FarOutVan: Ford Transit 2016 DIY campervan conversion for MTB & splitboarding

[maryann1976]

This is so cool!! I love the website too. This is the type of van I want.

 

[FarOutRide]

We finally managed to install a swivel adapter on the driver side. With the dual batteries option, we found out the Discounvantruck would not fit so we installed a SwivelsRus:

http://faroutride.com/driver-swivel-seat/

Also, we made a review of both swivel adapters here:

http://faroutride.com/discountvantruck-vs-swivelsrus-swivel-review/

Cheers!

 

[FarOutRide]

We're working on a bunch of small improvements right now. I guess we can say that we are making progress when our "low-priority" jobs are getting bumped up to "medium priority"

1- We finally got the electrical harness out of the way:

2- The water system is under way:

3- The Nature's Head composting toilet is getting installed (thanks to cargovanconversion.com for the RV Floor Vent info!)

4- We're closing the last wall and installing the Sirocco Fan (http://amzn.to/2n5HSsU). We like it because it's mounted on a 3 axis gimbal and will cover ANY angles:

Voilà! Vive le printemps!
Cheers

 

[AbuelaLoca]

Such a gorgeous build!! Very nice work!

 

[FarOutRide]

More development!

We installed our water system. It's such a great improvement over water jugs! The downside is that we "waste" a bit more water because it is so easily accessible, but it's so much more convenient...

Here is the full write-up about the installation:
http://faroutride.com/pressurized-water-system/

Cheers!

 

[highdesertranger]

just a hint, the pump will be much happier mounted at the same level or lower then the tank discharge line. highdesertranger

 

[FarOutRide]

Here is a short article about the EZ-Cool installation.

We debated a lot between the ez-cool coverage: 100% (over exposed metal AND over thinsulate) or only over exposed metal. We finally went for something like 75% coverage: this should provide some of the radiant barrier benefit while keeping the Thinsulate "breathing".

http://faroutride.com/ez-cool-installation/

Cheers!

 

[FarOutRide]

While we should have been worried about conversion details, we wandered how we would make excellent espresso and latte in our van (with minimal electrical power)... We made our homework and we're happy to share the results today!

Everything is hand-powered, except for the milk frothing that is made with the Aeroccino. We found the Aeroccino so simple to use and easy to clean, that we don't mind the 490W claimed power draw.

http://faroutride.com/coffee/

Cheers!

 

[FarOutRide]

We procrastinated for MONTHS about those foam blobs, but finally did something about it...

It is recommended NOT TO modify the Foam Blobs (because of the air bags), but we decided that covering them with fabric should be safe.
Will we die?
Probably.

http://faroutride.com/foam-blobs/

(here is an interesting discussion about removing the foam block: forum thread)

 

[FarOutRide]

We plan on living full time for a year or two in the van. For a minimum of comfort (and convenience), we really wanted a toilet and after reading about composting toilets, it seamed like the perfect solution for us!

It's honestly really easy to install and manage; there is no odor (that's right!) and no black water to deal with. Sweeeeet!

Here is the intallation article:
http://faroutride.com/composting-toilet-installation/

Cheers!

 

[FarOutRide]

We knew but denied the fact that the fridge requires proper ventilation in order to be efficient... we can definitely feel the heat behind the fridge just by placing our hand!

A fridge is a a heat pump machine. It does not “create” cold; it extracts the heat from inside and releases it to the outside. Our Novakool R5810 fridge is designed to disperse the extracted heat via a series of coils in the back (in fact it’s the case for most refrigerators). The heat inside the fridge is transferred into the ambient air in the cabinet via these coils. If that heat is not evacuated from the cabinet, the coils cannot do their jobs of dispersing the heat. To compensate, the compressor will runs constantly and electrical consumption will increase (not to mention the the fridge lifespan is decreased!). The refrigerator is the most energy-using appliance in the van; let’s make things right and add some ventilation!

Of course, we were inspired by Orton's floor vent! Thanks Orton!

http://faroutride.com/fridge-floor-vent/

When all the doors of the van are closed and the Maxxfan is running, we can definitely feel a draft coming from the floor vent. Nice!

 

[FarOutRide]

While the use of induction cooktops seems increasingly popular, we decided to stick with propane to minimize the demand on the electrical system (as winter already put a lot of pressure on it). This would also allows us to install an Atwood Range with an oven (we enjoy cooking a lot) and allows to use other portable appliances such as a propane shower (Mr Heater BOSS) and a backup heating source (Mr Heater Buddy). For convenience (easy to fill or swap), we went with a BBQ-style 20lbs propane tank that we store inside the van in a propane locker (sealed & vented through the floor) that we built (for safety sake). We have an adapter to use the 20lbs tank in lieu of the 1 pound camping propane bottles for portable appliances.

Here is the installation article:
http://faroutride.com/propane-system/

Cheers!!

 

[FarOutRide]

We just upgraded the pressurized water system (http://faroutride.com/pressurized-water-system/) with a quick-access shower/bike-wash/filling-station.
It's actually really convenient to fill our hydration pack or wash our legs/feet after a muddy ride!

Good product, we found it on Amazon: http://amzn.to/2tDWePz

Next on the to-do list: Air Lift 5000 Ultimate Air Spring kit #88213 (http://amzn.to/2tnJuBr) + Wireless Controller #72000 (http://amzn.to/2uAo6Zl).

 

[AbuelaLoca]

Love that! Thanks for the link... your build is looking great!

 

[FarOutRide]

We hesitated a lot of getting the extended-length Transit, knowing that it would limit our off-road capability. Indeed, it did not take too long before we bent the metal bracket that holds the trailer wiring in the back...

We're still happy with the extended-length (we'll spend more than a year in the van, so space is crucial), but we wanted to improve the overhang ground clearance a little. With the Air Lift Springs Kit (Ford Transit specific kit #88213) and the Wireless On-Board Compressor (#72000), we can raise the overhang height up to 3 inches on-the-fly! (and lower it back down back on paved road).

Here is the installation write-up (there is a video of the Air Lift in action inside):
http://faroutride.com/air-lift-springs-installation/

Good day!

 

[FarOutRide]

And here is the only part of the conversion we didn't build ourselves: the mosquito screens. We've seen them installed on other vans near our area and we just knew we couldn't match the quality and functionality of those (and it would take us forever to make).

They're completely "hermetic", the rear door fabric is waterproof (we will shower back there) and the magnetic door works really really well. It's truly an outstanding product, but it comes at a truly high price tag... moreover, they're custom made by a small local company north of Montreal and they insist on installing it themselves because the magnetic door is sensitive to installation. So I doubt they ship them, but you could always drop them a line: http://rolef.ca/ (there is an option for "english" in the menu...)

They are hold by the door seals, velcro and some sheet metal screws where the tension is higher.

No more bugs!

[video=youtube]

 

[FarOutRide]

In exactly 5 days, we move in the van! No more house!

We're in the process of packing the van. 
One does not simply pack a van… as stuff is added, more shelves & hooks & baskets & misc-wicked-storage-features are added to make room for everything. Test drive, realize everything is falling off, add features-so-things-wont-move, repeat.

And all the unfinished business ("yeah we'll just do that later") popup, so this is really time consuming...

We're exhausted, but we're fueled by the adrenaline rush!

A few pictures of the latest work:
http://faroutride.com/5-days/

Note: yeah, we have a lot of stuff in the van. But this is all we own now, we did not rent storage space. Bikes, boards, climbing gear, bed, BBQ and a toilet; life will be simple for the next year of so!


Cheers!

 

[Patrick46]

Outstanding build you've got here!!!

(can I come with you??)


Best of Luck with this new great adventure!

 

[FinallyFree]

Beautiful job and ty for the info on the screens, exactly what I'm looking for.

 

[AbuelaLoca]

Counting down!! Congrats! One more day now?