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
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”