[SaltShaker]

Much love to all contributors! I have been reading threads for years and finally pulled the trigger on a new 2018 MR 130 white passenger van with ecoboost. I was holding out for the 2020 AWD but Ford was kind enough to not offer the ecoboost engine in the 130 passenger van. I plan to share my conversion story here.

 

[SaltShaker]

Backstory. I selected a 130 WB as this vehicle will be a daily driver and my HOA is really difficult when it comes to camper vans. The loop hole.....passenger vans with up to 10 seats are permitted. After searching for a couple years I found match in Las Vegas for a new 2018 130 with ecoboost. I had the vehicle shipped to Northern California with ease.

 

[SaltShaker]

First item added was basic Husky All Weather mats to protect the front cab. Great fit and quality product.

Husky Liners Fits 2015-19 Ford Transit-150, 2015-19 Ford Transit-250, 2015-19 Ford

Transit-350 Weatherbeater Front Floor Mats https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0142H9CSM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_xagkEb4BT4VX0

 

[SaltShaker]

Major project today......added a pro clip phone holder.

 

[SaltShaker]

Projects #3/4 - Window tint and hood wrap. I added limo tint to rear windows couple shades lighter for driver and passenger side. I also added a clear coat to front window and limo “eye brow” strip to front. This should help reduce heat, protect family from harmful rays, add privacy and of course look cool. Also, had to add the matte black hood wrap!

 

[SaltShaker]

Project #5 - Repair dent some kind soul left on our van on day two of ownership. Of course, this was my wife’s first drive to Target which she tried to conceal but I could smell the dent as she was driving up the street.

 

[SaltShaker]

Project #6 - Slider door stop. The sliding door is pretty massive/heavy and if parked on a slope can get away from you or pull the littles with it. I decided to add a door stop to access the first row only as this provides privacy and a bumper to slow the door down. Takes a little push to get it closed.

Norton Fab Door Stop

 

[SaltShaker]

Project #8 - Scotchguard all seats. Planned to keep the stock seats and was advised to scotchguard them as the little ones tend to destroy things.

 

[SaltShaker]

Project #9 - Sound Deadening. Love to take credit for this one but worked with upfitter VANco NorCal based out of Sacramento to do the first of several interior projects. VANco and Ryan have been awesome to work with thus far. They have been extremely patient over the past two years in reviewing my design and adding suggestions. Yesterday they removed the interior headliner, seats and flooring and started on the sound deadening.

 

[SaltShaker]

Project #10 - Van is at the upfitter VanCo NorCal and they are working on the insulation. We are doing a double layer of Thinsulate.

They are doing a great job so far and have been kind to provide photos of their progress.

 

[SaltShaker]

Project #11 - Move second row rear seats back 5 inches. Needed to have rails cut to move row back to add room for passengers and car seats. I had VanCo NorCal work their magic!

 

[SaltShaker]

Project #12 - Upgrade crappy stock stereo. I did quite a bit of research on the head unit. Questions we considered....Do we want to play CDs, DVD, have backup camera linked, and connect vehicle information like tire pressure? I decided to ditch CD / DVD player but upgrade to Navigation. I went with the Kenwood DNR476S. I wanted Navigation in case we are deep in a national park and liked the look and Garmin Navigation. Still need to play with it but happy with the transformation. Vanco NorCal had their team do the install. I originally was going to do work at BestBuy but cost was comparable and my local Best Buy was short a certified installer. Nice to include the project with other work as well.

 

[SaltShaker]

Project #12 - Upgrade crappy stock stereo. I did quite a bit of research on the head unit. Questions we considered....Do we want to play CDs, DVD, have backup camera linked, and connect vehicle information like tire pressure? I decided to ditch CD / DVD player but upgrade to Navigation. I went with the Kenwood DNR476S. I wanted Navigation in case we are deep in a national park and liked the look and Garmin Navigation. Still need to play with it but happy with the transformation. Vanco NorCal had their team do the install. I originally was going to do work at BestBuy but cost was comparable and my local Best Buy was short a certified installer. Nice to include the project with other work as well.
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[SaltShaker]

Project #11 - Move second row rear seats back 5 inches. Needed to have rails cut to move row back to add room for passengers and car seats. I had VanCo NorCal work their magic!

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We ended up moving seats back 7 inches due to bring options and used the trim piece from the cut on the underside to support bracket. New position has five mounting points instead of three.

 

[SaltShaker]

Project # 13 - VanCo NorCal started Wiring for internal battery system. We are adding several USB charging stations, ceiling puck lights, entry step light and under bed light. Lot’s of wires being pulled.

 

[SaltShaker]

Project # 14 - Install Fan. I went with the Maxx Fan 7500K Smoke W/Remote. The price jumps around on Amazon but the best price was $248 which is when I pulled the trigger. VANco NorCal is doing the electrical and install. Sorry team...the idea of spending a day cutting the hole in roof while keeping my son from sealing my tools was not high on my list.

I figured the remote would come in handy if sleeping in van or driving down the road looking for fresh air. I guess we will see.

 

[SaltShaker]

Project #15 - Install Coin Flooring. Decided on basic black coin flooring but with moving second row seats back seven inches some detailed floor filling was needed before flooring was glued to floor.

 

[SaltShaker]

Project #16 - Bed Design. This is probably the most researched idea with a few requirements in mind. 1) I wanted to be able to transport MTB bikes inside the van on a platform which van also serve as a twin bed. Dirt might be an issue but given cost of bikes these days wanted to conceal on long road trips and use headroom and have lower storage. Given the 130 length a twin is as large as I can get for now while keeping two rows of seats for family transport. 2) I also wanted to have cubby storage. 3) Cover the wood with fabric for finish look. VanCo Norcal is doing a great detailed job thus far. Here are photos of the work in progress:

 

[SaltShaker]

Project #16 - Bed Design. This is probably the most researched idea with a few requirements in mind. 1) I wanted to be able to transport MTB bikes inside the van on a platform which van also serve as a twin bed. Dirt might be an issue but given cost of bikes these days wanted to conceal on long road trips and use headroom and have lower storage. Given the 130 length a twin is as large as I can get for now while keeping two rows of seats for family transport. 2) I also wanted to have cubby storage. 3) Cover the wood with fabric for finish look. VanCo Norcal is doing a great detailed job thus far. Here are photos of the work in progress:

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View attachment 133168

 

[SaltShaker]

Project # 14 - Install Fan. I went with the Maxx Fan 7500K Smoke W/Remote. The price jumps around on Amazon but the best price was $248 which is when I pulled the trigger. VANco NorCal is doing the electrical and install. Sorry team...the idea of spending a day cutting the hole in roof while keeping my son from sealing my tools was not high on my list.
View attachment 132810
I figured the remote would come in handy if sleeping in van or driving down the road looking for fresh air. I guess we will see.