Ford Transit Van Build

2019 Ford Transit 250 - 148" Wheelbase - Medium Roof
Music: www.bensound.com

[@OutonaLimbwithKym]

One of the best van builds I've ever seen. Usually half way through, I zip to the end to see the results. I watched every second of this video. I can not wait until I build mine!!!

[@aricadorff6868]

Thanks for watching! Good luck whenever you do your build!

[@OutonaLimbwithKym]

@@aricadorff6868 You, too!! Thanks!

[@4KindnessGal]

Me too! But I watched it all the way through. These people seem like such a GREAT family. Love the hound dog too. They are such loving dogs too. I have not actually seen a good old hound dog in years. At least that’s what we called them. They are great with kids!

[@eddiesonthemove2725]

You have done a fantastic job. I appreciate how well thought out your project was built. I also appreciate that you have taken the time to make your van a home that appears to reflect your personal style and personality. Good success in your travels!

[@aricadorff6868]

Thank you!

[@alexanderweaver4838]

I watch these van builds and the transformations are absolutely amazing! Wow, you guys did an awesome job. The dog's bed looks comfortable...where are you guys going to sleep?

[@UrFavoriteBedwench101]

I love how they allowed the stove top to be inside the cabinets like a regular pullout drawer. Very neat and very clever.

[@time4sanity]

I noticed that, too!!! Loved it!

[@findmeintime]

And more permanent bench space

[@youtubehandol]

GF just said to me today that she 'knew' she wasn't going to get to keep her kettle in the van... that slide out guy is perfect. Going to mount the kettle base to that and wire it into 240V and surprise her with it. Awesome idea!

[@inspiringbuilds]

Great work, just don’t forget to be safe and wear proper PPE (hearing protection, safety glasses, etc) when using tools such as a miter saw and table saw.

[@tinymission7821]

Knowing your strengths and weaknesses was very smart. Being able to participate hands on in your build has given you the knowledge of how everything works and how to fix any problems in the future. Kudos to you and your professional builder. You made a great team creating your new home. Nice video.

[@aricadorff6868]

Thanks for your kind words!

[@Steve4TheWin]

Great video. Great job! I would like to see someone make a sink with the drain near the back so the plumbing, pump, etc could be closer to the wall and allow for more storage under the sink.

[@spoiled4evaami]

I love how you took us through step by step. I love the wood. Good luck on your endeavors

[@petergilbert7106]

Wow, an amazing conversion, you guys seem to have a beautiful family, lots of skills and an awesome dog. Best wishes to you all.

[@1houroflove186]

I watch these awesome van builds and I'm like: _"How come I can't even put together a prefab Ikea desk?"_

[@aricadorff6868]

Haha! Same! I had no carpentry skills prior to doing my van build. My carpenter friend Alex taught me everything as we went along. 👍

[@anestholiver]

Keep trying... mistakes are alright

[@hazelem1266]

No one can put together an ikea desk.

[@Teporame]

I used to say the same thing, until I committed myself to build the cabinets for the whole kitchen in my new house. Nobody wanted to teach me and the youtube videos do not cover everything, so I had to learn by trial and error and I think I made a good job. I do not like to spend part of my life recording and editing videos, so there is no documented evidence of what I did. But every time I watch the end result and I am asked for references regarding the carpenter who made the kitchen cabinets, I pat myself in the back. The cost was about 1/3 of custom made cabinets and the quality of the materials about double, no MDF or particle board, only baltic birch plywood and solid Oak frames and doors, High quality, soft closing hinges and drawer slides. However, my wife was not very happy, because it took me very long to have the job completed. At the end, it was worth it, not only for the savings, but for the experience and the lessons learned along the way.

[@DaveHolcroft]

The things you can do with TOOLS and TIME. Well done, brilliant conversion.

[@J-ZIM]

Love your van. I've always liked the use of white painted wood with the natural. Great look. You guys are so smart and did a wonderful job

[@aricadorff6868]

Thank you for the kind words! I love how it turned out!

[@christinewettengel2606]

Trop chouettes bravo 😍👍

[@jamiemcculloch8545]

I'm really impressed with what looks to be real professional build. Its a bit late now but for anyone watching this...sanding, cutting and creating wood dust is mildly to seriously toxic, depending on variety of source tree. If you find your lungs are feeling stiff after a long day of sanding without a mask...that'll be why. I've done it too, but not any more. Get a proper professional rubber one that clamps onto you face like an alien baby with screw in filter cartridges as loosely fitting papers are total ineffective too. Well anyway I'm really hoping you have no ill effects. For more info you can research occupational hazards for lumber workers.

[@kevinreilly9482]

I bet you are fun at a party

[@TABISURU2019]

That's a great video. I live in Japan, but I've remodeled my car. Cars provide infinite enjoyment.

[@Glenn.Cooper]

You guys cranked through this build. Nice job!

[@benjaminrush4443]

Excellent ! Two people with skills ; Average height & working together . I would like to get a Transit 250, 148" WB, AWD, but might have to get the High Top ( 6' 5 " ). The Bed would be too Long - Bench that would slide-out - two pads. I really like the separating the front; great for weather extremes/privacy. Such detailed work. I think that this is a great build. I would have to get the Extended Model for a Queen Bed Garage. I lack the Skills & Shop Area. Thanks and have some Safe & Happy Traveling.

[@julie.wilmes]

The crate storage area in the garage is so clever!

[@time4sanity]

What a fabulous feeling of accomplishment you must have! Congratulations! Well done!

[@aricadorff6868]

Thank you Judi! 😊

[@gosupersheep2006]

Really liked this video- many conversion videos can be super abrasive, but this was informative and not in your face at all! Love all aspects of your design, thanks for sharing!

[@jeffkarrow6924]

Impressive planning and cabinet making. You've got the right tools too. I'm doing my '98 Windstar mini van with mostly modified commercial cabinets and hardwood floor. The lighting and some plants make the "environment" friendly.

[@aricadorff6868]

Good luck with the rest of your build!

[@johnmat7099]

That sweet dog was so patient to finally get to sleep on that bed what a trooper!

[@Den3productions]

Damn you guys just sprinted through this build! Day 60 I'm like "OK, I'll but this wood... Now where does it go."

[@aricadorff6868]

Haha - I get it! We were able to do it in 30 days because there were 2 of us working on it full time 8-10 hours per day. 👍 Good luck with your build!

[@leiah3524]

I wish I could afford one of these and get out of the situation I’m in 🥺

[@taylorjones5414]

I feel you

[@mobilecivilian6124]

If you can afford rent. You can afford a van payment. My 2019 250 Transit costs me 370 a month.

[@findmeintime]

Just start somewhere and start buying second hand items off marketplace. There’s plenty of camping toilets, stoves, fridges for very cheap and ikea have lots of pocket storage items. Plenty of people give away old furniture for free. Find a friend handy with tools and start repurposing things.

[@floydb9100]

saying "i wish" stops your creative brain from thinking. resulting in never obtaining it. Instead, ASK your self, "how could i afford this" your brain will naturally bring about the answers for you. In the bible it says, "Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye. shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh. findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened" .... so unless you don't seek & knock on doors, no door is going to open for you. So knock on 100 doors a day until one of them opens 4 u

[@snacking5908]

Don’t get a new van. You can get used vans for 3k. Start with a bed and a heater (depending on location). You don’t need to hit the finish line at the beginning

[@simonvance8054]

Wow! Looks absolutely amazing... I'm thinking of getting a Transit...I'm just over ever increasing rent and want to live more mobile and free...thanks for sharing, what a beautiful result...great work...

[@davidgodley521]

This past April of 2020 I bought a Ford Transit 2016 model with mid high roof. It was already equipped with a non slip rubber floor and fiberglass insulation in the walls and ceiling. I worked on it from there. It also has a V6 310 HP twin turbo EcoBoost engine and trailer tow package. Gets great gas mileage too!

[@mtmelton11]

This is the most beautiful build I've ever seen! I could feel the love that went into it❤ its freakin' amazing🎉 you make it look easy. I am almost 62, a traveling nurse & desperately wanting to do the van life. I'm over do a sabbatical 😂. My best to you❤P.S. I'm so in love with your sweet 🐕 ❤

[@aricadorff6868]

Thanks for the nice comment. I hope you are able to weave vanlife into your life!

[@The22j]

Wow, you made it look so easy to build.

[@ljli]

That dude has some serious serious skills!!

[@aricadorff6868]

For sure! 👍

[@TMAdventuresT7]

Really nice quality craftsmanship, awesome van,,,enjoy ✌🏾

[@muddyboots7753]

Awesome job. A self build one would be even more precious than expensive stock vans

[@aricadorff6868]

For sure! I love the homey feel of my van and being a part of the build definitely makes me appreciate every aspect of it!

[@kimberlydavis5034]

Wow. I'm absolutely impressed with the van conversion you did. I'm going to do what you're doing. I'm doing the van life for my own sanity, disabilities and limitations. I love your dog. I love the color palettes you picked for the inside of your van. Everything is so expensive. Rents and mortgages keep going up and up and basic living needs. I'm going to simplify my life as much as possible. I have much respect for you sharing this KZbin Video.💙💙💙 Everyone can laugh at me frankly I don't care anymore. The van life is the best life for me and my little dog.🌹🌾🌲🌴🍁🌿💐🌷🌻🍃🌺🌳🇺🇸

[@aricadorff6868]

Yay! Happy van life for you and your pup! 😍

[@kimberlydavis5034]

@@aricadorff6868 I've been wanting to do the van life for a long time now. Now that my children are grown. I can do the van life and travel a little and see some places that I've always wanted to go and see.

[@marianlumictin2325]

That’s awesome love the architectural design and color 👏👏👏

[@michellelivingston7078]

You guys are incredibly talented!! I’m very envious!

[@hongshi8251]

It’s a nice design and you did a good job. I think the van thing is gonna die off until you can make a daily driver and a little less camper. Eliminate all that wood and weight and also retain one bench seat with factory belts. I think a minivan is enough.

[@garyberliner9364]

Ditto! I admire your work and love. Thanks for sharing it with us.

[@RoamingRuca]

WOW! Awesome awesome awesome 👍👍 Great build guys, she’s absolutely beautiful 😍

[@reneebrown2968]

Nice build. I like the openness of it. Though I think i would rather put in turnable front seats with no wall.

[@MontenegroNoel]

Beautiful building and so fast !

[@deborahdoesscrap]

First, I love your dog. What a sweetie. Great job with the build out. Looked awesome when it was done. Really love the drawer stove idea. Brilliant. Loved the seating across from each other because I love putting my feet up and it is a nasty habit but I do it in restaurants all the time! Everything looks super and hope you enjoy your travels. Be safe.

[@aricadorff6868]

Thanks for the nice comment about my dog and van build. Take care! 🤗

[@vencevenceable]

😍O mais bonito d tudo é o casal tralhando unido e contente! 👏Ficou sensacional! E ficaria perfeito c tivesse um banheiro. 😉 Ter um motor home é o meu sonho! 🤗

[@aricadorff6868]

There’s a toilet hidden under the small seat and an outdoor shower hooked up to an instant hot water heater. 👍

[@vencevenceable]

@@aricadorff6868 Eu não tinha notado. Obg. 😘

[@chrisirving7]

Great video, no waffling, good music,love the mut.Enjoy!

[@wboutsianis]

Amazing to watch! You guys did such a phenomenal job in every respect. Great planning, great work set up, and even your documenting skills are on point! Your van is wonderful and I wish I could teleport and be part of the project 😂🤩🥰💖

[@aricadorff6868]

Awww thank you for the kind words!

[@enasajackson2319]

If you have time can you do a walk through???🙏

[@jaycosgrove9765]

Brilliant conversion. And a lovely dog as well. Happy travels.

[@aricadorff6868]

Thanks!

[@tahirkhan000]

Loved the kitchen on the other side of the van rathar than near the door which blocks the way.

[@aricadorff6868]

I agree! I love the open look and feel of the bench seat by the sliding door. 👍

[@alisonshanahan9529]

Love the pull out stove. I am a bit worried about varnishing the timber bench tops, I was under the impression that it's better to oil them, they don't crack and last longer.

[@schmelaee]

What a beauty. The vibes you are giving off are heartwarming :)

[@kimberlyjeanne9456]

Great build! Who helped you? Did you already know how to do things or did you need the help? I don’t have experience in plumbing or electrical but I learn fast and am an awesome assistant lol. When I do get my van I def need an experienced builder but I want to help with the whole thing so I know what’s in my van and how to fix things etc...

[@goatsRKoolTV]

Im the same I dont know anything but I want to learn everything! 😀

[@aricadorff6868]

I had NO carpentry experience prior to starting this build. My carpenter friend, Alex, is a traveling carpenter who lives in his van full time. He was super patient and taught me everything you see me doing in the video so I could be a part of the build. He’s available for hire if you’re looking for the same experience. You can find him on Instagram @wjplata 😊

[@tbird6260]

@@aricadorff6868 can you share how much the cost? Did you get the van yourself first? Thx

[@aricadorff6868]

Tbird I bought the van as a used 2019 with 12k miles from a dealership for $28k. The build cost $22k (half for materials and half for labor). So the van plus the build was $50k total. 😊

[@tbird6260]

Thanks for the info! I’m 59 and wanting to hit the toad! So gathering info - best wishes for some fantastic adventures 🌍🌟☀️💫💚

[@Hanginwithherky]

Nice work and a great design. Should bring you years of enjoyment.

[@maxi20041]

You guys did a great job! Loved the dog, first one on the bed!

[@aricadorff6868]

Yes!! 😉

[@lweleven3423]

You must have some professional skill in this , it’s no home diy job for sure . .ive tried twice 3rd Van now having it done for me ££££lots

[@beckyparson1636]

Officially doggo approved. Great job. Happy adventures.

[@ebreevephoto]

Epic build! Very nice. The build inspector is my favorite though. I think he approved of the mattress... LOL

[@aricadorff6868]

Thanks for the kind words! Agreed on my sweet inspector! 🐾😉

[@IngridsVanlife]

You guys made this look so easy!!

[@cathietonkin5577]

Wow!!! Amazing build in such a short time frame!

[@cathietonkin5577]

Man-Lady- made, dog approved!!!! Got my vote! 🧡💛💚💙 your new home! 🤗🤗🤗🤗

[@greggarrot8132]

I recommend you Google Plumbing vans you'll see some of them have 4-6 inch PVC pipes on each side by the top the length of the van used for storage of copper and gas pipe you could use them to hold water. I use it for both on my van one for storing my fishing poles the other one for water but they both can hold water if needed especially if I'm boondocking for a while

[@janadawn68]

That’s beautiful, y’all!! Congrats and have fun in your new home 😊

[@aricadorff6868]

Thank you!! 😊

[@ibranger6439]

You might wanna consider doing van conversions on the side..ya know, customer requests such and such, you supply part numbers and number of supplies, they show up with parts and you supply the know how and labor...for a fee of course. Share the wealth

[@goatsRKoolTV]

Really like this design, it's given me some good ideas. Do you have a van tour video once complete?

[@aricadorff6868]

I’ll create a van tour video and post it soon!

[@alterbayer7196]

wow wow wow :: great Job !! Beautiful, a realy little Home ! ..and the full-size bed for your dog is nice ... but ..where are sleeping you ?? Greetings from Germany ...and stay all safe !!

[@missshellz9009]

Can't wait for the full tour. It looks amazing! ❤️

[@scherryd]

So impressed! Gorgeous build and great customizations!

[@beach3girl459]

Most detailed from-the-ground-up video to date. Thanks!

[@aricadorff6868]

Awww glad you enjoyed it!

[@chatteyj]

@@aricadorff6868 It was good but be honest did it really take this little amount of time? For example did you really get the electrical work all done in one day?? If so how did you achieve such efficiency had you done this before or are you the most organised people on the planet?

[@aricadorff6868]

Devonian - There would be no reason for us to pretend we did this build any faster than we actually did it. We’re not a van build company - just two friends working together to create a home on wheels. I had to move out of my “normal” (land-based) house so we rented an Airbnb for the van build for exactly one month and that was our deadline to get everything done. As you can see in the video, the electrical was something that was worked on throughout the build (running wires on Day 2, solar on Day 6, outlet boxes and fuses/breaker on Day 7, more electrical work on Day 9, wiring on Day 11, electrical complete on Day 14). Alex is a traveling carpenter who built his van (that he lives in full time). I had never worked with power tools before so it was an awesome crash course / carpentry internship for me. 😊

[@mikeadams7643]

Hard work with beautiful results! Enjoy :)

[@bigeyejim]

Love this build!!! Doggo very happy it's done and time to get on bed!!

[@aricadorff6868]

For sure! My Bloodhound loves “her” van!

[@lindak8664]

Best doggo build i’ve ever seen! 🐾

[@aricadorff6868]

Thanks! She’s the best travel buddy! 🐕🐾

[@alexrybin1778]

Очень хорошая работа! 👍 Всего наилучшего! Счастья и здоровья!

[@Greybeardmedic]

Nails are fine for homes, but a poor option in a vehicle which moves, shakes, and vibrates. They will tend to work themselves loose over time.

[@J-ZIM]

what should they use?

[@Greybeardmedic]

@@J-ZIM Screws

[@blackthornhealing]

Stunning.

[@sylvieameshumainesvivante8458]

Belle réalisation

[@kayakerpaddler2023]

I love how you maximized the depth of your walls, but how did you attached the furring strips where the metal walls are one thickness?

[@raphofthehills4405]

Hmmm, quite a few safety and durability issues in this build, it seems. Crossing fingers for Erica & Gracie. Getting up to speed on electrical and gaz codes, complemented by safe design practices for transportation applications, would definitely benefit this builder.

[@Robyn-i1n]

Really enjoyed viewing your conversion. Well done! Wish I knew your location so that I could solicit your help with my own conversion.

[@aricadorff6868]

My friend that I hired to help me with this build can be reached on Instagram @wjplata. Good luck with your conversion!

[@aricadorff6868]

My friend that I hired to help me with this build can be reached on Instagram @wjplata. Good luck with your conversion!

[@JAMES-sz5du]

Very nice and warm. Congratulations

[@enasajackson2319]

Hahahhahahaa it SMALL but it's AWESOME 💯 always good to have a handyMAN in your pocket 💞

[@kellyoshea9235]

Your work is so beautiful! I am super impressed.

[@alfaromeo6985]

It looks to me the construction took place at a public park? that is amazing.

[@aricadorff6868]

We actually rented an airbnb room at a Buddhist Meditation Center and they let us do the build on their property while staying there for a month. 😊

[@alfaromeo6985]

@@aricadorff6868 Wow....that is quite a novel idea. Who would have thought of that....ten thumbs up to you...:) Where did you store all of your woodworking equipment during the build?

[@RJGilman1967]

This was a wonderful video - love the energy of it. ✌ And what a love bug that pup is, love older dogs.

[@jackoflaco420]

Thats the guy that builds all the dope vans with fire places, or wood burning stoves rather. I met y’all at skooliepoloza. Love your work. Just ordered a transit, you still doing vans?

[@aricadorff6868]

Yup that’s him! You can find Alex on IG @wjplata

[@robertdesmarais3821]

Wow Absolutely BEAUTIFUL!!!

[@aricadorff6868]

Thanks!

[@christiancornalba7099]

Ciao. Ottimo lavoro e bel video. Quante ore e quanti soldi avete speso per il vs van? Grazie e buon anno.

[@andreamarasea3797]

bonito trabajo! os felicito! sois dos buenos chicos. Dios os bendiga.

[@thekp503]

beautiful build... Hope you beefed up the suspension and brakes.

[@breathplay112]

I dont think this is neccessary - this van is built for taking a lot of load, both suspension and brakes. Most important is to distribute the weight even.

[@thomasmattson2389]

Great job.

[@shammywadud]

Wow ..... Great job guys .... Absolutely gorgeous.... I love it

[@wlcsher]

Looks really nice with quality work and Materials , would like to know if you could list how much all materials and you different tools cost,thank you very much !

[@aricadorff6868]

Don’t have a list of all the costs but I bought my van as an empty cargo van for $28k from a dealership. It's a 2019 and had 12k miles and I added on a 5 year warranty. The build cost $22,000 (half for materials and half for labor). So the van + build = $50k total. My carpenter friend owns all of the tools so we didn’t buy any tools for this project.

[@tbird6260]

Absolutely impressive! Gorgeous!

[@guirongzhou-geo90]

Great design and excellent execution. Thumbs up!

[@aricadorff6868]

Thank you!

[@christiancarlson8107]

Looks very nice!😊

[@k9luv3]

Fantastic job! That is so impressive! Would you do one for me? LOL!

[@iamwhoisayiam4194]

Gracie is one happy pup! She loves her new bed! : )

[@aricadorff6868]

She does!! 😊

[@Tigerworksinc]

Great job Kid Rock.

[@helenrimmer-CarryOnRTW]

Love the van... we are also converting a 148 but HR. The more important question is that "Broken Toe"?

[@aricadorff6868]

Yes! That’s Broken Toe! He’s on IG @wjplata 😊

[@helenrimmer-CarryOnRTW]

@@aricadorff6868 awesome! We met him at Hart's Pass last year when we started SOBO. I always regretted not getting his info, he was so great. Great job on the van!

[@aricadorff6868]

Helen Rimmer - What a small world. I know he loves doing trail magic up there. Awesome that you can now follow him on IG. 👍

[@martinaattravelista8767]

Amazing build!! This is the first vid I've seen of you guys, have to check out what you're doing these days :) Where did you find that drawer stove?

[@Backwoodscountryman]

Very impressive. One of the nicer one's I've seen. Why a semi high top? Great for the woman but the man is struggling, can only stand up straight with his head in the roof light. Was that an oversight when the van was purchased, not taking the insulated floor into consideration?

[@aricadorff6868]

Hi! I purchased the medium roof because I’m solo in the van and I’m only 5’2” ish. I hired my carpenter friend to help me build the van. 😊

[@Backwoodscountryman]

@@aricadorff6868 oh okay, you're a pretty handy chippy too. Regards from East Sussex x

[@kenhurley4441]

How high is the ceiling? I'm 5'5" so a medium roof should work. Nice build.

[@aricadorff6868]

Thanks! The medium roof will be great for you. My ceiling is 5’8”. 😊

[@NorthCountryOutdoorGuys]

I’m 5’4” and was worried the medium would be too short once the floor and ceiling were installed. But this makes it look doable.

[@basd659]

When you guy’s come to the Netherlands sometimes, maybe i can hire you! What a craftsman/women you two are!

[@ziyadkioumji9777]

Well done you both did a great job. Enjoy it .