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quoteA Ford-based campervan bargain
You’ll go a long way to pip this price for a brand new campervan using Ford’s latest Transit Custom as its base. Especially what you consider a spec’ list that includes automatic transmission as standard, along with a whole host of safety features.
New to the UK for the 2025 season, there are two initial Panama campervans. In this video, we take a look around the all-new Panama P/12 campervan:
It’s an all-new manufacturer, but part of the extensive Trigano empire that includes the likes of Chausson, Rimor, Mobilvetta, Roller Team and more in its portfolio, as well as the UK’s own Auto-Sleepers and Auto-Trail.
The Panama conversion work takes place in a specialist factory in Spain, with exports all fully handled for the UK – including the sliding door on our nearside.
It’s a typical campervan layout, with laminate-finished furniture along the offside housing the kitchen and other storage options.
There’s a typical two-burner gas hob and sink combination unit and a small section of worktop. Storage includes a tiny cutlery drawer and tambour-doored lockers and cubby holes, plus there’s a 42-litre compressor fridge.
The Panama P/12 campervan could well be your flexible friend, too. There’s safe travel seating for five as standard, but you could add another two – ideal for school runs etc – for when you’re not going away camping.
Meanwhile, in leisure mode, there’s the real bonus of a Mobiframe sliding rear seat/bed, which means incredible flexibility when it comes to prioritising luggage carrying as well as daytime living.
The cab seats are particularly easy to swivel, and there’s a table to clip on to the side of the furniture unit or can be used free-standing outside. Its safe travel storage spot is on the back of the rear seat.
Overhead, the Panama P/12 campervan has an SCA elevating roof, with a particularly comfortable double bed thanks to the extra support of Froli plastic springs. This is also the larger bed, at 1.98m x 1.16m; the bed from the seating below is 1.89m x 1.14m.
The roof canvas includes a window panel and mesh to three sides, plus all of the whole front area can be removed as needed.
Ford’s latest Transit Custom has added kudos for the simple fact that it’s being made in collaboration with Volkswagen (and will also be badged as the T7 Transporter).
As well as the smooth eight-speed auto, you get the latest 136PS engine as the only power offering, which generates a healthy 266lb.ft (360Nm) at 1,500-2,500rpm and should be good for 40mpg in the right hands.
The standard Panama campervan specification also includes heating from a 2kW diesel-fuelled Webasto unit. And fresh and waste water tanks – 50 and 32 litres respectively.
You even get a Thetford Porta Potti 335, with a dedicated locker next to the fridge.
A bigger surprise is the inclusion of an inverter as standard. Plus there’s a good mix of USB, mains and 12V sockets in the living quarters – something to bear in mind especially as, although there’s sufficient strip lighting, you might rue the lack of reading lamps.
You could forgive a lot for a campervan at this price. In truth, there’s not a lot to forgive.
To find out more about insuring a Panama or your current campervan visit our campervan insurance discounts page.
Verdict: Razor sharp pricing for a brand new Ford-based camper
Plus: Flexible seating, latest Ford base
Minus: Not the best for storage… or interior lighting
In-a-nutshell: Bargain camper hits the sweet spot
Alternatives: Autohaus GT Spartan, Redline Sport GT, , Wellhouse Leisure Flex
Panama P/12 factfile
| Model | Panama P/12 |
| Base vehicle | Ford Transit Custom |
| Dimensions | 5.05m L x 2.15m W x 2.06m H |
| Berths | Four |
| Travel seats | Five |
| Maximum weight | 3,175kg |
| Payload | 617kg |
| MPG estimate | 36-42 |
| RRP | From £59,995 |
| Safety & security | Pre-collision assist with automatic emergency braking, hill-start assist, cruise control with intelligent speed assist, rear camera, front and rear parking sensors, Isofix on rear seat, torque vectoring control, lane-keeping alert, driver alert, speed sign recognition, sidewind stabilisation, tyre pressure monitoring system, wrong way alert, trailer sway control, carbon monoxide and smoke alarms, fire extinguisher, electronic immobiliser, electronic handbrake, automatic lights and windscreen wipers |
| Key options | Additional rear seats (£950 each), dog/pet carrier crate (£399), tailgate chair carrier with two seats (£399), floor carpet (£299), towbar (£995), 250Watt solar panel (£899), Thule awning (£1,195) |
Great product review, will be interesting to see the T7 price compared to the Ford.
GOOD REVIEW BUT DON’T FORGET TIMING BELT RUNNING IN OIL IS POOR AUTOMOTIVE
PRACTICE !!! REGARDLESS OF HOW OFTEN OIL IS CHANGED.
Hi Mike, not sure which part of the review your comment is referring to.
Fantastic information and a great product and looks like an amazing conversion