A member introduced their newly completed 2024 Ford Transit High Roof Extended HD Dually, dubbed “Ghost,” custom-built by Interstate Custom Vans. The van features a stealth exterior and a luxury interior inspired by the 1962 Riva Aquarama wooden boat, with the goal of comfortable continental touring for the owners and their German Shepherd. Key highlights include a 48V Cruise N Comfort HD AC system powered by dual Lithionics batteries, a Van Life Tech Roman Holiday hydronic heating system...
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A member introduced their newly completed 2024 Ford Transit High Roof Extended HD Dually, dubbed “Ghost,” custom-built by Interstate Custom Vans. The van features a stealth exterior and a luxury interior inspired by the 1962 Riva Aquarama wooden boat, with the goal of comfortable continental touring for the owners and their German Shepherd. Key highlights include a 48V Cruise N Comfort HD AC system powered by dual Lithionics batteries, a Van Life Tech Roman Holiday hydronic heating system with Caldera floor, and a 50-gallon fresh water tank. The build avoids LPG, instead using gasoline from an auxiliary tap for heating and hot water.
Members praised the craftsmanship, especially the woodwork and yacht-inspired design. Technical questions focused on the heating system, with clarifications that the Van Life Tech system uses an Eberspacher furnace and prioritizes radiant floor heat, supplementing with forced air as needed. The owner shared that the system is quiet, storage is under the Teak & Holly floor, and the van’s fully loaded weight is just over 5 tons (GVWR 11,000 lbs). The Orion Roof Rack supports 600W of walkable solar panels, deck panels, and perimeter lighting.
Consensus formed around the build’s quality and innovative systems, with some discussion comparing Van Life Tech to Rixen and advice to use non-toxic propylene glycol in hydronic systems. The owner provided video links and further details, addressing all technical queries and sharing their excitement for future travels.
