i've been lurking a few hours

[kitesurfer]

...so i joined up.    I liked what I read.   I've ordered a '16 Ford Transit, 148" low roof and expect delivery mid Jan.  I'm trying to work out some mods without having a vehicle to compare.  I'll build a bed and some storage but what i'm thinking now is the ceiling and walls.  I've seen many use furring strips for attaching ply wood.  What is the beast way to attach furring strips?  Liquid Nails? Gorilla Glue?  i'm hoping there will be a way to screw into a rib.

 

[Langleyc05]

Wow! You work fast! I can't offer any advice. I am too new myself. Welcome to the forum!

 

[GotSmart]

Welcome Newbies.  

For conversion tips try this section.



https://vanlivingforum.com/Forum-Conversions-and-Modifications

I used these myself

 

[GotSmart]

Did it stick?

 

[BradKW]

Hey Kite, welcome!

I've recently been reading through 3 sprinter builds done on the short, 118" WB. While its not what I'm planning, I am picking up some nice, minimalist ideas that look very polished: http://www.hollowsurfboards.com/Alexs2005SprinterConversion.htm

There's a link in there for his step-by-step, which is nicely documented. Backtrack to his main surfboard site, goto Links to find the other two builds.

Only things I don't like are use of fiberglass insulation, and carpet glue...one makes me itch just thinking about it, the other makes me start swearing just thinking about getting it off...

 

[BradKW]

Oh, and assuming you are the same kitesurfer from Transit forums, I think you will find your new van much more comfortable than stealth-RVing on a motorcycle

 

[eDJ_]

Welcome to CRVL,    

I'd invite you to check out the links at the bottom of this post and see if could be of any benefit to you.

 

[cyndi]

Welcome to the CRVL forums, kite surfer! Can't wait to see your mods! We love pictures!!!

To help you learn the ins and outs of these forums, this "Tips & Tricks" post lists some helpful information to get you started. We look forward to hearing more from you.

 

[rvpopeye]

Kitesurfer
Welcome aboard the good ship CRVL !
That rig you're getting will be a great platform to make a super nice (and reliable) vandwelling......you'll find all the ideas you need right here!

 

[akrvbob]

If you have a cargo van then you can use sheet screws to screw straight into the ribs. They do have a tendency to back out so if you can get into them then a bolt would be better.
Bob

 

[kitesurfer]

....so i tried to attach a picture but the max file size is 2048 kbites.  i was hoping to document my build  

I've been camping out of a pickup truck/topper now since the early 90's.  this van will be used to get me from home to wherever without needing a hotel.  I will put up a tent when I get there.   i retired last April and have time to go so that is my plan.  sorry no picture  but i'll  have 2 sea kayaks and a whitewater kayak on top.  Inside under my bed will be 3 kites and 3 kite boards, and somewhere inside will be two bicycles.  I'll be pilling a trailer with a motorcycle on the back.  I Like to camp at Key West in jan/feb and the summer the Smokey mountains  (usually camping off my bike).   my wife still works and will be flying out to meet me for her vacations.  When she is not with me, i will leave my van parked somewhere and throw a tent on my bike and take off the a few days.

I drove from Florida to Colorado last Sept in my miata, picking my wife up at the denver airport.  We camped every night for 10 nights out of that little miata.  It was fun for sure, but the van and motorcycle will be so much more versatile.   

Thanks to all of you who responded.  No one told me to use the search function---THANK YOU!  Searching is how I found this website, and their are more than a few build here for me to read!

 

[BradKW]

Hey, I'm in Key West...I'll pay for kite boarding lessons!

 

[Theadyn]

Hi and Welcome!!

 

[kitesurfer]

Hey, I'm in Key West...I'll pay for kite boarding lessons!

no charge Brad!  I don't know if i will get there this year since my van is late--15 jan says the 
 dealer.

 

[BradKW]

Well good luck on getting your delivery in time to escape winter for a bit! If you've been coming here regularly, odds are good I've seen you over on Higgs or Smathers beach. Sent you a PM with contact info

 

[kitesurfer]

Well good luck on getting your delivery in time to escape winter for a bit! If you've been coming here regularly, odds are good I've seen you over on Higgs or Smathers beach. Sent you a PM with contact info  

Hey Brad, I usually come down in jan for News Years for a couple weeks, camping at Sigsbee's point.

I just made another post over in the beginners into area and forgot all about starting this one. Christmas totally blew my body clock and my memory.  Who drive a Miata from fla to NY  or 3000 miles!

 

[BradKW]

 Who drive a Miata from fla to NY  or 3000 miles!

Obviously in addition to being a kiteboarder, you are an accomplished yoga master as well. Either that or have an odd S/M streak in you...

You're not missing much this weekend...I just got back in town for NY eve and all we have is a town full of very wet tourists.

Trivia point: Sigsbee base has the only DIY car wash in the Keys...and I still have 2yrs left on my RapidGate pass