It’s been a long process, but finally ready to use and abuse…the Midnight Raven. Deb and I knew it would be a steep climb, but had no idea of the obstacles. Pandemic, supply chain issues, long lead times, and overwhelming beta.
From purchasing the used cargo van on April 30th 2021 to today, where we have enough of this build done to go off-grid for weeks! We still have things to do, like some trim work, some upper cabinets, and all those little things that we’ll figure out along the way…
**EDIT (9-8-22) After a 2-week trip to SE Oregon, and a 4-week trip to Northern California, we came back and finished the conversion…added upper cabinets and some other things. I’ve added a few more pics below…
**EDIT (2-23-23) Just got back from a 5-month trip around the country (See map below). We are very happy with how the van and conversion performed. We wouldn’t change a thing…
Anybody thinking of doing a van conversion themselves…think twice!
Here is just a small handful of pics of the Midnight Raven during its build…
Introducing…The Midnight Raven (Previous life was a parts delivery van) She’s a 2019 Ford Trans1t (T350), Medium Roof, 148″ Wheel Base, with a 3.5L Ecoboost motor.
Hmmm…where do we start?
Well, lets install a temporary bed and go camping!
The Midnight Raven gets converted to 4×4 and some new boots, along with some other exterior stuff…
Gotta have a rack with a deck…
Time to put the new floor in…
Start with insulating foam…
Finished floor…
Finished roof rack with solar panels and a deck…
The off-grid power bank. 400AH Lithium, 3000W inverter. Can charge batteries from solar, engine alternator, and shore hook-up…
Time to get down to business…ceiling, some framing, Wiring…
Time for a break! Lets go camping!!
Back to work…now it’s time to start building cabinets…
…and some wall panels.
While Deb finished the cabinet layout, I finished the drawers and closet door…
Kitchen cabinet frame. The pocket hole jig was a game changer!
First kitchen cabinet and counter top done! Refrigerator and drawers…The induction cook top will sit on top.
Building the kitchen sink cabinet. We’ll start with a foot pump water system to save on water consumption.
Kitchen sink cabinet with drawers done!
Time to install the bed… The bed will be from side to side at 6′-4″ head to toe, plenty of room for my wife and me at 5′-9″
Still needs upper cabinets but done for now…going to The Steens / Alvord Desert and California!
Upper cabinets above the stovetop, complete w/ under-cabinet lighting…
Down in the garage I installed a safe and a place to park a small cordless vacuum…
Custom made foot box to compensate for the swivel adaptor the seat got.
Upper cabinets above the bed. The one on the left is above our heads and open for easy access.
And lets not forget the…
…liquor cabinet. Bottles are to tall to fit anywhere else 🙂
Just added the clear covers for the electrical system…
Our longest trek, 5-months together in our van, The Raven…
