We introduced the Monthly Updates as a way to get back on track with our van conversion. We are indeed behind schedule and writing these updates is a good opportunity to take a step back, check our progress, organize our work, and keep it up! We also want to keep track of the work we do on this website, because we put a ton of work into it and it would be a bit unfair to judge of our productivity by monitoring the van only 😉 That being said, here is the December 2022 & January 2023 Update!
1- Lagun Table B-Pillar Installation
Done
In the last November 2022 Build Update, we made a Lagun Table B-Pillar Mount 3D printed prototype:
After a few iterations, we settled on a design and we were ready to send it for laser cutting and powder coating. Fast forward a few weeks later:
We’re super happy on how it turned out! It’s a clean install and it looks very “professional” 🙂 You’ll find the full story here (material, cost, tools, how to install, tips, etc.):
The aluminum Lagun Table B-Pillar Mount Plate is up for grabs in our store, but we also created templates to make your own and save a few bucks:
2- Interior Layout Template with Grid
Done
It’s been on our to-do list for quite a long time, but with the help of the Ford Transit 3D Scan we finally took the time to create a template of the Ford Transit interior with grid. There’s a lot of back-and-forth during the preliminary design phase, so a printable template will help you sketch and validate your ideas quickly. It’s also a great way to communicate your thoughts with your build partner and save some frustration (ugh) 
!
3- MPPT Calculator
Done
We also wanted to make a more refined MPPT Solar Charge Controller Calculator for quite a long time, here it is! You can enter the specifications of any solar panel, enter the characteristics of your solar array (number of panels in series/parallel), and the calculator will output the correct MPPT Solar Charge Controller accordingly:
4- Victron Shunt/SmartShunt Enclosure
Done
There is something about exposed conductors that makes me a bit uncomfortable, so I went ahead and made a protective enclosure/cover for the Victron Shunt (BMV series battery monitors) & SmartShunt. It protects against accidental short circuit and physical damage. The bottom part is held by the mounting screws and the top part (cover) is friction fit with the M10 terminal screws. The material is rated for 230F (110C) which is on-par with marine wire insulation rating.
Remove the mounting screws and the wires/connectors from the shunt. Slide down the enclosure over the shunt:
Install the mounting screws and connect the wires to the shunt:
The cover uses friction-fit over the two M10 screws to stay in place:
To install the cover, simply slide it over the two M10 screws:
I had this on my to-do list since we upgraded our battery bank to Lithium a few years ago, when I created a short between the battery (+) and the shunt (-) by accidentally dropping my wrench… it created the PERFECT PATH between the positive terminal and the shunt, what are the odds?! I still have that partially-melted wrench as a reminder… 
I made enclosures for Victron’s shunt because they are far more popular, but I’ll make one for the Simarine as well eventually.
5- More 3D Printed Thingies
Done
Designing stuff for 3D printing has become my principal excuse for not working on the van. There are an unlimited number of problems to solve in this world, and I am getting very proficient at finding them all! I’m adding the .stl files of the van-related ones on the website so those of you with 3D printer can make them:
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Drill Jig for 80/20 Bed Frame Vertical Legs (3D Print File)
US$2.99 -
Jig for 80/20 End Fastener’s Access Hole (3D Print File)
US$2.99 -
Mount for Lolo Racks x Van Rear Door Cargo Platform (3D Print File)
US$9.99 -
Grommet for 2.5 inch Hole (3D Print File)
US$2.99 -
Ford Transit Upfitter Switch Guard (3D Print File)
US$9.99 -
Cup Holder Expander for Ford Transit Large Center Console (2020-present) | 3D Print File
US$9.99 -
Lagun Table Mount Router Template (3D Print File)
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Grommet for Ford Transit D-Pillar (19x26mm) | 3D Print File
US$2.99 -
Aqua-Tainer x Garden Hose Adapter (3D Print File)
US$9.99 -
Lug Nut Covers for AWD Ford Transit Wheels (3D print File)
US$9.99
6- Nudge Bar
Done
It’s been under the Christmas tree for a while, but we finally installed our new Flatline Van Co Nudge Bar! Mad props to Flatline for coming up with a minimalist design that blends beautifully with the curves of the Transit, that’s easy to install, light-weight, and doesn’t interfere with the sensors (adaptive cruise control & park aid):
As usual we documented the entire installation process (material, tools, time, added weight, etc.):
7- Sliding Door Stopper
Done
I’ve been enjoying making stuff during this hiatus from living in the van.
Latest project is a slider door stop, all credits go to Traipsing About for coming up with this idea back in 2014! I thought it would be fun to make my own. The stopper goes onto the track of the slider door and adds an intermediate stop at the location of your choice for added privacy (especially useful on inclined surfaces):
The stopper is bonded to the track using JB Weld. All the details and instructions on the product page:
– Thanks for reading! –
See you next month for the February 2023 update!
All van conversion updates:
It’s August, 2023. Hello from the future! Just wondering why no updates since January. Hope all is well and assume life has simply gotten in the way.
Bonjour Antoine et Isabelle,
I just started planning my not yet arrived 2023 Ram ProMaster 3500 159 Ext van build.
I really appreciate all the generous tips and tutorials available on your website.
I have a question regarding the electrical system in your new van.
You mention that you plan shipping your van in Europe for new adventures.
Since all of Europe is 240v/50Hz, how will you adapt your electrical system for shore power?
Also, it would be nice to follow you on the planning stage (safety, insurance, money, etc), pretty much like you did for your Mexico trip.
Again, thanks for your contribution.
Francois
Antoine, thank you for all the great info and creating these shunt enclosures. Question: can an enclosure box (Project Box ABS Plastic IP65 Waterproof Dustproof Electrical Junction Box Outdoor Enclosure for Electronics) be used to enclose the shunts? Amazon offers them in various sizes. The lid can be modified to be hinged, instead of screwed on.
Would appreciate your thoughts on this.
Hey!
The material is ABS so it can withstand high temps, that should work!
RE, your SLIDING DOOR STOPPER
About three years ago, I was tired of having the sliding door close all the time on me. My driveway is slanted downhill enuf that the door would always roll to a few inches from closed. So I made a little stopper-ramp out of fiberglass and epoxy. It is about 1 cm by 8 cm, and in the middle, about 2 mm thick. I taped it down with packing tape, and have never removed it. It’s positioned at half way open.
So if your van is pointing downhill, like in our driveway, you push the door over the stopper and the door rolls back down to it, and the door stays.
If your van is pointing up hill, you open the door and it rests against the stopper.
If your van is level, it doesn’t matter. But, like sure, the van is never level…
I should probably glue it down some day and get rid of the packing tape…You think?