Conversion Van

Make: Ford

Model: Transit 350 High Roof Extended Length

 

Essentials

• Insulation & sound deadening
  • Deep cleaning
  • Sound deadening mats
  • Thermal break material
  • Insulation (3M)
• Flooring
  • • Insulation
    • Heated flooring
    • Click lock flooring
• Electrical
  • Estimated power usage
  • Power kit
    • Batteries
    • Sine wave inverter
    • Control pad
    • DC-to-DC alternator charger
  • Light switches
• Roof
  • Roof rack
  • Solar panels
  • Fan (with switch)
  • Escape hatch
  • Air conditioner
  • Security cameras
• Bed & living room
  • Upper level
    • Bed
  • Lower level
    • Dinette bench
    • Table
    • Motorized monitor lift
• Rear storage
  • Rubber flooring
• Plumbing
  • Fresh water tank
  • Grey water tank
  • Tank heater
• Bathroom
  • Shower
  • Hidden toilet
• Kitchen
  • Counter space
  • Stove top
  • Refrigerator
  • Sink with flexible faucet
• Upper cabinets
• Control panel
  • Electrical tablet
  • Home Assistant tablet
• Cab
  • Swivel seats
  • Android auto touchscreen

Insulation & sound deadening

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Sound deadening mats

Kilmat sound deadening sheets are highly recommended in the Van Life community. Amazon Basics also sells their own version of Kilmat for a lower price.

Gloves should be worn during installation to avoid cuts on the sharp edges.

Thermal break material

Kilmat sound deadening sheets are highly recommended in the Van Life community. Amazon Basics also sells their own version of Kilmat for a lower price.

Insulation

I plan on using (at least) two different types of insulation for the van build.

For the walls and ceiling, I’ll use 3M Thinsulate insulation, which will completely cover the sound deadening mats. Electrical wiring will be run above this insulation.

For the floor, I’ll use Warmup Ultralight insulation (explained below).

Flooring

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Insulation

I’ve chosen Warmup Ultralight insulation because it was specially designed to work with heated flooring. It should keep more heat inside the van.

Heated Flooring

I’m looking at something like the VEVOR self-adhesive mesh floor heating mat, which can be installed under the floor tiles (but above the insulation) to keep the van warm during cold months. It will be used in conjunction with other heating tools, such as a diesel or electric heater, electric blankets, and a warm sleeping bag.

Click Lock Flooring

 

Roof

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Solar Panels

Essential qualities: anti-shading

 

Bed & living room

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Lower level

Dinette

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Lauren Lawliss (@laurenlawliss)

 

Motorized monitor lift

This lift on Amazon is a good example

 

Kitchen

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Counter space

I’ll probably buy an IKEA-style vanity, like this one from Marketplace, and modify it to hold kitchen equipment. Here are some potential options:

• Built-in sink
• Built-in induction cooktop
• Built-in stove (diesel or electric)
• Built-in refrigerator

I’m also going to install a fold-away countertop, similar to the one it Ryan Twomey’s build. Skip to 10 seconds into this video to see an example. It should fold all the way to the floor, creating an extra-long countertop when folded up.

Plumbing

Water Heater

In order to winterize the van, if the tanks are mounted on the bottom, I’ll probably use the LaSalle Holding Tank Heater.

 

Cab

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Swivel seat

This YouTube video does a good job illustrating how a swivel seat works:

The Scopema Swivel is available for $329, but I also found some cheaper options on Amazon, including this one for $96.

 

Android Auto

It looks like there’s primarily two types of Android auto touchscreen devices: the type that must be hardwired, and plug ‘n play. In order to save time and frustration, I’ll probably go with the plug ‘n play.

I can also choose between an integrated horizontal screen, an integrated vertical screen, or a swivel screen that pops out of the center console.

Here’s an example of an Android Auto device with a vertical screen and physical volume controls.

 

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