In this project we install a rear door platform to our Ford Transit. It offers additional cargo-carrying capacity for bikes, Rotopax Gas Can, skis/snowboards, etc. It is versatile, allows to be customized to our needs and it’s easy to swap or reconfigure accessories with season’s change. We especially look forward to having two extra bike mounts outside the van, it’s useful when shuttling with friends or to carry our bikes around when they’re dirty. Let’s get to work!
Table Of Content
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Time
2 or 3 hours
Cost
$1,495 USD
Weight
36 lbs
Material
Item | Description | Quantity | Buy |
---|---|---|---|
Transit Rear Door Platform | Flatline Van Co Rear Door Platform for Ford Transit (2015-present). All necessary hardware included. (Also available: Sprinter Van Rear Door Carrier) | 1 | Flatline Van Co |
Rust Inhibitor | To prevent corrosion on bare edges after drilling. | 1 | Amazon |
Tools
- Ratchet with 13mm Socket
- 9/16 Box Wrench or Socket
- 7/32 Hex Allen Key (provided)
- Power Drill with 3/16″ and 27/64″ drill bits
- Deburring Tool (or countersink bit)
- A helping hand!
Good to Know
Installation
We found that installing the FVC Rear Door Platform is slightly more challenging than installing the FVC Roof Rack or the FVC Nudge Bar. It can still be done by the average DIYer, but it requires some manipulation in order to get the brackets and platform to fit and align correctly (as described later in the installation steps).
Mounting Holes and Surface
The FVC rear door platform is comprised of 1/2″ holes, 3/8″ holes, and 1/2″ x 1.5″ slotted holes. The mounting surface measures 55.25″ tall x 19.625″ wide:
Door Opening
Be aware that with the Rear Door Platform, you loose the ability to open the rear passenger door all the way up to the van body (253°). And the magnetic bumpers won’t help anymore, so be careful when opening the door past 90 degrees. Without any accessories mounted to the platform, here is the maximum opening we are getting:
Installation
1. Bottom Hinge Bracket (Passenger Side)
1.5. Slowly close the door and check the clearance between the P2 bracket and the surrounding structure. If something’s off, fine-tune the bracket position as needed.
2. Top Hinge Bracket (Passenger Side)
3. Remove the interior door panel (Passenger Side)
4. Drill the exterior hole
5. Drill the inside hole
6. Bolt the door platform (Exterior)
6.3. Insert the hardware (3/8″ x 1.5″ flanged hex screw with 3/8″ sealing washer) into the exterior hole:
7. Bolt the door platform (inside)
Align the door backer with the exterior hole’s bolt (hole drilled at step 4) and with the inside hole (hole drilled at step 5). Insert the hardware (3/8 x 1.25 button head screw with oversized washer) into the inside hole and tighten:
Note: Getting the door backer to fit in there is quite challenging, to say the least. We almost gave up but it finally went in with some stubbornness…
8. Tighten All Bolts
Now that all the hardware is in place, tighten everything: top bracket (2 bolts), bottom bracket (2 bolts), exterior bolt (1 bolt), interior bolt (1 bolt). And while you’re at it, double-check that you tightened the factory hinge brackets (6 bolts total with13mm socket).
9. Attach the lower frame brace
Almost done! All that remains is to install the lower frame brace with two bolts:
10. That’s it!
You’re done! Good work 🙂
Compatible Accessories
Pretty much anything can be mounted to the rear door platform. Here are accessories commonly seen on cargo carrier:
Rotopax
A Rotopax (red = gas, yellow = diesel) paired with a mounting kit is the ultimate solution to carry fuel on an adventure!
Shovel
DMOS Compact Delta Shovel with Mount. Telescoping handle (up to 33″) to dig while standing up.
Maxtrax Recovery Boards
We learned the hard way these can be a life saver 🙂 Don’t forget the Mounting Pin Set.
On Second Thought…
First Impressions
As mentioned in the “Good to know” section, installing the rear door platform is a bit more challenging than the others accessories we previously installed. But it works!
Long Term Review
Wait for it!