Van Build Series
Change of Plans!
We've been waiting for our Ford Transit Trail Edition van to arrive for months.
Even though we’ve been “building out the Ford Transit” its delivery date is nowhere in sight.
So, we're giving up and buying a Mercedes Benz Sprinter 2022 4x4 van and moving forward with our van build.
To make it easier for you, we've assembled links to the equipment we have ordered and plan to install in our Transit Trail Edition Van Conversion.
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What’s Going Into Our Van
Episode 1
First Upgrades & Installs in Our Mercedes Sprinter Van
This van build is a bit complicated since we had already purchased all the equipment and building supplies for a Transit Trail Edition van. Now, we’re scrambling to make adjustments and swap out gear that won’t work in this van.
But, first things first…
This sound system needs a serious upgrade and we need to order and install swivel seats that would have come installed on the Ford.
Even though we had purchased a propane heater for the Ford, we’re swapping it for an Espar heater that will run off the diesel fuel tank in our new Sprinter.
All in all, it’s a pain in the butt, but these will be exciting upgrades to our van lifestyle.
SCOPEMA Swivel Seat Driver’s Side
Sound System Upgrade
LC2 i Audio Controller
Espar Diesel Heater
240W JBL Amplifier
Hand Brake Lowering Kit
JL Subwoofer
JBL Front Speakers
SCOPEMA Swivel Seat Passenger’s Side
Episode 2
Cutting Holes in Our New Van 🙀 🚐 !!
MaxxAir Fan
Dometic Skylight
CR Laurence Awning Windows
Porthole Window
Locking Fresh Water Fill
Purchased for the Transit
EP 3
Floor to Ceiling Progress
We are making progress in our van build ~ floor to ceiling.
In this video, we’re installing a ceiling in our van using T & G cedar as well as using the composite floor in our Sprinter as a base and topping part of it with Marmoleum.
Join us for the ups, downs, and details of our van build as we make the adjustments required from changing our plans to build out a Ford Transit Trail Edition to unexpectedly buying a 2022 Mercedes Sprinter instead.
EP 4
Winter Van Build
We have found ourselves building a van in the winter. We’re rushing to finish our DIY van build electrical system, install our Espar heater, and rig some lights to continue our DIY Sprinter van build.
What is on Our 12V DC Panel
Circuit Breaker
Aluminum Panel
12 Volt Dimmer Switch
Victron Battery Monitor
Toggle Switches
Episode 5
Electrical & Water Systems
Overview
Shore Power Charger
Battery to Battery Charger
Positive Bus Bar
3000 W Pure Sine Inverter
What’s In Our Solar Electrical System
Victron MPPT 50 amp Charge Controller
Battery Switch
Negative Bus Bar
2 Lithium Batteries
Bouge RV
400W 10bb Solar Panel
What’s in Our Water System
30 Gallon Fresh Water Tank
18 Gallon Grey Water Tank
SHURFLOW 12 V 4gal/min Water Pump
18” Stainless Steel Sink
CuZn Water Filter
Chrome Kitchen Faucet
SHURFLOW Accumulater Tank
Low-Flow Outdoor Shower Head
Bosch Electric Water Heater
Outdoor Shower Mixing Valve
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EP 6 Things Aren’t Going Well
We are excited to bring our community more of our off-grid winter 2022 Mercedes Sprinter 4X4 van conversion.
Building out a van during a Colorado winter has proven difficult, but Matt has made steady progress building van shoe storage solutions and creating a dog-friendly bench in our van for our beloved Jessie.
EP 7 Struggling with the Upper Cabinets
Building upper cabinets for our van has been a mind-bending experience, and building the upper cabinet doors for our van has been challenging.
In this video, we celebrate what would have been Dad’s 89th birthday by gathering with friends and family and skiing together down one of Dad’s favorite runs.
EP 9 Why We’re Not Building a Pullout Pantry
We’ve decided not to build a pullout pantry in our 2022 Mercedes Sprinter 4x4 van conversion. Instead, Matt is building a column of drawers that will provide more van storage with easier access.
Join us in this video as the pieces to our new home on wheels are falling into place.
As the days grow longer and slightly warmer, Matt is making great process on building ample storage in our van. We’ll show you the details of how the pantry drawers, upper cabinet, and wiring are coming together.
With each piece of the puzzle fitting into place, we’re one step closer to getting back on the road.
EP 8 Composting Toilet & Double Bed Installation
Our winter van build continues. We’ve had some favorable weather and Matt has been installing our composting toilet. We've also built a double bed without flares in our 144 Mercedes Benz Sprinter 2022 4X4.
Join us in this video as we progress slowly but steadily on our van build. We’re planning a trip to see the April Eclipse so we have to put the pedal to the metal to get Clarity II road trip ready.
In this video, we’ll show you the details and dead ends we made as Matt designed and built the pull-out composting toilet cabinet.
Then we’ll take you on a detailed tour of how he built our double bed without flares in a 144-wheel-based Sprinter van.
The pieces are finally coming together and we can’t wait to get back on the road.
EP 10 What’s in Our Kitchen Galley
Gimbal Fan
18” Stainless Steel Sink
Installing the Kitchen Galley
The installation of our last lightweight cabinet completes our DIY van kitchen build. This clever galley design is not only home to our kitchen sink and hide-away stove top, but has easy access to our greywater tank, hot water heater, and propane tank.
Chrome Faucet
Dometic CRX 110S DC Fridge
2-Burner Gas Cooktop