Simple DIY Water Tank Brackets (NO WELDING) | Ford Transit Conversion

Ford Transit Van Build Australia | Vanlife Australia Episode 5
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This is the fifth build episode of the series where I mount the underfloor fresh and grey water tanks. I made some easy DIY custom metal brackets to and show the process on how to mount the tanks. I have installed a 43L Grey water tank and an 85L fresh water tank. Lastly I install a lockable fresh water filling port on the side of the van.
I appreciate all comments, feedback and constructive criticism along the way!
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PARTS USED
Here is the list of parts and items we have used on the van build is this episode and thus far. These are affiliate links for which I may be compensated if you purchase from the link.
THIS BUILD EPISODE
85L Freshwater tank bit.ly/3locE9W
43L Grey water tank ebay.us/BgNneX
Water filler port amzn.to/2Q29jDz
12V water pump amzn.to/3lDV0Rd
Gas hot water heater ebay.us/XbUpHq
Water level gauge ebay.us/2QFPmN
Rivnut Set amzn.to/3u92wqy
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FROM THE REST OF THE BUILD
Electrical
Circuit breaker amzn.to/3ah2iWz
2000w Pure Sine Wave inverter amzn.to/2P231Dr
DCDC 50amp charger amzn.to/3vS6B3x
Battery Monitor amzn.to/3cbsfrR
Circuit breaker amzn.to/3ah2iWz
Double Pole GPO outlet ebay.us/PsH4Jf
12v Switch Panel amzn.to/31r1z3M
Isolator switch amzn.to/3v01Vr9
70 Amp Fuse amzn.to/32TOLnb
135Ah Lithium Battery ebay.us/jPiXow
Blade fuse box amzn.to/3xgz1Fo
Wire connector kit amzn.to/3EYDnU9
100m wire roll 12AWG ebay.us/VOijcB
Split loom wire protector amzn.to/3nUtbal
30Amp relay amzn.to/3tHIlQ8
In line fuse holder amzn.to/3syyISC
12v LED downlights amzn.to/3lH7NCh
Dc-Dc 12v To 5v convertor amzn.to/3yOtxRB
12v USB charging port amzn.to/3G0sQsR
Solar Setup
100w solar panel ebay.us/N3rl0G
Large panel solar panels ebay.us/sWUKuw
Solar Cable Entry Housing Mount amzn.to/2QrvliZ
Solar Inline fuse amzn.to/2SZB15t
Solar Cable Extension amzn.to/3gZFPQj
Kitchen Unit
65L Fridge ebay.us/gPZTbs
3 Burner Stove and Oven ebay.us/mk1Xnb
Kitchen Drawer slides amzn.to/2RkdOJW
Draw Handles amzn.to/2QOPTT9
Kitchen Mixer Tap amzn.to/3zwxnPR
Sink amzn.to/3ePVKQ2
Insulation
Foil Board Insulation tinyurl.com/28sjp9b8
Sound Deadener ebay.us/FJxrxG
Polyester Insulation tinyurl.com/ybcnp8zs
Windows
Pop out window www.tinyurl.com/18izsan5
Sliding window www.tinyurl.com/8xudhdfb
Bed Build
Cypress Pine Fence Picket tinyurl.com/9hrtrr9c
Table Drawer slides amzn.to/2RkdOJW
Handy Tools
Rivnut Set amzn.to/3u92wqy
Contour Gauge amzn.to/3eaIbvj
Gas Soldering Iron amzn.to/2PGQkOK
Kreg Pocket hole jig amzn.to/3xUEcKA
Stainless Wire Brush ebay.us/UGNEg3
Brazing Rods ebay.us/rTSkSD
Mapp Gas Torch amzn.to/3xHEKDi
Silicone Finishing Gauges amzn.to/3sC8U9N
Sausage Gun amzn.to/2XAG9z5
Notched Trowel amzn.to/3nWgvja
Ventilation
12v Exhaust Vent and fan amzn.to/3JJ7QsY
Sirroco II fan amzn.to/3nIZt7r
Roof Top Deck
Led light bar ebay.us/fKrS9Z
Tie Down D rings amzn.to/3nFHy1q
End caps amzn.to/3wNTEYk
Other
Diesel Heater amzn.to/3nHepl3
Hard plastic shims tinyurl.com/y5pollc4
Heavy Duty Drawer Slides amzn.to/3z67RkY
Gas box www.tinyurl.com/5gzdu36w
Gas struts amzn.to/39aUx3P
Push button locks amzn.to/3cc9cxK
Smart Projector amzn.to/3h62ueO

[@brianmi40]

You could have just zig-zag bent the bottom brackets to not need the spacers on the error missing the bolt heads... but perhaps you didn't have anymore steel on hand and had precut the steel to the straight lengths you used... I would also be a bit concerned with just brackets against plastic over time. The tank kits you buy, have a complete frame around the bottom, and that is what is fastened to mounting brackets... but it would have been easy to fashion some angle aluminum to be a frame around the bottom of the tank that rests on your brackets.

[@SALTYVANVENTURES]

The brackets are really quite strong. I've no doubt they will endure the test of time. They are held in tight with rubber matting to alleviate any rubbing that would cause a problem later. Yes that is all the steel i had and i had already pre cut it all. I also actually removed all the hex screws are re did the whole fastener system to the chassis with riv nuts which makes me sleep easier at night.

[@bminderh73]

@@SALTYVANVENTURES I'm just in the process of fixing my grey water tank under my VW Crafter and I think your way with the brackets is a good one, with riv nuts even better. How thick are the brackets? Looks like 4 mm or something?

[@lachlangash3263]

These videos are some of the best van build videos on KZbin and your van lay out and facilities are so sick and the finishes are amazing surely a van walk through or up date soon Keep up the good work!

[@SALTYVANVENTURES]

Cheers! Yes the van tour is coming, but so is Christmas haha! We just released a new video update a couple of days ago.

[@alexcalcagno2499]

​@@SALTYVANVENTURES Hi how much cost the water tank and where can I buy it ?

[@jncolligan1]

Getting the desired stability from the extra bend must have been a treat!

[@SALTYVANVENTURES]

yes it was! Heat shield for only $4 was a bonus!

[@donnymartin9010]

like your videos mate, keep up the simple build

[@SALTYVANVENTURES]

Thank you for watching! I sure will!

[@LittleBeeeee]

Very well done. I think I will do the same idea to mount either a 20 or 30 gal tank on mine. Thanks for this!

[@SALTYVANVENTURES]

Glad it helped

[@alizare1249]

great video!

[@SALTYVANVENTURES]

Glad you enjoyed it Ali

[@artofnoly9754]

10:51 Try the bolts up the other way to protect the threads from road gravel etc. And for better clearance (less danger) when you're underneath the van. Excellent work. Great vid.

[@SALTYVANVENTURES]

Thanks!, Yes that's not a bad point, Ill probably flip them around

[@kbs7340]

Great vid. Thx 👍👋

[@SALTYVANVENTURES]

No problem

[@tjack5111]

Great guide

[@SALTYVANVENTURES]

Glad it was helpful!

[@garyoneill8868]

Very good videos Marcel....... and using Aussie gear (some of it 😁) as well. A good watch. Thankyou.

[@SALTYVANVENTURES]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@callumdickie6545]

Would love to see that fresh and gray tank monitor video

[@rally1810]

Hey I am just about to start the process of installing a water system in my 2019 Transit. Just wanted to check in and see where you guys are at with the 85L, do you think it was enough? I have had some people recommend for me to move the spare tire to the back door and use that space for an even bigger tank but tbh if you guys are happy with the 85L still I think I will just stick with that since I love working along side your videos. Cheers guys!

[@samuelcolman1686]

Hey Marcel, thanks for the all the info. We're converting a van at the moment and getting a lot of tips and tricks from you. Can you please give a bit more detail about how you ran the hoses for the tanks from the chassis up into the van and whereabouts you made the holes? Were they up through the floor or more the side cavity? And what did you use to seal/secure them? Thanks!

[@SALTYVANVENTURES]

Yes you are correct. The hoses are ran though the wall cavity. You may need to get under your van to see where it will pop out. There was a very tight area where I could run them. I used a hole saw/ step drill bit to drill out true holes. Make sure to use a rubber grommet or similar around the hoses to stop them from rubbing and eventually being cut by the sheet metal around the hole. Is used plenty of Sila flex too to keep them from moving around

[@bruceaux174]

Great job installing the tanks. You need safety glasses when cutting metal. One small chip can ruin your eye. Stay safe.

[@SALTYVANVENTURES]

Thanks!

[@kakadudude]

Great vids mate - will definitely be copying a lot of your ideas. One question - what is that hot water system - and where did you get it? And some advice - turn the bolts around on your fresh water tank -less chance of the threads getting damaged so will be easier to undo when the time comes, many k's in the future. Cheers and beers

[@SALTYVANVENTURES]

Thank you. I didn't really have too many options regarding the orientation I installed the water tank. Your point is valid though and is something I didn't really think about. The tank was supposed to be rectangular but as you can see in the video it has an extra bit on the top. Because of this I could only fit it in one way. I might make some kind of protection plate it if it becomes an issue.

[@cv6473]

Great video! Does the ford transit have a preexisting water drain hole like the sprinter? Also not sure if is Australia is needed but are you planning to freeze/winter-proof the water tank? if so how?

[@SALTYVANVENTURES]

I'm not away of any natural drain hole, well not that i have found or noticed anyway. Luckily we don't need to freeze proof the tanks in Australia as it doesn't get cold enough in 99.5% of the country to warrant it

[@conscioussunshine23]

Hey! I was wondering how long your fresh water tank lasts you on the road? Love your helpful channel!

[@SALTYVANVENTURES]

It all depends what we do. If we. are trying to save water it can last us anywhere from 5 days to a week but if we are showering and washing the dishes with running water about 3 days.

[@JourneyVanBuilds]

Awesome video thanks man! Gives me a lot more confidence going into the same project on mine. I was wondering if there is any concern with forward and backward movement with accelerating and braking as there are no brackets specifically stopping that motion? Just a thought I've had about my own. Thanks again for the videos!

[@SALTYVANVENTURES]

the freshwater tank is actually wedged in on all sides so there is no chance of movement and the grey water take is solid as a rock.

[@JourneyVanBuilds]

@@SALTYVANVENTURES then that's exactly what I'll do 🙂🙏

[@tompettus3296]

Really enjoy your videos....if I didn’t see your roof rack, I’d not been able to mix 80/20 with square aluminum....I’ve still not found a tank supplier meeting your water tank dimensions in USA. my next question is where did you get your water port in this video? There is no link at the top of this video

[@SALTYVANVENTURES]

Not sure what you mean by you haven't been able to see the roof rack? The water port is a Camec lockable water filler. I'll add the link to where i bought it in the description.

[@AshiqurRahman-uv1vj]

Hi Marcel, hope you are going well? Love your videos and you make it look so easy! Haha Just a couple of questions. What dimensions were your mounting brackets? Does it have to be of a certain thickness so when we bend it, it will not break and have its structural integrity? Can we find this at Bunnings?

[@SALTYVANVENTURES]

From memory i think the flat bar was about 40mm x 3mm thick. Thick enough to hold the weight but still thin enough to be workable. Steel will bend nicely and not break like aluminium is susceptible to if you bent it 90 degrees with a hammer. You would need to get it from a steel/metal shop not Bunnings.

[@carlbeaver7112]

TEK screws? After 50+ years as a mechanic I wouldn't use them to post a sticky note on the wall. They ALWAYS come loose.

[@SALTYVANVENTURES]

Yes I agree, Very shortly after making this video I removed all the tex screws and installed rivnuts for a much stronger join.

[@yachtmustang]

Hi Marcel. Can you tell me how you fitted air vents to both tanks. Thx heaps.

[@SALTYVANVENTURES]

The breather for the fresh is connected to the intake cap. There should be hose fitting for it. The grey i just used a short piece of hose and glued in a fitting on the top of the tank

[@ronniehe4375]

Great work! Where did you get the water tanks from?

[@SALTYVANVENTURES]

Link in the description

[@griffingoldach1146]

Stoked I came across your page, I’m in the process of converting a Ford transit! All your vids have super helpful. Where did you source your tanks and fill port? I’m only seeing very expensive options. Any help would be super appreciated!

[@SALTYVANVENTURES]

Welcome aboard! the links to the tanks i purchased are in the description as well as the filler port!

[@griffingoldach1146]

@@SALTYVANVENTURES my dude. Thank you! Didn’t see that haha.

[@darrylkerrigan5059]

Unreal videos cob ! Do you drink out of your freshwater tank ?

[@SALTYVANVENTURES]

Sure do, we fill the tank up with an inline water filter

[@darrylkerrigan5059]

Legend thanks mate and did you order the fittings with your 85l water tank or purchase at a plumbing store ?

[@1107steph]

Hi Marcel, loving your videos.....we are in process of converting a Ford Transit in Adelaide.... so it's perfect timing. Just noticed that the fresh water tank you used has a flare out at one end which is different to the picture and drawings you link to at the manufacturers website. Was that a problem when you received it.....and what difference does it make to the dimensions.

[@SALTYVANVENTURES]

Hi! Yes its a bit or poor advertising on their part but i did kind of know it would fit prior as i ordered the same tank as another fella doing the same van up. The extra bit does fit snuggly though. Basically fits between the chassis cross members and the floor, then the body of the tank rests on the cross members, if that makes sense. So the extra bit faces up. Hope that helps

[@michaelborlini569]

@@SALTYVANVENTURES What brand are these tanks and where did you get them? I have this van and am looking to purchase the same. . Loving the videos mate. Internet Gold!

[@SALTYVANVENTURES]

​@@michaelborlini569 the links are in the description

[@darrylkerrigan5059]

Hey mate love your channel/ build how does the pump go ? I have the same pump but have seen a lot of other van builds using an accumulator do you reckon it’s worth putting one in ? Cheers cob

[@SALTYVANVENTURES]

Personally I don't see a need for it in our build. The pump only has 55psi and all our pipes are rated to mains pressure.

[@darrylkerrigan5059]

Your a legend ! What sort of hosing is your 12mm hosing that supplies the van and where did you source it chasing some at the moment thanks mate

[@yachtmustang]

Hey Marcel. Can you tell me what you did about your pipes for the tanks. What size piping did you use to connect to the tanks as I'm trying to avoid huge holes in the van floor when doing the pipe runs. Thx fella

[@SALTYVANVENTURES]

You will need to drill some holes into the cavity on the side of the van for the hoses. there are 4 hoses you need. Fresh to pump, fresh from filler, breather for filler and grey water. Grey water and filler were 1" flexy bilge hose, fresh inlet was 12mm hose and breather was just a small rubber hose.

[@inverellchurchyvids]

Hey champ, cool vids. Will you be putting in swivel seats in the front?

[@SALTYVANVENTURES]

No swivel seats in this build

[@kakadudude]

@@SALTYVANVENTURES - that's a shame - I wanted to learn how to do that as well. Sat in Bunnings looking at your vids to see what to buy lol!! Keep up the good (and very educational) work mate

[@zoemarino9384]

HI! This is brilliant but how do you then connect the water tanks to the inside of the van?

[@SALTYVANVENTURES]

I ran rubber hose up from under the van for the freshwater to the pump. same for the water water and the filler hose. I had to drill the holes out with a hole saw bit through the side panelling of the van.

[@zoemarino9384]

Thanks for the reply! Is there any footage of that of any of your videos? Even if it's just like a picture of that to get the idea!

[@marekondrus5579]

just curious as it doesn't seem like the brackets go into any of the tank's recessed channels and so provide max support from the top/bottom and left/right side... did you do anything to prevent the tank from sliding back/fwd when accelerating/braking that could affect your plumbing fittings?

[@SALTYVANVENTURES]

The main tank is actually wedged by the van chassis at either end so it can’t physically move. The smaller grey water tank it has rubber strips around the bracket which stop any movement occurring

[@OpTicCupCaKes]

Hey Marcel Do you find you've lost a lot of clearance with the main tank or do you not mind? When I measure up the same tank on my transit it sits 10cm+ below the fuel tank which is the lowest thing in that part of the under body. I'm worried that I would rip it off camping All the best, yeww 🤘

[@SALTYVANVENTURES]

No particularly. It is slightly lower in that zone of the van but the evident lowest point of the van is still the rear shock mount (very annoying actually) I haven't found I have been worried or concerned about it getting knocked around. I was also planning on adding some slightly larger tires to the van which would lift the whole van about an inch or so but by no means ill be taking it over terrain where i would be concerned.

[@familyguyfanboy2]

drill loads of holes into the chassis that'll stop the rust

[@janCamp]

Hi Marcel Where did you purchase the tanks? Cheers Jan

[@SALTYVANVENTURES]

the links art in the description

[@swurvmotorsports9202]

was that the biggest fresh water tank you could fit under the car ?

[@SALTYVANVENTURES]

Yes that I could find that would fit nicely. You could probably add a smaller second tank in the rear near the spare wheel and connect them up to get a bit more capacity

[@dimascolchonero7501]

hi bro! where to buy tanks ??

[@SALTYVANVENTURES]

The links are in the description

[@tompettus3296]

Where did you get the tanks?

[@tompettus3296]

Really like your info......pace and sound good. much better than humble road....my guess is that this won’t work if you fuel aux installed. You’ve convince me to try this

[@SALTYVANVENTURES]

I got the big tanks from a water tank supplier in Melbourne. And the smaller grey water tank from eBay. Both the links to the tanks are in the video description

[@897aa33]

Do you know what weight crossbars can handle. It's not a chassis and I am worried if I put my water tank it eventually break apart.

[@garyoneill8868]

80-100 kgs of water and tank weight combined and spread over a few (maybe 6) mounting points shouldn't be too much bother. Those van floors are made to carry about 1000kgs all up, maybe more for a big van.

[@897aa33]

@@garyoneill8868 there is small cross members that actually welded to the chassis that's what I am worried about. Anyway Thanks

[@garyoneill8868]

@@897aa33 yes, I know you were referring to them. The tops of them sit flush with top of chassis, yes? Ie they help carry floor weight? Edit: I've just looked at video again; they do sit flush. As long as you spread the weight out a bit you shouldn't have any problems with it.