A 3D model is a great way to optimize and validate the interior layout of a campervan conversion. It helped to share and explain ideas between the two of us, and often triggered productive and interesting discussions that pushed the design forward. At last, it simplified the build process and enabled to build only once (first time right!).
1. Ford Transit Conversion 2016
Our First Van Conversion
- T-250 Cargo Van
- 3.7L Ti-VCT V6 Engine
- RWD
- 148″ Wheelbase, Extended Length (EL)
- High Roof
Our first labor of love, this Ford Transit camper van conversion took us throughout Canada, USA and Mexico. 4 years of full time Van Life adventures, unreal!
Note that we didn’t use the Ford Transit 3D scan; this is a simplified model.
2. Ford Transit Conversion 2022
Our Next Chapter
- T-350 Cargo Van
- 3.5L EcoBoost (twin-turbocharged) Engine
- AWD
- 148″ Wheelbase, Extended Length (EL)
- High Roof
- Extended-Range Fuel Tank (31 gal)
This time we’ll be using an actual 3D scan of the Ford Transit. This will help us create customized parts (e.g. attachement brackets) and push the design even further.
3. 3D CAD Resources
3.1. 3D Scan
A 3D scan is a powerful tool for professional builders, upfitters and accessory making businesses working with advanced CAD software. It is not intended for the DIY enthusiast due to the cost and complexity. It is a very accurate (0.005in) representation of the actual thing and can be used, for example, to precisely locate hole patterns and structure elements in the van that can be “transferred” to accessories (e.g. cabinet) for mounting.
3.2. 3D CAD Software
There is a steep learning curve of learning 3D design, but it can be fun and useful (especially with 3D printing getting more and more accessible, it’s now possible to print functional part for real world usage). Here is a short list of affordable 3D CAD design softwares for hobbyist:
- Sketchup: Free and relatively easy to learn. Large library of models shared by the community.
- Autodesk Fusion 360: A bit more advanced, but still accessible. It’s getting quite popular with the 3D printing community, because of the free licence for hobbyist (that might change in the future though). Lot’s of tutorials on YouTube.
3.3. 3D Models Libraries
Thanks to the growing community of 3D designers, it’s possible to re-use existing models and save some time. Here is a quick list of 3D models libraries:
- 3D Warehouse: Sketchup’s library (only compatible with Sketchup). Probably the most extensive and useful for anything van related.
- GrabCad: Very extensive library of 3D models of various formats (solidworks, Fusion 360, Catia, .stl, .iges, etc.).
Thank you for your time and hard work to put this all together. What a great job. I just purchased a Ford Transit Cargo 350L HD EL myself so very interesting to see what you have done. It’s daunting how many options there are. I sorta know what I want then I see something else I like! Just wondering if there is anything you would do differently now that you’ve had time to live with it a bit?
Amazing work you guys. I was looking for some 3D scans and this is a great write-up. I am wondering, how useful was the 3D scan for you overall? I have a lot of experience modeling, but wondering how you could utilize all of the curved surfaces on the 3D scan to accurately create things like wall panels. Do you have any insight? Also, where did you find the bike 3D models?
Thanks!
Bonjour / hello 🙂
I love this blog; Isabelle & Antoine, you inspire me so much!
I’m the proud new owner of a Ford Transit Connect XLT that I plan to live in. If anyone has recommendations, Revit models, furniture ideas, etc., please reply! Thank you!
you realize that the Transit Connect XLT is an entirely DIFFERENT model than the Transit, with TOTALLY DIFFRENT dimensions, so their plans, models, etc. DO NOT APPLY.
The Transit Connect XLT is an entirely different model than the Transit. It’s “apples and oranges”, so their files/dimensions are useless to you.
Hi Antoine and Isabelle,
Roxanne and René here, from St-Cyrille de Wendover, Quebec. On converti un tout nouveau Transit 350 HD AWD DRW (high roof extended) 2020 et on refait notre virée dans l’ouest Américain au plus tôt (3 semaines-13000 km en 2019) On s’enligne tranquillement pour devenir full timer. Je travaille avec SolidWorks 3D depuis 1995, en conception mécanique, mon métier. Je vais tenter de refaire un modèle 3D complet mais plus détaillé de l’espace cargo du Transit. Je vous tiens au courant. Pas besoin de dire que l’on vous suit depuis un moment…
Je vais essayer de développer ‘quelque chose’, un système pour faciliter le montage de composantes et accessoires à l’intérieur du camion. A venir…
Allo!
Un scan détaillé du Transit est disponible ici (148 medium roof medium length): https://www.rapid3d.ca/product-page/2020-ford-transit-van-scans
Bientôt, un modèle pour le 148 high-roof extended-length sera aussi disponible.
Bonne chance dans vos projets 🙂
Salut René, as tu du nouveau avec ton modèle SolidWorks? Je suis en train de travailler sur un modèle du ford transit high roof sur Solidworks egalement On pourrai echanger nos avancements.
Hi Antoine.
I am an architect in Michigan. My wife and I are planning on a ford transit build just like yours. I appreciate your website so much. It is the most detailed and honest presentation out there in this subject. I am going to download your pdf. I was hoping for the 3d but it sounds like you did some creative work to cobble a sprinter van. I would be glad to donate more to get access to you working cad file in 2 d. I will probably build out a model in rhino since that is a software I use more in my industry. I would be glad to share with you and other fans on this page. Let me know if this would be ok with you. Cheers and happy travels. I can’t wait to get my project started now!
Hi Kurt, I work in the design field also and I mostly use Revit with some autocad experience. If you can get a floor plan of a Sprinter…i’d be glad to model that in Revit (and export .dwg or .sat files out). I don’t own a Sprinter yet…but I have been watching Youtube videos and reading blogs. It’s very fascinating. I don’t think we will be full time vanlifers since we have 3 young kids. But I like the idea of creating a custom RV for weekend traveling.
If you can’t find a complete cad file for a Sprinter and have access to laser scanning…that would be another option. If you can get point clouds…I can model it.
I have been on the hunt for a 3d model of a Sprinter, if you track one down could I connect with you on it? When I studied architecture, we used autocad, sketchup, Rhino and oddly Maya. I’m a bit rusty now after all those years, but I would love to work on developing the design and sharing ideas.
Please advise if you are able to do a Sprinter. I would be happy to pay for your help.
Hi,
Did anyone manage to find these 3D cad files?
If so I’d also happily pay for them.
Thanks,
Ian
Hey! Rapid3d now offer 3D scans of the Transit and Sprinter. You can use “FarOutRide” discount code at checkout (10% off). More info here: https://faroutride.com/store/3d-transit/
cheers!
Hi John, love the blog! Just wondering as you mention 3 kids .. where are all these seats?
Hey John – I have the CAD files from Ford (well actually STP files) but they assemble best in Fusion360 and once assembled the file size is HUGE (because it contains every bolt, nut, washer etc). I’m trying to turn it into a nice compressed single unintelligent base van file but I’m not experienced enough in Fusion360 to do that.
Think you can do anything with this to turn it into something a little easier to work with in Revit or sketchup or something?
SALUT
POURQUOI SUR LE PLAN COMPAGNIE 172 POUCES DE LONG ET LE PLAN 3D SEULEMENT 160 DE LONG
MERCI
Je sais pas trop d’où le 172 pouces provient… C’est surement possible de faire rentrer un objet de 172 pouces de long, mais en mesurant notre van on trouve qu’il y’a 160 pouce d’espace utilisable pour une conversion. Donc le 160 pouce est ce que l’on a nous-même mesuré dans l’optique d’une conversion.
Bonne année!
Hey there!
I just wanted to say thank you for your time and commitment to this website. I came across this site while doing research for my Ram Promaster 3500 conversion that it about to take place and I am so pumped with all the information here. I have spent countless hours reading here. This is so helpful. So grateful. I can’t wait to get started. First project is a rough mock up of the interior with cardboard. The layout is key as we will have 2 adults and a 12 year old. Once we nail down the plan we will do electrical!
check us out on instagram, @tnaonthetrail