The Camper Van Freedom build notes trace a wiring route from the dash into the cargo area, passing the passenger-side A-pillar, headliner and upper body cavity before reaching the rear garage. This page brings those notes together with the two 2023 Ford Transit trim-removal PDFs used as references.

Start by matching the vehicle year, drivetrain, roof and fitted equipment to Ford’s documentation. The recorded route leaves a connection between the left-side dash entry and the passenger-side pillar unexplained.

Route Recorded In The Build Notes

  1. Go through the dash grommet on the left-hand side.
  2. Go up the A-pillar on the passenger side.
  3. Go into the headliner.
  4. Go into the body cavity above the windows.
  5. Run wire behind the 2020 framing to the garage.

Here, “2020 framing” refers to the build’s aluminum-extrusion framing rather than the van’s model year.

Choosing The Dash Pass-Through

The diagram below labels item 1 as the left-hand dash grommet and item 2 as the right-hand dash grommet. Its heading specifies a front-wheel-drive dash panel with left-hand drive shown. Identify the corresponding locations on your own vehicle using its applicable manual.

Dash panel diagram showing left- and right-hand grommet locations, with a front-wheel-drive and left-hand-drive heading

Ford’s Wiring And Airbag Requirements

The 2023 North American Transit And E-Transit Body And Equipment Mounting Manual covers wiring separately from trim removal. Relevant sections include 4.2 for routing and sheet-metal pass-throughs, and 5.10 for airbag deployment zones.

  • Protect sheet-metal pass-throughs with the specified watertight grommet arrangement. Ford says tape or adhesive alone is insufficient.
  • Support added wiring and protect it from sharp edges and moving parts. Follow the manual’s clearances and retention requirements.
  • Keep added equipment and wiring clear of airbag deployment zones.

Use Ford Pro’s Upfitter Publications to find the documentation for your particular vehicle. The 2023 references here should not be assumed to apply to a different year or configuration.

2023 Transit Trim-Removal Manuals

Both PDFs identify section 501-05, Interior Trim And Ornamentation, for the 2023 Transit. They explain access to trim components.

A-Pillar Trim Panel

This two-page procedure covers the assist handle and pillar trim. It identifies optional speaker and BLIS connections and includes installation information. Its revision date is August 5, 2022.

Open The A-Pillar Trim PDF · Download The A-Pillar Trim PDF

Front Headliner

This eleven-page procedure separates steps by roof and equipment configuration. It also addresses original harness placement when replacing a headliner and checking the restraints system after installation. Its revision date is February 7, 2018; the document heading still identifies the 2023 Transit.

Open The Front Headliner PDF · Download The Front Headliner PDF

Continue with the Electrical And Solar Guides for the wider build context, or Browse The Conversion FAQs for related reference questions.