So now I have a shiny new AWD Transit on the way I need to plan the layout and a rough job list to work through in order to build everything as efficiently as possible.
I want to be able to sleep in it within 3 months of taking delivery so its ready for summer events and to use at my Monarchs Way Ultra event as a support vehicle.
This may seem like a long time but I need to do this around normal working hours and within financial and time constraints. I may only be able to devote a few days worth of time each month. I need to do the jobs logically and in order whilst still using it as a daily driver and work van.
I will mostly be using the excellent Vanspace 3D program to do the design work and plan what I can fit in the space, It has templates for most van models and lets me see exactly how a layout looks.
Below I have split the jobs into interior and exterior jobs, hopefully in a sensible order of construction.
This list serves as a basic plan of action and reminder list for me as well as letting others know my thought processes. It may get a few edits along the way and things will change in later blog posts but I will keep this list the same here to show the thinking at this stage.
Exterior
Roof Rack – I intend to fit a Rhino Rack to fix the solar panels to and add some rooftop storage for things like recovery gear. This needs doing before the ceiling goes up inside as the fixing holes are in the roof area.
Solar Panels – I already have 100w (2x50w) of solar to transfer to the Transit from the L200 but will more than likely add another 150-200w to ensure I can keep the fridge and cool box running alongside charging the batteries even if sitting for a long time in low sun.
Roof Storage – Storage for Recovery gear and gear not used often that I want to keep out of the back of the van. Wet gear for example. Most likely I will use an existing large rooftop box we own.
Tyres – The van comes with road biased summer tyres and before winter I will swap these to a tougher All Terrain like the BFG KO2 that always use on my vehicles. They are 3PMS winter rated and much heavier duty than road tyres.
Light Bar – This will swap over from my L200 and be fixed to the roof rack.
Interior
Wall Insulation and ply Lining – The van will come ply lined from the dealer/lease company but I will need to insulate behind it and add bracing to support cupboards/bed and so on.
Floor insulation and ply flooring – It will have a plain metal floor I will need to insulate and cover in heavy duty 12mm ply.
Electrical wiring and batteries installed – I am ordering a pre-planned and custom made wiring loom to power everything and connect to the batteries, solar and be able to charge whilst driving. This needs to be threaded around the van at the finalising the walls and insulation stage.
Roof vent install – I am only putting in small spinning van vents in the roof as I can’t cut a big hole in a lease van but I will need to fit these before doing the roof.
Roof insulation and ceiling install – Once the roofrack and vents are sorted I can insulate the roof and line it with boards or ply.
Build bed frame – Once the walls, floor and roof are done I can start building the bed frame and under bed storage area and use the van for sleeping in.
Toilet – Fit a composting toilet
Water System – I am fitting a water tank for freshwater and pump to supply cold water for drinking and a sink. This needs to be built at the time the under bed storage is done as the tank and pump will be mounted back there.
Sink and plumbing – For washing (me and stuff) and food prep
Cupboards and worktops – Storage for food and utensils and essential items.
Seating/Workspace area – A seat and table for eating and working as well as using as a first aid room/area at events.
Fridge and cool box – Wiring in and building a slide out tray with my Dometic fridge and cool box for food and drink storage
Shoe/coat storage – A small area at the front for keys, coats, shoes etc where they can be dried by air from the cab or the under seat heater.
Diesel Heater – The plan is to fit one of these under the passenger seat area blowing into the rear.
High level storage cupboards – Storage for clothes and basics
Bike slide out – For the mountain bikes in the rear under bed area
Bulkhead storage – Shelving above the cab area for linen and window blinds and other bits and pieces.
Final wall coverings – Once all the main work above is done to cover the walls in decoration like vehicle carpet/splashbacks and cosmetic touches
Final floor coverings – Hardwearing carpets on the floor to add comfort and warmth plus nice mats.
All that should keep me busy for quite a few months.
It looks like a lot of work to get through in time for winter to make the van liveable in the colder weather. If I crack on with it in my spare time it should be doable.
I have been watching tons of you tube videos and reading articles to learn great ideas and see what mistakes others make before I do mine.
Over the next few weeks I will break down that list more and plan each section of the build in more detail. Hopefully then by the time I get the van around the end of January into early February I will have a good solid plan in place. I will share where my ideas come from and what articles and you tube videos have helped me.
Including this series from a guy called Alex Frood with some great videos on his build which is a van exactly the same size and colour as mine. It’s been a great help.
Let me know what you think.
The next blog will be about my planned electrical system.
A man with a plan, going to be reading with interest as i will be converting my Vivaro after moving house in the new year. Smaller in scale but the principles are the same. Good luck with your project.
Look forward to following your build, just a heads up.. LAldi often sell insulation if you wanted to build on a budget, I’ll send you some pics on Messenger.
Also keep an eye out on HGV selling sites, you can often drop on cheap 2nd hand Eberspacher or Webasto diesel heaters, probably not as cheap as the one you pictured but I’m a brand snob!! 😆