Recreational Vans
The Ford Transit 148 platform balances interior volume with real world drivability. Compared with the shorter 130 wheelbase, the 148 adds valuable floor length for a bed, galley, and storage without feeling unwieldy in town. Choose regular 148 or the extended body if you need a longer garage, remembering that the extra length affects departure angle and parking ease. Roof heights vary, and high roof opens up standing room, overhead cabinetry, and comfortable cooking posture.
Interior width at the walls supports crosswise sleeping for many users, and the distance between wheel arches suits modular garage spaces for bikes or boards. The 148 wheelbase offers a stable ride on highways and mountain passes, and available all wheel drive improves traction on graded roads and wet trailheads. With thoughtful weight placement and sensible tire selection, the 148 becomes a long distance tourer that still slots into most parking spots.
The Transit cargo area provides generous standing height in high roof trims and a flat, build friendly floor. Plan your footprint around known hard points like the sliding door opening, wheel wells, and rear door swing path. Bed systems can run east to west for shorter sleepers or north to south for maximum comfort and aisle space. Galley depth, aisle width, and cabinet overhangs determine how the van feels in daily use, so mock up with tape and cardboard before committing to cabinetry dimensions. Place heavy components low and near the center to protect handling.
A regular 148 keeps overall length manageable for city errands, trailhead lots, and ferry lines. The extended body adds room for a larger bath or garage but demands more care on tight switchbacks and steep driveways. Backup sensors and a well mounted rear camera help with confidence in busy areas. Expect wind sensitivity to improve with proper suspension tuning and even weight distribution, and remember that all terrain tires change ride height and speedometer readings.
Payload varies by trim, so verify your specific door sticker and keep a running weight budget. Insulation, cabinets, water, batteries, and accessories add up quickly. Distribute mass across the axles, avoid building behind the rear doors, and secure all components with proper fasteners and structure. If you plan to tow a small trailer or carry a rear rack, factor tongue weight and dynamic loads into the plan. Aim for balanced axle weights and reserve capacity for passengers and gear.
A good layout starts with sleep, cook, sit, and store. The 148 platform supports a fixed bed over a rear garage or a convertible dinette that transforms into a bed to free up living space. A driver side galley keeps the sliding door area open, while a passenger side galley creates a service window effect. Wet baths fit along the mid cabin wall or at the rear curbside, and a compact shower pan with a curtain saves space over a fully enclosed stall.
Consider a swivel on one or both front seats to extend your living area. A removable table on a rail or pedestal adds dining and work flexibility. Windows and upper cabinets shape sight lines and the sense of space, so blend storage with glass intentionally. Soft close hardware, latches, and thoughtful lighting can make a small footprint feel refined and quiet on the move.
Short trips do well with a simple battery bank, a compressor fridge, and a single burner cooktop. Long range living benefits from a larger lithium battery system with solar and alternator charging, a reliable diesel or gasoline fired heater, and a robust water setup with filtration. Plan accessibility for service and fuse resets. Keep all wiring tidy and labeled, and use ventilation to protect electronics and food.
A common electrical foundation includes lithium storage, a DC to DC charger for alternator input, solar to top up at camp, and a pure sine inverter for outlets. Roof fans provide airflow, and screened windows help cross breeze without bugs. In cold climates, an auxiliary heater tapping the vehicle fuel is efficient and compact. In warm climates, minimize heat gain with reflective glass treatments, high quality insulation, and strategic shade. Air conditioning requires careful power math and may drive decisions about battery size and charging capability.
A compact water system often carries a fresh tank inside the cabin for freeze protection, a grey tank under the floor, and a simple fill point. Add a hot water source if you shower frequently or prefer a comfortable dish routine. Fans mounted fore and aft can move stale air quickly and clear cooking steam. Keep moisture in check by venting during sleep and drying wet gear in a designated zone near the rear doors.
Start with sound deadening and insulation where it matters. Wall and ceiling panels should be removable for maintenance and future upgrades. Choose durable flooring that cleans easily, and secure the subfloor to factory points to avoid corrosion. For cabinetry, lightweight materials and aluminum extrusion frames save mass and resist squeaks. L track and rail systems create flexible tie down points for changing gear loads.
Electrical and charging upgrades scale over time. Begin with a practical battery size, then add solar or increase alternator charging as needs grow. Suspension tuning, progressive springs, and improved dampers sharpen handling once the van is fully built. All terrain tires with proper load ratings add confidence on gravel without excessive road noise. Underbody protection and recovery points make backcountry travel less stressful, and thoughtful lighting improves camp setup and night driving.
The alternator is your most reliable energy source on travel days. A quality DC to DC charger manages voltage and protects both systems. Solar extends stationary time, especially in open country. Monitor state of charge with a shunt based meter and size your wiring for efficiency. Keep critical fuses accessible and carry spare components.
Dial suspension only after final weight is known. A mild lift, tuned dampers, and sway control can transform stability on crosswinds and canyon roads. Roof racks, awnings, and storage boxes expand function, but manage roof load and center of gravity. Choose exterior lighting that meets legal requirements and avoids glare.
When your plan feels solid, turn ideas into a finished Transit 148 camper with a team that designs around real travel needs. OZK Customs builds complete vans and targeted upfits with clean electrical, efficient layouts, and dialed ergonomics. Explore our approach to fit, finish, and handoff through Adventure Point, where we walk you through every system before you roll out.
Our goal is simple. You tell us where you want to go, we deliver a van that gets you there comfortably and reliably, with systems that are easy to use and service. Share your vision and we will map the build, timeline, and budget so the first night in your Transit 148 feels effortless.
Ready to turn your Transit 148 into a confident, road proven camper Build with OZK Customs. Our team designs and executes complete custom builds and partial upfits that drive, camp, and charge like they should. Tell us how you travel, and we will deliver a finished rig with clean systems, smart storage, and road tested comfort. Start your build conversation today.
ADDRESS:
6159 E Huntsville Rd, Fayetteville, AR 72701
PHONE:
(479) 326-9200
EMAIL:
info@ozkvans.com