How to Frame a Van Conversion | Attaching Walls in a Van Conversion | Ford Transit DIY Campervan

How to Frame a Van Conversion | Attaching Walls in a Van Conversion

Chapters
00:00 - Welcome Back to the Channel
01:02 - Tools for the Job
02:47 - How to Attach Framing to the Van
04:54 - First Step to Framing Your Van
06:33 - What Screws to Use
07:51 - How To Make a Cut List to Speed Up the Process
09:32 - Van Conversion Framing Timelapse
10:09 - How To Attach Your Ceiling Framing
11:01 - How To Attach Walls in a Van Conversion
12:39 - How To Frame the Tricky Areas of Your Van
13:14 - How to Attach Upper Cabinets and Cabinets to a Van Conversion
15:40 - Framing Your Van for Your Layout

What you’ll essentially want to do here is create a nice frame to attach your interior walls to, as well as, frame some wall support for upper cabinets and countertops and to also secure them all to the van. So they do not become projectiles. We use 1 in. x 3 in. furring strips from the Home Depot to frame the walls, along with some 1 1/2 in. #10 Self-Tapping Hex Head Sheet metal screws.

Now, you will want to measure all your wall heights and lengths along the interior ribs of the van and along the floor and the ribs on the ceiling. Once you are done, draw out your wall framing diagram so it makes more sense and to reference. Remember to add framing where you will have cabinets so you will be able to attach the cabinets to the wall. Also, note that you may need to add some furring strips where two pieces of the interior wall come together. So that way, they can also be attached to the van walls. (If there is no metal rib to attach your furring strips to ensure you have an anchor point for your walls, you will need to attach a furring strip with pocket screws, so you don’t send a screw thru the side of the van)

You will cut all your boards and install them to the van ribs with the 1-1/2” self-tapping hex head screws (Note: Screw size will vary between vans). You will also want to countersink all screws so that your walls/ceiling lay flush to the frame. The Sprinters have large cavities behind the wall ribs so you have plenty of room. ALWAYS double-check your screw length so you don't send a screw through the outside of the van. From here, you are just attaching the strips to the van matching your diagram and this should go pretty quick.

Tools we used

Insulation


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[Theflyinghoneybadger]

Nice job. Better than most i've seen. My only recommendation is get a microphone system so the volume is normal, and it doesn't sound like you are yelling at us the whole time. lol Nice video though. Helped a lot.

[realmicrobet]

You guys have a great channel. I'm always surprised you don't have like a million subscribers.

[mcorrado]

Great video and Norm Macdonald impression

[jin]

Thank you so much for this video. Amazing advice and great insight. Appreciate you guys.

[canhaduhi]

thank you for making this video, it was helpful. I am converting a transit and it is tough for me!

[MrJoshuadh]

These videos are so helpful, I’ve watched them over so many times! Hey, what type of drill bit do you use to get through those tough/ layered metal areas??

[filipwedrownicki]

I should see it 3 years ago just before I started to conversion my Sprinter 😉

[sneakynative]

You don't build things level in a camper you build them square. Because the van has a suspension and even your weight moving around the van changes the vehicles orientation. Please check out more than one source for research before starting a project like this. I'm sure these people are lovely, but no one knows everything.

[coltonmclaughlin]

You guys are the best! What was the size of the countersink bit you used?

[failvidsall]

One thing that I'm struggling to find information on, is the grade and treatment of the wood used in van conversions. A van is a high moisture environment and it seems like you would need moisture resistant wood for the structural parts at the very least, but no one seems to talk about the specific type, grade, and treatment of lumber that they are using. Any advice would be much appriciated!

[WkdWnch]

I have a '92 Chevy Van 30 Coachmen conversion (which I absolutely detest, btw). I have a cherished framed picture I wish to hang but the only space available is over the rear doors where the alledged "wall" is only about 1/8" and not affixed to anything except at the ends. This picture would be hung using 2 wires to stabilize top and bottom. Any advice for framing? Ty!!!

[letamorgan]

Really thank you for the down to earth explaining... Ive watched hours and hours of videos and y'all have a great way of explaining for the novice.

[lisapupillo]

Thanks for such a thorough explanation. I probably missed it but are the screws going right into the roof of the van?

[rachelkelly]

Hey sorry for all my questions but do you run the electrical wires after the insulation?

[jesus_reigns]

This. This is what I've been looking for!!!!

[RJGilman]

Good stuff. I’m converting a transit. Thanks so much for the tips. Especially about the 8 foot mark and putting the pieces of wood like that. Much appreciated.

[supercraps]

Nice work! You are super helpful. I wouldn't miss an episode.

[grdelawter]

You two are great! Dani is very skilled and knowledgeable and Kevin explains so well. I have learned so much! Thank you

[JimJones-gdjy]

FYI - nobody every does a before build weight / after build weight 😂 NOBODY ! Oh and I get 27 mpg 😂

[bikeninja]

Not sure if you covered it in a spare video, but where are you running all your wiring? do you put it infront of the reflectix between the wood framing?