2013 E350 Quadvan Build and Adventures

Redheddedwonder

Active member
For those interested I was able to order the spacers from my local for dealer. The guy couldn't find the part that goes in the door unfortunately so I guess it will need to figure something out. Since my trim doesn't have the indent like some vans I plan to use the spacer and build a panel for bottom. What materials do most people use for door panels? I also plan to do the side door and have a flip up table for that one.
 

Redheddedwonder

Active member
Any links for mounting solar panels without a roof rack? A roof rack isn't in the budget right now.
I think I would like to rig something up off the spare tire carrier when I get one but any other ideas?
 

Redheddedwonder

Active member
Got the rear pop out windows in! Went pretty smooth overall and turned out nice, can't wait test them out camping! Used spacers and trimmed my trim as little as possible to keep a factory look. Bracket is just bolted in with the spacer, and nuts/lock washers since I did't have the piece for the door.

The only 2 negatives from this were that I lost my free candy van sticker on the old window :ROFLMAO: and the skeeter beaters I bought were 28x28, seem just about right but at the bottom of the window where they stick out the most they are a tad too skinny. So going to swing by a local shop monday to see if they can make me a custom size or modify mine.

520974520975520976520977520978
 

Redheddedwonder

Active member
Pro Clip Ipad mount! After using Gaia GPS last time we were in the mountains I realized I wanted a nice sturdy mount for it, this does the trick!
523137
 

Redheddedwonder

Active member
WA -> CO road trip went well! Lots of mountain passes, one over 11,000 feet!
First night we spent in the middle of nowhere Idaho, camped at a free campground off the highway about 20 miles. Got there when it was dark and woke up to cows mooing and elk bugling.
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Second day we got an early start and made it to Dinosaur NM, we had dogs so couldn’t check out the fossils but enjoyed exploring.
526084
526085
Day 3 we explored and hit the road later than planned. Took a route through Colorado that took us diagonally through the Rockies. High elevation passes and beautiful terrain. Didn’t take any pictures on day 3. Overall about 7 hours a day driving and got to explore some new areas! Van has been performing flawlessly, could have used a few extra cylinders on those passes though!
 

Redheddedwonder

Active member
Road trip home from Colorado was a blast! Spent a couple days in the Grand Tetons, and a explored a few other areas that we really enjoyed! Every night home we spent in bear country. First campground had a sign for increased activity, second we were warned about a Grizzly and her cub that had recently been in our campsite, and the last night in Idaho we were warned again but this time about black bear activity in the area. Before the van we camped in a tent and it was amazing the peace of mind camping with hard walls can give you, slept great every night. I can add more pictures later!

Since January we have had the van in 6 states, spent 25 nights camping so far and have had a great time!
 
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6door74

Member
WA -> CO road trip went well! Lots of mountain passes, one over 11,000 feet!
First night we spent in the middle of nowhere Idaho, camped at a free campground off the highway about 20 miles. Got there when it was dark and woke up to cows mooing and elk bugling.
View attachment 526083
Second day we got an early start and made it to Dinosaur NM, we had dogs so couldn’t check out the fossils but enjoyed exploring.
View attachment 526084
View attachment 526085
Day 3 we explored and hit the road later than planned. Took a route through Colorado that took us diagonally through the Rockies. High elevation passes and beautiful terrain. Didn’t take any pictures on day 3. Overall about 7 hours a day driving and got to explore some new areas! Van has been performing flawlessly, could have used a few extra cylinders on those passes though!


was your 4x4 necessary for these routes?
 

6door74

Member
Not necessarily on the highway but we have been in places already where 4x4 was necessary.


I was referring more to the locations where you took your pictures. I was wondering if 4x4 was necessary to get to them. They didn't look too bad but i wasn't sure what you had to traverse just to get there.
 

RVflyfish

Fishing is life. The rest is details.
On another note, any recommendations for power upgrades? I was a little disappointed in the 5.4 power, mostly during really high elevation passes in Colorado, and really steep grades (10 percent leaving Jackson). I would also like to start towing some more with it. We really like the van and I can’t picture us selling it anytime soon so looking for a solution.

A lot of people seem to like their 5-star tunes.
 

Redheddedwonder

Active member
I was referring more to the locations where you took your pictures. I was wondering if 4x4 was necessary to get to them. They didn't look too bad but i wasn't sure what you had to traverse just to get there.

Oh gotcha, I assume you are asking about Dinosaur NM? The road we explored had a sign that said “high clearance 4x4s only, no trailers, impassable when wet”

That being said it wasn’t terrible. One really steep section, a few small washout and canyons. But I’m pretty sure they grade the road.
 

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