2025 Ford Transit 148 EXT (El Capitan Tier)
This Papago Vans El Capitan (Tier 5) build on a Ford Transit 148 EXT is a top-tier, four-season adventure van designed for serious off-grid travel with refined comfort. With a high-capacity lithium electrical system, solar, climate control, full kitchen, indoor shower, and thoughtfully crafted interior finishes, it blends rugged capability with modern livability. Built to travel far, stay comfortable anywhere, and feel unmistakably Papago.
Build Overview
⚡ ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- 400W Solar System
- 100A DC–DC Battery Charger
- 800Ah Lithium Iron Battery (SOK)
- 3000W Inverter/Charger (UL-rated, Pure Sine Wave)
- (6) 110V outlets w/ USB-A & USB-C
- Includes +1 outlet under sink (for induction cooktop)
- (1) 110V GFCI outlet on side of control panel (daisy chained before all other outlets)
- (+1) Switched GFCI outlet for Bosch appliance (not shown in design)
- 30A Shore Power Inlet
PLUMBING
- 33G Fresh Water Tank (over wheel well)
- Heating pad
- No level sensor
- Havelock wool glued over wheel well prior to install
- Greywater system w/ heating pad
- Laveo Dry Flush Toilet
- Internal battery
- Felt bottom
- Vertical-mounted leather handle
- Velcro strap securing toilet in cabinet
- Tetravan Folding Shower 2.1
- Magnetic curtain
- Black shower
- Right-side entry (can be front or left if required)
- 4-Gallon Electric Water Heater
- Rear-door outdoor shower (hot & cold)
HEATING & COOLING
- Premium Insulation Package
- Full Havelock wool insulation
- Foam insulation on all PEX lines, elbows, and tees
- Exterior pipe insulation on all under-van plumbing
- RecPro RV Tank Heater Pad
- Greywater tank: bottom-mounted, starting at valve end
- Fresh water tank: side-mounted, floor-up
- Maxxair Deluxe Roof Vent Fan w/ Remote
- Nomadic 12V Roof-Mounted A/C w/ Remote
- Espar Gasoline Cabin Heater
- Van must have auxiliary fuel tank tap present
- Papago installs heater & runs fuel line
- Customer responsible for certified mechanic connection if tap is not present
KITCHEN
- Acacia butcher block countertop
- In-counter double burner induction cooktop
- Undermount stainless steel sink & faucet (hot/cold)
- Includes sink insert
- Isotherm Cruise 130 Refrigerator
- Counter-depth cabinet
- 700W Microwave
AESTHETIC FINISHES
- Painted shiplap wall siding
- Stained wood ceiling
- Recessed dimmable LED ceiling lights
- Vinyl wood-style flooring
STORAGE & CABINETRY
- (7) Overhead cabinets
- Under-counter double-door cabinet
- Custom-built to house Tetravan shower
- Whale Gulper drain integration
- (2) Under-counter cabinets — 12” wide
- (2) Under-counter cabinets — 15” wide
- Laveo toilet cabinet
- Drawers above
- Flooring continues into cabinet for flush slide-out
MISCELLANEOUS & UPGRADES
- Raised dinette (dining/sleeping)
- FVCO heavy-duty pull-out tray at base
- 12V socket inside center dinette section (14AWG)
- Swivel driver & passenger seats
- Fire extinguisher
- CO / Smoke detector
- Lagun adjustable swivel table
- (3) RB Components bunk windows (15×36 half slider)
- Passenger-side sliding door window (confirm if already equipped)
- Solid glass rear door windows (confirm if already equipped)
- FVCO Sprinter standard roof rack w/ side ladder
- Electric awning w/ integrated LED lighting (long wheelbase)
- Full bug net set
- VIZIO 24” Smart TV w/ wall mount
- Van Compass Stage 3 TOPO 2.0 Transit Suspension Upgrade
- Owl Talon Satin Black wheels (Transit AWD)
- Nitto Ridge Grappler All-Terrain Tires (Set of 4)
- Leave stock spare tire under van — do not block access
- FVCO Rear Door Platforms (Driver & Passenger)
- (2) FVCO Rear Storage Boxes (mirrored setup)
- FVCO Transit 148 Side Steps
- Magnetic blackout window coverings (Set of 10)
COLOR & MATERIAL SPECIFICATIONS
- Flooring: Glendale Pine
- Stain (ceiling, counters, tables, trim, control panels): Smoke Gray
- Cabinet Paint (walls remain white): Crushed Ice — SW7647
- Fixtures (faucet, Lagun, hardware): Stainless
- Door Handles/Knobs: Black leather / stainless
- Wheels: Owl Talon Satin Black
- Cushion Fabric: TBD
