This Ford Transit-250 was purchased factory-new, delivered to Anchorage and over a period of a few months skillfully converted by Alaska Camper Van Conversions into this unique, sophisticated mobile living space. Several innovative design elements were proposed by the original owner, a friend of mine, and have since been incorporated in Acvc’s subsequent builds.
Unlike a Sprinter-based camper, the Transit’s more upright walls provide more living and storage area, adding up to increased spaciousness and freedom of movement.
As a vehicle, it drives and handles easily, no differently than a late-model full-size pickup truck, partly thanks to a Van Compass suspension kit, increasing height and ground clearance a couple inches while further optimizing ride quality. The Transit cab's large side windows and mirrors, tall windshield and high-mounted backup camera afford commanding, all-around visibility on congested urban streets, the open road, and in busy parking lots.
The living space is sturdily constructed of welded and powder-coated aluminum in keeping with Acvc’s marine vessel construction heritage. The marine design philosophy extends to everything else as well—from insulation to electrical and plumbing systems, it’s a would-be oceangoing vessel for Prince William Sound or the Bering Sea—with just the hull substituted by a van body. The aesthetic is tastefully utilitarian and functionally elegant.
• Camper Electrical System:
—448 Ah deep-cycle battery bank charged by twin 100w photovoltaic rooftop panels, shore power or the vehicle's charging system when underway. 12VDC to 110VAC accomplished by an integrated power inverter.
• Ample interior lighting, dimmable and section-selectable.
• Ample compartmental storage.
• Potable Water System:
Supply: two refillable (removable and cleanable), 5-gallon Nalgene jugs supplying an automatic pump system with pressure accumulator, plumbed to the sink faucet and an aft hose outlet for equipment rinsing or outside shower. 2.7 gallon 110VAC Bosch water heater. There is purpose-built storage space available for additional 5-gallon water jugs.
• Graywater System:
Approximately 6 gallon reservoir with inside valve-operated drain, normally open.
• Heating:
Webasto Air Top 2000 STC B gasoline combustion heater making 3753-7000 Btu; maximum burn rate: 9.13 fl. oz. (0.27 liter) per hour from the vehicle's fuel tank; 8 hours operation, maximum consumption: slightly more than 1/2 gallon from the vehicle's 31 gallon fuel tank.
• Ventilation:
Is whisper-quietly provided by a directly- or remotely-controlled bi-directional, ceiling-mounted fan. Active air conditioning (cooling) only supplied by the engine-powered factory system, i.e., while driving; but this is Alaska where summer temperatures generally stay reasonably temperate, with only occasionally overly-warm exceptions in the interior.
• Window covers:
4-Season insulated, custom-fitted 7-piece window-cover set by Xplr Outfitters provides light-blocking, privacy, and insulation from heat buildup during the high summer months in the interior, or wherever when the sun is up most of the day. During winter these covers are essential, of course, for keeping heat in.
• Food Preservation & Cooking:
—Refrigeration: a 12VDC Isotherm model w/a small freezer space.
—Stove: 2-burner propane camp-stove with 2 1-lb. fuel bottles provided, allowing for more table space and flexibility; and, I've recently added as an option a single-burner propane camp-stove for increased countertop space-saving convenience.
• Cookware, small appliances, utensils, cups, glasses, kitchen towels, etc. including a programmable electric rice cooker, a toaster and blender. A full set of stainless steel cook-pots and pans are included, as well as a cast-iron pan and griddle.
• Sleeping:
—Bed is oriented transversely for better use of space; the Transit's more vertical walls (when compared to a Sprinter) allow for 75" width at the sleeping platform's level above the aft storage "garage," incorporating two custom-made mattresses measuring 71" long, 27" wide, 5" thick. Bed platform height is adjustable above the garage floor, or can be removed entirely or in half (for one sleeper and more floorspace) for the rental period with advance notice; if climbing up to the bed height is a problem, a step ladder is available and/or I can lower the bed several inches. The control switch panel for lighting and heating is in easy reach of the bed's forward head-end. Both positions are supplied with a reading lamp. A duplex USB 5v charging port is conveniently located. A full set of linens is provided, laundered with fragrance-free detergent.
• Exterior Features:
A handcrank-operated full-size awning is mounted on the right.
