ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 3 มิ.ย. 2024
- Want a balance between offroad capability and comfort, then look no further than the Ford Econoline. The E250 is the perfect platform for your next offroad camper van conversion so you can live that van life while being out in the most remote areas possible. Check out the links below to see what parts I used and how much it all cost!
Leave a comment and tell me what you think, I'd love to hear your thoughts and suggestions.
If you'd like to purchase a shirt, please head to ibrakeforsnakes.com/store
I appreciate all the support! Like, comment, and subscribe!
Click the links below for more info on the products and brands I used to build this van! A few of these links are affiliate links and do help the channel out a lot.
Weldtech Designs 5" Lift Kit: weldtecdesigns.com/product-ca...
Philips Headlights: amzn.to/42A735Q
Powertrax Locker: amzn.to/3MZfORf
Wasatch Overland High Roof: wasatch-overland.com/
Baja Designs ONYX6 30" Lightbar: www.bajadesigns.com/products/...
6-Switch SPOD Kit: www.ujointoffroad.com/product...
Aeronaut Hoverquilt: aeronautoutdoor.com/discount/...
RIGd Supply Ultraswing: www.rigdsupply.com/collection...
Dometic Waterjug and Pump: bit.ly/3X0IFZO
Dometic 75DZ Fridge: bit.ly/3N6K0d4
Bedrug Carpet: amzn.to/43YPkpX
Atoto F7 Headunit with Carplay: amzn.to/42xDZMd
Tri-fold Mattress that fits in the van perfectly: amzn.to/42Bt2sU
3" Gel Foam Mattress Topper: amzn.to/45XrkFm
Scanguage II OBD Scanner: amzn.to/3qIg0gk
Vantage Optics Light Mounts and AC Fix: www.vantageoptics.com/shop/Fo...
Kicker Subwoofer: amzn.to/43VhaTW
We're probably about $12k total into this van. That included everything above minus the van price which we got a great deal on. So for not a whole lot of money, you could have a van on 35's, with a locker, 12" of wheel travel, 6' 4" of headroom, and so much more!
00:00 - Intro/Updates
03:29 - Offroad Lighting Setup
05:48 - Lift, Wheels, and Tires
08:18 - Gears and Locker
09:54 - Engine Size and Choices
11:52 - The High Top
12:59 - Awning and Awning Mounts
14:14 - RIGd Ultraswing and Camp Table
16:14 - What's in the Back
19:24 - Let's Take a Look Inside
19:51 - Bedrug
20:36 - Subwoofer/Audio
21:05 - Interior Tour
24:08 - Bed Buildout
27:20 - Storage
28:29 - Water Setup
28:55 - Cab Setup
30:16 - Dometic Fridge
30:36 - Scanguage OBD Scanner
30:54 - Final Thoughts
32:23 - Merch and Snakes! - ยานยนต์และพาหนะ
![ตัวอย่างภาพยนตร์ Venom: The Last Dance [Official - Sub Thai]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/DHPjvAwmnRE/mqdefault.jpg)
"until we have a problem, we're going to leave it like this." I live by those words.
yup still rocking plenty of old stuff. Even my phone is like 8 years old and people always ask why don’t I just get a new one. Simply because it does the job and that’s all i need
If you want a high top but cant afford 6k, find a high top van in the junkyard, and pull the top
Wow I've thought of building a wooden box up top bet never thought of taking the top from a junk yard
But how to make sure it’s installed correctly where it won’t leak.
@@Marcus-xl9krI’m a woman and it’s the first place I thought to look cause I constantly went to the junkyard as a kid to help my dad remove stuff.
Junkyard is great for high tops but from someone who has pulled one off a van and out of a yard let me tell you you need at least 4 people to do it comfortably! They are heavier and way more cumbersome than you would imagine.
Never would’ve thought of that smart man
Agree with keeping things simple. i have the same van and haven't changed the interior other than adding a floor and a bed. I love the uncovered van walls because i use magnet mounts for everything. People always ask me if I'm going to build it out and I say "no, why would I?" I only sleep and drive in there. The rest of the time I'm outside enjoying nature.
Yea you get it 🤘🏻
I love these kinds of builds. Simple and effective. Not much to break either. And it can still go anywhere on the trail.
The Holy Grail of American Vans has to be the Dodge Ambulance Vans that were EXTRA WIDE. And I think they were the full 8.6 foot width. They came with the Extended top from factory. That along with it having the engine mostly in the cabin like the Early Ford and GM vans really give you TONS of space in the rear.
Dude I'm glad to hear you using a lunchbox locker, this is exactly what I have been looking into. I'm very interested to hear how this has been working out for you.
I love it but I’m doing a full video on it soon!
I have a powertrax in a 99 Durango on 33" tires. Works great off road, takes a little getting used to on road but I usually forget it's there. 5 years, no problems
I have a Wasatch installed top too and I agree with you on that being a game changer. Mine is a 350xl with ujoint 4x4 conversion. I love it and I love your van too.
Love me a good walk around… even if I’ve walked around it plenty of times before. Awesome as always JB!
Thanks Mike!
Boy, I keep thinking about doing one of these. This is so cool. Thanks for sharing.
Do it!
The van is awesome, the minimalist interior is awesome and functional. I love it, well done.
Thanks so much!
Glad I found your video. I just bought a 2011 E250 4.6L and plan to make it my retirement home on wheels, with maybe a 23ft trailer in the future. Searching for ideas and love your simplicity, but especially your choice of build priorities. Huge thanks for all the links to your mods!
You can do it!
Love the simplicity
Love the van. I purchased a 2003 e 350 ford van about a year ago. Needed a bit of mechanical work done. Most done by me and a very good friend race car mechanic. Hey, the inside is set up to do Maintenance work and sleep. I like it and that's what counts. Others don't that's ,Ok too. WE are dudes and don;t need all the Bla Bla stuff. I was married twice. Men are simple people. It's also our man cave. Again love it, keep doing what you do and stay happy.
Love this van! Thank you for the info my friend!!
I have been starting to see these off road style vans in north suburban Chicago and they are DOPE! I'm on the way.
Enjoyed your video. I'll have to watch more of your videos! I appreciate the info on gear and upgrades. Thanks.
Appreciate the feedback!
Your build is coming along nice, it is nice seeing the updates. I really need to do a locker next in mine.
Thank you and definitely more updates soon! The locker makes such a difference offroad.
I bought a 60x80 magnetic screen door off Amazon for under $30 . Trimmed the length to fit . It has worked great on my Chevy express for years
That is awesome! I'll have to look into that.
thanks for showing this
I really like your van build. I like the modifications you made. The rest is all personal preference. You can go minimalist or ultra deluxe, no matter you can use the van NOW & modify it along the way.
I was saving money to build a van, I happen to find a tiny house in NW Arkansas. I bought the house with the money I had saved, now I have to start saving for a van build. I bought a International 4700 with a 16 foot box!
great video ,lots of useful info thanks !!!
Nice setup everything you need to be comfortable. Also I believe when you do a big build out that extra weight really affects the capability of the vehicle off-road. With your setup if you need the van to haul work gear you can remove all your things within a few minutes which is nice. I’m doing something along the same lines to mine.
Exactly!! We just yank the mattress out and our camp gear then we have a full cargo van to move stuff it’s awesome.
Hands down one of the coldest van I’ve seen . I was trying to figure out how I was going to build a top and how goofy diy looked
I have a 1992 ford falcon camper van and i like what you did with your van it gives me something to think of
Rad 🤘🏻
Hell yeah ! I know you said you plan on building it out a little more, but I absolutely love that it’s a budget build! I love because it’s functional and sends the message that you don’t have to spend a 100k. Great video!
Appreciate that!
So how much did it cost ? He never revealed it
@@mjdailamy455012k it’s in the description
Love the build.
Helping motivate me to pull the trigger on a "weekender" van build -because i'm not looking to live in one either
You should! We may unfortunately be selling this one because of recent life changes!
how much??@@brakeforsnakes
Thank you, got a few ideas for my Van from this video!!
🤘🏻
Dayuumm thats aoo sick for the amount of money you put into it! I want do fulltime van life so I want to live comfortablty. But I also want to go to wild places no huge and long sprintervan can come. You just showed me that that is possible within a budget that is achievable for me. Thank you soo much❤
You can do it!
Awesome van dude! Love the locker and rear tire rack - good find!
Thanks!!
Had two 4.6 f150s, 98 and 07. Towed with them, loaded them up, no problems. Certainly none of the spark plug or fuel pump issues known on the 5.4. Looking for an eco van to do much like you. Love your approach. Looking forward to more experience with that locker. Thanks for these videos!
Thank you and I totally agree about the 4,6!
Is that 4.6 a V8 or V6?
@@joeblow1942 4.6 was v8. 4.2 was v6.
4.6 is good Ford V-8
Can't wait for the video on the locker!
Soon!
Can't wait to see your Swiss Army van fully built out to your needs!
Have the same van E250 4.6L! Just had 265's installed and the WeldTech grocery getter gets installed next week. REally like what you've done. Not sure about which locker to install. Thx for the tip. Never heard about it but at $400 sounds great!
Crazy Cheap is Relative, obviously. However, on your end of the spectrum, I love what you've put into it, it's awesome. Visually it really reminds me of my old van I had and loved very much. Mine was a dodge high-top conversion van. I first gutted the interior completely (walls, topper padding, floors and everything else), later building out to my liking - keeping it as minimalist as possible. For suspension lift, I went with really dirt cheap spring lift - yeah I know, absolutely not the best way to do a lift, but "crazy cheap" for the effect. Aesthetically, it really looked like your Ford does now (slightly lower).
I have a 1995 E150 and this is exactly what I was looking for, for the lift 🙂
🤘🏻
greetings from NC..new scriber here,I dig it man,good job and thanks for sharing
Thanks for the sub!
Good video. I agree that rattle snakes are a vital part of the eco system.
Absolutely!
I love your build man!! You went the smart way with the E-250 instead of the "popular" way with the Sprinter.
🤘🏻
You should weld some type of lock bar for the two back doors, in the event that someone attempts to break in through the back.
I drove a ford econoline for work doing deliveries, i loved that thing it was a beast. If i remember correctly it was 3/4 ton. Yea def was because i used to haul heavy pallets in it. Have always wanted one since. N yea it wasnt really a pleasant ride n it did wander lol, but man it ran like a champ and just felt so dependable like it could handle anything
The weldtech suspension kit fixes all that wandering!
we did this back in the mid 80's with a 1975 e 250 with a O R D 2 wheel drive lift running largest tires i could find , detroit locker with gears straight six with a thru the floor Borg/warner 4 speed its still may be running around tucson all custom built interiors raised deck with storage below this was Our go to camper / hunting rig so many people approched us to ask about it many thought it was 4 x 4
Hell yea that's rad
Super awesome thanks for share your knowledge fri🎉end
🤘🏻
The little 4.6's liiiike to Rev. Hence your good mileage with the 4.56's. Goood choice. And when you decide to panel the sides.. carpet padding makes a great sound deadener/Insulator. I've done several of my vans with it. As I'm a flooring guy. Cheap and simple. Hang it with Contact adhesive. NICE build Jim.. My name also.
Yea it definitely likes to rev haha. I'll look into the carpet padding but I'm still debating doing anything cause I don't wanna add anymore weight.
Awesome can build. Thanks for all the suggestions and links. Do you have any idea what it weights (Curb Weight) after the hi-top installed? Thanks 🙏
The top weighs like 60lbs more than the steel roof
WOW whatta guy w/great info. I sooo need to find a cheap Econoline in my area. So far not. TYVM
Stick to your plan when it comes to interior builds...take your time use it in different senarios get a feel for covering your bases based on purpose. I am currently redoing my transit from initial set up - hanging a big rug along the driver's side wall, picking up a couple furniture bits from the good will and tossing a recliner and small power bank in there...we hit the rd to Colorado from GA. Had a blast & learned alot... each trip teaches/shows you something new...thinking outside the proverbial box is the perfect M.O. for getting it right without spending toooo much money...plus these days with vans being easy targets for opportunists it seems better to 'look poor' and maybe stay under the radar. Good luck
…. Budget Minded 👌🏽
Subscribed
Great build! Is your axle a semi-float 60? I didn’t know there were lunch box lockers available for that axle. Only thought one could use an ARB air locker or an Ox Locker in the semi float.
Yup it is a semi float. I put a link to the locker I bought in the description!
Man, it looks good! Ive just bought a '97 econo xtended. Its got a medium high top, def a work in progress for a while but excited about this build. Keep up the vids, great info!
hell yea and thank you, more to come!
You got a link for those window covers bud? Thanks sweet van! I need a locker too.
vanncamp.com/accessories-for-ford-econoline/window-shade/
if people really want a budget van you gotta do like i did and lift and convert an awd astro van to 4x4, you''ll give up a lot of comfort but it's very cheap and even if you don't keep it it will at least help you find out what you want in a build. I'd love a full on econoline build like a sportsmobile but those are too expensive and they won't get into places that I regularly take my astro, im always plowing tree branches with it and it only has like 4 inches of lift and 31 inch tires.
That's a cool and utilitarian build. You got all the stuff you need and no more. I've started toying with the idea of a van build. I currently have a 4Runner that I tow a home made off-road trailer behind. I have a roof top tent on the trailer, but a van is unbeatable if the weather isn't cooperating. Jason from the Primal Outdoor channel also has a Ford van with the Wasatch Overland high top. I'm curious if anyone does some sort of high top/pop top combo? Would be great to have the high top and if the weather is great, the ability to pop it open and sleep up there.
There’s quite a few companies that make pop tops for these vans. Pretty hard to beat a van as an all around overland vehicle
This whole van is excellent. Multi purpose is awesome.
Can you demonstrate how you lift and lower the spare tire?
There’s not really anything to demonstrate you just undo 3 lug nuts and lift it off/on the studs
awesome van build. where did you get the back black out window coverings?
They’re made by vanncamp
I love the off road look. Did you change any underbody part, like spring or shocks?
I talk all about that in the video
Great vid!
Thank you!
After having a 1990 4x4 Econoline and 2 sprinters. Picking up a 2014 E350 next week and rocking the 2wd. You really don’t need 4x4 in 90% of “vanlife”
@@kirillevdokimov7647 I couldn't agree more! I sold my old quigley 4x4 for this van and it drives so much better on and offroad than that old van. Yea it doesn't have 4x4 but I rarely used it as is.
Looks good
My van looks exactly the same inside. Bare bones, basics only. Would love to see you frame out side shelves, fan etc.
I’ll definitely be doing something with the inside soon!
Hi Jim, great build! Did you calibrate your speedometer after upsizing the wheels? I am trying to do the same thing but haven’t figured out how to calibrate it.
5-star tuning makes a tuner that you can program the trans with but if you live in CA they won't sell it to you
Interested to hear how the lunchbox locker does versus a selectable in the snow
I don’t drive in the snow much being in southern CA but a selectable locker would be the better choice for sure
The econoline with the high top looks like the perfect camper van baseline. I hope to find one with the high top already on.
It’s pretty hard to beat
Awsome stuff
🤘🏻
Very nice love it gave some great ideas; please tell the name of high top; also where you purchased the van, great build!!!! Charlie
Check description it’s Wasatch overland
Yeah a nice gust of wind will make you rock in those things. I stayed in my eco for about a year and not having a place to work on it made it hard to upgrade its livability.
I never had that issue but I also had very stiff springs and leaf springs
me just casually watching the video then i see the iron age sticker! this is a man of culture
You get it 🤘🏻
Have you considered installing a roof rack ontop of your aftermarket fiberglass roof? I think it would add lots of utility but may need to be anchored to the frame somehow.
I don't have any reason to mount stuff up that high. If anything I want to keep the center of gravity lower not add more weight up top.
I Agree to alot of what he's Saying due to Practicality, Simplicity & Frugality.
Sure anyone can buy the newest & latest things if Money wasn't an Object but for me Everything he's saying makes Great $en$e.......Thanks for Sharing💯💎🤙🏽
🤘🏻
We have had 4.6, 5.4, v10, and 7.3. That 4.6 is TOTALLY acceptable.
That’s what I’ve been saying!
I love the look of Sprinters and i know they are great but in reality for moderate to hard off roading they are limited, imagine a shelf road with an incline in a top heavy Sprinter, yikes!! 200k rolling down a hill no thanks. Whenever you are off roading, exploring uknown trail things can get really hard real fast and for what ive seen on the trails ive been into a sprinter wouldn't cut it. Like many of the comments i am reading i am also Interested in the lunchbox locker performance, i've been looking into one for my Sequoia.
I totally agree on the sprinters offroad haha. The lunchbox locker is awesome, I don't notice it on the road at all unless I hammer it around a turn from a stop but I'm gonna do a full video on how it is on and offroad very soon!
cool van. Appreciate the very practical "budget" focus. As to snakes, I know what you mean, I'm a diver so I like sharks.
Gotta love the unloved!
This is so cool! I’m looking for something I can take out on the beach for the striped bass runs in NJ. I’m assuming this isn’t AWD or 4x4 ,,, I’d need a budget option with at least AWD.
Yea a 4x4 conversion costs about 20k on these vans nothing budget about that
Nice, my style of camping. I think I would need the barn doors instead of the slider. Keep on building!
We definitely wish we had the barn doors on this van
1998 Ford Econoline 4.6 here. Hitting near 200k on miles. Still running strong! I'm going to have a new fuel pump switched out before long - just preventative due to year & mileage. No lift, don't need that. No build, although it looks like one. I added a platform inside for better storage. Supported by 2×4 legs which I did all myself.
Was actually able to turn one of the bench seats around by switching the bolts around on the floor, (passenger van), so I can use that for a sofa/bed. It sits directly behind the front seats.
I recently added bug screens, which I'm quite happy with, I have a video of that on my channel. Yours would be easy with the use of magnets. My interior is all cloth & plastic liners around walls & windows.
Recently added a swing away cargo carrier also, but am going to modify it some too. My brother helped by putting a hitch receiver on my step bumper.
I also have a 1996 Ford E350 ClassC motorhome, but it's sitting in Texas while I'm in PA helping my aging mother. Brought the van to PA instead.
Same issues with my ac's in both vehicles. I'm interested in what you did to correct your problem with yours. Dual air in the van. Which is awesome! But it's not a high top. I Can't have it all! 🤷♀️
I forgot to mention. I ordered my bug screens from Amazon. They have numerous sizes on widths & lengths. I ended up ordering for width, then cut off & hemmed the length myself. Now I have extra to make screens for my drivers & passenger windows too. Seller is Totozakul.
The magnets close back together really well! They come with velcro strips & all necessary items. I'm happy with them.
Awesome! The AC fix is from Vantage Optics: www.vantageoptics.com/shop
@@brakeforsnakes Thanks!!
Nice van👍
I thought 5.4 were notorious for their spark plugs... So 4.6 looks much more appealing and perspective. Very sturdy engine.
I like how you cosplay Jeremy Sisto
I don't even know what that means
What?, it’s cheaper for sure. But we have 35’s and a locker in our full time Sprinter. 😂😂😂 love the video and build. It’s awesome to see the different builds out there. ❤ Sub’d
Haha you get it! Just gotta get some more wheel travel in those sprinters
Do you have any thoughts regarding the extended version of these vans built out in the same way you have done/are planning? Is their body base a hindrance on the trails or would they be capable?
Thanks for sharing your insight and your personal experience/products use/install info.
My last van was the extended body and it’s much nicer in terms of interior space but I hated how long it was off-roading so kinda depends on what you plan on doing with it
@@brakeforsnakes Did you have the same lift on the extended that you have on this van?
@@SheahanClan no it was a quigley 4x4 van
Econoline, for me...best van you can get because of the flexibility, parts availability and stout platform.
Do you have a link to the window shades? Thanks
I don’t they’re made by Vann Camp
A brilliant idea considering how expensive the vans cost not because of the build craze.
are there decent spray foam insulation options for vehicles that could possibly save you space?
Yup there are
I think the steelies are cool lookin
Grabbed several E Series....my fav is a 2013 E350 wheel chair w/ med high topper. Paid $800. Frame still has original paint. High hour 250k miles. Valve train got weak. Having motor replaced now. I am ALL in for low buck. "Wonder on tje road" ...lol. My daily driver is a 1990 E350 ...that bitch SERIOUSLY wanders. The 2013 is an arrow.
Haha yea the older vans are squirrely
How does the weldtec ride and drive compared to your quigley?
This van drives a million times better than my old quigley. It’s a night and day difference to be honest
My dad used to milk rattlesnakes for the hospitals near us so they could make anti-venom.... talk about brass... lol
Dang I want my e250 to look like that
Can you get the same hitch swing out rack, that would be capable of holding a lightweight motorcycle like 350lbs???
Check RIGDs website I think they have a new product that will work
You can spray a non-foam insulation then cover it with a thin adhesive based second layer of insulation if you needed to, or just cover the non-foam spray insulation with those thin adhesive wood panels, you can cut them to fit anything and they'll stick extremely well, if you want them more permanent you could add some type of glue.
I plan on buying one of these vans soon too, hope we see some updates soon, good luck on your build.
That's a badass van! I have an 04 all-wheel drive lifted Chevy Express with a nice suspension lift and Bilstein shocks, I upgraded to a 14-bolt semi float rear differential and it has a G80 rear Locker, very nice on the road and off
Hell yea!
Great video and great information. We have a 2011 350 with a 5.4 and with a 5 " lift. We want to add the extension now that we watched your video. Question.. how does it do on the road now that you've added yours?
It’s so much better on road!
@@brakeforsnakes sweet!
Any chance you have a link to the awning brackets
They don’t have them online you have to call Wasatch overland
I Just Subed To Your Channel!!! Building My Own Van!!! F-250 Any Input On A Good Lift Kit???
The one I listed in the video
I couldn't find the rear window shades like you have on ebay. Could you link to them or tell us what search term you used to find them?
Yea go down in the comments I linked them to another person
@@brakeforsnakes Looked for link, I can't find either. Thanks!
Me, too.
This is the perfect recipe for a van build, thanks for this rad walkaround! Goodbye sleep hello craigslist
Haha yesss!
Looking for the link for the door extender. I’m not seeing it here. Can you please post that. I need one.
Thank you. Great van.
Whoops forgot that one here it is! weldtecdesigns.com/product/wtd-ford-e-series-door-slide-extension/ref/_jim_bob/
@@brakeforsnakes ahhh thought you’re buddy was making them.
@@thomaswachter3806 He does but he doesn't have a website you can look him up on IG and send him a message: vandyone999
yea.. that toppers killer!!...
this is exactly what im doing ...livimg in my van while i fix my container home
Rad!
Is this E250 4X4?
What year E250's do you recommend?
Nope it's 2wd but I recommend newer than 2006 if you can.
Living in a Bubble on Etsy makes inexpensive magnetic bug nets with magnetic opening down the center. I just bought one for my econoline. The small that I bought was a little narrow at the top for my barn doors, but I think it was sized for the doors you have. Regardless, I was able to make it work anyway.
Awesome I’ll look for it!
What kind of mgp do you get with your setup? City/hwy
I average between the two at about 15-17mpg