FAQ - VanDOit Ford Transit Camper Vans

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Can I get a 4x4 VanDOit?

Yes, pricing is based on the Make, Model and engine size. The 4x4 conversion would come with a 2-inch lift kit. It would be up to the customer to ad all-terrain tires should they choose to. We recommend that any tire follows the manufacturer's tire rating guides. Please contact a VanDOit rep for details.

Can I get a kitchen, sink, microwave, cooktop, refrigerator etc?

Yes, The VanDOit has a modular kitchen pod available, which makes the van convertible between passenger van to adventure van and anywhere in-between.

Can I get a Sprinter or other type of van converted to a VanDOit?

We will convert Ford Transit, Mercedes Sprinter, Ram Promaster and Nissan NV. Having said that, our production run for a VanDOit conversion is currently set up for the Transit. Once we tool the shop and set up for a particular model, we build that model until we can get the wait time down to a reasonable limit on that model. We choose the Ford Transit for our highest volume for several reasons including dealership warranty and availability, affordable maintenance and repair costs, quality, van availability and affordability. We own and lease all models, but we have a huge level of trust in the Transit because we have leased hundreds of them since they began building them and they have performed so well. People love them. They drive like a high quality car.

Can I get a hot shower for my VanDOit?

Yes, currently our water supply and water pump is at the back of the van for a shower from the exterior utilizing a mat and curtain.

Can I run heat and AC off of my VanDOit?

Yes, for unlimited time off the shore power or utilizing our Honda 2200 Watt ultra quiet generator off our swing-away cargo hitch rack and for limited times off our smart solar. Since we have 320 watts of smart solar, you can run both heat and air-conditioning for a 15-degree variance from the outdoor temperature for around 6 hours. Several factors can change this estimate such as wind, direct sunlight, shade, use of thermal curtains, intermittent use of the vehicles engine etc. Our advice is to only utilize the deep cycle solar batteries in a MUST situation. Finding shore power or utilizing our Honda 2200 Watt ultra quiet generator off our swing away cargo hitch rack is the best way to go!

How many bicycles will the van haul?

The VanDOit will haul up to 20 total bikes without seats or kitchen pod (possibly more if you want to really work at it and less if you want any seats or the kitchen pod installed.) The garage area will hold up to 5 bikes on the gear slide with pedals off. There are several ways to utilize the interior ceiling cargo rails to haul additional bikes, which could haul up to an additional 7-10 between the garage/ bed lift area and the front captains chairs. Additionally some could be hauled on the floor utilizing a platform with fork mounts mounted to it. One could also use a combination of hanging bikes from the ceiling cargo rails and the floor using fork mounts. Lastly, three bikes can be hauled on the back of the van utilizing a platform hitch rack with a swing away arm. The reality is that the more people and other cargo a person wants to haul, the less bicycle hauling capacity there will be. Also, we strongly caution against hauling anything on the second tier bed lift hydraulic platform without adequately securing all items with cargo nets, tie downs and covers.

Can I haul motorcycles, four wheelers or other toys?

Yes, the gear slide can hold up to 800 pounds. A ramp would be required for loading of most powersport toys. Upon request, VanDOit would provide an area for the ramp to hook into if needed. The flooring is commercial and designed to handle about any type of spill.

How many surf boards / stand up paddle boards can I haul?

The answer is plenty and it all depends on how creative you want to be. In our DO van model, multiple boards can be mounted from the skeleton grid t-track system. In the GO model, boards can be hauled in the "garage" on the "gear slide," in the seating area, on the ceiling cargo rails, on the exterior roof rack, on a front hitch with board racks, on the back hitch with a swing away board rack and on the hydraulic bed lift platform above the garage. Please note that, for safety, all boards must be secured properly. Also, we strongly caution against hauling anything on the second tier bed lift hydraulic platform without adequately securing all items with cargo nets, tie downs and covers.

It seems like many of the pictures revolve around bicycling, what other types of adventure have you seen a VanDOit type vans used for?

Our experience is that outdoor enthusiasts seem to do many things which include not only bicycling but also hiking, climbing, backpacking, camping, surfing/paddle boarding, snow shoeing, snow boarding/skiing, hunting, fishing, kayaking, rafting, scuba diving, water sports of all types, horseback riding, photographing, BBQ contests, tailgating, hot air ballooning, hang gliding and simply LIVING IN A VAN DOWN BY THE RIVER.

Do people use VanDOit for their business?

We have seen people think outside the box who use a VanDOit for catering, band touring, event coffee and bakery service, landscaping, plumbing, electrical, tour industry, florists, mobile dog grooming, real estate, event supply delivery, mobile retailing and distributing, on the road sales reps who want to save on hotel costs, branding any new product, pool/water supplies delivery, ski and surf applications, nutrition company supply and delivery, office supply delivery and for mobile repair of all types including bicycle and cell phone. Bottom line is the van cries out "Nobody puts baby in a corner". The van is so versatile and people are so creative that the number of commercial and business applications the VanDOit is being utilized for is amazing!

YES, many outdoor businesses have purchased our adventure vans for branding and marketing their own business, while enjoying it personally at the same time. Additionally, many of these companies use the van as an employee perk! One thing is for certain, when you show up in a VanDOit you or your business MAKE A STATEMENT and become the life of the party with the "rolling stage" and the Marine Grade JL / Kenwood audio system with built in microphone. Give out some fresh drinks off the pull out gear slide, while watching the big game off the rear-mounted big-screen TV.

What about businesses that are NOT outdoor in nature...can they utilize a VanDOit?

Absolutely! All types of business can benefit by using the VanDOit for branding and marketing their own business, while enjoying it personally or offering it as an employee perk at the same time. We have seen people use them for catering, band touring, event coffee and bakery service, landscaping, plumbing, electrical, as a tour company, florists, mobile dog grooming, real estate, event supply delivery, mobile retailing and distributing, on the road sales reps who want to save on hotel costs, and for mobile repair of all types including bicycle and cell phone.

What is the warranty?

VanDOit gets our components and products from top shelf suppliers who have support in addition to VanDOit customer service support. These products carry their own warranty and VanDOit follows their warranty with regard to needed labor. Additionally, we offer a 12 month 12,000 mile added warranty to cover workmanship. We make it convenient for the consumer by setting up warranty service centers throughout the USA. Our goal is to have one close to all of our customers, so if we ever need to set up a new center, we will.

How does what VanDOit adds affect the factory warranty?

The factory warranty stays in full force. Ford employs the best engineers and run the components through a plethora of safety and durability tests. We don't compromise the integrity of Ford's safety and engineering but rather compliment them. Our vans have the side curtain air bags and Ford safety tested seats. Unlike a class B motorhome, which would start with a stripped van and then add in components, we did not structurally or mechanically modify the van so our conversion has no impact on the manufacturers warranty-- which is an advantage over most DIY or competitors vans.

Did you design the custom fittings?

Yes, our engineering and design team designs and assembles 100% of the non-electronic conversion components. Most of the van components are exclusive and proprietary to VanDOit. With regards to our solar system, we utilized top shelf equipment providers and configured how the system works. We have true off-grid smar solar with capabilities well above the typical solar system. With audio and video, we utilize equipment from very high-end, trusted suppliers like JL Audio and Samsung Video.

How did VanDOit get started?

VanDOit is a brand owned by Kline Van and Specialty Rental which evolved from Kline Motors, started by Woodrow Wilson Kline (Woody) in 1947 selling the brand of Kaiser Frazier. Vans and RVs have always been a part of the Kline Companies. Kline Van, has up-fitted passenger vans for companies for years. VanDOit evolved from our existing van company to meet the demand of the adventure van and the van life movement. Woody loved vehicles and he loved RV's and adventure vans more. This love of adventure vans was passed down to his son Woodrow F. Kline, (Fritz) who remained in the van and RV business.

Fritz's son Brent, the owner of Kline Van and Specialty Rental and their brand VanDOit, says that he doesn't recall a time that his family didn't have an adventure van, RV or converted commercial bus ready for adventure. "We didn't fly anywhere...we drove a camper" states younger Kline. In fact, Fritz converted an old Greyhound Bus into a camper so the entire family and extended family (including that of the elder Woodrow Wilson Kline,) could take a trip together out to Oregon and the rest of the West Coast. "I was about 5, but I remember it like it was yesterday. I also remember losing my rubber ducky on that trip" stated Kline. In High School, Brent drove a conversion van as his first vehicle at age 16...LUCKY!

In addition to cars, campers, vans and RV's, Brent was fortunate enough to grow up in the outdoor power sports and sporting goods business where they sold motorcycles, three wheelers, bicycles, guns, fishing equipment, water sports equipment, climbing and hiking equipment and just about anything a young boy could ever want. It is easy to see why all of these experiences have converged into the new adventure van-- VanDOit. Today, Brent's son-in-law, both daughters, both sons, wife, brother-in-law, step brother and nephew are all involved with the business. In addition to that Kline states, "most of the rest of the VanDOit team has been with me for over 20 years and so they are family too...our VanDOit family!" Kline Van sells and leases hundreds of vans per year through its retail division klinevan.com.

Can I get a diesel on a VanDOit?

The answer is absolutely YES! However, we desire to advise our customers to order a diesel for the right reasons. It is NOT our desire to sell more options and get the price of your adventure van higher. Please visit our page on diesel vs. gas engines HERE!

Do You Offer Pop Up Tops?

We DO offer high roof vans, which a very tall person (under 6’5”) can stand in. We also offer mid roof and low roof vans. A person about 5’9” and below would be comfortable standing in a mid roof. We DO NOT offer pop-tops or tent-camper type tops to the van for the following reasons you can read about HERE!

What About Insulation?

VanDOit vans have the best insulation system in the industry. Most DIY vans and other brands put basic insulation directly against the sidewall, floor and ceiling.VanDOit uses aerospace insulation, which also inhibits against wind and moisture. Yes, we insulate against the walls, ceiling and floor but we also utilize a 4-inch air barrier followed by another layer of insulation for air and moisture block.

Additionally, like heated tile floors in a home, our heat and cooling ductwork runs through these 4-inch gaps in the floor and ceiling for even distribution of heating and cooling as well as a toasty floor! Our vans have been engineered to avoid cold and hot spots in the van. Even though we give our customers the ability to have natural light and see nature through surround windows, we offer thermal window covers with storage mesh for both privacy and insulation factors.

We also offer several forms of heating and cooling including factory, portable electrical and overhead electrical heating and cooling all at the same time. We have designed our vans to keep you comfortable regardless of where you are in the van or in the world…so go ahead and be an outsider!

Where does the gray water go?

Gray water tank

Is there a toilet ?

Yes, we offer a dry-flush toilet.

Can I take a shower inside?

Kinda, maybe. Our research has shown that with regard to adventure vans, our customers are a bit minimalistic and would rather have the space for storage of gear. Thus, the shower most often ends up full of gear. That being said, we have designed a shower at the rear with curtains that fit at the top of the back doors. This allows a person to stand outside on one of our mats or to stay a bit warmer by doing a sit down shower off the gear slide from the interior. This is available due to the fact that our entire system is marine grade.

Can I get doors on the cabinets?

Yes, we offer cabinets all along the back wall as well as modular cabinets

Does it have WiFi?

Due to the fact that our vans are designed to go off-grid with the VanDOit smart solar system and 110 outlets and USB ports, an owner can set up a WIFI hotspot at any time.

What do you mean “modular”?

Meaning components can be added and removed as needed. This also leads to the term “convertible” as in convertible between an adventure van and family/passenger van.

How many gallons of water does the tank hold?

The sky is the limit really. One tank holds 6 gallons of water conveniently and inconspicuously placed within a rear storage cabinet. However, because our water system is modular, additional tanks of water can be stored in our rear storage cabinets and be easily hooked up to our water pump to replace an empty tank.

Is there a rack for bike wheels?

Yes, a customer can utilize our customizable track system like an erector set to create whatever wheel transporting system they desire. We currently use cargo nets, hooks, racks etc. to hold wheels.

How long will the batteries stay charged without being plugged in?

That answer, of course depends on electrical needs and usage as well as the level of intermittent charge via the sun, shore power and alternator. Our deep cycle batteries will charge 3 different ways including our 340-watt smart solar, shore power and from the alternator. Our system has the ability to read what excess power is available from both shore power and the alternator beyond the needs of the vehicle, without damaging either, and is capable of drawing exactly that amount.

How big of a TV can I get?

We are currently using 32”smart monitors but with the ability to expand the size of the monitor up to 50 inches. The van is also pre-wired for “plug and play," giving our customer the ability to move the monitor to three locations, including the front, side door and back doors. Most of our customers utilize the 32” monitor unless they are using the van as “the life of the party” or in commercial use.

Can I get head-rest TV’s for the kids?

Yes

What if I like a van you have but don’t like the color?

We can change the color to whatever you want! We have partnered with graphic artists and a graphic wrap company so that we can assist our customers with making the van look exactly the way they want it to.

Are there any tough looking bumpers or body kits available we can add?

Yes! Check them out HERE!

How can I have a work station for my computer?

We offer an adjustable folding table. In our DO model, the drop-down platform can be used as a work station as well.

What wheels and tires does it come with?

We offer Ultra Toil Rims with stock tires or BF Goodrich KO2 all-terrain tires.

Can I lease the van?

Yes for a period 6 months or greater. Discuss with your sales rep for details.

Do you have financing?

Yes we have competitive financing available through our automotive group division.

Will you trade for my vehicle?

Yes, we actively desire to trade.

Can I just send you a van to build and does it have to be a Transit?

You can send us your transit and we will build it up to an agreed upon level. We will build on other brands, but at a later date. Due to the overwhelming demand for our Transit, at this time our earliest estimate would be a 6 months start time on another brand.

How tall is the High Roof with roof rack?

About 11 feet with our highest profile roof rack. Other roof rack options could bring the height down several inches. If height is an issue, we would suggest going with a mid roof van, which is still tall enough for creature comfort.

How tall is the low roof and will it go in my garage with a satellite, rack or solar panel?

Low roof is 83.6” (56.9 int) mid is 100.8” (72”int) and High is 110.1” (81.5”int) Add 18 inches to any exterior measurement for a roof rack and an additional 12 inches for a dish receiver. You’ll have to decide!

How wide is it in back between the shelves?

4 feet

How tall is the ceiling?

Low roof is 83.6” (56.9 int) mid is 100.8” (72”int) and High is 110.1” (81.5”int)

How many will it seat / what are the configurations?

Our GO model has configurations of 2, 4, 5 and 7. Our DO model can seat up to 11.

Can you do captain’s chairs?

A swivel captains chair is available for the front passenger seat.

How big a trailer can I tow?

It depends on the engine, roof combination-- but our most popular van (mid roof with 3.7L engine) will be 5,100 pounds of max loaded trailer weight. One can go to Ford.com towing guides for further details.

Are the windows tinted?

Yes and thermal storage window covers are available. We will also do window perfs with a graphic design.

If I decide to go with a used van to capture the savings, where do you get the vans?

As part of a large automotive and leasing company VanDOit has access to hundreds of low mileage off lease vans still under warranty. We have utilized these vans and know their history. We pick the best condition inventory for VanDOit conversion purposes.

What kind of diesel can I get in a transit?

The 3.2L 15 Power Stroke is available. Due to various reasons we don’t generally stock the diesel. Therefore, ordering a diesel could substantially increase the price and time to complete.

What Chassis do you use?

Generally we use the Ford Transit chassis with 148" wheelbase. Longer Wheel base vans and variable roof heights are available.

Can I get an extended length van?

We can utilize the extended length van, however, we do not stock many of them. Therefore, the price and time to produce the van could be greatly increased.

Can I get a high roof?

We VanDOit. We can provide a VanDOit adventure van in a low roof, mid roof (which is still high) and a high roof.