Wilma vs. Wilford: Which Ford Transit Is Best For You

If you’re drawn to the Ford Transit van, but are still deciding between the mid-roof Wilma or the high-roof Wilford, we’re here to help. Choosing between the two can feel a bit like standing at a fork in the trail. They both lead somewhere awesome, just with slightly different views along the way. 

From the outside, our two Ford Transit conversions are practically twins. Same length, same wheelbase, same AWD adventure-ready spirit. But once you step inside, the camping experience is a bit different.

If you would rather see it all side by side, we put together a full video comparison that walks through the details. Take a few minutes to watch, then scroll on for the deeper dive.

First Things First: The Bones (aka Dimensions)

Both Wilma and Wilford are built on the all-wheel-drive, 148″ wheelbase Ford Transit cargo van. That means:

• Same exterior length: 19 feet, 8 inches
• Same easy-to-drive footprint
• Same ease of parking in a normal spot at the grocery store

Where they split paths is roof height.

Wilma = Mid-Roof

• Exterior height: 8’3″
• Interior standing room: 5’8″ down the center

Wilford = High-Roof

• Exterior height: 9’2″
• Interior standing room: 6’4″ – the tallest in our lineup

Wilma’s mid-roof gives you a slightly nimbler, lower-profile ride. You may clear a few more awnings, branches, and low overhangs, and some folks just like the cozier feel on the road.

Wilford, on the other hand, is the dream for taller humans looking to maximize the headroom.

And a quick note for anyone taller than 5’8″ eyeing Wilma: don’t let that number automatically scare you off. If you’ve car camped, slept in a rooftop tent, or spent time in a small pull-behind trailer, you already know that being able to stand fully upright isn’t a requirement for loving a space that’s primarily used for sleeping, sitting, and driving. It’s nice, but it’s not everything.

Wilma pictured in the front with an 8’3″ exterior. Wilford in the background at 9’2

Layouts: Same System, Different Details

Inside, both vans follow Wayfarer’s approach to simple, reliable, modular camper vans conversions. Within the base Wilma and Wilford conversions, you’ll find:

• A kitchen galley
• Two boot boxes
• A Lagun table
• Multiple layout options
• Access to all our usual accessories (extra seats, heating and cooling upgrades, power solutions, and more)

Where things shift a bit is storage and vertical space.

Cabinets + Storage

Thanks to the extra height, Wilford can fit:

• A larger upper cabinet up front
• Bigger cabinets over each side of the bed

That’s more enclosed storage for clothes, food, and all of your adventure gear.

Wilma still gives you upper cabinets, just slightly smaller. And in the back, we swap one cabinet for a soft storage pouch. That tradeoff still gives you storage space, but prevents you from bonking your head on a hard cabinet in the middle of the night.

Wilford’s upper cabinets

Wilma’s storage pockets

Sleeping Setups: Your Nights, Your Way

Both vans offer the same two main bed layouts, so you’re not giving up sleeping comfort either way.

Option 1: Rear Bed + Gear Garage

• Sleeps two adults
• About 6’1″ wide across the back
• Huge gear garage underneath for bikes, boards, skis, and the rest of your adventure toys

Option 2: Twin Bed Dinette (Colorado King)

• Bed length: 6’4″
• North–south orientation (no climbing over your partner at 2 a.m.)
• Converts into a roomy daytime seating and work area

Let’s Talk Budget

Here’s where things can help make the decision a little clearer.

Wilma typically comes in about $5,000 less than Wilford. Why?

• The high-roof van makes the vehicle a bit more expensive
• Wilford’s larger cabinets add a bit to the conversion cost

So if budget is a big factor, Wilma’s lower price point can be a sweet spot. If headroom and extra cabinet space are high on your wish list, Wilford may feel worth every penny.

So… Which One’s “Better”?

Truthfully? It all depends on your priorities.

We’ve converted more than 1,200 vans, and we love camping in both of these builds.

• Wilma = cozy, nimble, a little more budget-friendly
• Wilford = spacious, packed with storage, and a favorite for tall folks 

It really comes down to how you’ll use your van and what you need to be comfortable for weekend, week-long or year-round trips in your van.

The Good News

Whichever way you go, you’re getting the same high-quality Wayfarer Vans conversion. We take care of the details so you can focus on the good stuff: campfires, trail days, and which national park you’re visiting next.

Talk to a Journey Architect

If you’re still torn, that’s what we’re here for. Reach out to a Journey Architect, ask questions, and we’ll help you figure out which van is going to be best for your future adventures.