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

[atoine]

Air Lift Suspension Kit Installation

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!

 

[java]

I know its a long ways back at this point, but a large quick fist holds the heater fuel pump well and really dampens the ticking noise.

 

[atoine]

I know its a long ways back at this point, but a large quick fist holds the heater fuel pump well and really dampens the ticking noise.

Oh, thanks for the tip!!

 

[atoine]

Mosquito Screens

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!

http://faroutride.com/mosquito-screens/

 

[macexpress]

Your van keeps getting cooler! I like the screen doors, they look like the best set up that I've seen yet.

 

[atoine]

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!

 

[temporarydweller]

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

Congrats. Excited for you. Such an amazing build, looks great!!!! I'm assuming in 5 days you will then promptly start a "In Progress Adventures" thread. wink wink If your journeys take you anywhere near southern Missouri, PM me. We've got a pretty cool mountain bike park here.

 

[atoine]

Weight Summary

So here we are, we just packed the van and left our home! It feels unreal!

We stopped by the scale and just published the weight summary of our build:

http://faroutride.com/weight-summary/

We are pleased with the conversion added weight, but shocked by the payload we're carrying! It was hard getting rid of things & food we had in the house, so we will have to downsize the van now hihi.

 

[atoine]

Radio Upgrade

We celebrated our first day as full-timers by… doing some upgrade to the van! We upgraded the basic Ford factory radio with a Joying Android aftermarket Radio; it got WiFi, Bluetooth, USB port, SD card Port, 7″ 1024px touchscreen display, yadayadayadablingbling.

Oh we’re glad we went for it! The sound has improved and this thing is much more fun & entertaining to use! Having Google Map displayed on the 7” screen and yelling us driving directions has reduced the number of pilot/co-pilot fights, we must admit!

Here is the full installation write-up:
http://faroutride.com/radio-upgrade/

See you on the road!

 

[atoine]

Today is Day 1

We still have a backlog of conversion articles to write (insulated window covers, rear air-vent floor intake, "garage" final build-out, speakers upgrade); the last weeks were just INSANE, time flew by.

But today's article is pretty special, as it marks the very beginning of our journey on the road. Finally. Today September 1st, we leave everything behind and we just drive (far). Life's good!!


http://faroutride.com/day-1/

 

[atoine]

Speakers Upgrade

We're on the road now and we've been carrying the speakers & thinsulate for too long... it's using too much of our precious living space, so we finally stopped at a Walmart parking in Ohio and did the job!

To make a long story short, we had the factory 2 speakers system and the sound is not that great... So we upgraded for JBL GT7-6C speakers system (6.5" speakers + tweeters) since they seems so popular and the reviews are great.
It's a really nice improvement! The sound is much deeper and clearer after the upgrade, it's really worth it. We also took this opportunity to add Thinsulate to our front doors because we'll hit the Rocky Mountains in a few days and winter is imminent...

Here is the full write-up:
http://faroutride.com/speakers-upgrade/

See you on the road!
Antoine

 

[atoine]

Exterior Shower

We LOVE riding our mountain bikes. It can only means two things:
1-We drink a lot of craft beer
2-We take a lot of showers.

Let's focus on the latest item: http://faroutride.com/exterior-shower/

Cheers!

 

[atoine]

Today marks our first month on the road! Time flies!

We made an article about our lessons learned, van report & some highlights:
http://faroutride.com/first-month/

Cheers!

 

[brianjwilson]

Your van keeps getting cooler! I like the screen doors, they look like the best set up that I've seen yet.

Same here, the screens look great. I need to find someone local to make something similar.

Thanks for continuing to post updates. Just because we aren't commenting much doesn't mean we aren't reading.

 

[atoine]

Same here, the screens look great. I need to find someone local to make something similar.

Thanks for continuing to post updates. Just because we aren't commenting much doesn't mean we aren't reading.

Ahah, good to know!
I'll keep the updates coming!