[orton]

I have been working on the specification for a van to be converted to a DIY stealth motorhome. I have a 08 Sprinter that I converted so this will be the second conversion. If interested in viewing the first conversion go to Sprinter-Source.com and search for "orton - DIY". Comprehensive description of each step of the conversion.
Would appreciate any comments about my choices for the Transit. Have I missed something?


Specification:


R2X: 250 high roof 147.6" WB 9000 GVWR
99M: 3.7 V6
446: 6 speed auto
CB: Charcoal seat color
21D: Charcoal 2 way manual adjust seats with lumbar and armrest
X4L: 4.11 limited slip differential
62C: Aux. heat prep package - no rear controls (LATE)
63E: Dual HD batteries
17B: Fixed side and rear door glass
63C: 220 amp alternator
53K: Modified vehicle wiring with kit
98C: CNG/LPG engine prep package
53B: HD trailer tow package
86F: Two additional keys
67C: Four additional user defined switches
61C: Rear view camera
92E Privacy glass with rear window defrost
68B: Remote start (LATE)
90B: 12 volt rear powerpoint
58V: Single CD radio with 4" screen
85D: Cargo area LED lighting package
60C: Cruise control
60B: Illuminated foot wells
18D: Exterior upgrade package
94C: Front map lights

 

[tmillar]

How exactly does this work? You have to order all of these parts separately and then install them all yourself? That seems like quite a bit of money and time to invest. I hope you have fun doing work like this.

What are you going to do with your Ford Transit once you are finished converting it?

 

[orton]

How exactly does this work? You have to order all of these parts separately and then install them all yourself? That seems like quite a bit of money and time to invest. I hope you have fun doing work like this.

What are you going to do with your Ford Transit once you are finished converting it?

The parts listed are the options available from Ford. When you order it exactly as you want, you have to list each option to get a quote from a dealer. A van off the lot will not have all the options that make building a conversion easier. All these options will be incorporated into the vehicle when it is delivered.


I use my Sprinter as a fully self contained travel vehicle. Has everything in it to be comfortable wherever it is parked. Park in cities and campgrounds.

 

[ted]

When it comes to moving companies buying these, im sure they will be fine with what ever is on the lot, not many things they demand

 

[Chance]

I have been working on the specification for a van to be converted to a DIY stealth motorhome. I have a 08 Sprinter that I converted so this will be the second conversion. If interested in viewing the first conversion go to Sprinter-Source.com and search for "orton - DIY". Comprehensive description of each step of the conversion.
Would appreciate any comments about my choices for the Transit. ......cut.....

Orton, what about the RV Prep Package? Is it already included, is it worth it, and is it even available? Don't know details but since you are building an RV it may be of interest.

By the way, can you provide a link to your Sprinter? I'd like to take a look but think searching the Sprinter forum requires being a member.

 

[DennisV]

98C: CNG/LPG engine prep package ?

Orton


What's up with this ? Putting tanks on it?

 

[orton]

Orton, what about the RV Prep Package? Is it already included, is it worth it, and is it even available? Don't know details but since you are building an RV it may be of interest.

By the way, can you provide a link to your Sprinter? I'd like to take a look but think searching the Sprinter forum requires being a member.

RV package is optional only on XLT wagon, not on van.

There are many separate postings on the conversion. Each about a different part of the work. Many links. I did do a review in one posting.



Orton DIY - Review - Sprinter-Forum

 

[orton]

98C: CNG/LPG engine prep package ?

Orton


What's up with this ? Putting tanks on it?

Maybe, maybe not. Just want to have option if LPG cost becomes considerably less than gas cost. Also would give 700 mile range. Only $315.00 Gives me the option in the future.

 

[Chance]

RV package is optional only on XLT wagon, not on van.

There are many separate postings on the conversion. Each about a different part of the work. Many links. I did do a review in one posting.



Orton DIY - Review - Sprinter-Forum

That seems odd considering so many Class B RVs are based on van and not wagon.

 

[Bouf]

If my review of the order sheet was right. The double battery is only avail with wagon or ambulance package. I hope that isn't right.

 

[tblake]

If my review of the order sheet was right. The double battery is only avail with wagon or ambulance package. I hope that isn't right.

On Page 5 of the ordering guide, optional equipment, for Dual HD batteries (63E) it says:


"Standard with Diesel Engine and optional for Gas Engines for Wagon XL and XLT. Included with Ambulance Prep package (47B and 4F)"


In the chart it shows:


Van O/I (Optional/Included)
Wagon XL S/O (Standard/Optional)
Wagon XLT S/O (Standard/Optional)
Cutaway O/I (Optional/Included)
Chassis Cab O (Optional)


So the guide seems somewhat contradictory. I recall being on some build sites where the dual battery option seemed to be available for all platforms. Elsewhere in the ordering guide it indicates that certain options require the dual HD batteries, such as the Modified Vehicle Wiring System (53K) which is included with the Cutaway and Chassis Cab and optional on the Van and Wagon. This would seem to support that the dual HD batteries are either included or optional on all platforms.

 

[orton]

Option 63 E duel battery is available on the van. I had a local dealer price the van with the duel batteries and the Ford order system did not reject it.

 

[Longboard]

What does Modified Vehicle Wiring System (53K) do? Is it like the Parametric package on the Sprinter?
I'm also moving on from my '08 Sprinter stealth camper, and have narrowed the new vehicle down to the Transit or Sprinter.
I haven't gone through all the options on the Transit yet, because I don't want to spend the time if it turns out to be a vehicle that either is delayed another year or a step down from the Sprinter.

 

[Longboard]

Maybe, maybe not. Just want to have option if LPG cost becomes considerably less than gas cost. Also would give 700 mile range. Only $315.00 Gives me the option in the future.

What else would have to be done in addition to the prep package?

 

[Longboard]

Specification:

R2X: 250 high roof 147.6" WB 9000 GVWR

86F: Two additional keys





I'm thinking about the medium roof since it is tall enough for my family and I to stand up in. The tall is taller than the Sprinter, right? I'm just not 100% sure that my head would clear a Fantastic Fan in the medium or not, gotta see one to verify the mounting positions etc.
Are the keys like the Sprinter's? i.e., impossible to clone?

 

[tblake]

What does Modified Vehicle Wiring System (53K) do? Is it like the Parametric package on the Sprinter?
I'm also moving on from my '08 Sprinter stealth camper, and have narrowed the new vehicle down to the Transit or Sprinter.
I haven't gone through all the options on the Transit yet, because I don't want to spend the time if it turns out to be a vehicle that either is delayed another year or a step down from the Sprinter.

MVWS (53K) includes:
Aux. Fuse Panel (Van and Wagon)
Under-hood powertrain circuit tap-ins
Modified Vehicle Connections for customized wiring harness provisions


Also, the User-Defined Upfitter Switches (4) (67C) requires the HD Alternator and Dual Batteries and includes the Modified Vehicle Wiring System and Customer Connection Point.

 

[Longboard]

Thanks, I'd probably order it.

 

[orton]

What else would have to be done in addition to the prep package?

The expensive part. I am not an expert on the subject but you need a tank and some hardware to get the gas to the engine. As far as I know the prep package just gives you hardened valves and valve seats. Everything else needs to be provided by a third party. I wonder if the intake manifold has provisions for gas intakes?
My reason for buying the option is just to have it possible to use propane in the future if the fuel prices make that logical. For $315.00 it might be good insurance.

 

[Longboard]

Yeah but just like I had thought diesel was the answer who knows what unknowns (nobody) will have to be dealt with by using those alternative fuels. As a % of the purchase price $315 ain't bad for that insurance, but I don't know, I'll have to think about that one for a while.
Then again I have a while, I'm not ordering till I drive one and hear a bit from those who have already taken the plunge.

 

[carryon]

got any photos showcasing your concept of what your plans are?