VAN BUILD RACHEL

This 2022 Ford AWD Transit van was  built in approximately 6 weeks. With our extensive CAD database of over 2,000 custom parts and rapid & CNC machining capabilities the majority of the cabinetry, walls, ceiling and floors were fabricated in just days not weeks. This AWD vehicle was designed to accomodate the need of the owner to live full time in the van and work from the road. When off grid, the van powers itself from over 600 Watts of rooftop solar panels, 400 Watts charging from van's alternator, and a 3700 Watt Ecoflo  Pro battery generator. We used the Ecoflow Pro to replace of over $9,000 in custom electronic components and labor-intensive hand wiring. The power system has enough battery storage capacity to power Rachel for days without any recharging. the  typical over-scaled 10K Watt custom battery systen is worthless unless it can be recharged almost daily  Who wants to idle a van or use a gas generator to recharge the batteries?

Rachel was designed for ultimate flexibility. The all wheel drive permits off road capabilities and excellent traction during inclement conditions. The hinged fold -p queen size bed opens up  a 1- foot long center aislepermitting the ability ability to transport large cargos such as multiple bikes, construction materials as large as 4 x 8' plywood sheets, a stack of 10' long 2x4s or even a kayak. Basically, Rachel can easily replace a pickup truck when you want to move large cargos and have a home on wheels..

Design philosophy:

This van was designed for adventure and daily practical use as a home on wheels. The walls, floor, and ceiling are all fully insulated. A Webasto gasoline heater connected to the vechile's gas tank heats the van in subzero temperatures and uses less than a liter of gas per day. With over 600 Watts of rooftop solar and 400 Watts of alternator charging, you can drain the Ecoflow battery 100% at night and while driving the next day fully recharge it in just hours at a rate of 1000 Watts per hour with simultaneous solar an alternator charging.

  • 600 Watts of solar on roof
  • 3700 Watt hour of battery storage
  • Webasto gasoline heater (connected to van's fuel tank)
  • 120V, 15 Amp AC power system with circuit breakers
  • 12V, 200 Watt hot water heater
  • 21 gallon fresh water tank
  • Fully insulated with 3/4" insulation on walls, floors, and ceiling
  • Pressurized hot and cold  water system.
  • Queen size fold up bed

Project Photos
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ProjectsDetails

Build Date:    MARCH, 2024
Location: NORFOLK, MA
Build Cost: $62,000 (WITH vehiclE )
MARKET VALUE: $95,000
Vehicle: 2022 AWD FORD TRANSIT HIGH ROOF) with 148 Wheelbase
Download Van build Brochure

VIDEO OF SOLAR PANEL INSTALLATION ON RACHEL

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Let's Discuss The Project

Contact us if you have your own dream van project in mind.