Northern California 2001 Ford E150 Highroof Conversion

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My 3rd van here I am building to live in and travel out of as a full timer boondocking
Found it locally after a long search of Craigs List and other online classifieds

$5k with receipts for new Ford crate motor installed by dealer with 20k miles on it and a new transmission

Not a single door ding in the whole body and zero rust

Adding a bed, 12v Dometic Fridge, 12 television, 400watts Renogy Solar as well to run everything

Health issues promted me to make this choice and I am happy with it reducing my monthly bills to almost nothing

But lack of place or tools to aid in the conversion has stalled progress even though storage is full of amazon deliveries of goodies to add to the van

The delays are frustrating but will get through it

My Instagram is https://www.instagram.com/van_inn_life/

Facebook is https://www.facebook.com/brian.vanlife.9

And Youtube is https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnE..._as=subscriber

Progress is slow but for anyone wanting to follow or talk vans would love to hear from you

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My bed, a kit off Amazon with a 4" memory foam mattress is as comfortable as any bed I ever had

My magnetic solar porch light. I have 4 and add them when camping and stops stumbling in the dark and no drilling holes or wires to run

My minipad mounted with a Ram Mount rear view mirror mount and running the Torque-Pro Ap to monitor all engine activity, highly recommend it

The video that turned me onto Torque-Pro Ap

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UXzu...index=4&t=100s

Weather Tech wind deflectors and bug deflectors added as well

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Some of my goodies bought to make life on the road easier

My 12v Dometic CFX 75DZW refrigerator/freezer is huge but should keep me in food and cold drinks while out and about


Honda EU2200I Generator for electric backup if solar isnt charging

Noco Jumper Box in case I run the battery down. Cheap back up and says it will jump start 20 times and charge last a year in glove box so we will see
I have roadside service but sometimes quicker and easier to jump yourself

Bought this Sentry heavy steel safe to bolt in for security of valuables while away from the van in the story or at a movie

Hausse Collapsible ladder to get me on the roof if needed. Has 350lbs limit which works good for a 280lb guy like me LOL

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Rear rack toolbox for extra storage. In bed style truckbox mounted to rack

Hitch raiser to avoid dragging the rack and box

Tilt scooter rack for my scooter , finally got front hitch received mounted and installed but dont have good pics yet just this one quick pic at night first run

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Bought a panel of switched for lightbars etc

Didnt realize the metal panel was gonna need a hole cut into it to make room

More work than I thought but happy with the results

Now to hook up the lights

[TomsBeast]

Welcome aboard Brian! There's a lot of super helpful and knowledgeable people on here, with years of expertise.

That van looks like it's got 'solid bones'. Less of a project than the ambulance you had a couple years ago.

If you haven't already, check out some of the builds on the 'Homebuilder' page, there's a lot of talent in creativity to steal ideas from.

Since you are thinking 'full time'', now would be a good time to incorporate a heater into your build, along with a fuel source, before getting too far into the interior layout.

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Originally Posted by TomsBeast

Welcome aboard Brian! There's a lot of super helpful and knowledgeable people on here, with years of expertise.

That van looks like it's got 'solid bones'. Less of a project than the ambulance you had a couple years ago.

If you haven't already, check out some of the builds on the 'Homebuilder' page, there's a lot of talent in creativity to steal ideas from.

Since you are thinking 'full time'', now would be a good time to incorporate a heater into your build, along with a fuel source, before getting too far into the interior layout.

Thanks Tom

Yea solid as you can get in an old van I think

Yea going through the builders now and great ideas for sure

Heater is on my list for sure thanks for the suggestion

Excited about it and and looking forward to getting it all set up

[hein]

Great looking van and progress on your build. If you are going for a heater then suggest some 3M Thinsulate SM600L thermal/acoustic insulation throughout. We can also help you with an adapter for your roof vent. Both are essential for fulltime van living. If using Thinsulate then there is no need for additional noise control products so a significant savings of install effort, weight and cost.


All the best,
Hein
DIYvan
541 490 5098

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Originally Posted by hein

Great looking van and progress on your build. If you are going for a heater then suggest some 3M Thinsulate SM600L thermal/acoustic insulation throughout. We can also help you with an adapter for your roof vent. Both are essential for fulltime van living. If using Thinsulate then there is no need for additional noise control products so a significant savings of install effort, weight and cost.


All the best,
Hein
DIYvan
541 490 5098

Thanks Hein, I appreciate your post and help

I will get to a point I will consider it but being in California it doesnt get terribly cold like some parts of the country
And I have a medical condition that makes me run hot anyways. I wear shorts in winter LOL



Appreciate the information and who knows, plans can change

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I have watched lots of other Vanners and my choice looks to be the Wave 6
https://www.amazon.com/Camco-Wave-6-...ateway&sr=8-37

Better quality and results than the MrBuddy Heater some people go with