Forest Queen
An empty 2019 Ford Transit, built by hand into a full-time home. Every system documented. The van is for sale.
The Journey
From empty cargo van to full-time home
In March 2019, I bought an empty white Ford Transit cargo van with a vision: create a mobile home and office capable of full-time living anywhere in North America.
I had no tools. No prior van-building experience. Just determination and an internet connection to learn from the generous vanlife community.
What followed was a 400-hour journey of cutting, measuring, wiring, plumbing, and problem-solving. This site documents every step — the successes, the mistakes, and the lessons learned. My hope is that it helps you build your own dream, or at least shows you what's possible with time, patience, and YouTube tutorials.
Featured Build Steps
Key milestones in the transformation
Framing
Building the interior framework using 80/20 extruded t-slot aluminum - strong, light, and infinitely modifiable.
Slats
Custom wooden ceiling slats with integrated lighting - the signature aesthetic element that draws constant compliments.
Electrical
400Ah LiFePO4 battery bank, Victron MultiPlus 3000 inverter, solar charging, and complete power distribution system.
Floor #2
A 10-layer floor system providing insulation, structure, and the foundation for modular 80/20 cabinetry.
Garden
Indoor skylight garden with succulents and herbs bringing life and fresh air into the van.
Built for Adventure
Premium systems engineered for full-time off-grid living
Electrical System
400Ah LiFePO4 battery bank with Victron MultiPlus 3000 inverter, solar charging, and comprehensive power distribution for off-grid living.
Plumbing System
Complete fresh and gray water system with 27-gallon tank, pump, accumulator, and dual hot water heaters for comfortable living.
HVAC System
Four-season climate control with propane heating, air conditioning, ventilation fans, and complete Thinsulate insulation.
Solar Power
400W solar array with MPPT charge controller providing sustainable off-grid power generation.
Propane System
Horizontal propane tank with distribution to heater and range for cooking and supplemental heating.
Structural System
80/20 extruded aluminum frame providing modular, strong, and thermally-isolated mounting points for all systems.
Complete Cost Transparency
Every dollar accounted for. No hidden costs, no surprises.
Compare to professional builds: $60,000 - $120,000
View Detailed BreakdownBuilt with Community Knowledge
This build wouldn't have been possible without the generous knowledge shared by the vanlife community. I learned from these incredible resources:
FarOutRide
Comprehensive guide for nearly every system in the van
EXPLORIST.life
Essential for understanding electrical systems
Orton Travel Transit
Go-to resource for 80/20 builds and critical systems
Now it's my turn to pay it forward. Use this documentation to build your own adventure.
Get in TouchThis Van is Currently For Sale
Own this exact build — fully tested, refined, and ready for adventure.