3D Model of our Ford Transit DIY Campervans

3D Model of our Ford Transit DIY Campervans

Ford Transit Virtual Butter 3D Model
Updated:

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

Faroutride Kitchen 3
  • 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.

Click-to-load-interactive-3D-Model_2016

Rotate: left-click

Pan: right-click

Zoom: scroll wheel


2. Ford Transit Conversion 2022

Our Next Chapter

FarOutRide-New-Van-2021-Ford-Transit-AWD-Blue
  • 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.

Click-to-load-interactive-3D-Model_2022

Rotate: left-click

Pan: right-click

Zoom: scroll wheel


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.).

Want More?


WE’RE JUST GETTING STARTED.

Stay in touch!


JOIN 40,000+ FOLLOWERS VIA FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM OR YOUTUBE:

About us


NICE TO MEET YOU.

About-Us-Narrow

Hello! We’re Isabelle and Antoine 🙂 In 2017, we sold our house (and everything in it), quit our engineering careers, and moved into our self-built campervan. Every day is an opportunity for a new adventure... We’re chasing our dreams, and hopefully it inspires others to do the same!

Heads Up: Exclusive Deals!


Thanks to all of you, we managed to negociate group discount on these. Strength in numbers!