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Thanks!

Thanks man! Merry Christmas

Yep. I think it is worth it.

Yes you know if you don't have it you will kick yourself at some point down the road for not having it!@@jtbrv23

I was wondering since its been so cold there how the winterization process has held up? Also I really notice the led running lites on the front and rear roof of upscale vans and was wondering if thats an option to upgrade?

@junglehomes6525 the winterization seems to be ok. I did air again this winter, same as the last. The lights on the top are always an option, just would require holes. It’s not always an upscale thing but sometimes a size issue and the law requires it. Like the transit trail is 2.75 inches wider than a standard transit, so it gets marker lights. They did the “Raptor” grill with 3 lights. I like the look of that.

Originally I did want to increase size to gain a little clearance. Then I had subscriber that warned me about the alternator cord getting chewed up by tire. I was able to relocate wire, but I noticed how tight the clearances were for the 235/65. So I figured I would have a rub problem. Also the larger size drops the max load rating by 150 lbs each tire with the Falken tires.

Yep. I’ve honestly never put water in water heater. So I’ve ran the heat dry 100% of the time. I’ve heard it in other videos that we can’t but I think they are confusing the truma with maybe the aqua hot.

Thank you for reply....!! So, when you turned on the heater without water in the water heater, was there any problem with Truma`s system...?

@DavidParkBigman nope, not at all. It’s completely fine to run without water in the heater. Here is a video I posted about it. Using the ReLiable System in Cold Weather and Heating with the Truma System in a Winterized Van th-cam.com/video/Srwrsm2Tf98/w-d-xo.html

Thank you for your accurate answer...!! I am always happy to help..!! Have a nice holiday..!! 😄

Not a problem. Happy Holidays

I’m not for certain but I would say in the vans current state it would probably not be easy to add a tank. If you have or know someone with the know how, then it should be possible. Cost and time start coming into play with that and it makes me wonder if a gasoline heater that’s tapped into fuel tank is better option. As far as devices go for reading levels, there are lots of external sensors that can be added. I’ve never tried any of them but I’ve seen them before. They basically magnet on lowest part of tank and use acoustics or electric impulses to estimate tank level. BMPro makes one, but naturally it’s pricey. Someone named Mopeka makes something similar that camping world sells. All just provide estimate though and our tank being on its side won’t help with accuracy.

@ thank you for your reply, I agree with you on both questions. I have explored having a diesel heater installed but the price is somewhere in the $3k range. This coming year I am having the auxiliary alternator replaced with a beefier one by a company named ABC Outfitters in Indiana, that’s $3k as well. So alternator this coming year then perhaps diesel heater next year. My wife and I ski , snowshoe and snowmobile during the winter hoping to use the van. Last week did nice winter camping/ Christmas shopping trip to North Conway, NH I had to guess on the LP level, we arrived the BM PRO said FULL, next morning it said EMPTY, two hours later it read 7/8 full. It crazy. Thank you for sharing your knowledge.

The ABC outfitters seem like a good group. The propane does last longer than you think for being such a small tank. I have no way to really quantify the rate it uses, but in two years I’ve only refilled 4 times and it’s never been all the way empty. I also use the van for skiing. I’m northern WI, so probably similar cold.

No. A little more complicated with the wheel well liners. I either need to remove the liner or do some cutting to it.

@@jtbrv23 Thanks a lot for your quick reply, I have purchased the rear set by now.

Sure thing!

Yeah, the van doesn’t need any more punctures from the outside. I don’t use enough water to justify all the holes in the van either. If the water system ever has a big malfunction, I’m pulling it out. I’ll do shelf’s where the freshwater tanks is. I’ll put a cabinet under the sink and place a grey water jug for drainage and a blue clean water jug with battery operated pump to kitchen sink. Then I can drop the external grey tank as well. I’ll never have to winterize but can have water on winter trips.

I saw that one. I was specifically looking for less than 1000 watts and that one popped up. Glad to know that’s a good option.

@@jtbrv23I also run a small fan made a difference to move the hot air around

@@jtbrv23 24degs outside keep van at 30degs, any lower temp and will not keep water in the van from freezing.

Makes sense. It gets so cold where I live I would probably need to go warmer. The other day it was -5 and the screws in the door handles of exterior doors had frosted on the inside of the house.

In the winter I fully shut down the back of the van to let the batteries “sleep” through the extreme cold. Lithium batteries won’t charge when below 32 degrees. Trying to keep my van heated all winter isn’t really feasible. I will fire up batteries for multi day trips but 90% of my winter usage will not involve rear batteries. I do try and maintain stuff or upgrade in winter so would be nice to plug stuff in or use space heater. Oil heater is probably the safest style portable heater. I wouldn’t use when driving though just to avoid tip overs. This one I bought is only 700 watts max and the extension cord I linked in description is rated for 1800 watts to be safe. I have gone to a campground north of me that had too “dirty” of a shore power supply. The volts would go up and down and the van would reject using it. This could have been helpful in that situation because I had to run the van to charge the batteries.

@@jtbrv23 So when you plug into shore power you don;t have power at your interior power recepticles ?

@@jtbrv23 Ok fully shutting down the back of the van will also disconnect everything and the van will be "off line". So could you do a video explaining how to restart everything and also put your van back "online"?

@junglehomes6525 Yep. I’m just trying to avoid the potential for damaging batteries in extreme cold. When I do wake the batteries up, it takes hours for them to actually get warm. I made a video last February about waking them up when I drove to IKEA. Here is the link: th-cam.com/video/Srwrsm2Tf98/w-d-xo.htmlsi=B_CbMSFSb1q71QNP

@@jtbrv23 yeah, I do the same as jtbrv23, according to Mastervolt, your batteries need to be around 42 degrees f. so I keep a 400watt heater during the winter to keep them warm. I used to use a small heater but now I use a knock off Xtreme that only keeps it at 41 degrees right near the battery compartment and I turn everything off. When I go to use my van. I ensure everything is warmed up before I turn my batteries on. Your batteries have a discharge temp and a charging temp. I've locked my Mastervolt batteries up and you can't revive them, Camping world had to hook them up to the computer, it sucks. As Jtbrv23, it is better to shut them down during freezing temps and put heat on the van when necessary. To answer the guy below question to, if you use shore power, the system has to be on, which would be charging and discharging the batteries, it would be nice to bypass the batteries and just use the 12v system straight from shore power but that is not how my system works.

I agree. I like yellow better as well. The problem I ran into with this change is I wanted a quality aftermarket LED bulb like Philips, but it wasn’t available in yellow. There is a aftermarket upgrade for Ford Transit that replaces the housing with 2 pod lights on each side. I plan to do one yellow, one white on each side but the lenses can be swapped to make all yellow if wanted. The trick I do right now is in inclement weather I wear yellow driving glasses. It’s the same effect, just a round about way to do it.

I should take a look at my sink! I feel like I would go Velcro but I would want to stitch it on the curtain. Velcro might self limit the weight depending on how strong you make the hook side on the pockets you create.

On a long trip I always have one fob that is zipped or buttoned in a pants pocket. Same goes for wallet and I don’t access either one. I only use one card for all purchases and it stays with phone. I actually have a bit of mantra. “Wallet, keys, phone, card” and I tap each one as I say it. The key that gets used has an AirTag on it. I have a bag with some important stuff and all those physical 10+ keys for van doors and latches, toilet, is in it. It has an AirTag as well. That bag goes with me if the van is going to be out of my sight. The van also has an AirTag buried in it. And I mean buried. Pieces of van would need taken apart to access it. The other set of 10+ keys is near the AirTag. Not quite as hidden though.

You’re Welcome!

No, the fogs are H8. The fogs also aren’t the Pro version like the headlights which is good, because they are easier to get.

@ thanks.. fogs are h8 low beam are h11 ?

That’s correct. Theres a link in the description for the fogs.

I agree. Now that is up there, you don’t even think about it. It is a natural spot to grab for. I should have got one sooner.

Yep. Let me know if this is right. It’s a pretty generic item and Walmart also has it. Camco Permanent Pump Converter Winterizing Kit- Allows You to Use Boat/RV Water Pump to Fill Pipes With Antifreeze - CSA Low Lead Content Certified (36543)

@ thank you very much !

Thanks!

Before you copy it too much, check out this video. I rebuilt the bed with actual mattresses. There are multiple ways you can go about this. You can raise that section higher for more under seat storage if desired. th-cam.com/video/iEzCp2YEKLI/w-d-xo.htmlsi=kb0DdSF77Hcvv0ZZ

Thanks. If you have any questions just let me know. I’m pretty much always tinkering.

I rewatched. I didn’t do that step very clear. I flushed in the beginning to get small amount out of just small line. I then diluted it in the gallons to pour in to freshwater. I feel like a portion of video is missing where I show pouring the gallon jug in. But yes, you are right and the bleach solution should be in the tank. I hint at it when I drain after letting it sit and mention 50ppm concentration.

😂 the grab handle was hint. I’m not taking the lift kit plunge yet. Ford likes to make that difficult with the Transit.

yes they do

I think it is AI, but not for certain. I get the same images for a Kia built RV in 2025 that looks similar. It would be awesome though. Pretty cool that you have a Dolphin. I would keep it too.

@@jtbrv23 I have a new 2022 Ford Sanctuary bug which I discovered concerning the key fob. What do you do when your key fob does not respond to your repeated commands? Is it a battery issue with the key fob or has it been corrupted somehow? This actually happened to me at a most inconvenient time. Well faced with an unexpected crisis of being unable to access the vehicle I fortunately remained calm and my first response proved to be the correct solution to this fiasco. Just in case you have not guessed what that is let me give you this advice and that is to go to the drivers door and insert the key fob key. Now, hopefully, you have also jump started the key fob key to respond to your commands and if so your problem has been solved. I hope this is helpful should this ever happen to you.

@junglehomes6525 it’s always inconvenient when your key fob quits working. Most likely battery needs changed. Are you a push to start? Mine is a turn key and crank engine. If you have a push to start and it’s not responding, you can literally push the button with the fob and it should recognize it and start. But change battery ASAP.

@@jtbrv23 No not push to start. The key fob went offline and by using the key insert in the driver door somehow reactivated key fob functioning not a battery issue tho.

@@junglehomes6525 Oh. Glad it worked out. I feel like our keys are pretty low tech. Must be more going on.

Nice! I need to do something more robust for the bathroom storage. Right now it’s kind of a really light weight hanging shoe organizer. Not bad but can’t hold that much. Everything else is in the floor. Not ideal.

Those steps are a liability 🤣. I just took them off and will post the video tomorrow on how to do it. Not too hard really.

Thanks! Happy Thanksgiving

I can’t speak with certainty that it will work as I have never used it. Might be somewhat dependent on spare tire width but also bike width. I test fit it awhile back when another user asked and the carrier came down outside of the tires. Wide bike tires or wide forks might cause the bike to touch tire though.

I watched a bunch of videos and know that some people are able to get it out without headlight removal. I don’t know what it is exactly but some models like mine have extra piping maybe for climate system almost against right side of box. At least two other videos have come out after this video doing same thing and they both have the metal piping in same spot as mine.

No problem

You’re welcome!

Thanks! Now I can take off the running boards and give a little more ground clearance.

Oh nice! I didn’t realize the entire tube just came out.

The Thule ski carrier and Amazon basic racks are linked in the description. The Lippert Bike Rack might not be available anymore. Looks like Thule makes a similar shaped bike rack. Amazon basics roof rack: amzn.to/3QmMZk3 and Thule rack: amzn.to/49XuLN0

It’s a serving tray from Amazon. Here is a link to it a.co/d/6bfy7Kw

I don’t know if they offer an insulated version. If they do, I guess I got standard. They are a heavy duty material and they do seal off the window and create an air pocket.

Nice!

Nice. Good to know

It's holding up pretty well. There is no chipping or peeling of the paint. There is a darkened line right down the middle of track where the wheel rolls. I don't know if its oil or grime from the wheel but I think that same mark was created on the normal track if I remember correctly.

You’re welcome! I agree, under no demands, the 190 watt solar panel should give us 130-150 watts an hour. Give it 8-10 hours and we make a little over 1000 watts or 20% of our capacity. Our vans are stellar this time of year on lithium batteries since we don’t need air conditioning.

I get my tires done at Discount Tire. I can’t speak for every location but my local shop is spot on every time. I rotate and oil change every 5k too.

Not a problem! Glad it helped.

The only issue I’ve had is that the passenger tire can rub the wire. Luckily another user noticed it on theirs and when I checked mine it had only chewed the plastic covering over the wire. I guess if wires get exposed it could lead to a short. Also after some research about lithium and alternator charging I’ve tried to not idle engine and charge. A high idle might change this but regular idle might not be turning the fans of the alternator fast enough to cool the alternator. This could lead to wear and early failure.

Yes. This van does have a second alternator for charging the lithium batteries. I try not to charge at idle due to the potential overheating issue of the alternator itself.

Does the Transit auto start when the battery gets low?

@rdtw5505 this model year build does not, the 2023 19PT. Thor’s newer ford transit builds like the palladium/tallavera do utilize an auto engine start to recharge lithium. I can’t speak to its functionality but it is one of the selling points.

I guess if it was going to bust it was good timing. Im still not noticing much if any difference either. I never drove it hard. Maybe it’s easier for the heavy footed crowd to notice.

No errors. According to Philips, these bulbs won’t create errors. So far they have been excellent. About 1 and half years and still going.

​@@jtbrv23Awesome, thank you. My old Audi was a pig with LED's no matter what one you used it caused an error.

I know what you mean. My turn signals and brake lights are still halogen in van. I’ve tried 5 different brands that all guarantee no errors and they all still hyperflash.

Me too. Factory wheels look terrible.

Probably doesn’t help matters. But it looks good 👍🏻

@@jtbrv23 so true LOL who cares LOL

I actually didn’t think it would cause any issues. Is your funnel just a straight flow through or does it have some silly action you have to do to get gas to flow? Like twist or depress. Mine has a small funnel with a twist action. Also has a cap that if you don’t remove you can accidentally leave on between funnel and tank. I will give it a shot tomorrow and see if mine actually lets gas flow in.

If it works please let me know where I can purchase one Thanks!

@junglehomes6525 I see what you were saying. I made a mess. One of my gas cans was too short. Another one was ok but I couldn’t tip enough. Going to find a funnel and try again.

@@jtbrv23 I have heard some rumors that Ford included one somewhere in van maybe under drivers seat etc. My Honda Ridgeline included one attached to the spare tire compartment. Be careful not to damage intake seals as they can be costly without using the proper funnel. Call your Ford dealer and see if they can confirm this funnel part as correct to your vehicle and if they have one available: 8U5Z-17BO68-B

@junglehomes6525 I just ordered. I’m glad you said something, I would never have known until I needed to use a gas can for fuel. I don’t have one in the van hidden anywhere that I can find. Hopefully here in a couple days. I’m going to test windows leaks today since I’m finally warm outside. I will have videos for both.

Sure thing! Thanks for watching

Yeah. I think right off the bat I treated the van like a hobby knowing the repairs would happen.