Meet the Whitney Van build – road tested and ready to go (still under factory powertrain warranty). The Whitney build started with a 2019 Ford Transit Van with the high roof, extended body, and long wheelbase options. It has 16+ feet of living space which includes a bedroom, living area, kitchen, and swivel cockpit chairs. The custom-designed interior, built around aluminum extrusion frame, provides the highest level of durably, lightweight structure, and water & moisture resistance for all your backcountry, beach, and mountain adventures. The build was a passion project, started during Covid, and fully converted over two years into the ultimate open road, off-grid workhorse. Purchased as an empty cargo van in 2020, I fully designed and built it and never planned on selling it … but due to personal reasons, I need to move on from this beauty.
This van features a fully functional water system and pump, with a 30-gallon freshwater tank, kitchen sink, and an off-the-back shower to keep you clean during all your off-grid adventures. The kitchen sink drains into a 7-gallon gray water storage tank which is easily removed and emptied without the need for tools or hook-ups. The freshwater tank is filled via a potable-water rated hose with common garden hose fittings.
All power in the living quarters is provided by a roof-mounted 525-watt solar array attached to a custom fabricated aluminum rack which seamlessly incorporates a separate skylight and exhaust fan into the roof. This combination ensures fresh air flow and helps maintain the overall stealthy look of the build. The rack has also been built to be expanded for extra storage and/or accessories if ever needed. A low-profile cockpit-controlled LED light bar has been added to the front of the roof to round out the topside of the build.
The rooftop solar panels feed an array of three 100Ah deep-cycle lithium batteries and provide AC or DC power, depending on the device. All power is directed to the living space through either the battery-to-battery charge controller or electrical outlets (shore power plug-ins). Powered devices include a dual-zone fridge/freezer, recessed interior lights, reading lights, computer monitor, blender, water pump, interior fans, USB charging stations, and more.
The living space of the van starts behind the cockpit, in the kitchen, equipped with a bar sink, faucet, sealed butchers-block countertop, and 9 soft-close drawers. Both cockpit seats swivel to create seating for this area with a 3rd swiveling seat installed, with a seatbelt. Also, the front of the bed is designed to fold down to create additional bench-style seating. A fold-down table to the exterior creates an outdoor space to the kitchen area. Zoned, recessed, dimmable LED lights provide light and overhead cabinets offer excellent storage options along with an electric fridge/freezer installed for food storage. A wall-mounted computer monitor allows video streaming, remote work, or gaming – if that’s your thing. The bedroom consists of queen-size 3” thick tri-fold mattress designed so that someone 6’+ can sit up comfortably. The zoned recessed overhead lighting and overhead storage continue into this area. The whole interior is finished in stylized painted & sealed pine wood paneling on the ceiling, walls, drawers, and cabinetry. Reading lights and articulating fans have been incorporated for added comfort and convenience. Lastly, the “garage space” under the bed provides for bulk storage and can be converted to a second sleeping space. I have this space configured to pack in an XL-sized 29er mountain bike, surfboard, and snowboarding gear. All electric equipment not needing full-time power has been put on isolation circuits and can be controlled (on/off) at one panel in the kitchen – to minimize power consumption. And no interior would be complete without a composting toilet for when nature calls.
I recently spent 5 weeks in the van travelling from Texas to Vancouver Island and back. It was honestly the trip of a lifetime, during which I was able to see 10 states, 10 national parks, all the while staying the van every night (most often for free) and had zero issues. She performed flawlessly. This van is turnkey and ready to roll for the summer.
*I documented the entire build and in time lapse video but haven’t gotten to fully compiling the footage. However, clips are available upon request.
*Details specs on buildout components also available upon request
