It's always great to see young men who know their jobs and have the skills. Excellent job guys but out of my price range being am on social security nowadays. Good luck with your business.
Good job... happy for people that can afford turnkey top o the line van....i love all the small steps from boyscout neighborhood creek camping ... Ive had 5 vans all no build builds... lots of wonderful things to have fun, enthusiasm... weird for me to think of tearing out of a vehicle what i paid good hard earned cash for and pay someone another fortune to replace upgrade... im committed to a last new vehicle I'll probably buy and no build, build it for travel camping...Ford transit 350 high top, extended trails ... order 4 months ago ... ??? Most people say good luck... hard to be patient but practiced for 74 years... ha
Would I like an integrated AC unit, bathroom with shower and all the bells and whistles? Yes. But I have other things I would like to do with my retirement. I know my skill set does not include the DIY needed to convert my own. I know if I plan my travel route to the four seasons, I can be comfortable with this set up. Butane tabletop stoves work well for us (even indoors) when we go tent camping (get the Japanese or Korean models at the Asian markets) as well as our iCamper ISO fuel disc. Might even find space to add a portable Traeger grill. Wish you would include mounting for marine swivel table. But this is a viable, affordable option to get us out on the road. Glad your design has such a spacious dedicated sleep deck. some vans make it a project to set up a bed for an after-trail, afternoon nap. Good sleep is underrated.
Nice clean look to the van; lots of storage which everyone wants. You can't beat experience so paying $ to you versus some of the "one and done" negative know-it-alls in the comments, is preferable. Thank you for the very detailed video! 👍
Very impressive kit, I love the no bathroom/shower inside. I also like the Yeti power station so it is easy to take in and out. I would use my van for long weekends chasing powder in the winter and hiking from trailheads the rest of the year. I think your kit is the best one I have found for my needs. Just need to get moving on finding the right van for the build.
Wish that you have more power options as the Yeti is lithium chemistry. Would have prepare either Anker, Ecoflow or Bluetti for LifePo battery chemistry. Overall, interesting.
Yes the Yeti is Lithium NMC as opposed to LiFePo but still is a great power. Easy enough for consumers to swap to another option if they prefer as everything is plug and play.
@@TitanVans yeah for some reason I thought that was already available. I almost asked. I am willing to bet your labor is priced reasonably. It’s not that so much as I want to learn and be able to make fixes on the road and maybe customize options etc. I think I could afford a fully complete conversion but I am not sure I know what I want just yet. Way to be.
@@TitanVans I mean to say I would pay a consulting fee. What would be great is if you had an RV style camp site near you where people could rent a spot for a month that includes a fifteen minute consultation with a roving expert, perhaps with supplies we could purchase a la cart.
Clear, thorough presentation - excellent job and thank you! Of the van build-out companies I'm familiar with, this appears to be the most well considered design. Baltic Birch, Isotherm, oil/wax finish - quality seems to jump out at one. Very impressive option with only a few details to personalize (toilet, shower, install vs. portable frig).
Thank you for this very complete demonstration of the van conversion. I like the basic setup that fits the budget and needs of the non wealthy person who can not afford $150,000. Now all that I need is the Van. Once an appointment is made, how long does it take to install the conversion? Can one drive to Boulder and then wait for the installation to be completed?
Our main goal with this product was to make van life accessible to a wider audience. Current build times for the TIMBER are estimated at around 3 weeks and are likely to decrease as we produce more TIMBER conversions.
I would love to get a kit like this, except my number one must have is a hydraulic bed. I want a big couch/sitting area under the bed during the day. I also want a shower, but it looks like I could forego some of the cabinets to make room for a small shower. I will keep my eye on your company to see if you come out with a kit with a hydraulic bed.
You don’t need to eliminate doors to cabinets. Just use sliding panels for doors. BTW, your small cabinet doors under bed have the same swing out problem
Thanks for the feedback. We have found sliding doors to rattle. The other doors that open we consider more utility storage. Nice to have both from our experience designing vans for the last 7 years.
It looks like a solo traveler could push the bed forward, use half the mattress, and have an open space in the back for carrying things. Is this correct? Nicely done kit. Quality materials, good fit & finish, simple & clean styling, and laid out well.
Its designed for the bed to be slid back and used as a solo bed. It could be done as you suggest but the retaining tabs would need to be secured as the physical stop is welded only on the rear of the bed rails.
I think this is just about perfect for our 2015 Sprinter. I’ll be calling soon but I need it done next June when I have vacation time to drive out to Colorado.
This popped into my RU-vid feed. I’m shopping these van builds and am excited to see companies offering affordable options. I like this setup. I am also looking at the wayfarer modular setup but the like this a bit better. I saw in another comment that you say your finishes are superior and I’m not sure one way or the other, but I am wondering how your spray adhesive attaching fabric right to the vehicles sheet metal is supposed to hold up to condensation? I see wayfarer uses wool insulation for a barrier and you guys use a synthetic insulation in some areas. All spray adhesives fail, so this is my only issue otherwise this is a nice clean well thought out layout.
We've been utilizing similar products for fabric and adhesive in our full-production models for close to a decade without any signs that this setup isn't capable of handling challenging conditions. Feel free to reach out to us or the Timber team if you have any other questions!
I hate the 1/4 tank cut off for the heater. In a larger RV that is $100 of gas. In this Van it should be 1/10 of a tank at the most ... you can still go 30 miles! Also, I often arrive in the mountains late at night with less than 1/4 tank. I can get gas in the morning and continue my journey when the gas station is open! If you go deep into the forrest, then you should really be full and be tracking your gas usage anyway! Plus, having the heater on all night does not use that much gas! ... you are not going to use even 1/4 of a tank!
So I was looking at van life, fit outs. Motorhomes, camper trailers and after all of my research I landed on yachts. So my buy in is 30k home on the water ready to sail. So from a van to a yacht.
@@soowook Customers could add after the fact using a bolt through seat option but the Timber currently does not have a seat option that can be installed directly. Our full production line offered through Titan Vans has several models with seat options.
it would be nice if you did a part 1 and 2 order for the full dyi kit so you dont have to spend so much at once. for example part 1 would be the flooring, panels and pluming. and part 2 would been the bed, bed frame cabinets and so on.
Correct, this is tailored to those who want a simple, durable, and functional van but not planning to live full time. If your interested in other options we offer full production models through www.TitanVans.com
While the cabinetry makes up some of the build cost, much of the cost is in the systems and labor to install. This including Li-ion batteries, solar, alternator charging, plumbing, insulation, etc.
I like this setup! I just wish the cabinets and bed didn't go all the way back to the door, no room to store my bike. It would take up the whole garage laying it under the bed.
Great video that shows this wonderful build out. Question: can the telescoping bed be moved forward leaving the garage open at the top in back. My concern is enough space under the bed for a tall bike in a cargo tray. If bed can slept on forward then the bike can go in back without concern for not fitting under the bed. Thanks!
Due to the telescoping nature of the bed, the bed rails are designed to keep the back section stationary while the front is free floating. That being said, the bed rails could easily be flipped, moving the stationary point to the front of the bed. Also there's about 3ft of clearance under the bed which should allow most bikes to fit underneath it.
@@TitanVans thanks for your replies. I moved the bed to just in front of the stops in back and compressed the mattresses just that much and the bike fits in front of that. I found that I like the full bed and probably will keep it that way.
Not necessarily. There are many portable options for all 3 that could be incorporated by the owner after the buildout is complete. You still have ample space to store a composting toilet. There are outlets located on the galley that would allow you to utilize an induction cooktop. Although portable showering options are much more limited there are products on the market that could work.
Not with the Timber because of the inverter/battery size of the Goal Zero power packs. AC units would pull too much power to be practical for these systems.
Such a nice looking build. BUT as a over 50 person the placement of the fuse panel is shortsighted low light small fuses no good. Make 12v breakers standard you can feel the tripped breakers in the dark which might be necessary.
Thanks for the feedback. Keep in mind the fuses should almost never be touched unless there is an issue. They are like the house equivalent of a breaker panel. You may need to access them 1 once every few years if ever.
Quite a few differences. The Timber is offered for the Sprinter, Transit, and Promaster. We use high quality materials, marine grade hardware, and marine appliances. Our product is offered with install for less than $25k or can be shipped flat pack to your door for under $16k.
No hot water, no shower, no toilet, no standard heat, no air conditioner. If you do the numbers, this is almost a fair price for what you get. And for what you don’t get.
This price is whith labor to install. We now also offer this, at any even lower price, as a DIY kit that ships with everything needed to assemble and install yourself.
Lots of trolls in the comments, eh? It looks like a nice package at a reasonable price. A serious question: what is the standing height in a transit high roof with this floor and ceiling trim? I know that you said that you were 6'2" but I'm 6'5" and trying to figure out if this will work or if I need to get a van with a pop-top. Thanks!
The Timber is currently not compatible with mid roof vans or with vans with rear AC units. Fans if already installed are easy to work around and move paneling cut outs if needed. Marine tables/Lagun tables can be added with front swivel seats to create a work/eating area.
It doesn’t make sense to put the heater’s hot air outlet right next to the sliding door. Well if you’re stuck and you’re freezing to death you will want to drain your tank rather than die with a quarter of a tank left
I followed up after watching this and went online to Titan Vans, and found a much higher price and no cabinets on walls. None were shown? Almost 10k higher, by the way!
Hey Judith, thanks for reaching out. It sounds like you might have come across our Classic model, which is available on our main Titan Vans website. Our Titan Vans builds come with some premium features like a 3-year warranty and advanced electrical and water systems. Titanvans.com The TIMBER, on the other hand, is a unique offering exclusively through our TitanDIYKits site. While it has a more straightforward setup, it provides an affordable entry point for those looking to create their own custom adventure van. If you have any questions about the TIMBER or would like more information, please don't hesitate to ask. We're here to help! www.titandiykits.com/pages/timber-camper-van-conversion
We recommend using the included water pump to purge as much water as possible. However, for the best results, blowing out the lines with compressed air is ideal, as it ensures a more thorough winterization.
You could but it would take up quite a bit of the slider door entrance. You would also need to flip the wheel well cabinets as all the plumbing is contained on the passenger side with the setup seen in the video.
Great looking build. Do the optional add-on features like the windows and the heater have to be installed at the same time as the rest of the standard build, or can they be added later? Also, do you have any relationships with dealers to help source a van?
We can absolutely help you source a van! Features like windows are typically installed towards the beginning of the build, for a few reasons, so these would not be able to be added after the fact. Items like Webasto heaters and Maxxair fans are much easier to integrate into a finished build. Feel free to contact us or the team at Timbervankits if you need more information!
Great set up; any layout modification to have the galley set up on the sliding door side, interior shower, overhead storage above cockpit seats, higher 3000w inverter & solar? roof rack to add awning and black PVC Water roof storage, built-in air compressor? External power outlet
Not for the Timber Van conversion, this is available through www.TitanDIYKits.com. For those features check out the premium models offered through Titan Vans at TitanVans.com.
What is the ideal Ford Transit size for the full Timber van conversion. What engine (3.5L V6 or 3.5L V6 EcoBoost)? What payload (250 or 350)? What size (148 long or 148 Extended)? Will Titan Vans find the Transit for you are is it up to you to bring the van to Titan Vans? Thanks.
148 vs 148 El is mostly personal preference (how much space would you like to have on the interior of your van). The conversion is rather light (as far as van conversions go) but going with the 350 EcoBoost will offset some of the performance lost from the additional weight of the conversion. We can help you source a new van if you'd like us to.
@@TitanVans Thank you so much for responding to my questions. I'm really impressed with your van conversions and how you run your company. Very smart. I'm just a little ways away from pulling the trigger on a build, but when I build, I'm going to go with Titan Vans.
Thats right! We designed this to be simple, functional, and durable. We got rid of the frills and reduced the price down to make it more accessible for a larger market.
@@MyPronounIsGoddess we offer some of the items you listed as option for the Timber but we also have a full production product line at www.TitanVans.com.
@@MyPronounIsGoddessexactly. By the time you add the necessary items, you are up to the cost of most other b vans. There is no free lunch . Only advantage is can check quality of the build
@@MyPronounIsGoddessHuh?? What kind of dumb comment is that???. This is damn business Beverly, remember America, capitalism, people trying to make a business and achieve the dream and all that. I am not even American and I get it. What you want a business with tons of overhead and a shop with employees and insurance and business license and tools that need replacement, get them to R&D everything, procure all the equipment and supplies etc etc and your comment is that your son can do it cheaper. OMG…..
Curious if any worry about having a pump located above water source has been and is sure or thought about. At least in IT having the pump as close to level to a reservoir if not slightly gravity fed has always provided ideal. I know air in pump isn’t as much a worry but I wanna know how much RnD information has provided. I’ve never used that pump as I’m old and when working on rvs it was almost always sureflo. I just don’t know it’s capabilities.
Modern pumps are very good at self priming. We have been using this pump for years on simpler designs and never had an issue. Even with it be mountes above the tanks it always will prime and pressurize.
Can the electrical be upgraded. I would like a Bluetti 200max (2000 watts) with an additional solar panel for (200 watts). I need a rooftop ac as well. Full-time van living.
What needs to be done to substitute an Anker SOLIX F2600 Portable Power Station in place of the Yeti? What about a table for dining, what provisions for that?
Not sure on substituting the power system, likely just swapping out the wiring harness plugs to connect in. You would also need to verify appropriate wire size for inverter output and alternator charging. Marine tables can be added easily to any camper van and simply require a recessed floor mount.
Our DIY kits are currently only for Ford Transit, Mercedes Sprinter, and Ram Premaster chassis. We do offer floor mounted L-track and bike for mounts through our DIY site. Our full production line offers a few more solutions for carrying snowboards and mountain bikes.
Very nice guys!! With a 2023 that houses the aux battery under the passenger seat, where would you relocate the Webasto? The cubby on passenger side seems like a good location but the Yeti is there. Also, how do you use the cubby as steps to the bed if the bed is pulled out all the way and covers over the entire cubby? I just cannot see how it can be used as a step to the bed? Maybe I do not fully see how this would work based off the video? But great build and looks like a wicked option. Will this be offered as a DIY? Or any other DIY kits coming online with you guys?
@@TitanVans thanks guys! Trying to battle a little bit for you online with all the dumb comments. Anyways, what about the Webasto heater location for newer vans with aux batteries?
@@pjbeattie1 is that Ford specific? Possibly a specific option with Ford? This video is of a 2023 Ford Transit 148 and the batteries were still located under the driver seat. Mercedes is still under the driver side floor board.
@@TitanVanshey guys no sorry I meant for a new Sprinter. The new vans have the auxiliary battery under the passenger seat and the heaters cannot fit very well with the battery in there as well, so I hear? Are the brand new Sprinters that you have built not having the Aux battery under the passengers seat?? The dealer says the change was for the 2023 year with AWD.???
@@pjbeattie1 No, they are mistaken. We have built dozens of builds on the 23 AWD Sprinters. Battery is still under driver floor board. Same for 24 as well, we have some coming in in Decemember
The Timber Van Conversion is currently only offered with install and prices are listed on our site. www.TitanDIYkits.com With the electrical system, water tank, plumbing, cabinetry made from the highest grade plywood, stainless steel latches, top of the line hinges, and marine grade flooring, we believe this product is priced extremely competetively.
@@TitanVansAlso, as a former designer, I’d like to point out that you aren’t just buying materials. You are paying for the many, many hours of planning, test tries, and experience of the designers. You are paying them to make all the mistakes first so that you don’t have to. Not everyone will love the design, but respect to the people who put this together- it’s a well thought out option at a good price that will work for a lot of people. Thank you for the option!
@@embr9723 Thanks, certainly a lot of folks these days that undervalue the effort of engineering and design. This product took us 3.5 years to develop with many....many....iterations.
@John_Duh_Vader This van includes the (Finished option, Bunk Windows, Driver-side Awning Window, Maxxair Fan, and the EVO 40 heater option). Fully installed here at Titan Vans will run approximately $32,000. If you opt for the shipped kit these options will still fall under the $25k mark.
@@TitanVans seriously considering a simple build with less components that can go wrong. Much appreciate the info and getting back to me. That says a lot.
Thank you so much! Maintaining a respectable price point was our main concern with this product. All of our full-production models come with some form of edge banding on the cabinetry.
The set up seems expensive. How much is the total price of the van plus the conversion? Seems like a lot of money and youre not even fully “self contained”. I’m in the market for something similar but still researching.
The total price can vary widely as customers typically acquire the van themselves based on their preferences and budget. Our TIMBER van conversion is designed to be fully self-contained, providing everything you need for comfortable living on the road. This includes an integrated water system with a rear shower, a comprehensive electrical system with solar and alternator charging, an extremely comfortable nearly king-sized bed, and ample storage for all your gear. When comparing costs, a 23' Sprinter van can be obtained for around $50,000, with the TIMBER conversion costing approximately $25,000. This makes our setup a significantly more affordable option than alternatives like the Storyteller Overlands, which usually run around $200,000. If you have more questions or need further details, please don't hesitate to reach out!
We are currently only offering this conversion for the 148 high roof variants at the moment but we'll make sure to make an announcement when more options become available.
@@TitanVans in newbie speak, there are essentially 3 heights and 3 lengths available for the Transit I believe, I think you are saying this is the highest roof option? Which of the three lengths is this? It looks like the shorter of the options? (You really make good use of the space, well done, just adjusting my expectations, and I have found Ford's website unnecessarily confusing on this point. I am gonna go check your website as I am betting it will be clearer what you service with which package. Well done folks!)
@@TitanVans copy that but with the 148" wheel base isn't there one longer? Isn't there an RB, EB, LB? I am happy with what you present here, it's not an issue :) Just visualizing it, and playing with the ford website, thanks very much.
Not offered with Timber Van Conversion, offered by Titan DIY Kits. We offer that option and many more through Titan Vans and the many models they offer. Though for cooking you could just use a plug in induction cooktop.
Transits are not good candidates for overhead cabinets due to intrusive bulge where walls meet roof/ceiling and the premature slope of the roof two feet behind the front seats compared to Sprinters and Promasters.
The Timber van kit is not offerred with a hot water option. The water at both the sink and exterior wash will be whatever the ambient temperature of the water is in the fresh water tank.
Would it be at all possible to run the heat off of the solar? Gas is a bit pricey. Better than it was but still not what it was before this administration. I don't recall you mentioning a hot water heater. No hot water is a no go for me. 😢 Also is there an option for air conditioning? I don't like dying.
No, heat on any camper vans is not doable off of electricity unless you are plugged in to shore power. It requires too much energy to run for extended periods and the number/size of batteries needed would be cost prohibitive. The Timber van conversion/kit does not come with hot water but it could be retrofitted. Air conditioning is also not an option on the Timber, similar to the reason for the furnace. If you are y wanting these features, check out our full production line at www.TitanVans.com, we have many options including water heaters and AC.
Certainly! While our current design doesn't include a designated area for a composting toilet, you can certainly add one after the build is complete. This provides you with the flexibility to customize your space while still allowing us to offer the lowest prices we can. If you decide against the fridge option, consider that the galley offers a convenient spot to store the composting toilet. Thanks for the comment! Designated toilet locations are however implemented in our full production models like the Metis and Ultra.
Everything checks out...just wondering about those air bubbles in the fabric above the driver side sleeping window...are they all like this or is this something to expect if we order a kit?...I still would get one just like mine not to have any bubbles.
Why would anyone want their van interior to be 95 degrees??? It’s too hot for keeping reptiles; it is not hot enough for hatching chicken eggs. Hot Yoga? This does look like a really nice system but that confuses me.
That's a great question! The 95-degree setting (max setting) might sound hot for van life, but it's actually quite practical in colder months when you're dealing with sub-30 degree temperatures. In extremely cold conditions, it's essential to have a powerful heating system that can quickly warm up the interior. Once the space is comfortable, you can lower the setting to maintain a pleasant temperature. It's all about efficient heat dispersion and ensuring a cozy living space in chilly weather. Thanks for asking!
The fridge is an option that can be added and replaces the door on the kitchen cabinet. Some customers prefer cooler or chest fridges though that can be plugged in and taken in and out.
