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Ursa Minor Turns the Ford Transit Connect into a Pop-Top Mini-Campervan

Ursa Minor’s Transit Connect pop-top adds an 84 × 44-inch loft and a small rear standing area. Check van eligibility, added height, roof-load limits and custom installation availability before requesting a quote.
Entry266 Date Time4 min MechanicCarCody Team
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Ursa Minor’s pop-top conversion gives an eligible Ford Transit Connect a loft bed and a small standing area, making it possible to sleep and change clothes inside a compact van. It is a specialized, Portland-installed conversion—not a do-it-yourself kit—and current work is handled through custom quotes. Before pursuing one, check your van’s year, long-wheelbase configuration and roof, then consider whether the compact sleeping space, added height and front-wheel-drive layout suit your trips.

What does the Transit Connect pop-top conversion add?

The conversion replaces the roof area with a pop-top that creates an upper sleeping loft and room to stand at the rear when the hatch panels are removed. Ursa Minor lists these interior dimensions in its FAQ, revised June 30, 2026:

Area Dimensions Configuration
Loft bed 84 × 44 in Access panels closed
Forward mattress area 54 × 43 in Panels open or removed
Rear standing area 41 × 26 in Both hatch panels removed
Standing height 6–7 ft Varies with the top’s taper

Those figures describe specific areas and configurations, not a full-size interior. The loft is 44 inches wide with its access panels closed; the forward area is smaller when the panels are open or removed. The standing area is a compact space at the rear rather than a claim that you can stand throughout the van. See Ursa Minor’s Transit Connect FAQ for the manufacturer’s details.

Which Transit Connects can be converted?

Ursa Minor’s product page describes second-generation Ford Transit Connects from 2014 to 2023, while its vehicle-specific FAQ identifies 2015–2023 long-wheelbase (LWB) vans. Because those year ranges differ, confirm your exact model year and wheelbase with the installer before making plans. The FAQ says the factory panoramic fixed-glass Vista roof is not accepted; aftermarket roof modifications need case-by-case review.

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Start with the vehicle information and roof details, then ask Ursa Minor to confirm eligibility for your particular van. The company’s Transit Connect product page describes the conversion, but a listing is not confirmation that a specific vehicle will qualify.

How much taller is the van, and what does that mean for clearance?

Ursa Minor lists the converted van at 79 inches (6 feet 7 inches) tall, compared with 72 inches stock, in its FAQ revised June 30, 2026. A rack and towers add at least another 6 inches, depending on the components. Measure the actual vehicle in its intended loaded configuration and check the clearance of garages, parking structures and routes before driving through them; the stated converted height alone does not include every possible rack setup.

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Can you install the pop-top yourself?

No. Ursa Minor says it does not offer the Transit Connect pop-top as a DIY kit and installs these conversions at its facility in Portland, Oregon. The company cites specialized tools and procedures, as well as Ford QVM facility requirements. Its FAQ says Transit Connect installations were consolidated in Oregon in 2023 after Ford announced in late 2022 that it would discontinue the model.

That makes installation location a practical part of the decision: owners need to arrange transport or travel to Portland, in addition to confirming the van qualifies.

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Is the conversion currently available, and what does it cost?

Ursa Minor says regular serial ECamper production stopped in 2025. Its FAQ describes current Transit Connect work as custom one-off quotes, subject to the van’s condition, component availability and shop capacity, while the product page continues to describe the conversion and parts. Availability should therefore be confirmed directly rather than assumed from the product listing. Request a current quote and ask about lead time; no current price or individual lead time is stated on the cited manufacturer pages.

What should you know about racks, roof loads and driving?

Respect the pop-top’s load limits

Ursa Minor’s FAQ gives roof-load limits of 150 lb with the top closed and 50 lb with it open. The company warns that most racks, baskets and boxes exceed its recommended limits, so do not assume that a rack system or its advertised capacity is safe on this top. It identifies the Yakima Landing Pad 6 (SKU 8000226) as a rack component; verify the exact configuration and load with Ursa Minor before carrying gear.

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Account for the drivetrain and ground clearance

Ursa Minor says Transit Connects were front-wheel drive only and that it is not aware of lift kits for this vehicle. This is a compact van conversion, not a four-wheel-drive or lifted off-road build. Consider the surfaces and conditions on your intended routes when deciding whether the base vehicle fits your needs.

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How to decide whether it fits your plans

  • Check compatibility first: confirm model year, LWB wheelbase, factory roof and any modifications with Ursa Minor.
  • Compare the dimensions with how you sleep: the loft’s listed 84 × 44-inch size may not suit every sleeper or bedding setup.
  • Plan around the finished height: measure your actual van and any rack hardware against the clearances you use.
  • Include installation logistics: the work is performed in Portland, and current acceptance depends on a custom quote.
  • Match the vehicle to your routes: the Transit Connect is front-wheel drive, and the conversion does not establish additional ground clearance.

The conversion is most relevant to someone who wants a small van with an upper sleeping area and limited standing room, and who can work with a Portland-based custom installation. If you need a larger standing interior, generous roof cargo capacity or more off-pavement capability, those constraints deserve particular attention before seeking a quote.

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4pcs Roof Rack Grommet Plug Set for Transit Connect 2012-2022, Rear Section Cover
  • Easy Installation: Engineered to meet original equipment manufacturing standards, the plug cover is designed for precise installation on the rear roof rack. This ensures a seamless fit, secure connection, and enhanced stability upon installation.
  • Visual Enhancement: In addition to its functional , the plug aids in boosting the aesthetic appeal of your vehicle. Successfully hiding the unsightly open holes, it adds an extra layer of sleekness to the roof rack system, presenting a refined and complete look.
  • Installation: The plug cover is designed to meet original equipment manufacturing standards, so it can be easily installed on the rear roof rack, ensuring good connection and stability.
  • Applicable Model: Roof rack grommet plug is fit for Transit Connect 2012‑2022 , please confirm whether your model is applicable before buying.
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

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