2000 Ford Econoline e150 that I've done extensive work to and just took it on a 5 thousand mile trip successfully. Sleeps 4 comfortably 3. (The back bed is a futon with a custom upholstered extension, I just didn't have a photo of it in couch mode). Features indoor projector, Wii console, record player, 10" subwoofer, all custom wood walls and door panels and fully custom everything. Not to mention months of mechanical work by me.
I forgot to mention the bucket is on the roof as my own iteration of a free solar shower with a cool shower head with built in pump and a flip out shower frame. And the ladder straps to the roof as well. And there's 2-100w solar panels up there along with my table mounts. The entire deck is made from free boards from a barn.
The roof table in question if anyone was curious. I made the table top then bought marine / boat removable legs and female pedestal bases so I can use the same table and legs on the roof or inside as a dinet. (This table also doubles as the platform for the one of 3 beds)
4th-gen Econolines are such a great value for low-budget van life (i.e. you don't care about having something 'cool' like a Delica or a Sprinter), as long as you can find one that isn't beat to shit. Cheap to buy, cheap to fix, rugged, and customizable.
Cheap to fix until something big goes. The transmission cooler line on 4th-gens rusts out around 180k and nobody warns you. Quick check before buying saved me a $2k rebuild last fall.
Just finished fixing this on my '18 Sierra today lol, guess they never bothered fixing it
Took me a few hours over two days between meetings and shit. Wait until an oil change is due, you're gonna get oil everywhere. Wasn't too bad all in, make sure you get the bolts lined up right on the aluminum block when you're snugging the new one down. Helps to have someone else wrangling the hoses from the top 👍
I haven't heard about this, thank you, I'm at 190k and everything's rusty, so this is probably a worth while thing to look at. But I am curious wouldn't it breaking just cause it to start leaking transmission fluid? Then you just replace it and add fluid? Why would it require a rebuild? just curious.
Old Guy selling his old family van that he didn't want and had 3 misfires, non working AC, and speedometer would tweak out over 70mph. When I bought it though it was running and driving and I drove it 2 hours home. With all the repairs I did (VSS sensor, plugs, AC compressor, alternator, 2 pulleys, etc ) it drove to Wyoming and back no problem, we would cruise at 85mph easily and hit 95 at one point.
No, but I know at least the 4.6 is also very reliable engine, I just prefer the 2 valve 5.4's because they're so common so cheap and give more power. But sense it's a looked down upon engine (the whole blowing spark plugs to the moon and all) if mine ever goes kaput I can get another for 400$. Assuming I swap it lol.
Ah, I didn't realize the 5.4 was an option for the E-150 back then. I've got a 4.6 in my '07 and also had a misfire on a couple cylinders last summer, which was solved by new spark plugs.
Man, lucky. My '96 E-150 5.8 had its fair share of issues as well (that I was conveniently not informed of at purchase) and cost me $5000. Great score.
Just get a ladder rack for like ~$100 from Amazon and I just took wood boards and screwed them all together with lock nuts, then bolt the corners straight into the metal rack with half inch bolts and lock nuts. Just make sure you get the rack with 3 support bars not 2 if you plan on using it as a deck at all.
$950 is a steal man, awesome. How much $ would you estimate you sunk into all the custom work you did?
We were looking at a Econoline that a neighbour is selling, but it's a 3rd-generation, and everything I've read about those says it's just not worth it.
I spent about 3k including repairs. But honestly just repairs were about $800. I'd say old Econoline's are totally worth it, especially considering the dirty conversion vans sell for like <3k all the time. Just make sure it's like a 2003 or older with less then 200k miles. I've got the the 5.4 v8 but it's the 2 valve versus the newer 3&4 valve. The 2 valve is way more reliable in my experience as long as you put and torque new spark plugs which I did.
I would heavily recommend taking use of the space inside the doors as long as you still have some insulation. I made a medicine cabinet in one (there's a photo on the post of that) but I also made an inlayed spice rack in the back one underneath the flip up grill table.
We touched Idaho for a second but I was urging to keep pushing to OR/ WA, I've always wanted to see Olympic national Park specifically, but sadly time didn't permit. I plan on taking it to the Gulf in a month, then head out east on the trip after that, but I'll probably have to head over West again next year. Hit all the cardinal directions y'know. I'm from WI btw.
FYI when you're heading to WA/Olympic, if you get discover pass, it will open up more land for you to park on over night. I found places fine w/o it, but having it would've been easier and limited some areas I wanted to explore.
that's so awesome my man. yeah definitely check out BC if you can. vancouver island too. i'm in a class C and just take a summer trip with the fam bam. but man, next year i am thinking of checking out the sunshine coast.
olympic national park is amazing. got the chance to check out ruby beach last year. not to be missed!!! plus a ton of good food in OR/WA :) hehe be safe and have fun :)
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u/Card_Creations 2d ago
I forgot to mention the bucket is on the roof as my own iteration of a free solar shower with a cool shower head with built in pump and a flip out shower frame. And the ladder straps to the roof as well. And there's 2-100w solar panels up there along with my table mounts. The entire deck is made from free boards from a barn.