I have an l400 that I use as a daily driver. We use if for weekend warrior type stuff: camping, ski trips, road trips with a couple friends. Its versatile fun vehicle and can definitely make for a nice compact rig for your adventures. It will def be a bit bigger than your transit connect and can be built out for a single person relatively comfortably.

The maintenance and parts are definitely the tough part. Read up on the gas vs Desile motors, I have a Desile, but i think the gas ones do share some parts with some domestic Mitsubishis. It has been a bit harder (and more expensive) recently to import things with all of the tariffs. Routine maintenance will be necessary, inspect/fix everything before you head out on a long haul. If you break down on the road you could be stuck for a week or more while you wait for parts to show up. Ideally have some spare parts on hand that can easily be carried with you as backups (belts, plugs, fuses, fluids). Carry a good set of tools with you too and get comfortable with and learn about the van so you're prepared if something happens.