Most people doing a van conversion will want to remove the van bulkhead to allow more walking space in the van. In this guide I will show you the simple approach to remove the bulkhead from your van, by the end your van feel much more airy!
I'm Shane, I've been teaching people to convert campervans for years; I'm the author of Roaming Home; The Comprehensive Guide for Converting Your Van Into a Campervan,writer of The Van Conversion Newsletter, instructor of The Van Conversion Course over at Udemy. And full-time vanlifer for 4 years!
Now let's jump in and have a look at how to remove the van bulkhead!
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What is a bulkhead in a van?
The van bulkhead is a heavy sheet of steel that separates the front and the back of the vehicle.
Is it legal to remove a van bulkhead?
A van bulkhead's primary job is to protect the driver from containers (or anything else) flying around the back. In many countries the van bulkhead is a legal requirement on commercial vehicles, but if you're building a campervan we are likely safe to remove it! Please check the van conversion requirements of your particular country.
You can find some information on van conversion regulations here:
Irish requirements are in this guide.
UK requirements here
Australian requirements here
Canadian requirements here
US requirements differ from state to state
How to remove the bulkhead from a van
While the bulkhead removal specifics differ from van to van, it is normally a very straightforward process.
And be careful when removing the bulkhead! It's VERY VERY heavy.
How to remove a bulkhead from a Ford Transit
In the Ford Transit, the bulkhead is secured to the chassis with several large torx-head bolts (Size T-55). When you remove these bolts, you can remove the bulkhead!
They are screwed in very tight, so you will need to use a T-55 Torx bit with a socket wrench.
How to remove a bulkhead from a Mercedes Sprinter
In a Sprinter, removing the van bulkhead is a little different. The bulkhead is secured in place with blind rivets.
You can simply drill through the centre of each of these blind rivets and the bulkhead will fall out all on its own!
Conclusion
I hope you found this guide to removing the bulkhead from your van useful! You are well on your way to a beautiful self-build campervan!
Don't forget to subscribe to The Van Conversion Newsletter for everything you need to get started with your own van conversion (I'll send you a free wiring diagram when you join).
If you're looking for some guidance with your van conversion, you might be interested in Roaming Home; The Comprehensive Guide for Converting Your Van Into a Campervan. In the 380-page book (or ebook), you'll learn directly from me how to convert a van into your dream home - no prior experience needed!
Until next time,
Shane ✌️