Ford Transit Camper Van Pre-Build Tour (and what OEM options we chose)
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- Опубликовано: 12 сен 2024
- There were a TON of factory options when we placed the order for our new Ford Transit. This video will talk about some of the options we chose and a bit of insight into 'why' we chose some of the things we did as our new DIY camper van build project.
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This Ford Transit video series is especially important for us. We bought practically the same van as you, including all of the options that you chose (ours is white though). You mentioned that this is video #2 of this new series. Please share your website that the Ford Transit build will be on. You have a real talent for explaining things very well so I want to see all of your Ford Transit offerings. Thank you for all that you do for all of us.
The build will be shared here on our youtube channel: ruclips.net/user/exploristlife and the blog explorist.life
You pretty much got the same van that I bought, except I got the Upfitter switches and I didn't get the 2nd alternator. I also got the factory swivels so I don't have to install them. The 9500 GVWR is the most you can get without going Dual Rear Wheel. I didn't like the Abyss Gray so I went with Avalanche Gray which is much lighter. Anything but white! There are so many white vans going down the assembly line that we say "You can have any color you want as long as it's white". George at Humble Road is building two Transits now and you are starting your build; it will be interesting to see what the results are.
Awesome! Thanks for watching!
What an awesome van!!! So jealous. This will be a cool project for sure!
Thanks Will!! 😁👍
Dual Alternators!!
Wranglerstar smiles in approval .
Ha, too funny! I got the same abyss grey 2021 model with all the same options you got except factory swivel seats and mine is mid roof. Can’t wait to see you get started with the build as I’m still watching your DC wiring videos sucking up that knowledge. 👍
Glad it was helpful. Cheers!
Hi my name is Tom and I just within the last couple of months started to be intrigued by the van life. After watching a few van Tours on RUclips And all the cool things that go into a Build I soon became addicted! I knew that after watching those videos I had to have one! The interstate x was the one I wanted along with the revel and the Patriot from American coach.
Then I seen the price on these things….WOW! What a Ripoff!
After seeing the price an rv builder charges to build one that my only choice was to build one myself. I look forward to watching you build it so I can get some ideas. One of the biggest hurdles I feel I might Have is cabinets. Your battle born battery install was sweet!
Awesome! Glad it helped. Thanks for watching!
Completely with you on the microwave. I am excited to see what shower you go with. I've thought about this item a lot.
Nate, I’m really looking forward to the rest of this project as it progresses.
Since I found your channel I’ve dived into your older content and I’m really impressed with how you’ve built your expertise while continuing to share such valuable information.
I see you as the leader in reliable content in your niche because of one thing you do that is pretty rare - you directly reference sources such as the NEC and manufacturers information - by page sometimes. Your information reliability rating (for some guy on the internet) is about as high as it gets.
I didn’t find your content until I was well into upgrading our 10 year old 30 amp Airstream with solar, lithium, multiplus, smart shunt, dc - dc alternator charger - Victron gear. Really similar to your recent work.
I’ve kind of been on my own when it comes to integrating all this into the existing system’s as there’s not a lot out there on that subject. But I’ve diligently researched it, and I’m about 90% confident I’ve done it correctly. Leaving only a small probability of catastrophe.
Since you are teaching people (like me) how to do electrical work on RVs I’m going to make a content suggestion : how to inspect for potential electrical issues in a completed project. It could be a do it yourself or something one is considering for purchase. A walk through inspection with tester in hand - not a proctological disassembly. As more RVs are retrofitted this will be needed even more.
Just an idea that occurred to me as I complete the actual electrical work part of my project (and everything SEEMS ok) and enter the second guessing phase before I reinstall the interior and make everything much harder to access.
Great channel!
Great idea. Thanks!
This project sounds fantastic. Notice you did not opt for heavy duty factory flooring? I am especially interested in how you connect and utilize the second alternator. Also looking forward to adventure wagon kit and how you integrate it with your 80/20 build out.
Great, Thanks!! 👍
I'm doing a Medium Roof Ford Transit Build, and I wanted to add Six additional OEM Overhead Lamps (on House Power) to lamp the Overhead.
Excellent, definitely sharing this with my Burning Man camp since some are looking into building their own. Looking forward to the next video. All the best to you all 👍🇨🇦
Awesome, thanks!
I can't wait to see your plans. A suggestion I think would make for a amazing van/camper/self reliance energy building camper. Is out door bathroom stuff. For long and short term living. Also cooking necessary things for off grid living camping and such. That's my ideas I hope it inspires you. Ttyl
Great, Thanks!! 👍
You and your team are just awesome and this Transit series has prompted me to order one from Ford. I'm sure I'm not alone in that regard. Hopefully Ford knows as well and compensates you accordingly!
I'm configuring to match your options but would like to know why you didn't go with the RV prep package from Ford?
Thanks so much for the amazing content you provide!
I appreciate that and thanks for watching! I don't remember specifically what the issue was with the RV prep package...but every time I added the RV prep package, 'something' else that I wanted went away. I can't remember, though, what that 'something' was, unfortunately.
I can't wait for you to get started
Hey Tom, we're excited too! Thanks for watching!
1) I wonder why you didn't go with the RV or Adventure package for the Transit. 2) it many be two late but there are two builds I have never seen but imagine putting into my future build
A) is a toilet shower that is basically a base cabinet 2 x 3' or so, and with from door that opens to get access inside, and a top that is attached to the sides by something like a drawer slide or linear actuator. To the underside of the top is attached a shower curtain and shower head (or hook for hand shower) and a short vertical wall that hold the shower controls. Thus pulling up or actuating the top to go up, already forms the shower space (and told space). And when the top is down, there is additional surface area for the kitchen.
B) a lounge type bed that retracts with linear actuators, It is in the form of the number 6, where the downward stroke (back of 6) is the back of the bench, and the loop is the sitting surface. This "6" then opens up into a bed by first rasing the vertical back into the horizontal position and then the loop of the "6" opens up (uncurls) further to form the flat surface of the bed. One end is fixed to the wall of the bed with hinge and the other end (end of the loop) rests on the opposite wall bench or cabinet. The 6 configuration allows the mattress and being to be already in place as the 6 opens up, thus the being doesn't have to be put into place as is the case with normal lounge type beds.
Great videos.
I just looked over the Adventure Package and the RV Prep package, and I think I got all of the options that both of those include. I'm not sure why they didn't end up on the window sticker. The ordering process wasn't exactly straightforward, so there's a good chance I put one or both on the list and that's just not how ford coded the build. I don't know, though. lol
@@EXPLORISTlife "ordering process wasn't exactly straight forward" that is an understatement 😀
@@GOLDVIOLINbowofdeath Consider drawing the small case letter b first with a downward stroke then rightward at the bottom, then a short upward stroke then a short stroke toward the first line, but not touching it. That "b" is the seat with the left tall side of the "b" being the back of the bench and the "loop" is the seat. It turns into a bed by a hinge at the top of the back. Then rotating the "b" into the horizontal orientation so that the previously vertical back is now horizontal. And the loop (really an unclosed loop) unfolds to continue the horizontal line of the back.
Congratulations on the new van, it looks great.
There are aftermarket air-pumped lumbar support / seat heater pads available if the 2-way seats don't have those already.
Looking forward to your build.
Will definitely be adding aftermarket seat heaters. 😁👍
Nate, I see a few other folks have asked about total van cost or maybe a list of the options / widow sticker so one could really understand what it is that your bought from Ford. Any chance to see hear / see some of the details? I have always liked your style and hope you will be comfortable sharing a few details.
Yeah, If I can ever find the time to write blog posts to accompany these videos like I used to; I'll be happy to share that kind of stuff.
Hello Nate and Steph, my name is Pat and I was wondering why you haven't chose the extended version ? Advantages and disadvantages. Thank you so much for the excellent work and tutorial you are doing.
Departure angle was too little for us with so much hanging over the back wheels with the extended version.
Thank you very much for such answering so fast and sharing your concern@@EXPLORISTlife
Great looking van. Looking forward to seeing your build. Thanks Don
Hey Don, Thanks so much! Cheers!
Lots of good choices. I would equip one similarly. I agree about duallies having poor traction.
Great, Thanks!! 👍
Nice setup. Cant wait to get mine. Latest build date is April 18.
Nice! Good luck!!
It would be a big help to know the benefits of the second alternator and any negatives. Is it always on? Does it reduce engine efficiency? What systems are ready off the self to work with it? This capability is underrepresented in van build informational videos. When I ordered my 2020 AWD ecoboost I decided against just because I could not find enough van conversion related information.
Great! Will look into it and see about making a video specifically about that.
EXACTLY! I have one still on order and my Ford dealer advised me against dual alternators. Even the schematic seemed to indicate that the second one is not a "free" one… that the voltage it makes is dedicated 100% to the two-battery system and I could not tap into it. So I passed on it. Not sure I made the right call. Hmmmm.
Beauty! I ordered pretty much identical model but crew package. Excited to see you progress with the build
Awesome! Thanks for watching!
Thats a sweet platform
Thanks! 🙂🙌
cant wait to see the build!!! man i hope they make a transit Awd with the powerboost option you can get in the f150. I'm considering and overland truck build with an f150 powerboost just for that built in battery and automatic generator option.
Neat! Good idea. 👍🙂
Nate, I not seen much about your 1/4 mile in 7 second claim. Well, maybe you meant 0 to 60 time. A 9 second (modified Corvette territory) quarter mile will have a terminal speed of around 150 to 155 MPHs. I doubt a Ford Transit can do that. A 7 second quarter will be much faster that that. Other that that, I love your videos.
I'm not too worried about why modified corvettes are slow. My transit was 7 sec quarter. Maybe corvette drivers just aren't as good of a driver as me. 🤷🤷
Would you mind sharing a pic. of the window sticker? Thank you!
I was thinking about getting a pro master but I like the all wheel drive option is awesome among other things
Yeah, absolutely.
Should be ordering a Transit (HR, long) this week, kitted out a bit differently (adventure prep package), so I'm very interested in how you'll build out the interior. Really interested in your picking the dual alternators and how you'll use them. Interesting you'd mentioned the lockers, I hope to go the Quigley route and then follow with a rear locker. If you could please please include that in/toward the end, that would be very much appreciated. By the sound of it, it'll be awhile before our van actually shows up, so we should have plenty of time to watch this whole build. Show me how it's done, lol.
Awesome! Lockers of some kind would definitely be welcome. I've played around with the standard AWD a bit already and I'm pretty impressed as-is!
Perfect!
Thanks!! 🙂
Your van is almost like our 2021. We opted for the extended length, though. I've started our conversion, but I'm looking forward to watching yours compared to ours. 👍
Awesome! Thanks for watching!
Nice Van Nate! I have a question or two. 1) Is this the 148" wheelbase? Not extended? Are you going to be able to fit a shower in there? and 2) I heard you say you are installing aftermarket swivels. I saw on the Ford Transit build page you can get OEM swivels for $1085. Sounds crazy expensive, but, are you not concerned that altering the seats wold void any warranties or insurance claims? I've heard a few stories online of claims being denied because of aftermarket swivels, maybe just rumors. I have a Promaster now, and my local dealer has been pretty cool to me, but the one thing they did say was "just don't mess with the seats because there are airbags in there". Seems like the $1085 might be worth it for me. Awesome work man, your blog/vlog is the best.
1: Correct. 148, non-extended. We will not be installing a shower. I'm 6' 2"; so showering in a 6'3" space sounds absolutely awful. lol
2: We have indeed installed aftermarket swivels: ruclips.net/video/3-mXJwbGDF0/видео.html
I'm not worried about warranty or insurance claims on that, no.
@@EXPLORISTlife awesome, thank you! Inside shower does sound like a pain, but I'm sorta regretting not having it on my current van. I feel ya, I'm 6' tall. About to install the drop seat bases so the drivers' side swivel doesn't lift me up so high the headliner shelf blocks my view.
Also... I think you just linked me to some victron part, not swivels :)
Oops! Link fixed.
Yeah, we didn't have a shower in our sprinter we lived in for 4 years and got pretty used to it, I guess.
@@EXPLORISTlife got it thanks! Is there a reason you did not want the factory swivels?
Hey Nate, I’m interested to know why you chose to go with the Ford Transit over another Sprinter or the Promaster? Trying to decide myself so would appreciate your thoughts
Promaster was never really a consideration due to two wheeled drive and that goofy low hanging rear 'axle'. Transit over sprinter due to higher power and payload in SRW configuration and we have a Ford dealership in our town and the nearest Mercedes dealership is like 3 hours away.
Can't wait
Thanks! :)
Thanks Nate. Really looking forward to this series. The hardest part is going to be finding an available and affordable High Top van. Any estimate on your gas mileage?
Great! Thanks for tuning in! Finding the van was definitely a pain point. We ordered this one back in May and didn't get it in-hand until December. Estimate on fuel mileage will be anywhere from 8mpg to 20mph depending on if I've got a headwind or tailwind. 😂🤣
@@EXPLORISTlife Total waste of money, why not a diesel ?
@@davidkettell5726 "Waste of money" seems a little dramatic there, Betsy. 😂🤣
The 2021 Ford Transit doesn't come in a Diesel Option, which is why I did not get a Diesel.
Just found the channel! We recently bought a similar van. Ordered January got it August. After some rough build out (weighs in at roughly 7500 loaded) we've been getting 15mpg over 13000 miles
Compared to our 2020 version of the same van the biggest difference I think I saw was that they moved the emergency brake from between the seats. Having it next to the driver's seat is a big pain given the number of times we pass through that area.
Yeah, that's SUPER nice.
I am so jealous
Bonjour nate. Le Ford a les mêmes dimensions que sprinter ? Bonne continuation et super vidéo. Bises à Stéph aussi.
🙂🙂
Hi, just found channel. Will you do a mpg comparison of just bought and after build complete?
We didn't really drive it much before the build, so we won't be able to say.
Hi Nate, I have a 2019 Lance truck camper model 855S short bed ,it has a 100 watt system on it now and a generator 2500 Onan Cummins. Like to do a two hundred watt system with a small inverter could I just add on or should I replace what I have and start over.what I have is all factory installed. Thank you Charlie
Here are a few examples of how to install a system into an OEM RV: explorist.life/solarwiringdiagrams
YES! I have a '22 on order with nearly identical specs! KEY QUESTION… the dual alternator/ dual battery. My Ford sales guy and mechanic and parts guy (all three) told me that I can NOT tap power from the dual alternator system without freaking out the voltage monitoring system built into the van. Of course I could do DC to DC charging from the dual batteries a bit easier than with one battery I would think. BUT … did my dealer guide me wrong? There's still time to change my order since I have not gotten build note. Advice?
I mean... it should come with CCP points on the side of the drivers seat that are specifically designed for that purpose.
How much did you pay for that puppy as you got it with all the options?
Like Ford vans. What stool are you thinking about. Here in Norway we have Cinderelle burnig type! Maybe some dealer in Us too?
Undecided on that currently. Ideally something that doesn't need a vent. We briefly talked about it in this video: ruclips.net/video/4e-jGwH22UQ/видео.html
What was the upfront cost of this van with all these accessories? Thanks.
I think limited slip is good but lockers are noisy and makes the drive line feel sloppy... ... I don't know about the other one you mentioned.
Thanks for the input!
Are going to do any class c install? I have an entegra esteem 31F and I’d like to get sinn my e solar panels for it for the summer camping season.
Eventually, yes! Not on the schedule at the moment, though.
Major typo but you understood. Would love you to do mine.
7-Second quarter mile? Or 17-second quarter mile?
Seven. I didn't stutter.
@@EXPLORISTlife I was not implying that you were? Just thinking that seemed a bit fast as the 2022 Mustang GT500 does it in a 11.5ish.
Not my fault mustangs are slow. 🤷🤷
@@EXPLORISTlife 😂 😂 - my Transit 3500 Dually just rolled off the line after a 9-month wait, I feel like I need to take it to the drag strip now. There might be a viral video in there somewhere.
Btw, love the series and your shop. We’ll definitely be in contact for consultation/parts for the build.
Hey Nate, you probably covered this, but I am new to your channel, just subscribed. Did you order this van and from where? What was the cost of the van, what was the production time and how long did it take to receive it? I would love to order one and get started on my own project. Thanks, looking forward to more video
FYI, we ordered ours back in April. We received it in late November. However, I've heard it might be longer now.
@@tiggerbuck6219 ordered mine in May 2021 - still waiting. I am told it has been built in November but sitting on field in Kansas waiting for "missing parts".
We ordered in May of 2021 and received it in December 2021. Just ordered through our local ford dealership.
Please post original window sticker.
I'll see what I can do! Thanks for watching. 🙂😁
HI ... I have a question since I'm planning to buy also a Ford transit just like yours. I also would like to have without separation wall between the cabin and the back and also the height headliner in the cabin just like yours. Is it an optional?
I'm in Europe and as I mentioned to my Ford dealer they told me that it's not possible to have it without wall and with this high headliner.
Could you please give me a little help?
Thanks
I have thought the Ford Transit AWD was a good platform for a DIY, but they have been impossible to find. I think you said you ordered your van. What was the lead time for delivery?
7 months. We ordered in May and got it in December.
Did you get the HD trailer tow package? (and trailer brake controller?)
Getting close to ordering a van (assuming Ford has any right now). I am considering a cut-away and adding a box instead of buying a cargo van. What do you think of that option?
Super cool idea!
Is it the long or extended ?
148" Regular.
Like a low 7 quarter mile?? I'm having a hard time getting under the mid 8's.
Mid 7's. A throttle body spacer would probably get me down a few tenths.
@@EXPLORISTlife That's much more reasonable.
Can you cram a bathroom into it?
I'll see what I can do! Thanks for watching. 🙂😁
what about e-Transit?
The range just isn't there yet for campers. It will be... but not currently.
@@EXPLORISTlife yes, but enough for slow-pace travel. I'd rather reserve up to half battery for home or emergency uses even. Integrated big battery, charged from EVs chargers.
7 second quarter mile?? Lol
Yeah. Just didn't get it on camera. Oh well.
@@EXPLORISTlife Are you sure it wasn't 0-60mph time. 7 second 1/4 mile in a drag car is fast.
@@dirtroadsailing6418 Oh goodness... you were taking me seriously, weren't you? 🤣😂🤣
@@EXPLORISTlife We have the same van but a 2020. Empty it was way faster than I thought.
@@EXPLORISTlife I got the aluminum frame option and I'm down to 6.5 second quarter mile. eat my diesel heater fumes!