.
Thoughtful systems
Rachel’s approach to vanlife is grounded in comfort and sustainability. Bea runs on an Ecoflow 5kW power kit with solar and plug-in charging, giving her the flexibility to stay off-grid or hook up when needed. A clever grey water return system for her outdoor shower ensures she leaves no trace—something Rachel feels strongly about. And because good food is part of her lifestyle, Bea’s kitchen includes a Combi 3-in-1 cooker and a twin induction hob, allowing her to make proper meals wherever she’s parked.
Conversion functionality
Every detail in Bea’s build has a purpose. A cut-through door to the cab adds convenience and a sense of security, especially important for a solo female traveller. Her permanent bed setup—made from a custom mattress cut to fit the space—means she never has to pack down or rebuild her sleeping area. The addition of a chaise lounge brings a touch of luxury, giving friends and whānau a comfortable place to sit when they visit. Together, these choices create a van that works perfectly for Rachel’s day-to-day life, making Bea not just a vehicle, but a true home.
Ready to create your own dream van?
Whether you’re chasing remote coastlines, house-sitting around the country, or simply want a space that feels like home wherever you park, we can help bring your vision to life. At Matt & Dan’s, every build is tailored to your lifestyle—from the aesthetic details to the systems that keep you going off-grid. Get in touch with us today to start planning your own custom camper, built for the way you want to live.
If you’re interested in a custom campervan conversion, head over to our campervan conversions page to learn more.
Full spec list:
INTERIOR
Maxxfan deluxe ceiling intake/exhaust fan
Dimmable LED ceiling and mood lighting
240V outlets
2x reading lights
Scanstrut fast-charge USB A&C outlet
Custom upholstery for seating
Custom cab divider curtains
Split style kitchen with permanent bed set up
Supplied latex mattress
HPL laminate used for cabinet construction with HPL pine veneer benchtops
T&G Painted wall panelling and ceiling
Wall + ceiling Insulation
RV labs latching handles on cupboards and drawers
Custom overhead shelf with open shelving too
SAFETY
Smoke detector
Fire extinguisher
EXTERIOR
External shower
Fresh water connection
Shore power inlet
Stedi Camp Light
GALLEY & LIVING
Stainless steel sink with premium tapware
Shurflo 7.6L/PM water pump
Dometic NRX-60 58L fridge/freezer
Portable twin burner induction hob
Breville Combi Wave 3 in 1
Hot Water System
60L gray and fresh water tank capacity
Water tank monitoring
Lagun table mount
Certified self-contained with green sticker regulations
Joolca GottaGo Cassette Toilet on lockable drawer slides
Hot water and air heating system
Flip Up counter extension
Sirocco 360º Gimbal fan
Bug screens
Magnetic curtain
Pull-out bench top for cooking
Framed artworks
POWER SYSTEM
Ecoflow Power Kit w/ 3600W pure sine wave inverter
Additional Ecoflow 5kWh Power Kit battery
Ecoflow display console w/ Bluetooth capability
DC/DC alternator charging
Shore power plug-in
620W Ecoflow Power Kit Solar System
Water tank monitoring
