converting a Sprinter with Ikea "stuff"

[riverman61]

I did a bit of searching and did not see this topic. I have thought about converting a sprinter van using Ikea cabinets etc. I'm semi handy and thought that this might help things along. Has anyone done this before?

[Zanders2J]

Ikea uses mostly chip board or MDF, which require specific mechanical fasteners due to the poor screw holding of those substrates. Chip board (or particle board) and MDF are known to be heavy and absorb moisture. This is not ideal in a vehicle. Don't let these details deter you, though. You could make it work (many RV manufacturers use chip board and MDF). You would just have to double up on the fasteners and also glue the heck out of them. I would also ensure the seems are sealed.

But personally, I chose higher quality sprinter bed frame and cabinets (it was a bit expensive).

Other people in this forum have been suing 80/20 system, but you need some skills and tools to work with those.

[way2roll]

While I am sure the OP would find this information helpful, this post is 7 years old they never returned. We've asked the site admins to lock down old threads and make the age more noticeable from google searches etc, but there is really no support on this new forum. 

[SkiMore]

I saw this sink, metal counter and base at Ikea today. Might work for a kitchen.
http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/S59139689/

[Naio]

thriftydutch wrote:
I have a 1990 with particle board cabinets and nothing has fallen apart in 27 years. Where do you drive , on old logging roads.

I dunno about them, but that's exactly where I drive!

[thriftydutch]

Searching_Ut wrote:
The laminated particle board used in most Ikea furniture is both heavy, and weak when it comes to holding up to the sorts of vibration, shaking, flexing it's going to encounter in RV type applications. It's almost amazing how much you can tear stuff up driving down the road, even if you're using well made stuff,

. I have a 1990 with particle board cabinets and nothing has fallen apart in 27 years. Where do you drive , on old logging roads.

[Camper_Jeff___K]

I'm looking at using rolling tool chests minus the wheels for cabinetry in a Transit conversion. They are built well and have nicely built drawers that lock with various depths, widths, and heights available.

[Searching_Ut]

The laminated particle board used in most Ikea furniture is both heavy, and weak when it comes to holding up to the sorts of vibration, shaking, flexing it's going to encounter in RV type applications. It's almost amazing how much you can tear stuff up driving down the road, even if you're using well made stuff,

[J_herb]

Camper_Jeff_&_Kelli wrote:
Here's a Gal who just started a conversion on a Transit. Very nice job so far.
Transit Conversion

Thank You for the link to one of the best videos on van conversion,they have done a nice job. We don't want all the bells a whistles just for a few weeks out camping.

[Camper_Jeff___K]

Here's a Gal who just started a conversion on a Transit. Very nice job so far.
Transit Conversion

[J_herb]

riverman61 wrote:
I did a bit of searching and did not see this topic. I have thought about converting a sprinter van using Ikea cabinets etc. I'm semi handy and thought that this might help things along. Has anyone done this before?

I have done two van conversions several years ago and really enjoyed them , I haven't seen to many post about people doing their own on the RV net. Their are a lot of you tube videos out their but most
of the videos they put way to much stuff in the vans that you can't move around in them.
I have been looking at class C but haven't found a small one with the floor plan that we like so I think when the time comes to not tow the trailer I may convert a spinster type van.
What type of conversion do you want ? We don't want all the bell and whistles.

[stan909]

I recommend YouTube University.

[NCWriter]

A couple of other considerations - the Sprinters aren't square boxes, so you'd be dealing with curves to fit upper cabinets plus of course all the fittings in lower ones. Some high end B conversions from Canada are made with partly solid wood cabinetry custom fitted by Mennonite carpenters, and the work really holds up well - one reason they are pricey. Cheaper unit doors might begin to skew out of line.

[Lwiddis]

I agree with John. Watch the weight and attachment.

[Johno02]

I use IKEA LED lights in our Motor home. That is a good idea that you have, and will probably work, as IKEA's speciality is tiny homes and spaces. But be aware that much of their stuff is make of HEAVY fiberboard, whereas most RV stuff is built and designed to be lightweight. Things like hollow walls, cabinet floors that are thin panels with cardboard stiffners between, and other such. So just think light, because weight builds up very quickly.