Sounds like the Universe was conspiring in your favor. I just bought a 2006 Ford Econoline E-150 recreational van. I was fortunate as well that it had been very well maintained. Happy Trails.
Learned something new from you and I'm almost 70, I LOVE it when a seller goes in excruitiating (how DO you spell that word) detail WITH receipts of all the things they replaced and did to a vehicle, but it STILL is a good idea to take it to a mechanic.
I'm the oldest of 7 kids my Dad had 3 of those Ford Econoline trucks. They were all great vehicles I drove one to college for a year. Yours is awesome shape for 2006 and what a steal for 10k. Looking at those shocks and looks like 👍 a solid suspension. So Happy for you guys. So much more room then Rav, just to be able not to have to shift stuff around to setup platform to sleep is big bonus. plus being able to cook or work in it too! 😃
Thank you so much for watching & for the kind words! I’ve heard so many good things about the econolines from everyone that’s had one. So glad you had the same experience! Huge upgrade for sure, We are so excited! Thanks again! :)
We had an E-150 adventure van! It was the most awesome vehicle - lots of good memories. (We eventually moved up to an E-350-based Class C RV because we do ski patrol at Caberfae and spend the whole winter in it). Check out a forced air diesel heater for winter camping without the condensation that the Buddy heater produces - we had it in the van and now in our RV. Have fun and enjoy!
That’s awesome! SOO glad to hear that. We definitely are thinking about a more permanent solution to the heater once we start the build. So glad to hear you love yours! Thanks so much for the input!
Congratulations on your new ride! My daily driver is a 2007 Ford vehicle and they are workhorses, if you keep up with maintenance they will last a long time. Only concern (if you want to call it that) for you would be those windows. They are GREAT when you are inside the van, but as a pro, you undoubtedly have some high-end equipment and/or laptops that you might want to leave inside for hikes to your photo destinations. Unless you carry everything to those spots, I would be afraid of theft (even though it is much better the further north you go! Yes, I live in MI too!). Maybe rear window tinting, or removable blinds could help, but you might consider a good lock-box to stow under the bed as well. I follow many Van Lifers who have great covering ideas. Really looking forward to your trip reports! *Edit: I went from here to your Blog and that outside photo shows you have more tint to the rear windows than I thought. May be enough, but hard to tell for sure. I am not a pro, but I know if my camera gear were to 'disappear' during one of our trips I would be devastated - even if it is insured! Best to you both!
Aw thank you so much Kevin! Really appreciate all the tips! We are considering our options for some type of safe/lock box bc I have the same concern. For now we plan to keep our gear on us, but I’m hoping once we do the build we’ll have decided what to do with that! I’ll definitely keep you posted! And yep - there are window tints but they’re not the greatest quality. Peeling off a bit in the back (I think from the FL sun hitting it for all those years) so we’ll definitely be replacing those. Probably soon! Thanks again for watching & for checking out the blog! Really appreciate it, especially another Michigander! 🙏🏻
I completely resonate with you guys regarding using a small vehicle as a camper. I camped in a small minivan with my two kids and even with that it's so hard. I'm sooo over changing clothes while laying down! And all this crawling around and moving things around really wears you down and doesn't allow you maximize the time you have out in nature!
Thank you!!! And haha it’s not going to be anything too fancy. By cabin I just meant wood paneling to make it look and feel like a cabin that we can sleep & work out of. Excited to see what we end up with!
love your story! Happy building on and more importantly happy roadtripping! fellow "car-amper" & Rav4 owner. I do a single bed and kitchen on the other side. My Rav is a 2010, so it's a bit longer than the newer ones and the last year they had a V6. Thank you for all the inspiration. ❤
I found your channel today and watched a few of your videos so far. You guys are such a cute couple. I’m sure Andrew is over the moon about having all this space AND head room!!!! New sub here
Happy that you got the van! Really cool! My wife and I recently purchased a pop-up Aliner camper. Going to upload the video on our channel this week. We're really excited as well. Glad you have a buddy heater. They work great we used them in a tent in 40 degree weather and no issues! Great video! Next time u guys are in ohio drop us a line!
Omg that’s awesome, congrats to you too!! I’ll for sure check out the video! And I’ll definitely let you guys know when we come to Ohio! And yep, The heater has worked great so far the few times we’ve needed to use it! Thanks for watching as always! 🙏🏻
I did a search for vandwellers michigan and found your channel! We are in Metro Detroit dreaming of building out a van and taking some weekend trips. Loving your videos! Thank you!
Congratulations, Felicia! This is a total game changer! You guys are gonna love it! Not sure what you plan on doing for window covers but I went with custom window covers from #heatshield . They are FABULOUS! I know you can make them as well but I just wanted perfect, fitted covers. I use a little 4ft table like the one you have, it’s perfect! And I’m with you, windows are essential! 🙌🏼 I’m really happy for you guys! Very cool! All of it. 😃💯🙌🏼 Ps… My oldest daughter was born in 92 and I take her daughter( my sweet granddaughter) on Van camping trips with me. And she loves it! I have a van camping playlist on my channel and have videos with her van camping with me, and our sleeping set up. So much fun! Have a fabulous day!
Thank you SOO much! We are seriously so excited!! Thank you for the tips on the window covers, we are still debating if we want to make them ourselves or buy them so this is good perspective! And omg that sounds awesome! Makes me so happy to hear that about your granddaughter! I’ll have to check out those videos! Thanks for watching and all the support as always! ❤️🚐
@@feliciafullwood it’s super cool because you are from Detroit and I’m in Chesterfield, Near Lake St. Clair, you’re so close! 🙌🏼💯 My other daughter works in Detroit and has worked with Eightfold Collective Movie Studio in Detroit. Fun stuff! 😃💯
Congratulations! Good things come to those who wait (and who deserve good things). Loved this video, and all of your videos that I have watched. You guys seem so nice, and I hope you have many happy years with this van. All the best.
Thank you so much, that seriously means so much to me! We are so excited for this next chapter. Really appreciate you watching and your comment, thanks so much again!
Nice! About the bed, I watched the video of the bed build. I'm curious the bed shakes because the drop bolts are not screwed into the legs? I'm planning to build one this weekend :) Thank you!
Nope the bed doesn’t shake at all! The drop pins aren’t screwed in but they’re fitted for it so they act as screws when they’re in place, but super easy to remove when needed :)
Hahaha! So glad I recorded those few clips just to look back on it now that we finally have one. Thanks again for all your help in the searching/buying process!
That’s what I’m going to say when people point out my crank windows: “one less thing to break”. 😂 My car is also an 06. Great video you guys! Safe travels!
This Freaking amazing you guys are my ideal for van lid you guys are inspirational for low budget build the bigger builds are cool but dumb and too expensive love this
Well done! We just purchased a Chevy Express passenger van. Did exact same thing, pulled out seats and used what I had from all my camping adventures. Works fabulously. Curious how your heater works as I’ve been too nervous to use open flame heat. I’ve been using an electric heater. Only flaw is I need to be in a state park with electricity. Keep the faith…
Nice!! That's awesome! We used the Mr. Buddy heater a few times both while working in the van & camping and it worked great! Actually, we used it in the last video, but i don't think i actually showed it on. We only had to have it on for a few mins before it warmed up the space enough though so moisture hasn't been an issue for us with it!
I found your channel today and watched a few of your videos so far. You guys are such a cute couple. I’m sure Andrew is over the moon about having all this space AND head room!!!! New sub here
Sounds like the Universe was conspiring in your favor. I just bought a 2006 Ford Econoline E-150 recreational van. I was fortunate as well that it had been very well maintained. Happy Trails.
That's amazing! Congrats on the new van and thanks for watching! :)
Learned something new from you and I'm almost 70, I LOVE it when a seller goes in excruitiating (how DO you spell that word) detail WITH receipts of all the things they replaced and did to a vehicle, but it STILL is a good idea to take it to a mechanic.
I'm the oldest of 7 kids my Dad had 3 of those Ford Econoline trucks. They were all great vehicles I drove one to college for a year. Yours is awesome shape for 2006 and what a steal for 10k. Looking at those shocks and looks like 👍 a solid suspension. So Happy for you guys. So much more room then Rav, just to be able not to have to shift stuff around to setup platform to sleep is big bonus. plus being able to cook or work in it too! 😃
Thank you so much for watching & for the kind words! I’ve heard so many good things about the econolines from everyone that’s had one. So glad you had the same experience!
Huge upgrade for sure, We are so excited! Thanks again! :)
We had an E-150 adventure van! It was the most awesome vehicle - lots of good memories. (We eventually moved up to an E-350-based Class C RV because we do ski patrol at Caberfae and spend the whole winter in it). Check out a forced air diesel heater for winter camping without the condensation that the Buddy heater produces - we had it in the van and now in our RV. Have fun and enjoy!
That’s awesome! SOO glad to hear that. We definitely are thinking about a more permanent solution to the heater once we start the build. So glad to hear you love yours! Thanks so much for the input!
Congratulations on your new ride! My daily driver is a 2007 Ford vehicle and they are workhorses, if you keep up with maintenance they will last a long time.
Only concern (if you want to call it that) for you would be those windows. They are GREAT when you are inside the van, but as a pro, you undoubtedly have some high-end equipment and/or laptops that you might want to leave inside for hikes to your photo destinations. Unless you carry everything to those spots, I would be afraid of theft (even though it is much better the further north you go! Yes, I live in MI too!). Maybe rear window tinting, or removable blinds could help, but you might consider a good lock-box to stow under the bed as well. I follow many Van Lifers who have great covering ideas.
Really looking forward to your trip reports!
*Edit: I went from here to your Blog and that outside photo shows you have more tint to the rear windows than I thought. May be enough, but hard to tell for sure. I am not a pro, but I know if my camera gear were to 'disappear' during one of our trips I would be devastated - even if it is insured! Best to you both!
Aw thank you so much Kevin! Really appreciate all the tips!
We are considering our options for some type of safe/lock box bc I have the same concern. For now we plan to keep our gear on us, but I’m hoping once we do the build we’ll have decided what to do with that! I’ll definitely keep you posted!
And yep - there are window tints but they’re not the greatest quality. Peeling off a bit in the back (I think from the FL sun hitting it for all those years) so we’ll definitely be replacing those. Probably soon!
Thanks again for watching & for checking out the blog! Really appreciate it, especially another Michigander! 🙏🏻
I completely resonate with you guys regarding using a small vehicle as a camper. I camped in a small minivan with my two kids and even with that it's so hard. I'm sooo over changing clothes while laying down! And all this crawling around and moving things around really wears you down and doesn't allow you maximize the time you have out in nature!
YES!! This 100%. You know the struggle! ha. thanks for watching!
I have a 2000 econoline van from Nevada, no rust and came with tinted windows like yours. I love having the windows.
Way to go! I was thinking from bed on wheels to bedroom but office and cabin too?! Kudos to that!
Thank you!!! And haha it’s not going to be anything too fancy. By cabin I just meant wood paneling to make it look and feel like a cabin that we can sleep & work out of. Excited to see what we end up with!
Ahhhhh! So excited for you guys!! Get that van up to Marquette ASAP!
Planning this as we speak! Prepare for a new temporary Marquette resident 😂🚐♥️
love your story! Happy building on and more importantly happy roadtripping! fellow "car-amper" & Rav4 owner. I do a single bed and kitchen on the other side. My Rav is a 2010, so it's a bit longer than the newer ones and the last year they had a V6. Thank you for all the inspiration. ❤
This is awesome! Congrats you guys! Also love seeing Andrew make an appearance 🥰
Thank you! We are stoked! I’m hoping I’ll slowly get him talking more in each video 😂❤️
@@feliciafullwood awesome can't wait for your future vids!
I found your channel today and watched a few of your videos so far. You guys are such a cute couple. I’m sure Andrew is over the moon about having all this space AND head room!!!! New sub here
Happy that you got the van! Really cool! My wife and I recently purchased a pop-up Aliner camper. Going to upload the video on our channel this week. We're really excited as well. Glad you have a buddy heater. They work great we used them in a tent in 40 degree weather and no issues! Great video! Next time u guys are in ohio drop us a line!
Omg that’s awesome, congrats to you too!! I’ll for sure check out the video! And I’ll definitely let you guys know when we come to Ohio!
And yep, The heater has worked great so far the few times we’ve needed to use it! Thanks for watching as always! 🙏🏻
@@feliciafullwood That would be awesome! We would love to meet you guys! We really enjoy watching ur videos!
Great! Super choice-love watching all your adventures!!
Thank you so much! We are so excited! 🚐♥️
I did a search for vandwellers michigan and found your channel! We are in Metro Detroit dreaming of building out a van and taking some weekend trips. Loving your videos! Thank you!
Congrats!! So excited to follow along with this.
Thanks Brian! I’m stoked to see how it all plays out myself!
Congratulations! I am sure it will be fun making it your own.
Thank you so much! We are so excited to start the build! :)
I enjoy your videos. Hope you enjoy every place you go! Best wishes to both of you 💕
Aw thank you so much, that means the world to me! Thanks for watching! ❤️
Congratulations, Felicia! This is a total game changer! You guys are gonna love it!
Not sure what you plan on doing for window covers but I went with custom window covers from #heatshield .
They are FABULOUS! I know you can make them as well but I just wanted perfect, fitted covers.
I use a little 4ft table like the one you have, it’s perfect! And I’m with you, windows are essential! 🙌🏼
I’m really happy for you guys! Very cool! All of it. 😃💯🙌🏼
Ps… My oldest daughter was born in 92 and I take her daughter( my sweet granddaughter) on Van camping trips with me. And she loves it! I have a van camping playlist on my channel and have videos with her van camping with me, and our sleeping set up. So much fun!
Have a fabulous day!
Thank you SOO much! We are seriously so excited!! Thank you for the tips on the window covers, we are still debating if we want to make them ourselves or buy them so this is good perspective!
And omg that sounds awesome! Makes me so happy to hear that about your granddaughter! I’ll have to check out those videos!
Thanks for watching and all the support as always! ❤️🚐
@@feliciafullwood it’s super cool because you are from Detroit and I’m in Chesterfield, Near Lake St. Clair, you’re so close! 🙌🏼💯 My other daughter works in Detroit and has worked with Eightfold Collective Movie Studio in Detroit. Fun stuff! 😃💯
So pumped for you. excited to see the future videos!!!!!!
Hell yeah thanks Andrew! We are so stoked!
Congratulations!
Good things come to those who wait (and who deserve good things).
Loved this video, and all of your videos that I have watched.
You guys seem so nice, and I hope you have many happy years with this van.
All the best.
Thank you so much, that seriously means so much to me! We are so excited for this next chapter. Really appreciate you watching and your comment, thanks so much again!
@@feliciafullwood Thank you :)
Nice van! Wow, that '92 Chev looked great up top but who would have ever thought. Do they salt the roads in your area?
Congratulations on the van!
Thanks!! I tried to get Andrew to talk more in this one! Baby steps! 😂❤️
Hi I have the same van! Please tell me the product name of the table in the car
Nice! About the bed, I watched the video of the bed build. I'm curious the bed shakes because the drop bolts are not screwed into the legs? I'm planning to build one this weekend :) Thank you!
Nope the bed doesn’t shake at all! The drop pins aren’t screwed in but they’re fitted for it so they act as screws when they’re in place, but super easy to remove when needed :)
So weird to see myself in someone else's video lol, really glad you guys got this thing! 😁
Hahaha! So glad I recorded those few clips just to look back on it now that we finally have one. Thanks again for all your help in the searching/buying process!
That’s what I’m going to say when people point out my crank windows: “one less thing to break”. 😂 My car is also an 06. Great video you guys! Safe travels!
Hahaha yes!! It’s true! And that’s awesome. Thanks for watching & safe travels to you too! :)
This Freaking amazing you guys are my ideal for van lid you guys are inspirational for low budget build the bigger builds are cool but dumb and too expensive love this
Well done! We just purchased a Chevy Express passenger van. Did exact same thing, pulled out seats and used what I had from all my camping adventures. Works fabulously. Curious how your heater works as I’ve been too nervous to use open flame heat. I’ve been using an electric heater. Only flaw is I need to be in a state park with electricity. Keep the faith…
Nice!! That's awesome! We used the Mr. Buddy heater a few times both while working in the van & camping and it worked great! Actually, we used it in the last video, but i don't think i actually showed it on. We only had to have it on for a few mins before it warmed up the space enough though so moisture hasn't been an issue for us with it!
Super cool congrats
Thank you so much! We are so stoked!!
Perfect
You can get a high top installed so you both can stand up in the van. Only about $6,000.00 total to have it done.................................
Love this van! And your teeth look pretty!
thank you so much! Really appreciate it :)
@@feliciafullwood Did you get veneers? I don't want to be intrusive but I really want them, but don't know of anyone who has gotten them.
I found your channel today and watched a few of your videos so far. You guys are such a cute couple. I’m sure Andrew is over the moon about having all this space AND head room!!!! New sub here