(More photos coming)
Highly functional build, optimized for flexibility and long-term travel, not for Instagram.
tl;dr: This is an off-road capable, all-weather travel beast. Insulated, heated, and cooled. Mounted Starlink. High battery capacity. Solar. DC-DC charging. No Propane. Fresh and grey water system. Composting toilet. This van can take you almost anywhere and keep you comfortable.
Flexibility
The focus of the build is on flexibility. Use it to live in, or take out the bed and mule bags and use it to haul stuff, or something in between.
The bed is comprised of 3 panels sitting on rails that attach to the L-track on the walls. It can be fully removed in <15 mins. This way you can use the van for hauling. Or put a motorbike in the back. Or whatever.
You could hang a hammock from the L-track and use that for sleeping if you want to keep the space more open.
The mule bags can be re-arranged or just removed, as needed.
There’s L-track throughout — wall, ceiling, and floor. You can attach rings, bolts, and other accessories to tie down equipment, hang gear, add storage, or whatever your imagination comes up with.
Climate
Cooling and heating were primary concerns. I traveled with dogs and it was really important to me to be able to leave them “at home” for extended periods, hence the high performance A/C and the large battery bank.
Cooling
The 12v Dometic A/C is extremely efficient and keeps the van cool in hot temps.
Use the awning for shade. In extreme weather, a tarp on the sunny side will get you even more efficiency.
The window covers and havelock wool insulation make a big difference.
In moderate weather running the Maxxfan over the bed and cracking a window is all you need.
The included metal, screened window vents that fit in the front windows allow for ventilation while offering security and protection from rain and bugs.
Also included are full-cover magnetic screens for the front windows.
Heat
The Webasto Airtop 2000 STC is installed under the passenger seat. It runs off gasoline from the vehicle’s gas tank. It’s very efficient, and not too loud. It keeps the cabin toasty in cold weather.
The heater is controlled by a Webasto 2.0 SmartTemp controller.
Again, the insulation and the window covers are a big help.
Power
The van includes a Victron system built around 920Ah (11.78 Kwh) lithium batteries
2x Epoch Elite v2 460ah batteries
Victron Multiplus
2x Victron Orion XS 50a DC-DC chargers
Cerbo GX with mounted touch
screen
Starting with fully charged batteries you can go about a day running the A/C with no charge, or with good sun you can drag it out for days. Without running the A/C, you can go days on a full charge without any recharge.
400W solar panels permanently installed on the roof.
Additional solar port on the rear bumper would accommodate a suitcase solar panel (not included)
2x Victron 50a DC-DC chargers charge the battery while the van is running. Between that and the solar, unless you’re running the Dometic A/C a lot, you rarely need to think about power.
Suspension
The van is AWD and includes modifications to improve its off-road performance.
Increased clearance from the 2″ Quigley lift, plus high clearance extension brackets, and larger tires.
Bilstein shocks give a smooth ride
Off-road tires
Water
The water system is easy-to-use.
The galley features a kitchen sink, with running hot and cool water, and drains into an external undermounted grey-water tank. In addition to the rear shower attachment, you could attach the shower head to the coupling on the sink faucet.
20 Gal internal freshwater tank
15 Gal undermount grey water tank with electric switch
Both fresh and grey-water tanks are heated for cold-weather usage, controlled by switches under the sink.
The grey-water tank drain is controlled by a solenoid on a switch under the sink.
Electric water pump
Electric hot water heater
Outdoor shower hookup in the rear. Gear included for indoor shower setup.
The Van
2022 Ford Transit Hi-Top Crew with extra windows
You’ll see that the window configuration looks like the Transit passenger vans, but these are aftermarket windows.
Large screen, and support for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
Adaptive cruise control
Swivel seats
Backup camera
Limo tint on windows all around, and UV filter on the windshield
Full AdventureWagon wall panel system with integrated L-Track
AdventureWagon mule bags
Fiama awning
Aftermarket bullbar and roofrack
Front and rear spotlights
Side door scene light
Other
Starlink mini with magnetic mount included (I’ll transfer ownership)
Telescoping aluminum ladder
Tuffy document/laptop safe built into the galley
CompoCloset Cuddy with composting bin and bagging bin
Lagun table with bamboo top. One mount on the pillar next to the sliding door. Includes 2nd mount you could attach elsewhere.
Trailer hitch.
12v air compressor.
Bottle jack.
Large CGear sand-free mat.
Some useful dimensions
The standing height in the galley area is about 6’6″. (I’m 6’5″ so height was important for me.)
The bed is a queen. The bed platform is 6’6″ long.
The length of the van is about 21’6″.
Clearance (i.e. external height) is 10′ at the top of the A/C unit on the roof.
The garage space under the bed is 35″. You might be able to move the bed up a notch or two higher. Also, keep in mind the bed platform is comprised of 3 removable panels, so you can make a lot more room, if you need it.
