RipTide - 2019 170 4x4

grantwilson

FreedomVanGo
We are in the process of working on our new shop demo van that you will see at a handful of events (adventure van expo in Colorado that we are sponsors for, and overland expo central and east) to show off the goodies we make and sell.

My goal is to make an attainable vehicle that people can actually afford. We are making the choices that I as an individual would have made, and have made for my personal vans. No flashy airline interiors that make a 200k build. We go for the KISS method around here and keep money in your pocket.

This list represents what we have at the shop to install or have already installed. In progress, so will be expanded on obviously as I go.
Modification list that ill try and keep updated:
2019 4x4 170
10" mbux
Distronic
Wheels - Tires - Suspension
Black Rhino Arsenal 16x8
BFG KO2 265/75-16
Van Compass Stage 4 Suspension
Sumo Springs

Roof Rack - Solar - Roof Lighting
FreedomVanGo Roof Rack
Custom Solar Mount
4 Platform inserts on rack
2 Renogy 160 watt solar panels
Diode Dynamics 50" lightbar Combo pattern
Diode Dynamics SS3 Flood Rear lights
Pair of Dometic 9500 Manual Awnings (admittedly a bit ridiculous)

Exterior Parts
Van Compass mudflap relocation bracket
Backwoods Adventure Mods Front bumper, no bull bar
Diode Dynamics SS3 SAE Driving light
Diode Dynamics SS3 SAE Fog Light
Van Compass Grill Light mount
ARB Twin Compressor
Van Compass Compressor Mount
Firestone 3 gallon tank
Vixen Air Horns
Owl Vans Ladder and Tire Carrier
Owl Vans Sherpa
Van Compass Hood Line Mount
AMAuto Sliding Screened Window in four positions
Interior-
Adventure wagon interior kit
AMF Bruns Smartfloor
ARB Awning Mounted in rear door opening



So, without further intro, this is riptide in its current state as of today
Untitled by FreedomVanGo Van Builders, on Flickr
Untitled by FreedomVanGo Van Builders, on Flickr
Untitled by FreedomVanGo Van Builders, on Flickr
Untitled by FreedomVanGo Van Builders, on Flickr
Untitled by FreedomVanGo Van Builders, on Flickr
Untitled by FreedomVanGo Van Builders, on Flickr
Untitled by FreedomVanGo Van Builders, on Flickr
Untitled by FreedomVanGo Van Builders, on Flickr
Untitled by FreedomVanGo Van Builders, on Flickr
Untitled by FreedomVanGo Van Builders, on Flickr
Untitled by FreedomVanGo Van Builders, on Flickr
 

Midwestdrifter

Engineer In Residence
Those pre-formed rivnut brackets are a pretty cool. I bet they cut down on assembly time majorly. That's a big deal when you have to maximize turnover in a shop space.
 

grantwilson

FreedomVanGo
Those pre-formed rivnut brackets are a pretty cool. I bet they cut down on assembly time majorly. That's a big deal when you have to maximize turnover in a shop space.
It was faster putting in the old system honestly.

HOWEVER
the new system allows you to do flarespace flares and maintain a height adjustable bed bracket system.

Also, has a built in wire chaise which makes it much easier.


I am totally digging those windows
Yeah, it makes a HUGE difference. I typically really like Tern Overalnd, but they are so hard to have in stock because they always run out, and we install TONS of these AMAuto windows. I have grown to love them. And simple window covers black them out when you dont want them. Win Win
 

Desertbound

Active member
Looks awesome Grant. Thanks for loading it up with so many VC goodies! Excited to see the finished product.

-Rob
 

grantwilson

FreedomVanGo
Looks awesome Grant. Thanks for loading it up with so many VC goodies! Excited to see the finished product.

-Rob
Only the best!

Cant wait to get the bed installed and play with it. We have an idea for a small 12v winch to raise and lower to keep it up out of hte way
 

Kirk

Member
Would love to see more about how that ARB awning works out in the rear doors. Any more pics of that set up?
 

THE

2018, 144, HR, 4x4
Always great stuff! I really wish I'd have done more research on windows prior to the CRL install. Now they kinda rattle a bit.
 

grantwilson

FreedomVanGo

Kirk

Member
Thanks for posting those Grant, looks like a nice package.

I have my bed platform relatively high (garage for bikes underneath) so I am trying to get an idea on how far into that area the awning would take up. Looks like it is stays above the windows, which is good- just dont want to be banging my head on it every night.
 

grantwilson

FreedomVanGo
Thanks for posting those Grant, looks like a nice package.

I have my bed platform relatively high (garage for bikes underneath) so I am trying to get an idea on how far into that area the awning would take up. Looks like it is stays above the windows, which is good- just dont want to be banging my head on it every night.
its pretty much exactly even with the D pillar

Shoot me an email, grant@freedomvango.com and ill get you some close up images if youd like.
 

canyoneer

2017 144 High Roof
Always look forward to your posts and some new idea I haven't seen. That awning is pretty cool.

Any pics of the AMF Bruns Smartfloor? Will it have the rows of L-Track to use the AMF Bruns Smartseats?
 

grantwilson

FreedomVanGo
Always look forward to your posts and some new idea I haven't seen. That awning is pretty cool.

Any pics of the AMF Bruns Smartfloor? Will it have the rows of L-Track to use the AMF Bruns Smartseats?
it is actually on my list of things to do next week. It has 3 rows of L track, and we have two seats we will keep in it
 

grantwilson

FreedomVanGo
Rack - Diode Dynamics SS50" Combo Bar
Hoodline Mounts - Diode Dynamics SS3 Spot.
Grill Mounts - Lightforce HXT2 HID/LED combo
Bumper lights - Diode dynamics SS3 SAE Fog and SAE Driving (so i can use them as intended once aimed correctly)
Pictures are as follows:
Hallogen Headlights Only
Bumper fogs only
Light bar and hoodline only
Lightforce Only
All Lights
All were shot at 1/60 and 2000 iso for consistency with the wrong white balance. but exposure is what matters here.

Then in front of my house. fogs only then everything on

And this is prolly the cheapest way to get good light i think given the spaces i had to fill.

Untitled by FreedomVanGo Van Builders, on Flickr
Untitled by FreedomVanGo Van Builders, on Flickr
Untitled by FreedomVanGo Van Builders, on Flickr
Untitled by FreedomVanGo Van Builders, on Flickr
Headlights only
Untitled by FreedomVanGo Van Builders, on Flickr
headlights and bumper fogs
Untitled by FreedomVanGo Van Builders, on Flickr
headlights and light bar
Untitled by FreedomVanGo Van Builders, on Flickr
headlights and HTX2
Untitled by FreedomVanGo Van Builders, on Flickr
The Sun
 

grantwilson

FreedomVanGo
Started on wiring up the van. i label everything, and put it in wire braid as well.
Untitled by FreedomVanGo Van Builders, on Flickr

Installing our AMFBruns Smartfloor as well
Untitled by FreedomVanGo Van Builders, on Flickr
Untitled by FreedomVanGo Van Builders, on Flickr
we chose a lonseal marine teak flooring look. super cool stuff. the glue is a royal PITA to lay down tho
Untitled by FreedomVanGo Van Builders, on Flickr
Untitled by FreedomVanGo Van Builders, on Flickr
Untitled by FreedomVanGo Van Builders, on Flickr
Untitled by FreedomVanGo Van Builders, on Flickr
It isnt 100% perfect. But its a learning experience. This is why we do new things to our own vans. :)
But, we are the only person in the SE that can do this now in this genre. So that is fun too

Lastly, decided to make a new flagpole mount
Untitled by FreedomVanGo Van Builders, on Flickr
 

grantwilson

FreedomVanGo
For the back of the van we chose the Backwoods Adventure mods bumper, Diode Dynamics SS3 floods, Owl Vans Sherpa and Owl Vans Ladder tire carrier

Untitled by FreedomVanGo Van Builders, on Flickr

Installed a Nomadic Cooling 12v AC unit as well
Untitled by FreedomVanGo Van Builders, on Flickr
The control unit mounted to our custom diamond stitch ceiling panels with a 3 zone LED strip system that is remote and phone controlled
Untitled by FreedomVanGo Van Builders, on Flickr
Untitled by FreedomVanGo Van Builders, on Flickr
Installed a van compass Storage box we powdercoated to blend in nicely

Lastly, workin gon the water system housing
Untitled by FreedomVanGo Van Builders, on Flickr
Untitled by FreedomVanGo Van Builders, on Flickr
Untitled by FreedomVanGo Van Builders, on Flickr
 

Mr Makai

Active member
I just meant in camp, with a breeze etc. I would use this most frequently at the coast and there is always a bit of wind.
 

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