Don’t make the mistakes I did 😢 | Top 10 Van Conversion Errors In Transit Custom

[@hikerdoc6771]

I like your honesty! I think a lot of folks probably "gloss over" the not-so-good parts of their build. I can't stress enough the need to really think through every step and foresee what could go wrong. Mine worked out really well, but was completely bespoke, fairly simple and no "kits". Same as yours - Transit Custom, but a very different approach. The only thing I got wrong was not forking out for a LiFePO4 battery. The AGM is ok, but runs down quick if the fridge is on a lot. ATB. Neil

[@TransitCustomCamper]

Hi Neil - Ah great 👍 thanks for the comment ..Yes this was my first build and so I wanted to be as honest as possible… I am planning to do a follow up soon after living with the van for close to 12 months so a few other bits I’d change… like the Fridge! Just feels like a novelty really for how much we use it… maybe we will feel different in the summer! Thanks again

[@hikerdoc6771]

I installed a Dometic CRE50 and no regrets. It's a great fridge, very useful and have used it every trip over the last 14 months or so since finishing my build. My build is different because I needed to be able to easily switch between comfy camper and load carrying van. It works! The convertible comfy futon bed is removable in a few minutes and yet I still have work tops, storage, fridge, sink, TV and heater, and the bed is a full size double that's super comfortable. I've done a whole playlist of van build videos on my Hikerdoc channel. Check it out, if interested. Neil

[@angelarobins135]

Brilliant! loving seeing our van featured, seems soo long ago since we started our conversion but so worth all the sweat & stress to see the outcome and to finally enjoy our adventures in it, can wait to see other readers conversion 🙂You Tube is a must for all budding campervan converters out there! it can be done 👍

[@TransitCustomCamper]

Thanks Angela!! Yes that’s the goal right to enjoy the van and get out there for adventures 👍 again thanks for all your kind comments along the way during the videos and so great to see your awesome finished van 🚐 ❤️

[@videomandan26]

Looks great I've seen local conversions near me which are terrible and cost a fortune

[@TransitCustomCamper]

Ah great thanks 👍 Appreciate the comment and for checking out the videos 😀

[@ChaseTheMoments]

Thank you, following this and made the same mistake on the floor. I managed to get 12mm ply on top of the insulation so did get it all level but in hindsight I should have stuck the ply packers down first and then the insulation on top and then the floor. Just about to fit similar awning rails so will look out for the front screw issue - gonna save me a headache.

[@TransitCustomCamper]

Nice one cheers Mike 👍 Glad you able to get it sorted on the floor… We live and learn right! 😂 yeah on the awning rail I think behind the b pillar as rough guidance… Good luck with it 👍

[@zmiles364]

Hello Dave, great video! It's so useful to share experiences and ideas and I'm very excited to be moving forward on my build. We are just awaiting the units now so they will be in next. I saw in this video you had listed the back door carpet as an issue. We've fitted our carpet past the door seal and have been monitoring it closely for water damage, so far we've realised that the carpet doesn't hold the water for too long, it dries quickly and we've not had any issues so far. That said we are going to keep an eye on it. In hindsight I would have not carpeted so far, predicament being that it looks so much better going to the edges of the door!! The tip for the vents over the lighting holes is very useful, I too just carpeted straight over it! When you find a supplier could you let me know 👍

[@TransitCustomCamper]

Hey Daryl!! Thanks for checking out the video and the kind comments. Yeah on the carpet of rear doors you right it does look a lot better.. It was mentioned to me by a few conversion companies so I thought best to share 👍 On the rear light access too… yes that was a bit of a shock for me too! I don’t know how common this is? But last thing you want is popping windows! Yes for sure as o have the details on the rear vents I’ll let you know. Good look with the rest of your build! Send me some pics if you like and can get it on readers vans!! Cheers again 👍

[@shaunwright-stainton5768]

Happy to share my van pictures Dave. Keep going….

[@TransitCustomCamper]

Nice one ☝️ Cheers Sean - I got the pics 👍 we got some new videos lined up now for 2022 so I’ll make sure I get yours on readers vans 😃 Thanks again for supporting the channel me and my lad really appreciate every comment and enjoy reading! Have a great Christmas and New Year 🎄

[@Joyceisblonde]

I have binge watched your series, extremely informative and really like that you're transparent on costs and reflection post-conversion. Brilliant content, will be using this as my 'How-to'! :)

[@TransitCustomCamper]

Hey Joyce - wow! Thanks for the really nice comment 😀 Glad you have found them worth a watch and also useful 👍 are you planning a conversion then? Let me know how you get on and drop me some pics when you done and if you want can get them on the readers vans section? Have a great Christmas and New Year 🎄

[@Wildsoul62]

Hi there, helpful honest info! You said you found the air vents for the backlights access? Could you share where you got them from as i have been looking but cannot find any? Thanks in advance vee

[@TransitCustomCamper]

Hey again 👍 Thanks for checking out the video.. I did a video on them here - kzbin.info/www/bejne/qHTdgKimfN2moJY The direct link is here too to their website www.customconversions.co.uk/products/rear-pillar-trim-cap-pair-prototype

[@jj8526]

Takes a mighty campervan builder to admit his errors/oversights.. Enjoyed this video and lessons learned..🚐👏👏☘

[@TransitCustomCamper]

Thanks JJ 👍 Glad you enjoyed the video and thanks for the kind words #kudos

[@jamescunningham9592]

Hi, great videos you have put together. Well done. Currently converting my own Transit Custom LWB. Would you by any chance have an electric circuit drawn for 240v and 12v b2b set up?? I have a general idea but I'm not sure of the exact components needed.

[@TransitCustomCamper]

Hi - ah great thanks! Glad you have found the videos useful.. I got the full electrics in kit form and used the info I got some Wired Campers.. They have pictures on their site also.. not a full wiring diagram but hope it gives and ideas www.wiredcampers.co.uk/collections/custom-work/products/complete-camper-van-electrics-system-12v-240v

[@jamescunningham9592]

@@TransitCustomCamper Cheers, thanks a million.

[@cjrichardson9121]

Hi mate. Great video massive help for me I’m currently kitting out my own transit was wondering why you’ve gone dc dc converter as opposed to the split charge system? Or have I misunderstood is the dc dc converter 230-12volts. Cheers keep up the good work.

[@TransitCustomCamper]

Hey Cj - great thanks for the comment and glad the vids are useful 👍 I initially tied the split charge relay but my 2014 Transit Custom has a smart alternator so needed the CTEK DC-DC installed instead so could keep the leisure battery topped up from alternator 😀

[@hikerbikerallnightcamper1393]

Yeah great bud thanks just saved me doing a couple of things I had planned to do as well 👍🏻

[@TransitCustomCamper]

Thanks 👍 I know hindsight is a wonderful thing right! But glad it’s been useful for you… I’ll know for my next build too 😀 Give me a shout if you want to be on readers vans once you done your conversion… Be great to get more pics and people vans on the channel too

[@hikerbikerallnightcamper1393]

Will do buddy 👍🏻 thanks for sharing! There is loads of stuff on transporters but not as much for the custom so great to see how to videos on the custom

[@davidmatia9507]

The electrical relay is a commond mistake event from "professional" van converters. Please, don't let anybody install a relay if your van has adblue. Ctek or Ring are the best if you going to install solar pannels. The Spanish Customs group bought a big numbers of Rings before the Brexit. Now, Ctek is cheaper in Spain. Good channel man, I love it.

[@TransitCustomCamper]

Hey David 👍 thanks for checking out the video, the comment, kind words and also the advice on it too. Really great to share all of the feedback hopefully so we can build the community and make the word a better place..one van at a time 😃👍

[@MySteph1999]

Hi where did you get your etec dc250se from i can’t find them anywhere thank you 👍

[@TransitCustomCamper]

I actually picked up of Amazon I think? Or eBay.. Did a look up and they still do them amzn.to/4dK26O3

[@Luuuuke4]

Hi Thanks for the tips, did you manage to source vents for the light holes? Thanks!

[@TransitCustomCamper]

Hey there 👍 Thanks for the comment.. Yes I found some and did a quick install and review on this video here… Don’t POP out your Camper Van Windows | Install Vented Transit Custom Rear Pillar Access Covers kzbin.info/www/bejne/qHTdgKimfN2moJY Direct link to the product on their website is here too www.customconversions.co.uk/products/rear-pillar-trim-cap-pair-prototype

[@sethh5820]

Thanks for another helpful video, especially when I am at the ply floor stage myself. For the transit custom what thickness ply would you recommend for battens to match the height of the ribs?

[@TransitCustomCamper]

Thanks Seth 👍 glad they are useful and thanks for watching and taking time to comment.. Oh wow I can’t actually remember the thinkness I used now!! If you haven’t started yet I would measure the rib height and check.. I recall it was just below the height of the ribs 👍

[@analoganx]

@@TransitCustomCamperthey are 8mm tall.

[@TransitCustomCamper]

@@analoganx nice one thanks Duncan 👍

[@neilpearson4338]

Thanks Dave very helpful you have a great channel keep it up m8 👍🏼

[@TransitCustomCamper]

Nice one cheers Neil much appreciated - we got some more content on the way soon as new van on the way!! 😀

[@sandymaclean7288]

Where did you purchase the awning rail from?

[@TransitCustomCamper]

Hi - I picked it up on Amazon but I just looked and it says not available at the moment? Might be able to get direct or eBay? amzn.to/4eH18mO

[@mckeon1960]

Hi great video. Do you have any links to sites that would help a novice do a van conversion. Thank you

[@TransitCustomCamper]

Hey 👋- When I was researching doing my van I watched a lot of videos from Combe Valley Campers 👍 They do some great content! They also have this guide on their site too which is a good one www.combevalleycampers.co.uk/conversion-guide

[@mckeon1960]

@@TransitCustomCamper thanks your videos are brilliant to be honest :)

[@marktimmington5874]

Brilliant video which has defiantly saved me couple similar mistakes I was going to make on my ford custom transit. Been wondering about covering the taillight access point. Keep sharing

[@TransitCustomCamper]

Hey Mark - thanks so much for the comment - I wanted to be as honest as I could with my first build and glad that some mistakes I made won’t be made by others! Good luck on yours and feel free to give me a shout if there are any other bits I can share happy to share 👍

[@Wereallescaping]

Where did you wire your earth for the 240v system? I have the exact same system from the same supplier and I'm not sure where to earth to either ? 😅

[@TransitCustomCamper]

Hey Lewis - thanks for the comment and checking out the video. I put the Earth direct to the Earth point on the van I made. So a bolt into the metal body work of the van after removing the paint to get a good contact. I checked this with wired campers and they said was all good 👍 I also had a friend of mine who is electrician check it all for me too after I had done ✅

[@GoProGeeks]

This is not safe to do. Earth and ground are different. Earth is 240v, ground is 12v. A negative ground in 12v is about completing a circuit. A 240v Earth is about directing potential energy to Earth in fault circumstances. Ground your 12v system to the metal work of the van. Do not attach 240v Earth to the van, this should have a continuous Earth connection back to the electric hookup. The hookup is earthed and the continues into the van and consumer unit. The other option is an earthing spike but that isn't practical. The van is basically an extension lead.

[@Petermcpete]

@@GoProGeeks Hello Mate. I just read your response to this much older thread but as im in the process of wiring a van i thought i would ask a question. I have a 240v inverter therefore in off grid situations there is no Earthed Hookup to connect to. In this case most camper builders seem to earth to the Chassis. As you say an earth spike is not practical.

[@adambarnes8303]

Hey mate. Where the site for the light went? Thanks you. Great video

[@TransitCustomCamper]

Hi Adam - thanks for the comment and checking out the video 👍 Sorry though not sure I get the Q? Can you let me know and I’ll see if I can answer?

[@cbgamer1056]

can you do a update of what you use due to some of the links dont work

[@TransitCustomCamper]

Yes, thanks for pointing it out.. I do need to get things updated - I’ll check the links 🔗

[@cbgamer1056]

@@TransitCustomCamper as we speak I’m pulling my transit van 2008 mk7 apart and coping u 😂😂

[@TransitCustomCamper]

Ah nice one 👍 hope your build goes OK! Thanks for checking out the content.. drop me a comment with any questions and I’ll try and help if I can

[@cbgamer1056]

@@TransitCustomCamper thank you so much

[@cbgamer1056]

@@TransitCustomCamper hi im struggling to find some liner for my mk7 transit 2008 because on the website they have ford custom but mine a mk7 model and strugging to find some online