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

[atoine]

Foam Blobs Makeover

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)

 

[atoine]

Composting Toilet Installation

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!

 

[Bbasso]

I almost wish I hadn't seen the expresso set up, it's now on the "to do" list.

 

[RVflyfish]

That thing is pretty cool. Even makes a nice crema.

 

[atoine]

I almost wish I hadn't seen the expresso set up, it's now on the "to do" list.

That thing is pretty cool. Even makes a nice crema.

Who said Cappuccinon & Camping doesn't go along?? :coffeedrink:

 

[Weldtec Designs]

Great build thread!
If you decide you want to keep 2 wheel drive and would like a little additional ground clearance we do have a suspension lift in the works.

Keep up the great work.

Jeremy

 

[atoine]

Fridge Floor Vent

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!

 

[_hein_]

Slick DIY gate valve arrangement. We have suggested using 4" diameter dust collection gate valves for this. With a push/pull cable to actuate remotely.

 

[atoine]

Slick DIY gate valve arrangement. We have suggested using 4" diameter dust collection gate valves for this. With a push/pull cable to actuate remotely.

I first tried a waste water gate valve, then a dust collection gate valve, but it turns out there is not enough room for that. I ended with the solution shown in the video and it's working very well after all! Cheaper as well

 

[Woodstockz]

Great build thread!
If you decide you want to keep 2 wheel drive and would like a little additional ground clearance we do have a suspension lift in the works.

Keep up the great work.

Jeremy

:clapping:

Looking forward to seeing what you come up with.

 

[Mat Mobile]

Oh ben tabarnouche!

It's good to see another Montrealer!

Great build!

 

[atoine]

Propane System Installation

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!!

 

[atoine]

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).

 

[Backcountry Pursuit]

I have added so many things to my "Van Wish List" on Amazon from your blog. Your build is awesome.

 

[atoine]

I have added so many things to my "Van Wish List" on Amazon from your blog. Your build is awesome.

I would have though our Wish List would get smaller as the conversion progress, but there is always new stuff that sneaks into the list!!

Thanks for the kind word,
Happy travel!