E350 Gray Vhale Build Thread
- Thread starter FarmerFrederico
- Start date
FarmerFrederico
Adventurer
Jeremy, it is a 1upUSA rack. Made in Wisconsin. You can only order it direct from them. Personally I think it is the best rack out there if you carry multiple types of bikes from fat bikes with 5" tires to skinny road bikes and 20" wheel kids bikes. If I was only carrying mountain bikes I might be persuaded to say that a North Shore rack is better, but for me, this is the best option. It can carry up to 4 bikes with the 2" hitch version. You'll see a picture of it eventually with bikes on board - each one rides higher than the next reducing conflict between bikes and l increasing departure angle for the vehicle.
We are going to the beach first from Eugene to Florence and then up the coast. Let's PM and see if we can connect!
FarmerFrederico
Adventurer
It was an easy choice working with you, Chris!
mk216v
Der Chef der Fahrzeuge
FarmerFrederico
Adventurer
Electrical Questions?
I'm using the ARB CKMTA12 for onboard air (ordered through Chris at UJOR) and I need to run the provided wiring loom to the dash. To wire up the switch, I need to locate the positive wire of an accessory outlet and active dash light supply wire - I assume I can find that running to my dash light dimmer switch left of the steering wheel. I'm kind of new to all things electrical and really want to tackle as many of these little projects as I can to learn more. Google + is where I've always been storing my pictures and suddenly they are all posting much bigger than they were before and I can't find out how to resize at the moment. Sorry for the inconvenience.
Any suggestions?
Here are some pictures with other questions too:
I need to bring the switch end of the loom in to the cab through the firewall - I'd think it would be safe to drill out this dimple that's already there, correct? Or do you guys try to fish things in along with other wires already present?
View from under the hood:
I assume this is the same dimple on the inside in the back of the footwell:
Random button attached to the brown wires coiled around a wiring harness behind the panel below the steering wheel...not sure what it could be?
I assume this is a plug and play port for a 3rd party trailer brake controller because I have a 2010 V10 E350 with trailer tow package and the auxiliary battery. Upper right of picture - gray in color.
I wanted to put the switch on the gray panel below where the alarm system indicator light is, but this big styrofoam block is in the way...should I remove that? Or should I put the switch near the dash dimming switch? I think there is room but when I eventually get a rear air locker I'll have to put that switch somewhere close by and there doesn't seem to be room for two there.
Thanks for any help you can provide!
I'm using the ARB CKMTA12 for onboard air (ordered through Chris at UJOR) and I need to run the provided wiring loom to the dash. To wire up the switch, I need to locate the positive wire of an accessory outlet and active dash light supply wire - I assume I can find that running to my dash light dimmer switch left of the steering wheel. I'm kind of new to all things electrical and really want to tackle as many of these little projects as I can to learn more. Google + is where I've always been storing my pictures and suddenly they are all posting much bigger than they were before and I can't find out how to resize at the moment. Sorry for the inconvenience.
Any suggestions?
Here are some pictures with other questions too:
I need to bring the switch end of the loom in to the cab through the firewall - I'd think it would be safe to drill out this dimple that's already there, correct? Or do you guys try to fish things in along with other wires already present?
View from under the hood:
I assume this is the same dimple on the inside in the back of the footwell:
Random button attached to the brown wires coiled around a wiring harness behind the panel below the steering wheel...not sure what it could be?
I assume this is a plug and play port for a 3rd party trailer brake controller because I have a 2010 V10 E350 with trailer tow package and the auxiliary battery. Upper right of picture - gray in color.
I wanted to put the switch on the gray panel below where the alarm system indicator light is, but this big styrofoam block is in the way...should I remove that? Or should I put the switch near the dash dimming switch? I think there is room but when I eventually get a rear air locker I'll have to put that switch somewhere close by and there doesn't seem to be room for two there.
Thanks for any help you can provide!
Bikersmurf
Expedition Leader
Button looks like an aftermarket alarm override.
mgmetalworks
Explorer
You need to get yourself one of these...
http://www.ebay.com/itm/2011-Ford-E...ies-/291501444421?hash=item43ded70d45&vxp=mtr
Don't make excuses, just buy it. Search around on Ebay a little and you might find it cheaper. I've paid between $15 and 35 for these and they have a lot of details. All of the 2009+ vans have similar wiring. I've not seen any difference between the '11 and '13 manuals...and I've been through them quite thoroughly for my project.
Anyway... The grey plug at the top of the picture is OBDII diagnostic connector. Are you referring to a different connector in the picture?
Stay away from the "smart" function circuitry for power access. There are lots of open circuits in the SJB (Smart Junction Box) you can tie into but it's hard to tell what is what without the manual.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/2011-Ford-E...ies-/291501444421?hash=item43ded70d45&vxp=mtr
Don't make excuses, just buy it. Search around on Ebay a little and you might find it cheaper. I've paid between $15 and 35 for these and they have a lot of details. All of the 2009+ vans have similar wiring. I've not seen any difference between the '11 and '13 manuals...and I've been through them quite thoroughly for my project.
Anyway... The grey plug at the top of the picture is OBDII diagnostic connector. Are you referring to a different connector in the picture?
Stay away from the "smart" function circuitry for power access. There are lots of open circuits in the SJB (Smart Junction Box) you can tie into but it's hard to tell what is what without the manual.
FarmerFrederico
Adventurer
I assume that manual is much more detailed than this?
https://www.fleet.ford.com/truckbbas/topics/2010/2010_Electrical.pdf
https://www.fleet.ford.com/truckbbas/topics/2010/2010_Electrical.pdf
mgmetalworks
Explorer
The manuals are a lot more organized and contain more information. Every circuit and every wire in each connector are covered. The Battery Junction Box and Smart Junction Box are detailed very well.
FarmerFrederico
Adventurer
Thanks, MG. I'll make it happen.
mk216v
Der Chef der Fahrzeuge
Adam, have you thought about an OTRATTW switch setup? Brad had done one in VANdiana and it's super clean looking, and would allow you to add other switches down the road;
http://www.otrattw.net/home.php
Post #1200; http://www.expeditionportal.com/for...nes!?p=1608802&highlight=switches#post1608802
http://www.otrattw.net/home.php
Post #1200; http://www.expeditionportal.com/for...nes!?p=1608802&highlight=switches#post1608802
ttravis5446
Adventurer
This build is amazing. I have been going over tons of different vehicles trying to figure out what is next now that I don't need my diesel truck for work anymore. I think you might have just pushed me over the edge in favor of a 4x4 econoline.