Van Conversion
There is a lot of options when it comes to roof racks on vans. With some of those options in the thousands, we decided to construct our own.
Read more “Van Conversion: Ford Transit Roof Rack”
Van Conversion
This is usually the most daunting task for many on van conversions. Mostly because it requires the highest level of technical knowledge and also the higher risk of catastrophic failure if done incorrectly. You should definitely sit down and research your system before starting and I recommend creating a full wiring schematic to use in the installation to prevent any mishaps.
Read more “Van Conversion Electrical System: Designing our System”
Van Conversion
We bought our van on December 15, 2017 in Kansas City, MO. Only a few miles from where they built it at the Kansas City Assembly Plant. We drove it over 600 miles home and were extremely pleased with our decision to buy a Ford Transit. In the following weeks we’d cross 7 states, drive through narrow mountain roads, begin the camper van conversion and complete our first van camping trip with our dogs.
Van Conversion
This was the first real cosmetic project that started to make our van feel more like a home and less like a commercial vehicle. Installing a vinyl floor in a van is not a difficult project nor does it require any previous experience. We took our time and only made a few bad cuts along the way. Here’s how we did it.
Van Conversion
We finally finished the install of the second row bench seats. We’re using factory Ford Transit bench seats with the removable seat rails. I used 1/8″ cold rolled steel to fabricate some plates under the van to bolt the seat rails to. We used 1/2″ Grade 8 bolts, washers, and nylon locking nuts. Cutting the metal and drilling the holes were the biggest pain, as the metal stock was no joke. These are now nearly indestructible seats and ready for years of abuse.
Read more “Van Conversion: Installing 2nd Row Bench Seat in Ford Transit”
Van Conversion
Our first true carpentry project on the van was building our bed platform. We opted for an elevated bed platform that was designed with the intent to keep 4 bikes below it. Slap an 8″ memory foam mattress on and you’re living the life of luxury compared to the many nights backpacking and sleeping on thin sleeping pads.
Van Conversion
Installing a floor in a van conversion is one of the first projects that you’ll need to tackle, as it’s the base for many future projects. Our approach will include a layer of polyiso insulation, plywood and vinyl flooring.
Van Conversion
The factory stereo in our Ford Transit was a base SYNC system with CD, USB, Bluetooth and AM/FM radio. It will play music but leaves much to be desired in terms of audio quality, capability, backup camera and expandability. We decided to swap it for an aftermarket double din head unit from Pioneer. We’ve had Pioneer units in three previous cars with positive results. This time around, we went with the Pioneer 4200NEX for the full list of audio source options, Apple CarPlay functionality and idatalink integration for diagnostic features. Here’s our experience with a Ford Transit stereo installation. Read more “Van Conversion: Ford Transit Stereo Installation”
Van Conversion
Insulating your van is an important and critical step for most conversions. The ability to stay warm or cool goes a long way toward your own comfort and safety. This is one of the most intensely debated topics for van conversions. What material, how to apply it, what glue, etc. Here is how we approached insulation based on extensive research and using what seemed like the most effective methods and materials. This is not the cheapest or most expensive van insulation method.
We will predominantly be staying in above 0° F and below 100° F temperatures during most of our van living. There are several areas in which we could have gone further to improve the insulation but for our goals, this is sufficient. Our primary concerns are staying comfortable while sleeping in the van and maintaining a safe temperature for leaving our dogs in the van while we mountain bike.
Van Conversion
We were in a rush to wrap up some projects so we could hit the road on our first trip. One of those projects was reflectix window covers with some basic insulation. With some reflectix, magnets and duct tape we were able to make some tight-fitting and surprisingly simple window covers. Eventually we will upgrade these basic covers to include better thermal insulation and some nylon fabric. Here is how we made ours for less than $100 bucks.
Van Conversion
A seat swivel seems like a given on any camper van conversion. We chose to install a seat swivel from Swivels R Us in our Ford Transit. Like most van build projects, this was more than a basic bolt-on job, but the results turned out great. Here’s our experience and information to get you started on your own installation.
Read more “Van Conversion: Install Seat Swivel in Ford Transit”
Van Conversion
We bought Griffin, a 2018 Ford Transit Van 250 High Roof, on December 15, 2017. Here is the video tour before we convert it into a full fledged camper van / adventure rig. You can get additional details on the planning here and on our cost to build here.
We plan on doing a lot of mountain biking, camping, urban exploration and more out of Griffin. Check the gallery at the bottom. 🙂
Read more “Introducing “Griffin” – Before the Camper Van Conversion”
Travel
5 am. Wake up. Pants on. Grab bags. Off to the airport. “Did I forget my phone?”… “Nope. Got it.” My brain doesn’t work this early in the morning. After 3 months of waiting, we finally get to pick up our Ford Transit Van (aka Griffin).
Fly to Kansas City to pickup our new 2018 Ford Transit Van at Matt Ford. Then drive 500+ miles back home to Kentucky. Stopping along the way at anything of interest. We were going to just sleep in the van but I had a certificate for a free night at the Marriott, so I might as well use it. Read more “Roadtrip home in our new Ford Transit Van”
Van Conversion
The factory stereo options in the Ford Transit are quite limited and the overall sound quality leaves much to be desired. We plan to replace the head unit, speakers and adding a subwoofer to bring the whole system up to snuff. For the most seamless installation we’re using a Maestro RR unit that connects our aftermarket head unit to the factory system. By using this unit we can keep the steering wheel controls (and custom program them), use the factory backup camera, use Sync (if we want to) and many other existing factory features. Get the full list below.
It also adds in additional functionality like engine gauges in the head unit, engine code scanner and monitor individual tire pressures. We will be installing a Pioneer AVH-4200-NEX head unit but you can check the compatibility on the different head units from the iDatalink website. Our base system consists of the Radio Pack #21 (The AM/FM Stereo with SYNC® (Radio Pack #21) is optional in all Transit models. Includes single-CD player, 4″ multi-function display and message center and leather-wrapped steering wheel with controls for audio and multi-function display.)
Read more “Programming Maestro RR for Ford Transit Camper Van”
Van Conversion
It’s like Christmas everyday and I’m becoming friends with the UPS guy.
We’ve started checking off the obvious items on our build materials list like wire connectors, adhesives, insulation and tools. If you’re interested in keeping up with our material list you can find that here. Everyday another Amazon box appears on the door step. It’s really easy to blow your budget on a conversion if you’re not careful. We’re keeping a detailed spreadsheet of material, parts, costs planned vs spent, etc. to stay on top of it all. I’ve found a few helpful things that has saved us a few bucks already. Read more “Ordering Van Conversion Parts”
Van Conversion
To be honest, this wasn’t step one. There was a lot of research, planning, test driving and discussing that happened first. You can check out all that detail here if you’re interested in that.
Back to the main point.
WE BOUGHT A VAN!
To be more precise, a 2018 Ford Transit High Roof 148″ Wheel Base. To find out why we picked this van read this. This is obviously the first major step and actual commitment to the vanlife and we’re super stoked about it.
