[TNorth]

Don’t confuse my thread title with van build as “easy” as 1, 2, 3. The title instead reflects my reality. Most of the things I do in my van build, I end up doing three times. The first time, pull that because I see a better way. The second time, pull it to tweak a fit better. The third time, well that’s just enough of that.

My build is defined by three things. 1) I’m big, at 6’4” and just one fish fry short of 300 lbs. Being big affects everything I do with the van. I’m also really rough on stuff. If it’s not sturdy as **** it doesn’t last.

2) Basic and flexible is preferred. My wife and I have paddled all around the country camping out of vans for more than 20 years. Our vans never had much more than a sleeping platform inside and we always lived well. Now we’re newly retired and for the past two years we looked at used Sportsmobiles, RVs and campers. We finally decided we actually liked the flexibility of a basic sleeping van that can be adapted to a lot of different types of trips.

3) While I’m a jerry-rigging savant, I’m utterly inept at quality construction. I don’t have the knowledge, skills or tools to do the build some of you do. I just thoroughly enjoy figuring this Transit puzzle out, learning from all of you, and even taking some risks now and then.

Most of the things in my build have come from what other people have done on this forum, so I hesitated starting a thread. Then I finally decided to post to let others know you don’t need to be great at this stuff to get an assume van. I’ve made tons of mistakes and recovered from all of them. So I’ll share many of my mistakes in future posts, hoping you can avoid them, but hoping more that the fear of making a mistake won’t stop you from trying your build.

 

[TNorth]

I put in 5 windows from Motion Windows. I like the windows because they have a relatively large screened area compared to other aftermarket windows and a friend has had them in his Sprinter for years without any problem. The windows are smaller than the molded area for Ford’s bonded windows. I actually ordered Motion Windows that are made for the ProMaster. The right rear door was one of the limiting dimensions since it is smaller than the left side rear door. Their Sprinter windows were too big for the back doors. I’m very happy with the windows and service from Motion Windows.

Installation was really very easy. As I mentioned in my first post I’ve made mistakes and the mistake I made installing my windows cost me a lot of time. Motion Windows is very clear in their instructions to only use their screws, but their screws were too short to pull the inside and outside frames together, because I had a layer of very stiff minicell foam on the walls inside the van. I carefully measured to make sure I would not pierce through to the outside and installed the windows using longer screws. Well they leaked. I discovered there is an extruded channel in the window to drain water from the slider. While my longer screws did not pierce through to the outside, they did pierce the channel and caused the leaks. It took me several tries to fix the leaks. I finally sealed the holes with epoxy, ground my screws down 1/8 “, drilled a small pilot hole in the epoxy and reinstalled the windows. The inside frame nicely covers the epoxy patches. All is good.

Alignment of the windows took some doing. First you need to make sure they fit inside. Especially the back right door, because it is tight. As you know none of the Transit window frame is square, level or parallel to anything. I sort of split the difference between the top lines and bottom lines. If I was advising someone else on how to align their windows I would say to use the edge of the door as a vertical line and go from there.

Except for my own mistake with the screws, installation of the windows was really very easy.

 

[driley]

I like the way the Windows look. Our van came with the slider door and rear windows, but we want to add a rear side panel window just like yours. Do you have the part number or dimensions for this from Motion Windows?

 

[rascorp]

As I read your introduction, I checked to see your name in upper left hand corner as you description seemed to be talking about me. I'm
a Thanksgiving dinner away from 280lbs at 6"4" or at least I used to be that tall. We traveled 60k plus miles in or Winnebago ERA-Sprinter. Great vehicle but I know it was time for me to build something that "fits" me. I was anxious to get started so I took a 2015 Transit 15 passenger wagon off lot. It had lots of bells & whistles, most of which I wanted anyway. I'm 4 weeks into my conversion. Not knowing much about the where and why of items in vehicle, I just started removing things... removed headliner, 13 seats, flooring and eventually I will finish removing all the metal seat attachment rails..wow, thought I are was going to fall off today. Most of the goodies I will install arrived and some I have picked up at Camping World, Home Depot etc. Having recently sold my Sprinter ERA, I have good idea where I want to put stuff. I "spent" today trying to figure out how to locate the "almost full size" shower (HomeDepot), behind the drivers seat since I decided to place a "pre-blackwater" tank as I learned somewhere that the toilet needs to be directly below the "poop" shoot. Since there was little to no room down below, I installed a small 6 gal blackwater tank and will attach a macerator pump on tank which will pulverize what body does not want and pump it to a 30 gal blackwater final tank, actually located under back driver's side just over the dually wheel well. From there I will provide myself with two pump out systems, one the normal size 3" flex hose terminal fitting with a gate valve and a smaller hose similar to a large garden variety hose. Using a large diverter valve for a choice of exit to sewer at campground or home. As you indicated as well, some things I'm capable of doing myself and some will be left up to good intentioned neighbors. Oh, yes, I was also able to mount the 10 gal propane tank immediately below the shower next to the small blackwater tank. This side seemed safer for LP tank than the side immediately next to the very hot muffler. The beds, two 74 x 34 Denver Mattress, have also been roughed in, my own design and seems like they will work well remembering from a forum member, all items must have dual purpose. The almost full size beds fit comfortably in rear of vehicle, folding up on each side once to make dinette benches, folding up twice to make full use of cargo area for actual cargo! I am not computer savy like most on this forum, so although I'm taking pictures, I have yet to take time to figure out how to upload to this forum, seemingly having to learn how to upload pictures to my computer..

 

[EddieZ]

TNorth -- it's about time! I've been wanting to see what you've been up to. Those windows look great; it's nice to see something different. Side view has a throwback look combined with modern lines, which works well.

rascorp -- sounds like you've really got things figured out... more complex than my minimalism would want to tackle.

I've been working on cabinets. And... looking at the bargain linoleum floor, which I already want to replace, since it's gotten some kayak loading scratches and small tear, and since I've discovered that Home Depot has rubber coin mat. Getting the steel frame bed in place over the floor made me think, "Ah, I'll replace the lino next year." But, putting cabinets over the lino just makes a bigger task for later replacement. So, I guess I'll be removing the bed and putting in new floor cover, before installing cabinets.

 

[foxharp]

I've discovered that Home Depot has rubber coin mat.

are you sure you want rubber? my experience with cleaning/sweeping rubber mats has always been an exercise in frustration. but i'm sure it would be durable.

paul

 

[orton]

are you sure you want rubber? my experience with cleaning/sweeping rubber mats has always been an exercise in frustration. but i'm sure it would be durable.

paul

Had 3/8" reclaimed rubber floor in the Sprinter. Not super easy to clean because it had porous top surface. Sure was nice to kneel on.

Transit build has 3/8" gym mat floor and that has a sealed surface that is easier to clean with a vacuum.

 

[EddieZ]

are you sure you want rubber? my experience with cleaning/sweeping rubber mats has always been an exercise in frustration. but i'm sure it would be durable.

paul

It's actually vinyl. Sweeps and vacuums (and mops) very nicely. Guys use it on garage and shop floors. I've got PVC coin tiles in my shop. I'd wanted the coin mat all along, but, shipping charges killed it. 10 ft wide at HD, means I'll have to buy 12 feet -- phht, if they had 12 ft wide, I'd only need 6 feet. Still works out to best price I've seen, at $20 per linear foot, $240 purchase.

 

[joefromga]

The home Depot coin mat is nice. I have some on back porch. Comes in a roll but flattens out after a while. About 1/8 thick and tough but easy to cut to fit and get in place. They also have diamond plate mat instead of the round coin pattern but same vinyl.

 

[MoFoCo]

How do the windows fit to the curve of the van? Are you doing any on the driver side?

 

[TNorth]

I like the way the Windows look. Our van came with the slider door and rear windows, but we want to add a rear side panel window just like yours. Do you have the part number or dimensions for this from Motion Windows?

The rear panel windows are half sliders. I like them because the add ventilation, I can see the sky from bed and they are high enough to provide privacy.

Here's what I ordered from Motion Windows.
118-1, Ram 118-4 left & right, Ram SS left & right.

 

[TNorth]

rascorp

I think we're similar right down to the white beard I see on your icon.

Your build sounds great. I've debated about propane, almost buying a tank to install and then deciding to wait to see how I do with out it first. I'll likely add it someday, but plenty to keep me busy now.

Can you tell me more about the "Denver Bed" , I'm interested.

 

[TNorth]

TNorth --
I've been working on cabinets. And... looking at the bargain linoleum floor, which I already want to replace, since it's gotten some kayak loading scratches and small tear, and since I've discovered that Home Depot has rubber coin mat. Getting the steel frame bed in place over the floor made me think, "Ah, I'll replace the lino next year." But, putting cabinets over the lino just makes a bigger task for later replacement. So, I guess I'll be removing the bed and putting in new floor cover, before installing cabinets.

I've learn a lot from your build. I sure wish I could weld like you do.

I actually really like the standard black cargo mat that came with the Transit. I scrapped the felt off the back and used it as my floor cover. I filled the corrugated depressions with scrap minicell foam saved from years of boat outfitting. Then I added a ¼” subflooring closed cell mat, then reinstalled the original cargo mat on top of that. I can feel some of the corrugated floor under my bare feet, but it’s very comfortable to stand on and doesn't bother me a bit. I anticipate it will compress over time, so I'll have to see how it feels two years from now. Not installing a wood base saves me some height. I like the penny mat as well, if I ever need to replace my floor cover I'd use coin mat. It's important to me that the floor is seamless. My gear and I can be very wet at times and seamless provides me the opportunity to deal with the very wet a little latter.

 

[TNorth]

How do the windows fit to the curve of the van? Are you doing any on the driver side?

The curve of the sliding door and rear doors fits fine. I was tempted to add an extra layer of foam to the outside frame to compensate for the curve, but I didn't and it wasn't needed.

I think a non-contoured window would work on the Transit, but I'm not sure.

 

[Airedrifter]

Nice. You've done what I was afraid to do. Wife wanted a solid place for the boy, rear air conditioning, and she loved the thought of the curtain air bags. And we needed a family vehicle right then. But, one day I'll get to strip out the back and have at it.

But van aside, I'm interested in a paddler that has accumulated that much foam! I might have enough. I've got a couple of large net bags full. So tell me about this paddling. Do we know each other?

Sawyer

 

[TNorth]

Nice. You've done what I was afraid to do. Wife wanted a solid place for the boy, rear air conditioning, and she loved the thought of the curtain air bags. And we needed a family vehicle right then. But, one day I'll get to strip out the back and have at it.

But van aside, I'm interested in a paddler that has accumulated that much foam! I might have enough. I've got a couple of large net bags full. So tell me about this paddling. Do we know each other?

Sawyer

It's your build I'm jealous of. I'll never have a rack as nice as what you built - wow. I have adopted your Ctek approach and could not be more pleased. Someday a trailer, but not for a while.

My whitewater days are mostly done. We we're open boaters and for 20 years I never missed a spring trip to the SE. I was hard on boats, so lots of minicell. I've oared a few times to support our western trips and really enjoyed it. I think a rubber rig is in our future, thus a trailer someday.

Speaking of trailers, I'm interested in a hitch recommendation that I can install myself, which means an easy install. Plus recomendations that would allow us to carry bikes and still open the back doors. So keep the trailer hitch recommendations coming.

 

[Airedrifter]

Don't I know about an aging paddler. I was a kayaker for years and as I got older I've drifted towards rubber. Get you a really small cataraft and you'll rediscover that old fun without the stress of swimming worries.

I'm not up on installing trailer hitches on this van. Fortunately I got one with the factory model. But they are great "pullers."

We do need to schedule a Transit group paddle this Spring. There are several paddlers here. Maybe a Cheat trip or something like that. I can bring tons of rubber and get a bunch of people on the water.

Don't be stingy! Post some more photos!

Take care,

Sawyer

 

[RandomJoe]

We do need to schedule a Transit group paddle this Spring. There are several paddlers here.

Soon to be another! :laugh: My primary reasons for looking at a Transit are kayaking-related. Currently have a 1998 S-10 and while it's *adequate* for my needs it just doesn't let me do what I really want. Test-drove a 148" WB yesterday and drove it home, backed into the driveway, test-fit my Hobie Outback. Lays on the floor with a couple inches to spare!

I haven't been kayaking very long - was a longtime cyclist, in 2012 I saw kayaks at a rental place they opened up nearby, thought "that'd be a great upper-body workout". Rented one, liked it so much I bought my own within a week. The addiction grew quickly... I now have 4 kayaks (2 sit-in, 2 sit-on), a SUP (that I can't quite use yet - 5 minutes and my legs are cramping!) as well as a Tandem Island sailing trimaran kayak (now that's a mouthful).

Now that I've test-driven a couple of Transits and walked around inside them I think I'm going to order in the next week or two so I can hopefully get it by spring. Want that double-slider option though, that could hold me up... :s

 

[TNorth]

Don't I know about an aging paddler. I was a kayaker for years and as I got older I've drifted towards rubber. Get you a really small cataraft and you'll rediscover that old fun without the stress of swimming worries.

I'm not up on installing trailer hitches on this van. Fortunately I got one with the factory model. But they are great "pullers."

We do need to schedule a Transit group paddle this Spring. There are several paddlers here. Maybe a Cheat trip or something like that. I can bring tons of rubber and get a bunch of people on the water.

Don't be stingy! Post some more photos!

Take care,

Sawyer

A trip down the Cheat would be cool. I've only been on it once, which is never enough. It seems we were more often out of Summersville. All many years ago. I'm heading west, north west with my wife this spring. Won't even take boats, but that's o.k. ... sort of o.k.

More pics ... Ha, I need to get more build done to post more pics.

-scott

 

[kitesurfer]

sign me up for the kayaking trip! kayaks...the reason I ordered the lowroof. I've been paddling ww since early 90, mostly in a kayak. kitesurfing stole the ww time back in 2001, with trips becoming less frequent to non existent. I still have my INAZONE, my virtually brand new Murkey Waters custom surf kayak, 2 Necky sea kayaks, a two hole glass EddyLine sea kayak, and an old glass canoe i'm patching up. I'm going to take the NOC raft guide class in march or april---$450 for 5 days, playing on the rivers, room and board furnished! cheap adv vacation