Budget Van Conversion | Ford Econoline $3000!
Budget Van Conversion | Ford Econoline $3000!
An overview of the steps we took to convert a 2004 Ford E350 into a camper van complete with DC electrical system, foot pump sink, bed, and removable second seat. The van cost $3000 and the conversion cost just over $3000.
Links to detailed instructions for:
2nd Seat Install: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aAAfj377eqU
Simple Van Electrical: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ut9cjb0HeGM
MaxxAir Fan Install: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7PzEtamIuN4&t=1s
There are some details I forgot to include (like painting/siliconing the bolts on the underside of the van, attaching the bed frame and cabinets with brackets, and cabinet latches and hydraulic door lifts), so if you have a question on how I did something, feel free to ask politely in the comments. I plan to put those details in the final video.
Sound Deadening Mats, butyl:
https://amzn.to/3qeDeF5
Touchscreen 7 inch Radio: Hikity Car Stereo Double Din 7 Inch HD Touch Screen Radio Bluetooth FM with USB/AUX-in/RCA/Rear View Camera Input + Backup Camera $70!
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Cabinet Door RV Latches: 12 pack
https://amzn.to/38E9c7V
Cabinet Lift Supports: Gazeer 6 Pcs 100N/22.5lb Gas Strut Pneumatic Support
https://amzn.to/3nCmuWM
Sink: 13″ RV Bowl sink $34
https://amzn.to/35Auotu
Foot Pump: Marine Foot pump for sink
https://amzn.to/2Xx16aG
Ladder: Surco 103H Hook Over Ladder
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Battery: VMAXTANKS 125 Amp hour AGM Battery
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Small Dehumidifier (perfect van size):
https://amzn.to/3nKudlA
I need a Struggling Budget conversion
The van seems way to short for you.
BRB while I take a nap
Did anyone else have a mild panic attack while bro was removing that chair in flip flops? lmao … cool video, this is actually a bucket list project idea for me
👍😉. Nice job.
3m spray adhesive might have helped with the insulation. You two did a good job. Electric Boat could use you.
I noticed the driver seat is worn down pretty bad, you probably could find another seat passenger side and Mount on driver seat tracks, I done that before.
You can find on eBay, I got mine for 75.00 free shipping. You just gotta check daily and you’ll be able to get one at the right price
Same van 2008 and took rack off mine and box and shelves out! Bought it from my old boss Johnny at Minto Electric in Mobile and I plan to do the same thing maybe slightly different, but still same concepts! Cool✌😎
£3000 that’s a budget ?? Your having a laugh 😂 let’s get real here, now if said £300 budget I might take notice
you paid 3k for a van that you were just going to gut?
We just bought our first can to convert, a 1978 Ford Econoline!
For your insulation try spray glue
I really enjoyed how you built and showed this. Really helpful and insightful behind the scenes build. Nice job
Very nice, thanks for sharing!
You could probably also get flooring remnants since it’s a small area. Thank you for showing this an affordable and realistic way
I’m curious how much overall weight all that wood and paneling added to your van.
3 grand into the inside. Anything into the engine?
👌 USEFUL P0ST!!!☆
AWESOME video!!
for a vehicle with that many miles, i have to question if it was woth the effort. good build tho 🙂
Hey what did you use to clean all vinyl and leather up front? Just bought a 350 also and its a mess!
Only person I’ve ever known in decades of building to wear ear, eye and face guards but what makes it even worse is he does all that but wears flip flops…. Sure hope you don’t drop anything….
great vid.
1 in of polyiso and half an inch of plywood is so thick. Why did you choose such thick polyiso and did you put anything in between the corrugations underneath it? Losing an inch and a half of space seems more than I’d like to lose, so I’m curious about the reasons why you chose to make it so thick.
I was considering half inch polyiso and quarter to half inch plywood. Do you think that would not be sufficient? Wonderful video by the way!
Do you do that work as a job , i want to convert a van but I want to pay someone to do the job for me .
Ford vans are great easy to get parts not expensive and very strong i drove one for 10 years great experience 👍
With all the stuff you had to do, why tear the dash all apart?
You’re brave where flip flops.
Qtips are my favorite.
Would love to know what Apple play unit u bought?
Just subbed! We are working on our Econoline van as well! Nice! we love watching other videos to help us decide how to build our van out!
I always thought that a bunk bed would utilize space Soo much better in these small vans. The queen bed takes too much floor space. Sleep better without the spouse anyways.
Lol.. the man-hours of expertise in electrical etc.. isn’t noted as part of the cost.
The walls on my 2014 are so uneven everywhere!! just a nightmare..
Nice video! Thank you for the tips!
Very nice work ! I wonder how much miles the ford had when you purchase it ? Thanks
Budget? I converted 2 shuttle busses for 3000$ total lol. 40 feet long worth of living space. Ive converted 8 vans myself also and 3k is not a budget van build. Ive built vans for 500$ with solar and all and still sold them for a huge profit. That’s why I own a 2016 bus right now. Because 3k isn’t a budget build if you want to be successful
Nice job crew!!!
I have concerns about getting an older vehicle like this, simply because I have no idea what problems and how expensive that project will end up being.
I was “strongly persuaded” into trading my car for the Ford SUV a couple of months after myDad died 61/2 years ago – bad choice!
I plan on getting a Ford Transit cargo van to fix up, and sell the SUV – a 2010 Escape, not bad for an overnighter up to one week camper. Usually hauls “freeloaders” who push limits for their errands, my camping gear, etc. I simply don’t like, want or need to get stuck with a vehicle constantly needing a mechanic.
That insulation cutting made my skin crawl.
dude has gnarly fucking calves
Great job! It goes to show how incredibly overpriced some of these camper builds are.
When hanging those doors you could clamp them in place and use a self centering drill bit to drill the holes. Then place screws and bam you are done.
What’s the make and the year I’m looking to buy one for the exact same reason but not going to put the same amount of stuff and as you would for regular conversion
Great presentation for a van build. Thanks .
How does it ride? I’m thinking about an E350, but I’m worried that the suspension would be too stiff and therefore the ride too harsh.
I like that you added insulation that should make it much nicer for cruising.
Can I pay you to do this for me?
Just about to start this journey myself with a van I bought from auction! Perfect video to remove the guessing for me, thank you!
I was fortunate and bought my sisters 2001 regency conversion van for a $1000. has 248k with new Casper transmission and a folder 4inches thick of receipts. Have since turned into a camper van
I have had great luck with 6 econolines over 30 years(Flooring)… Alternators/Heater Switchs/Blower motors/Starters. In that order. Keep those parts in stock and fluids topped off 🙂 The build looks great, ty for the ideas. Cheers!
For me, the part I don’t get, is what are the bolts even bolted into? The frame? A metal structure?