Everything from our two DIY Ford Transit camper van conversions is here: both build journals, the system guides we wrote along the way, and the free calculators we use to size things.
In 2017, we sold our house (and everything in it), quit our engineering careers, and moved into a Ford Transit we converted ourselves. FarOutVan #1 was a 2016 Transit (3.7L V6, RWD, 148″ wheelbase, extended length, high roof), built with common tools and materials. We tracked everything: $20,150 USD in parts and 640 hours of hands-on work (to be fair, probably closer to 1,000). It then took us across Canada, the USA and Mexico for 4 years of full-time vanlife. Unreal!
Life is about projects, so FarOutVan #2 is in the works: a 2021 Transit with the 3.5L EcoBoost and AWD, same body, about 75% done. Building your own? Start with the order we built things in. All obsessively documented, as usual 🙂
Our Vans
Our very first DIY van conversion. The learning curve was steep, but the van turned out great and we’re super proud of what we accomplished! A no-nonsense, approachable conversion for long term full-time vanlife. Built with common tools and materials; a build anyone can emulate!
PROGRESS: 100%
Dig Deeper:
Build Journal
Follow along as we obsessively documented the conversion (start-to-finish).
Van Tour
We’ve got all the angles! 3D interactive tour, photos, videos… Welcome home!
3D Model
Creating a 3D model helped us plan and validate our layout, so we only build once!
Cost and Labor
We tracked all the costs and hours we put in our van, organized by category.
Weight Breakdown
Turns out weight adds up very quickly! Most vans like ours are near the GVWR.
Repair Log
We are tracking all the maintenance and repair costs since day 1 of ownership.
FarOutVan #2 is an opportunity to stay up-to-date, learn new build techniques, challenge ourselves, and… have a good time! Built for occasional or full-time 4-season adventures, this van will hopefully take us to other continents some days…
PROGRESS: 75%
Dig Deeper:
Build Journal
Follow along as we obsessively documented the conversion (start-to-finish).
Van Tour
Wait for it…
3D Model
Creating a 3D model helped us plan and validate our layout, so we only build once!
Cost and Labor
We tracked all the costs and hours we put in our van, organized by category.
Weight Breakdown
Turns out weight adds up very quickly! Most vans like ours are near the GVWR.
Repair Log
We are tracking all the maintenance and repair costs since day 1 of ownership.
Plan Your Build
Before you buy (or drill!).
Pick the van and its options, then budget the money, hours and payload.
Van Selection
Transit vs Sprinter vs ProMaster: sizes, costs and our pick.
Transit Order Guide
Which factory options to order for a DIY conversion.
Cost and Labor
What our first build cost, part by part, and how many hours it took.
Weight
Weight ratings explained, and where the pounds go in a conversion.
3D Model
How we planned and checked both layouts in 3D before building.
Maintenance & Repair
Every maintenance and repair bill on our first Transit, since day 1.
Guides
In-depth, fact-based guides.
Build your knowledge and make informed decisions.
Electrical System
From neophyte to making your own DIY electrical system.
Water System
Fresh, grey, black… a fluid guide to making your water system.
Propane System
How to design a safe system: tank, regulator, tubing, leak checks.
Climate Control
How ventilation, heating, cooling, and insulation work together.
Insulation
How insulation works, which materials to use (and avoid), and our strategy.
Toilets
Every type compared: composting, cassette, dry flush and more.
Air Conditioner
Battery-powered air-conditioning is a thing now.
Moisture & Condensation
Why it happens and how to control it.
Threaded Inserts
Create strong, reusable joints that won’t corrode.
Ford Transit Alternator
How to tap into alternator power on the Transit.
Fridge Guide
12V fridge types, sizes and installation, plus our Fridge Finder.
Battle Born Alternatives
Lithium power without breaking the bank.
12V, 24V, or 48V?
Which system voltage fits your build, and when higher pays off.
Real-World Power Data
Appliance power consumption, solar yield, daily usage, etc.
Tools and Calculators
Created to make your life easier.
Made with love from our van!
Electrical Calculator
- Size your battery bank, solar, alternator, shore, and inverter automagically or manually.
- The calculator generates an items list that entirely defines your electrical system! Simply add the items to your Amazon cart.
- Download, customize, and wire all your items per your wiring diagram.
Wire Gauge Calculator
- Using the correct wire gauge is essential for the SAFETY and PERFORMANCE of your electrical system.
- The correct wire gauge depends on LENGTH and CURRENT carried by the conductor.
- Our wiring diagram already has a built-in gauge calculator. But for anything outside the scope of our wiring diagram, use this:
MPPT Calculator
- Use this calculator to size the MPPT solar charge controller of your solar panel array.
Insulation Calculator
- A simple tool to find out how much insulation you need to buy!
Cargo Hole Dimensions
- We mapped and categorized all holes found in the Ford Transit cargo area, as well as all the threaded inserts you should use. Presented in an immersive 360° virtual tour, because the future is now!
Ceiling Lights Calculator
- Configure your ceiling lights, generate your wiring diagram, and get a parts list with adequate fuse and cable gauge for your specific setup.
Fridge Finder
- Filter multiple fridge brands by size, capacity, etc.
Solar Panel Finder
- Filter by dimensions, power, type, etc.
Roof Layout Planner
- Choose your van, height, roof, and rack;
- Add accessories (fan, A/C, etc.);
- Solar panels fill the remaining space automatically.
Diagrams and Parts
If it doesn’t exist, make it!
Practical solutions to real problems we faced during our builds.
Product Reviews
We’ve been testing our gear since 2017.
We are not sponsored and purchased these products for our own van.
