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.
Gear Review
There is no shortage of dry bags on the market and many from well known brands with higher price tags. We were provided with another lower cost option from a lesser known brand for testing. After a summer of trips and testing we can say that the overall build quality, seal and features makes it a worthy option if you’re in the market for a waterproof bag for your next adventure.
Read more “Review: OUTXE TPU Waterproof Bag”
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.
Destination
Outdoor Wanderlust recently visited Carter Caves State Park. We had a great time at a lesser known Kentucky State Park even with heavy rain. This park should be on your to do list if you’re passing through eastern Kentucky. Here is the full report of the lodge, nearby hiking trails, rock bridges, and Cave Tours. Read more “Carter Caves State Park Trip Report”
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.
Camping
I have a confession to make. When the other half of Outdoor Wanderlust said we would add the Grand Canyon to our itinerary, I envisioned every cliché road trip from the comedy movies of my childhood. I lacked the wisdom at that time to understand why clichés are developed. Our stop along Hoover Dam on the way did not disabuse me of the idea the canyon would be underwhelming. I found Hoover Dam to be an impressive feat of human engineering. But, that much concrete just did not impress my outdoor loving soul. I was a fool to underestimate the Grand Canyon, however, and I’m not too proud to admit it. Read more “Exploring the Grand Canyon’s South Rim”
Destination
Just outside of Columbus, Ohio lies Hocking Hills State Park, a diverse outdoor destination with waterfalls, caves, rock features, and beautiful hiking trails. We took a trip here with our two dogs this past summer and had a great time. The unique rock formations and waterfalls were awesome but the crowds during mid-day were not. Read more “Exploring Hocking Hills State Park”
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.
Camping
Our outdoor adventures have exposed us to a number of situations from no-cooking to campfire kitchens, to backpacking stoves. This article will talk a little bit about my favorite camp food staples while traveling and experiencing the outdoors. I have unique opinions in part due to the various dietary preferences I have explored over time, including veganism, vegetarian, whole foods plant-based, and the true omnivore experience. In this article, I will discuss some of the most simple foods I eat on the trail, on the go, or in the queue for the Sistine Chapel. Read more “Staples in our Camp Food Pantry”
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”
Destination
As with many of our adventures, a spontaneous idea quickly transformed into an amazing experience. This particular time the idea landed us on top of Mount Colden in sub-freezing temperatures during the tail end of the winter season. The idea to bag a peak in the ADK came up while planning a sales trip to New York for my job with one of my colleagues who was pursuing the Adirondack 46ers. Hanging around for the weekend after our planned work events gave us the single overnighter we needed to bag a peak, play in the snow, and visit Lake Placid. My wife snagged a Friday evening flight and met me in Albany, NY for a late night gear check and pre-hike logistics. A hearty crew of seven met up early in the morning to drive north so we could leave the trail head by sun up.
Read more “Winter summit of Mount Colden in the Adirondacks”
Camping
We travel so much, that sometimes I struggle to keep everything straight in my mind. I am much more likely to remember moments and then work to place them in time and location. Several of my most cherished are from our trip to the Indiana Dunes State Park and Lake Michigan.
We drove up for a relatively short trip over an extended weekend, with our two dogs. We don’t often get to travel to truly new places with our dogs, and it has been a long time since we took a non-backcountry trip with them by ourselves. Since discovering mountain biking usually the dogs tag along on group bike trips. I love traveling with my dogs. Despite Ripley’s carsickness and resulting human stress, I always feel better when my dogs are with me. This trip was extremely dog friendly, we never had to leave them in the car while we ran into a restaurant or went for a ride or a hike. Read more “Dogs on the Indiana Sand Dunes”