Question 1

Why is Orion Motors building 365-camper vans on the Ford Transit?

Accepted Answer

Orion Motors offers extended-length, high-roof Ford Transit vans. This “long/tall’ version of the Transit is key to enabling the configurable design of our campers. (Any new or used long T-250 and T-350 model). We also felt that the Ford Transit offers a better ownership experience: there are 10x more Ford dealerships in the US than Mercedes-Benz, especially in the Great Plains and Mountain regions. We know this will result in better customer support and service. By exclusively building on the Ford Transit platform, it allows us to standardize our designs and streamline our processes, which allows us to maximize our innovation for our customers. Finally, Ford started offering all-wheel drive starting the 2020 model year and they launched an electric van in 2022 model year.

Question 2

What is the typical fuel economy?

Accepted Answer

Ford does not publish official fuel economy values for this van and mileage will vary based on the terrain travelled, however, we have observed approximately 16-19 MPG with the RWD, High-Roof version with the EcoBoost V-6. The AWD version is closer to 14-16 MPG.

Question 3

Do you provide the van, or do I need to find it?

Accepted Answer

We specialize in upfitting a customer’s van into an Orion camper van, what we affectionately call “Bring Your Own Van (BYOV)”. We are willing to help source a new or used van with our dealership partners, or you can work with your own dealer. We recommend working with larger dealership that have fleet sales, as the order is typically filled with higher priority. In order to ensure we can build out your van, we ask to review the specifications, and even your selected vehicle - especially if it is a used van, prior to purchasing. Please let us know how we can help!

Question 4

How many campers can the Orion 365 seat and sleep?

Accepted Answer

Our current vehicle layout is optimized for 5 people to provide more travel and camping options for families and friends. Additionally uses include: Tailgate events, kid’s sports tournaments, Family Bike Rides, Couple’s retreat, and endless other uses. We are happy to work with customers who plan on traveling with only two campers on options. We plan on developing another model in the future optimized for two travelers, and welcome suggestions for features or functionality on our designs to meet your needs.

Question 5

How much weight can the bed lifts support?

Accepted Answer

The bed lifts have been designed to support up to 1200 lbs., and have been static tested to that load. Beds can be lowered into place within seconds. The bed lift straps need to be periodically inspected per the owner’s manual instructions.

Question 6

How does it drive? It seems big to me.

Accepted Answer

The Ford Transit extended length chassis is 148” between the front wheels and the rear wheels (aka wheelbase). This is similar to a Ford F150 SuperCab pickup truck. So, if you haven’t driven a van before, it handles like a big pickup truck or an overgrown minivan. Ford has also released a vehicle control feature called SIDE WIND STABILISATION, which is available on some Ford Transit models. The controls on the vehicle like steering and braking have similar efforts to a passenger car, so no additional strength is required to operate the vehicle. Additionally, there are several standard features from Ford that make low speed maneuverability easier, such as wide mirrors, side windows, a backup camera, and park distance sensors. Please contact us for a show and tell and test drive in the Milwaukee area.

Question 7

What are the types of things I can transport? How do I store bikes, and other cargo?

Accepted Answer

The Orion 365 comes standard with an L-Track system (aka ‘logistical track’). This is a common cargo mount system that enables many different types of quick attachment methods to secure special loads. Such as bicycles, motorcycles, dirt bikes, 4’x8’ sheet of plywood, kayaks, canoes, IKEA flat pack furniture, etc. Bonus: you can mop-out the interior without worry.

Question 8

Can I use it in colder weather?

Accepted Answer

Primarily, Orion 365 is focused on three-season use. It has Thinsulate and sheep's wool insulation in the walls, bulkhead, doors, and ceiling.  It comes with a gasoline powered cabin heater, standard. However, this camper does not have heated water tanks or double pane windows.

Question 9

How big is it, and will it fit in my garage?

Accepted Answer

The finished van is approximately 9’6” tall. Taller if you have the vent fan open, or the optional air conditioning installed. This means that it will generally not fit in a residential garage. However, Ford has engineered this van to be outside in any weather. We have not made structural changes to the outside of the vehicle, so it should not experience roof leakage issues. A further benefit of building on a van chassis is that it is small enough to be parked in a driveway or on a street, and generally does not count as a ‘motorhome’, for home-owners’ associations. Some national parks limit the max length of a van to 25’, or do not allow soft sided tents for bear safety. At 22’ long with an all-metal construction, you can go anywhere.

Exterior height:
Height with vent fan closed is 114” or 9’6”,
Height with air conditioner installed is 122” or 10’2’.
Interior height:
Headroom without beds is approximately 79” or 6’7”,
Headroom under the front bed is approximately 71” or 5’11”,
Headroom under the rear bed is approximately 69” or 5’9”.

Question 10

Does the van come with solar panels?

Accepted Answer

Orion 365 comes standard with a 200w solar panel array and charge controller. This helps maintain the state of charge on the batteries, and can support running the refrigerator, vent fan, and lighting continuously.

Question 11

How do I power my stuff? What is your electrical solution?

Accepted Answer

The Orion 365 camper van comes standard with 12V, 120V, and 5V USB power ports. These are powered in a variety of ways.

Primarily these systems are powered by additional 'house' batteries.  This arrangement will typically power the fridge, vent fan, and LED lights for three days between charging, without counting solar. House batteries are charged from the vehicle alternator as soon as the van is started. If the van is moved every three days, the batteries stay charged. To help extend the usefulness of the batteries, Orion 365 comes standard with a solar charging system.

Finally, the Orion 365 can be plugged into any 120V outlet, to provide ‘shore-power’. This electrical hookup will provide power to the van accessories and also charge the batteries automatically. Shore-power or a generator are required to power the air conditioner, due to the higher power draw.

Question 12

How is drinking water managed?

Accepted Answer

Orion 365 comes standard with a 5-gallon freshwater tank, and a 5 gallon ‘gray’ water tank from the sink drain. This reduces maintenance, as the freshwater tank can be removed and filled anywhere, and the gray water tank can be dumped anywhere there is a toilet or sink. If more freshwater capacity is desired, an optional 25-gallon tank with on-demand water heater is available. Part of the 25-gallon upgrade is an external shower attachment to take a shower in nature.

FAQs / How to Purchase

Frequently asked questions