Top-drawer campervan gets approval for an extension
A small step for mankind? A large stride for a campervan. Ford’s very own Nugget Plus using the long-wheelbase version of its Transit Custom as a base – and those extra centimetres, all 42 of them, make all the difference. That’s compared to the standard Nugget campervan, but a key factor here is it allows sufficient space for the plumbing-in of a Thetford Cassette toilet.
There’s vroom to go with the loo, too. Choose between 128bhp or 148bhp power plants, although note you can only have automatic transmission with the latter. Hybrid and all-electric variants are still some way off.
The Ford Nugget Plus campervan has a good choice of exterior colours (Chrome Blue here) while the likes of alloy wheels, front and rear parking sensors, tyre pressure monitoring system, heated windscreen, perimeter alarm, automatic lights and windscreen wipers all come as standard. Those safety features will also attract a small discount on your campervan insurance with Caravan Guard too!
It’s a thoroughly pleasing vehicle to pilot, too, thanks also to a cab that exudes the same level of quality as the conversion work behind it, which starts with a front seating area and kitchen that are exactly the same as the standard Nugget campervan.
The rear bench seat can take another three passengers, plus it has Isofix, and there’s the bonus of sliding doors on both sides for easy access.
All this becomes the lounge when you’re on-site in the Ford Nugget Plus campervan. A sturdy pedestal leg table screws into place and, although legroom is limited, there’s sufficient space for a well-organised family of four.
There’s extra living space to be had outdoors, however, thanks to the standard wind-out awning as well as two folding chairs and a second, free-standing table.
Aft of the rear seat, there’s walk-around access to a kitchen that runs crossways. It’s that usual trio of typical campervan facilities – a two-ring gas hob and a (separate) sink in matching stainless steel, plus a compressor fridge (in this instance, a 40-litre top-loader). There’s a bit, but not a lot, of permanent worktop and accompanying locker and drawer storage.
The Ford Nugget Plus campervan’s elevating roof is a solid affair – it has its hinges at the front, which in turn gives standing room where it’s most needed, at the back. A ladder gives access to the roof bed, again a superior affair with a one-piece mattress on sprung slats to give extra ventilation and support.
There’s more work involved in converting the rear seat into the second double but, like the bed above, it’s comfortably over 6ft long albeit you sleep with your lower legs extending into the recess under the kitchen.
And then there’s the rest of the back end of this Nugget Plus. There’s a Thetford bench toilet in the rear offside, complete with appropriate roll-out privacy screen and, on the offside, a small pull-down drain-away basin and sockets for adding a shower for use outside with the tailgate up.
There’s a water heater system, too. Other standard features include a diesel-fuelled blown air heater, fresh and waste water tanks, a good array of interior direct and ambient lighting (some dimmable), an equally decent spread of power sockets (mains, 12V and USB), heated cab seats etc, right through to a branded umbrella stowed just inside the offside sliding door.
Verdict: More room, with a loo
Plus: Build quality, Ford/Westfalia heritage, extensive options offerings
Minus: Not the best for storage, cramped lounge
In-a-nutshell: It’s a long story
There’s more information on the Nugget range on the Ford website. Find out more about insuring this or your current motorhome on our campervan insurance page.
Alternatives: Devon Firefly, Wellhouse LUX-XL 2
Ford Nugget Plus factfile
Model | Ford Nugget Plus |
Base vehicle | Ford Transit Custom 340 L2 (LWB) H1 |
Dimensions | 5.34m L x 1.98m W x 2.06m H |
Berths | Four |
Travel seats | Five |
Maximum weight | 3,400kg |
Payload | From 510kg |
MPG estimate | 30-34 |
RRP | From £79,617 on the road |
Safety & security | Rear seat Isofix, front and rear parking sensors, perimeter alarm, tyre pressure monitoring system, immobiliser, stop-start system, electronic stability control, emergency brake assist |
Key options | Automatic transmission and 148bhp engine upgrade (£2,712), metallic paint (£780), side running boards (£720), towbar (from £225), ICE Pack 25 (£912, for 8in touchscreen, adaptive cruise control, sat nav etc), Visibility Pack (rear view camera, lane keeping alert and electric folding mirrors) (£660) |
So good I’ve got one. And very nice it is too.