Research notes, alternatives compared, and decision rationale
Chosen: Rover Vans Tire Carrier & Ladder Combo (via AVC RIG)
Why: No door removal required — mounts directly to factory hinges. Compatible with 253° rear doors. Powder-coated aluminum, 19 lbs. Boot-friendly ladder with foot pegs.
Alternatives considered: White Top Adventures ($1,150 — requires door removal), Flatline Van Co ($1,995 — requires door removal), Owl Outdoors ($1,995 — requires door removal, very lightweight at 21 lbs).
DecidedProduct: Ford Transit 148" High-Roof Rack by Curious Campervans
Why: Modular 8020 aluminum crossbars, mounts to Ford factory roof inserts, weighs only 60 lb, and costs significantly less than premium racks. Good base for solar panels, awning, lights, roof deck, or rooftop tent.
Specs: 118" total length, 62" width, 4.6" height, 5 crossbars included, water-jet cut 3/16" powder-coated aluminum side rails.
Compatibility: Fits 148" high-roof only. Does NOT fit 130" WB, 148" extended, low-roof, or mid-roof. Fiamma 45s and Thule awnings mount without drilling.
Shipping note: Site says free shipping to US and Canada, but also shows a "Does not ship to the USA" notice. Needs verification before ordering.
ResearchingProduct: Nautilus Retractable RV Shower Door (Stoett)
Why: Purpose-built for RVs and van conversions. Retractable screen rolls up like a window shade, maximizing access in tight spaces. Integrated squeegee self-cleans and drains into the pan. Antimicrobial material resists mold/mildew. Under 10 lbs — keeps GVWR happy.
Options: Heights 57"–71" (1" increments); widths 36" or 60" (rails can be cut down to fit smaller openings); round or square housing; opaque plain or opaque stripe screen; frame colors Black, Warm Brushed Nickel, Bone, White.
Price anchor: 64"H × 36"W round frame, brushed nickel, opaque plain — $249.99 at Camping World.
For our 24"×30" or 24"×36" wet bath: Order the 36" width and cut the top/bottom rails to fit, or frame the shower opening to 36". Door must pull straight across and be level.
Lead time: Ships in approximately 2 weeks. Made in USA.
ResearchingNote: Final footprint decision is between 24" × 30" (practical minimum) and 24" × 36" (comfortable compact). Pan must fit within Transit 148 Long cargo width and accommodate the cassette toilet.
PendingProduct: Subway Tub and Shower Wall Panels Surround (Gloss White, 96 sq ft)
Proposed Build-Up:
Why: Lightweight composite panels with subway tile look. Waterproof and easy to clean — ideal for a compact van wet bath. 96 sq ft kit covers a small shower stall with extras.
ResearchingProduct: Amazon shower wall panel kit (ASIN B093CDV79Q)
Why: Additional PVC/SPC waterproof panel candidate for the wet bath walls. Likely glue-up, cuttable, and grout-free. Needs verification against the 24"×30"/24"×36" footprint.
Status: Details pending — Amazon page blocked automated extraction. Verify product title, panel dimensions, thickness, pack size, and price via the Amazon app or signed-in browser before deciding.
PendingBattery Bank: Building DIY LiFePO4 pack from cells — considering 280 Ah or 304 Ah cells. Voltage TBD: 12V vs 24V (decision pending based on inverter/charger selection and solar array configuration).
Solar: Need to determine wattage based on roof space and power needs.
Inverter/Charger: Considering Victron, EcoFlow, or Renogy.
ResearchingProduct: NW Conversions 16 Gallon Transit Van Undercarriage Water Tank — TR-UC-16
Why: 16-gallon undercarriage tank keeps grey water out of the cargo area. BPA-free food-grade polyethylene, IAPMO TS-4 certified, TEI/RVIA approved, made in USA.
Specs: 46″ L × 8.5″ H × 13″ W, 24 lb. Ports: (2) 1.5″ NPT + (2) 1/2″ NPT on rear-facing end, plus (1) 1.5″ NPT on top. Non-pressurised — must be vented.
Mounting: Passenger side under slider door area (also fits driver side next to fuel tank). Fits Transit Trail with factory running boards. Includes 3 stainless straps, hardware, and rivnuts. Requires rivnut tool and drilling.
Open question: Verify AWD/high-roof 148" WB clearance vs exhaust/drivetrain components.
ResearchingProduct: PureDrop UV-LED Water Filter — PDR-UVF3 (Home Depot 342326065)
Why: UV-LED is chemical-free and low power compared to traditional UV lamps; useful as a final-stage bacteria kill if filling from unknown sources.
Status: Home Depot blocked automated extraction. Verify power input, wattage, flow rate, port size, dimensions, NSF certification, and LED lifespan before deciding. Likely needs 110 V AC or a DC-DC supply.
PendingFresh Water: Tank size TBD. Need to measure under-van or interior mounting options.
Grey Water: Planning separate tank or drainage system.
Hot Water: Considering tankless or small tank heater. Factory auxiliary heater prep provides heater core loop under passenger seat.
Pending Research❓ Solar Panel Size: How many watts fit on the 148" roof? Need to account for roof vents, fans, and AC unit.
❓ Battery Bank Capacity: How many amp-hours needed for typical 3-4 day off-grid stays?
❓ Heater Type: Diesel (Espar/Webasto) vs propane vs electric? Factory prep supports diesel tap.
❓ Bed Configuration: Fixed platform vs convertible dinette? Width and length TBD.
❓ Refrigeration: 12V compressor fridge vs cooler-style? Dometic, Isotherm, or TruckFridge?
Product: BODEGA 1.61 cu ft 12/24V DC Drawer Refrigerator (Lowe's SKU 5019831095)
Why: Drawer form factor keeps the top as usable counter/prep space; 12/24 V DC avoids running an inverter; compact capacity fits a solo build.
Specs: 31.5" W × 17.32" D, 43 lb, 18 A at 12 V, internal freezer, frost-free, Bluetooth app control, interior lighting.
Status: Researching — compare against Dometic, ICECO, BougeRV, Alpicool drawer fridges before deciding.
ResearchingProducts:
Living in a Bubble Driver / Passenger Window Covers (Pair) — $129.95
Living in a Bubble Windshield Cover — $119.95
Why: Magnetic install/removal in seconds; no drilling or suction cups. Blackout + insulation keeps cab cool in summer, warm in winter, and fully private. Pair covers driver/passenger doors; windshield cover completes the front cab blackout.
Specs: Recycled PET + UV50+ ripstop polyester, double-faced aluminum cross-linked PE foam insulation, rare-earth magnets. Light grey interior / black exterior.
Compatibility: Ford Transit 2015–current, mid & high roof. Low roof / Transit Connect / Transit Custom not compatible.
Ratings: 5.00 / 5 (89 door-cover reviews), 5.00 / 5 (110 windshield-cover reviews).
Researching