Sage, our 2017 High Roof Ford Transit

Sage was our third van conversion, and one build under special circumstances. The world was mid-pandemic and we decided to spend some time in our home country of the UK. Wanting a project, and also hopefully a way to travel once the many restrictions lifted, we got to work creating our ideal tiny home. We did eventually end up traveling the UK in this van, and explored all the way up through the Scottish Highlands to John O Groats, and down through Cornwall to Land’s End. We spent time in the Peak District, the Lake District and in Wales before eventually selling Sage, and returning to Canada.

Sage ended up being a perfect off-grid travel vehicle for us; she was bright and modern with a clean design and a super functional all electric power system. This van was designed for off-grid wild camping with enough storage for extended bike/ski/climbing trips but had all the comforts of home.

We would use power as if we were at home with induction hobs, a kettle and even a toaster. (Which we didn’t realise would become the perfect way to make snacks on the road. There’s really nothing better than an apres-hike cinnamon raisin bagel).

After a Scottish hike, with some tea and Grassmere Gingerbread!

I would even plug in a hairdryer, after showering in the van, something I never expected to do while cruising the Scottish Highlands.

We left the cab open to let maximum light flow through and for the comfort of not having to leave the van to reach the cab. The van we completely insulated with closed-cell spray foam insulation and sound deadened, which was amazing for those long drives and cold windy nights sleeping by remote beaches and even on the windy cliffs of John O Groats.

We made sure to add a ton of stuff packed into this van to enable the functionality, driving and parking ease of a smaller van with all the comforts of a big one! We even had a pull-down projector screen and projector for movie nights on the road!

Sage ended up being a perfect vehicle to travel in for us. We enjoyed all the functionality of having easy to use power systems alongside the coziness of taking our home on wheels everywhere we went. We learned so much creating this van but also realised there are a lot of projects we are excited to extend and adapt in the next one!

All the tech stuff…..

ELECTRICS/LIGHTING

– LITHIUM Lifepo4 272Ah X 8 | 24V Pack | 6.5Kwh
(this is equivalent to almost 600Ah of 12v lithium batteries)
– Or 1200Ah of 12v AGM batteries
– 400W solar (room for another 100w panel on roof)
–All in one MPPT Inverter Charger 60A Solar, 60A Shore, 3Kw Inverter (PureSine)
– Victron DC-DC 12-24V 30a Charger
– Mains hookup
– 240v Double Socket in Kitchen
– 2x 12v double USB sockets
– 2 Zone LED Puck Lights with dimmer touch control
_ Dimmable warm white under cabinet lighting with 2.4ghz touch remote
– Dimmable LED strips in the garage also on touch control

WATER/HEATING

ALL ELECTRIC, NO GAS!
– 72-litre underslung freshwater tank with lockable filler cap
– 32-litre underslung waste water tank
– Level indicator for both tanks
– 12v Shurflo water pump – Main Water system
– Fiamma expansion vessel
– Trauma Therme TT2 Water Heater (Electric and or Diesel)
– 5Kw Diesel Heater
– 12v Shurflow water pump and Filter system for recirculating shower
– Under Floor Heating

KITCHEN

– Pull out pantry with useful food storage, large cupboard with 3 shelves, 2 drawers, under sink cupboard, 4 large overhead cupboards.
– Dometic CRX50 Fridge/Freezer
– 2x portable induction hobs
– Slide-out drawer with bins, recycling and composting.
– Solid oak butcherblock worktop
– Splashback
– Drinking water tap and filter
– Silver stainless steel sink with mixer tap
– Lagun Mount table with oak worktop, able to move to a variety of positions
– Kitchen nooks to hold washing up utensils, decorated with mirrors

SHOWER/TOILET

– Dry composting toilet built into the bench seat. We wanted a chemical-free option for off-grid camping
– Pull out shower Tray
– Recirculating shower system

BUILD

– Fully insulated with Closed Cell Spray Foam Insulation to provide warmth and a vapour barrier
– Sound deadening
– Walls and ceiling are painted shiplap panels.
– Floor luxury vinyl tile
– Furniture is made with Marine grade ply.
– 1x opening tinted window in the seating area
– Deluxe Maxx Air Fan (with remote thermostat)
– Fixed King sized bed with memory foam mattress
– Pull down blinds

GARAGE

– Large open garage space
– Handlebar hooks for 1 bike

EXTRAS

– Reverse Camera
– Projector
– Carbon monoxide detector
– Fire Extinguisher