Van Build #2 (2018 Ford Transit)

I bought the Ford Transit in Fall of 2021. I chose the Ford version of the van because we had a break down on a trip and were left at the mercy of a specific dealer and had to wait the weekend until they could open up again and find our parts. (We did get to meet Alice Cooper in the mean time so I actually have pretty great memories of that weekend). I learned that the Ford is easily worked on by any mechanic, parts are easy to find too. I liked having the Sprinter but decided on a Ford knowing that I eventually wanted electric, with the hopes that I will start a new build in 2025 or thereabouts.

This page should document the different design decisions I made.

Design Intention

I wanted a vehicle that was useful as an everyday, but was also a great weekend trip vehicle and could also be used for short trips and sleeping too if needed. I focused on insulating, and modular layouts so the vehicle could host a group of 8, carry a truck load of mulch, provide a warm office while my kid was at dance lessons, or move furniture or lumber from the lumber yard. I think Vans are the perfect vehicle for this, I am selling this one because I am moving to electric.

I obviously didn’t finish it but it could easily be finished with some final paneling or fabric or could be deconstructed and rebuild to a different layout.

Here are a few features/designs:

Mounting Points

I added rivnuts almost everywhere. I waffled between using the size that fit the available hole or making one standard bolt in the whole van which required drilling out the smaller holes and then repainting them to hold off rust. I used M8 rivnuts all over the walls and ceiling. I tried to anchor as many things as I could including the boards running the length of the vehicle. I also tried to keep them exposed when I could so that D hooks could be attached when needed for more tiedown points.

Removable cabinets

I build upper shelves to hold removable cabinets. I like to take the cabinets into the grocery store or if I am packing for a trip they can con me into the house and stack as we pack. I would often keep sets of things in them, like everything I need for mountain biking in one, small tools in another, and snacks in another one. I really like this feature and plan to do a similar option in my next build.

Insulation Strategy

Instead of stuffing cavity’s with insulation I opted to create a tight seal with polyiso as recommended by Gary from Build A Green RV. The mid cab is fully insulated but the doors could still use a little more if you wanted a super tight seal. The floor has 1” underneath so it is very well sealed from below. I then placed the original 3/8” board from the previous owner back on top of the floor insulation.

Layout

Divided the vehicle into 3 sections: Front Cabin, Mid Cab, and rear/dirty entry/storage.

Power System

I built a roughly 5kw lifopo4 scooter battery system. 12v packs with their own bms in parallel in two groups both with 100amp circuit breakers. A 12v fuse panel as well as a 2k inverter with a 40amp charger which runs tot he outside of the vehicle. There are two small heaters within each battery bank so it can be left in the cold. I keep it plugged in in the winter and the insulation should be rechecked just to make sure it is tight.

Bench/Platform/Desk/Foldup

The mid-cab is best insulated and closed off by a sliding door/closet. On either side are benches that can fold out of the way or fold down into bench formation. They can also fold up and create platform for more storage or can be a bed too. Boards can be placed above the shelves and skis or sleds can be stored at a third level. You can pack a whole lot of stuff.

Bulk Head

3 bays of starve for blankets, umbrellas, hamacks, soft things.

What I would do next:

It needs a finish layer. I would glue down canvas and add trim boards to do the finish of the walls and doors.

I would finish a wall by the slider door which would make the entry smaller but easier to insulate. The curtain can go across for more heat retention in winter.

I would just put hooks for backpacks but the cooler can also go there.

There are some extra junction boxes so  more outlets could be added if needed. I really just didn’t need them.

The back could be better developed or left as is. I envisioned a possible shower space or very wet space. Also with a curtain between the back and mid-cab you can enter into the back during the winter and keep the heat in the mid and front. I hang bikes in the back, store tools on the walls, or kept a sink with toilet. I planned to put in a microwave up high as well but never did.

Related Posts

---