Meet Mr. Pickles

I've documented a few details of my build in my intro post but want to get it here where is belongs.

Meet Mr. Pickles

Born in 2015, Mr. Pickles is the lightest (150) of the three brothers but is the second tallest (148" wb, standard). He was named Mr. Pickles for his green color.

The Van:
2015 Ford Transit 150 Cargo 148" Medium Roof - Green Gem Metallic
- windows all the way around with front row flip outs
- 3.7 V6
- dual battery option

For the build we wanted to keep it minimalist/simplistic as possible without being uncomfortable. We figured it is better to get plenty of trips under our belt to assess our needs. Additionally, we like looking at what others did and learn from their experiences. I think the more important consideration for the simplist approach was time/money/skills. I don't have much of the three (or the tools) to do a build like some of the others.

Build details: so far and preliminary...
***RB Components Sleeper Sofa - at first I was going to build a platform bed but after seeing another Transit at Doheny with the Sleeper Sofa, I scrapped the platform bed.
***Maxxair Maxxfan Deluxe 4 Speed
***The roof is sprayed with Linex in a grey (light as possible) to protect the roof // keep from having to wax it and hopefully not be as hot as the dark green paint. The previous owner lost a battle with some branches or a carport so aesthetically this looks much better. Further, it sealed up any compromised caps from water entering.
***ARB 48Q(?) cooler. We love making Acai bowls for breakfast. Right now it's plugged in to the cigarette lighter but I want to get a Dc Outlet wired up full time so the cooler will always be live.
***Passenger swivel seat - this was totally a want vs need situation but I moved quickly in it solely for the fact that I think it is rad. It does open the van up when hanging inside.
***BedRug VanTred floor mat was ordered on Black Friday. The vantred looked like an easy solution to replacing the factory mat and the padding underneath. My hope is that it will insulate somewhat better and that the floor ridges won't be as noticeable when walking in the van. We will likely use an area rug for decor too.

Still to do:
***Tinted Windows - limo tint across all back and side windows while the windshield will be equipped with Air80. I may but Air80 on the driver and passenger windows. Tint was quoted nearly $1k so I'm a bit slow to move on this. I need to shop it more.
***Surfboard rack - I built a nice surfboard rack that holds 3+ shortboards and am planning to use magnets to attach it to the side of my van (just below my first driver's side rear window. It holds my shortboards vertically and works perfectly. However I may use rivinuts to mount it. For our longboards I either hang them from the ceiling or the floor.
***Cargo Net - I scrapped my initial set up (harbor freight stretchy cargo nets) and am going to order nylon/polyester webbing for my cargo nets. One for the roof (above the sofa) to utilize vertical space (blankets, towels, pillows, etc.) over our sofa sleeper. It can be removed (or the things in the net can be) with ease to gain the space back if we need need the space. Ill also put a cargo net up behind the driver and passenger seats to keep our dog from trying to ride shotgun. Our mini-aussie is spoiled enough; she doesn't need to sit on our laps while driving.
***Installing a shower rod and front curtains for privacy. Or installing a curtain track to contour around the seats so we can still use the swivel seat when parked. While we have a windshield shade we use when parked, we want would like less light while sleeping and less visibility from the front windows. We are still debating between curtains in the back since the window tint will make it dark enough at night and we aren't worried about stealth. My parents' RV has nice blinds but I'm trying to stay clear of those since they're costly. What was your approach to curtains or blinds?
**Insulation - the van got chilly in a camping trip to norcal. I need to insulate the roof and lower side walls. Advice?

Some of our Destinations (in no particular order):
California Coast - we love surfing and cycling so anywhere from San Diego County all the way to Humboldt County offers waves and some pavement to enjoy.
Yellowstone - one of the many national parks we want to check out. I heard about some amazing hot springs nearby as well. We will also visit a friend in Ennis, Montana for some fly fishing.
Yosemite - pretty much all the staples of CA our on our list. I haven't been to Yosemite for 25 years or so.
Lake Tahoe - I'm the Chevy Chase of sledding. My girlfriend snowboards worse than I sled. Our van would get to cold in winter but summer rides around the lake are in order.
Grand Canyon - Solely to see where Joe Dirt's parents abandoned him.
Banff National Park - why not EH!
Vancouver, British Columbia - see above EH!
Pacific Northwest/PDX - since we are going to Canada, we will have to drive back south so why not stop in bicycle friendly Oregon, get some coffee in WA. Coos Bay is on the radar too. As is crater lake (to ride our bike around it).