drh14

I think so @Eddy Kilowatt - it's been a fun project. Planning to take it on many climbing trips this Fall.

One last photo of the van build in action ?

More photos... sorry maxed out the 10MB on each post.

I bought my 2016 TC Titanium LWB back in November of 2019 with plans of building it out. In comes the pandemic and the perfect time to stay home and get the build done. I'm going to share as much as I can and add some photos. Feel free to ask questions on our process. I'm happy to share our plans and construction. 4 biggest goals for our build: 1. Most head and leg room possible (hubs is 6'5). 2. Be comfortable enough as a daily driver, but able to leave for adventure with everything we need at a moment's notice. 3. Keep 4 seats (driver, passenger and 2nd row buckets). 4. Everything we do in the conversion needs to be removable/reversible, in the event that we ever need/want to sell the van. Here's a brief explanation of what we came up with: First we removed the 3rd row of seats. I wanted to install flooring to protect the carpet and keep it cleaner. I posted on a local neighborhood site and was able to score some FREE linoleum flooring. After removing a few other items, we were able to easily cut the flooring to size, tuck it under the edges of the plastic and use a staple gun to keep it in place. EASY! Then we built a frame. This was a bit of trial and error, but we had some help and were able to make it very sturdy and it is easily removable. We added high quality solid wood plywood sheet (3/4 inch) to the top to make the platform. We then cut a second piece that slides on top of the 'box platform'. This is so we can use the second row of seats and easily fold them down and slide the second wood piece forward to make the full platform bed. You can see this in the photos. The top of frame base is slightly longer than the stationary bed platform piece. We did this so we could easily secure the second slide over bed platform piece in place with simple drilled holes in the extended base pieces and some bolts with wing nuts. We have holes and bolts on both sides, so the platform piece can slide forward and secure to make the length of the bed and stay put while driving We bought small tubber wares that fit under one side of the platform box for storage. I built a custom drawer for the other side. The custom drawer fits my stove and most of my essential camp cooking stuff. We later added another stored piece of plywood (1/2 inch) cut narrow and long to make a convertible table for cooking space while standing under the hatch. Other additions: Custom cut foam with removable upholstery with zippers (so I can easily remove and wash). Custom bug netting. There's a lot of other stuff that I'm leaving out, but if you are interested, AMA. ? Happy to share my ideas and methods.

@jrm223 and @REI_Grande the ones pictured above that @jrm223 has are the same as I have. They work great. We made a custom bug net for our back hatch, so we can keep it open at night, and I'm currently working on the sliding doors. These that we purchased from Amazon won't work on the sliding side doors because of the door mechanism. I'm not keeping with my updates on my build out, but getting ready to post about it. You'll see my custom back hatch netting there.

Thanks for the suggestion! The box will be only used for traveling, so I'm not super concerned. I think I will end up going with the Thule Pulse Alpine, extra storage but super low profile. No question, the box and my awning will effect my fuel consumption though. I don't find the idea of a cargo trailer super appealing because it sort of defeats the purpose and ease of having an all-in-one micro-campervan (which is the eventual goal).

In case anyone was curious, I ended up just gently pressing the vinyl flooring under the plastic and using a staple gun. It is pretty secure and once we get the platform built I think it will be a tighter and more secure for sliding storage boxes etc...

We're starting our van build, much like others have mentioned, everything we do will have to be reversible in the event that we ever want to sell the van. Has anyone ever installed vinyl sheet flooring over the factory carpet? I'm thinking this might be a nice feature, because under the platform bed/box we're building, we will want storage boxes etc... The vinyl flooring will be easier to clean and allow for sliding storage boxes in and out more easily. My thought is that I could do minimal modification or damage and not add much volume, by using sheet underlayment, tucking it under tightly and then installing the vinyl sheet flooring with minimal adhesive to the underlayment. I'm not sure this will work. Any suggestions?

This is super helpful! Thank you! I'm eventually going to buy a roof top box, so I suppose I'll just have to be conscious of the weight we carry in it.

I haven't posted much here after my initial research phase and final purchase of my van. We're starting to buy accessories and make plans for the build out, so I'm making an effort share my progress, other findings, and purchases with other TC enthusiasts here. I purchased and installed a rack/cross bars system two weeks ago, I went with the Thule system. I'll list the parts below. Side bar: the customer service at e-trailers.com was superb, I would recommend doing business with that company. TH712400 Thule SquareBar Crossbars TH710601 Evo Flush Rail Feet for Thule Crossbars - Flush Side Rails TH186032 Fit Kit for Thule Evo Flush Roof Rack Feet It definitely wasn't the cheapest way to get outfitted with a rack. There are some systems on e-bay that are cheaper, but the convenience and fast shipping was really what I needed at the time. The other accessory that I wanted to share about is the awning I purchased. I found it on Camping World's website, it was the least expensive and simplest system I could find. We're modifying the brackets to install it, because I don't want to drill holes in my new cross bars. Initially, I'm impressed with the quality of the awning for the price. If you are looking for an inexpensive awning option, here's the link to the awning: https://www.campingworld.com/trustmade-6.5'-x-6.5'-car-rooftop-pull-out-awning-shelter-black-118964.html We also purchased, just today, some slide on window netting. We live in a warmer climate in summer, so windows down for sleeping in the van is required but can get buggy. We're testing these slide on window coverings that promote air flow, but keep bugs out. These came on recommendation from a friend who van camps/sleeps a lot. Here's the link: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07VPMVD4H/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 I will test everything this weekend camping and report back, and post some pictures too.

Thanks! I ended up ordering the Thule system from e-trailers.com because I was on a timeline. Sadly, the weak part of the system isn't the Thule rack it's the factory rails. As I understand it, the Ford factory rail system with a rack/cross bars system installed are only rated to hold around 150#. Which is kind of disappointing. We took 2 Dagger kayaks on a trip with it, and they probably weigh 50-60#'s each and it performed nicely. I guess we'll see if I need to modify to hold more weight later.

I purchased a 2016 TC Passenger Wagon LWB in November. We're going to start the conversion to 'weekend warrior camper van' on the inside soon. I want to add cross bars so I can add additional storage room on the roof and possibly a retractable awning. Any suggestions on affordable crossbars that are compatible or should I stick with Yakima/Thule?

I live in TN so can't buy this from you, but I would be interested in seeing what your conversion looks like. I bought a 2016 in November and have been planning to build it out, but make the conversion where I can still utilize the second row if needed.

@TCjeff What was your buying procedure? Did you take it for pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic? If you did, what things specifically did you ask to be looked over, outside of the basics? What package did you get? I'm in the buying process as well and would love your input... Also agree 100% with not buying one with a trailer hitch already installed, that would indicate the previous owner hauled and without knowing what they hauled, I would have been weary on transmission wear.