Build Thread: New Crafter for work

[Jack T]

Well today my new Crafter arrived after a 6 month wait for a factory order.



Really pleased, feels like a big T6 to drive. Nice when going from T6 camper to this and back again as everything is in similar positions.



This one is for work as I’m an Electrician but would make a great camper! I will be making quite a few changes and fitting it out over the next few weeks. If anyone is interested I will put up some pics as I go.

 

[Tourershine]

Has that got factory LEDs @Jack T ?

 

[Jack T]

Has that got factory LEDs @Jack T ?

Yes factory LED’s this was the first option when I ordered it! Can’t get LED rears though.

It’s as follows:

177 fwd trendline (highline no longer available)
Would have loved 4mo but didn’t want to lose head height in the back.
Leds
Fogs
Heated screen
Captains seats heated/electric lumbar
Overhead storage
Full factory rear lining
Pure grey (custom but cheaper than indium)
AC
Cruise
Pdc front and rear
Rear camera
Detachable towbar

I like to keep a work van for 8-10 years so wanted to get it right.

 

[DaveD]

I think it looks very purposeful, the colour suits it perfectly.

 

[shropschris]

Yes factory LED’s this was the first option when I ordered it! Can’t get LED rears though.

It’s as follows:

177 fwd trendline (highline no longer available)
Would have loved 4mo but didn’t want to lose head height in the back.
Leds
Fogs
Heated screen
Captains seats heated/electric lumbar
Overhead storage
Full factory rear lining
Pure grey (custom but cheaper than indium)
AC
Cruise
Pdc front and rear
Rear camera
Detachable towbar

I like to keep a work van for 8-10 years so wanted to get it right.

Just what we are after as a work van, looks ace

 

[BognorMotors]

Stunning looking van and lovely spec. Don’t they drive well ?

 

[Jack T]

Stunning looking van and lovely spec. Don’t they drive well ?

You are right, they have nailed it since they separated from Mercedes.

 

[BognorMotors]

They drive as well as a transporter. We run quite a few and it’s never a chore to drive big distances.

 

[Oldrat]

I love mine, as you say it’s just like a big T6.
Your van looks the mutt’s nuts, I love the colour and the lights . Very cool

 

[Jack T]

So I have made a start on the fit out whilst still working so slow progress. I have a 6.1 on hire for a few more weeks so not having to use the crafter whilst sorting the back out.

Bulkhead area first. I knew I wanted a cut out as done in my previous vans this size. This is for longer ladders and timber etc. My old one was higher and a bit awkward with having 3 seats. But this time I ordered captains so planned a walk through door. Along with storage to the left and right.

So figured out my Dewalt racking position as this is the system I use generally and will continue in other areas. This left just enough space for a door.

Started with this, note the factory ply lining, it is really nice cnc’ed birch ply, much better than after market i have had previously imho.



So next much sheeting, jig saw, grinder etc. Not nerve racking on a new van!



Hole cut and rack trial fitted. Next up to make a door. I had picked up another crafter bulkhead for free so a plan was formed. Using the other bulkhead allows me an overlap but a perfect fit to the contours with minimal effort.

Marked up, made a rough cut ready for an accurate measurement.



Then all cut and hinged up with plastic hinges/rivnuts. The door will get re powder coated and have edging strip around allcut edges eventually.

Racking sits nice and also gives some rigidity back to the panel.

One job down! On to the next thing! This allows around 4.3m load capacity which is ideal for my needs.

 

[Gavandi]

Hi..... is it LWB?

 

[Jack T]

Hi..... is it LWB?

Nah MWB. Best size for my needs. I find a LWB a bit big when working around town.

 

[Jack T]

Made a start on the racking. I always keep ladders in my van as I prefer it to a roof rack. Last van I kept ladders on top of the racking ratcheted on. This time I’m going for the opposite.

So using timbers fixed from the rear of the plywood panels and rivnuts, hex holes all over the body handy for this. I started laying out where I wanted everything. This is to house mainly Dewalt toughsystem boxes.



So started to build up the units so to speak. I have used a mixture of hardwood ply and hex phonetic ply to match the factory floor. Hopefully it should wear well.



So section done for ladders and saw horses additional storage will go in to the right too. Ladders slide in nicely, no straps etc required. I used an extra piece of ply on the floor so the ladders don’t drag across the threshold.





The gap to the right of the ladders in front of the arch will house a leisure battery, B2B charger etc. Access from above.



So moving along making storage anywhere possible making best use of the space.





And in position, drain pipes will house long items such a sweeping brush (yes I am an electrician but I do own one!)

Top on to form the shelf.



That’s it for now but it’s moving along a bit faster. If this hasn’t bored you then well done! My van is like my office so important to me as I spend a lot of time in it.

Hopefully get it a lot further over the weekend.

 

[IestynD]

subscribed for updates - Love stuff like this.

 

[Dave A]

subscribed for updates - Love stuff like this.

Me too!

 

[Jack T]

Ok will carry on then!

Did a bit this evening. First up, end panel to scribe and fit around storage. This was pretty time consuming, pleased with the result though.



From the opposite side, storage then hidden by the shelf.





You get the idea



Done the steps as well, always put these on the back door as it makes good use of the space. Knocked up some brackets and used some grip tape to protect the paintwork.





Steady progress!

 

[Gavandi]

Fabulous.
Keep pics coming

 

[Oldrat]

Cracking work, I’m in

 

[DaveD]

Impressive! Having everything accessible and tidy makes a huge difference to your working day, it's great to see your ideas and solutions!

 

[Jack T]

Thanks for the comments! I’m pleased with how it’s coming together.

So the top letter box part on the rear panel is for 3m lengths of conduit etc. Only for small day to day stuff, anything bigger like dado will just load as normal. I created a false section again and plan to get some Euro style boxes to go on top.





Copper pipe in to check, all I had to hand to try but clean plastic only in here from now on. The stop at the end just allows enough to stick out.

I need to house Henry somewhere to though of a way of holding him solid without straps etc. Came up with this:

Will probably add some holes at the front too where the castors are.





So shelf in position, with a trim piece in the front I have added a piece of aluminium box which should be more hard wearing than the ply. This sits just above the ply. Previous van have always worn with just ply. I will do this on most shelves with the aluminium also stopping things moving.



So a bit further. Need to start thinking about the floor and opposite side next.