Scratch-built Transit conversion

[dustboy]

Hi all, just brought home a 2015 Transit Van, Mid-height, 148" WB with the 3.7L V6. It's a work truck, but will also be a daily family mover and last but not least, an RV.

The first project that really has me stumped is adding a second row of seats for the kids. Ideally these seats will fold flat for a bed, but I'm not convinced of the safety of the "sofa beds" I've seen so far. This is my most precious cargo, not a rolling disco lounge.

The safest option seems to be a second-row seat from a Transit/Sprinter planted to the floor, as these seats already have integrated seat belts. There are a few on Craigslist/eBay but most are the wall-to-wall size and I'd like to be able to walk front-to-back without hopping over seats.

Europe has hundreds of options for rock and roll beds and such, but all I can find stateside is a rock and roll frame for a microbus. Could be modified, but, again the safety question.

I look forward to seeing what you all have done with your rigs. I've got a lot of experience converting other vehicles, so I'll help where I can.

[gregmchugh]

here is a good place to get info if you are not already aware of it

Ford Transit USA Forum

[Scottbaldassari]

2nd row seating that converts to beds is an integral part of my self build plan for a promaster... I would be very interested to hear if someone has done this any van.. Roadtrek does (and has done) this over the years in their "versatile" model, but I haven't seen evidence that these are seats you can buy anywhere. I have been on the lookout and talked to at least one seat builder who said "all" of his seats can be made to lay flat.. But that doesn't mean they would be comfortable enough to sleep on... Would love to hear from someone who uses this arrangement...

[dustboy]

Thanks, I am over on Transit USA forums too, figured folks over here would know a little more about van conversions.

I have a line on a second row (narrower) seat from a Sprinter, it won't fold into a bed but I'm thinking I can install a second set of floor brackets that face backward or sideways, so I could turn it to a more convenient position when we arrive.

[Jostalli]

Originally Posted by dustboy

Thanks, I am over on Transit USA forums too, figured folks over here would know a little more about van conversions.

I have a line on a second row (narrower) seat from a Sprinter, it won't fold into a bed but I'm thinking I can install a second set of floor brackets that face backward or sideways, so I could turn it to a more convenient position when we arrive.

Very few self-build van conversions on this forum. The only one recently is a cross-post from the Transit Forum. Best information is on the Sprinter-Source forum. I am converting a Promaster into a condo on wheels but my build is on the Promaster Forum.

[B Eventually]

Originally Posted by Jostalli

Very few self-build van conversions on this forum. The only one recently is a cross-post from the Transit Forum. Best information is on the Sprinter-Source forum. I am converting a Promaster into a condo on wheels but my build is on the Promaster Forum.

Could you add a link to your build thread? Adding it to your signature would be really handy.