Ambo vs E350 4x4 vs Excursion vs 1 ton w/ topper. Pros and cons of each.

[DetroitDiesel]

Hello, I am Lane. I am new here within the last couple of months and have been inspired by all the creative energy here. Im looking to get out in the world and never look back. I started out looking for an suv type vehicle. Was looking at 80s, WJs, Monteros, etc. Then I was digging the pickups with a topper on the back. I picked up a f350 with a topper and planned to build that. I started sourcing parts and putting my ideas together and I fell like I need an extended cab at least. Well that extends the wheelbase. So now we are at some Ambo, e350, Excursion type wheelbases. I want to explore Central America and want to be self contained and mobile and be able to manage most road conditions. Im not looking to off road my house. I want a bed in the back and some storage for my "gear". My "gear" is not tvs and micros and massaging showers and all that. I want aux fuel, water, secure storage, a bed, and a/c for my dog. I want to bring a motorcycle on the hitch also. I will be getting an apartment at a place to be determined in CA to use as a base camp so I won't be actually living in this thing all the time. I want to be able to overland in it from CA. Not leave Detroit and live in it forever. I have the option of buying a 4x4 down in CA to beat on while I'm there. A Patrol or something. Im looking for the pros and cons of each rig. Im not talking about motors or mileage. Im talking about the storage and arrangement of gear, packing and unpacking, how much "gear" we actually need to pack to take up valuable weight lol, stuff like that.

-edit. A lot of the feedback is relation to physical size. I am 6'2 and my dogs are a Presa Canaria and an mini AmStaffy. So take that into consideration.

Ambo 2wd 7.3 Walk through type 3 you're calling them

Turn key fill up and go, pack the stuff in the boxes, plug in your gps and go.
Majority of the wiring and such is there and the box is aluminum and strong.
Prob about 13 mpg
Auto trans
Can only add so much payload with all the stuff already added
Limited clearance, turning, parking, etc.
Would stop me from off roading my house

I was turned on to the ambo idea until I started reading the builder of the Ute threads and his comments elsewhere. He states that he went to a e350 because of payload. He was lugging around all that weight and that limited what he could add. Well payload is important to me. I also know that I have a lot less "stuff" than said person. I think the ambo might be a sweet car for summer time in the USA. Where you can pack light and limit what you need to carry because a store is around. Then go to all the "camp grounds" and such.

e350 4x4 7.3 not extended.

Its a cargo van. Cargo won't be a problem. lol
Its basic which means lots of building and perfecting to my style. (+ and -)
It wasnt designed to be 4x4 means stress on parts that are being used for their non intended use.
High COG
Working under the hood in a 4x4 track in CA jungle is enough to cancel that. Vans suck to get under hood.
17 mpg. tire size 235/85/16 AT not much clearance but enough. I dont want bigger or MT.
Cheap to service, not many moving parts and no "heated seats" type electronics.
If you're driving a 4x4 van. You want to 4x4 it. Its my house. Hmmm.
Riding 10-12 hrs in a van seat. Ouch. Plenty of aftermarket options I'm sure. The expediters all have fancy seats.
It seems so simple on the surface. Get the van, build to suit, pack and go. Is it?
The voice that won't go away telling you to manual swap it!


Excursion 7.3 4x4

Huge
Lots of things I dont need function wise because its a family vehicle. Power this, heat that, blah blah.
Plenty of space to pack up
17 mpg
Designed to be 4x4 so everything is symbiotic
Easy to find
Huge. Parking, turning, clearance, etc. Probably worse than the ambo and way worse than the van.
Plenty of payload. Built "Ford" tough. So we know lots of broke down ones to get parts I need.
Would have to lots of custom building interior. As opposed to Home depot type things in the van or ambo.
Huge.
Auto trans.


A 1 ton 4x4 truck with a topper. Gas or diesel. OBS Ford.
Everyone knows the pros and cons.
If its extended or crew cab you are into van and ambo and ex territory with wheelbase
Simple to build. Lots of parts. Can go mild to wild 4x4.
6-18 mpg. Depending on motor/trans and payload and gearing.
I can't just climb in the back. I have to get out and go around.
Letting my dogs in and out of EC is a pain.


So I am looking for some general feedback. I have plenty of building skills, electrical skills, engineering, fab, access to all that stuff. The point is I want to be traveling not building. "Preparing" it for the mission is different than "building" it. I want to have the best combo not just storage, not just off road, not just efficiency. I have Subarus and trucks already, I also want something different thats part of this also. I posted this in this section because Im ready to buy an ambo or van and want to be talked in or out of it. Thank you

Lane

Here is the truck I was going to build up. I need EC though.

 

[ujoint]

Some say that working on a van engine is easier, depends on what you're doing. Injectors? No. Up pipes, yes! It's all a trade off, the better packaging of the van cancels some of the quirks of working on the engine.

 

[landyachtcaptn]

The main pro of the van is walk through containment. Need to get something in the back no problem just get out of the seat and get it. Also good for dogs so they can roam around and still be close enough to you to be happy. If you have an excursion you would have to crawl over seats to get to anything. With a pickup you are will have to go outside to access your stuff and it will be tight for dogs. Downside of the van is price, you can get a used pickup or excursion for less that a 4wd van or having one converted. The advantage of doing the conversion on a van is that from the engine back you end up having basically a new vehicle, this should offer some piece of mind when traveling in areas where transmission shops ect are a long way away.

You mentioned seating comfort. I'll take 18+ hours in a van captains chair over a pick-up truck seat any day. Also, a little craigslist searching can find rv and conversion van seats for cheap, which are really comfortable. If you don't like the cushy feel of you can swap out for the Sienna seats.

 

[tgreening]

Huge in reference to an Excursion is a bit misleading. For an SUV, it was the biggest, but it's not even as big as an F-series CC Short Bed. It just looks that way because it's all boxed in. The afore mention CC is actually longer.

I've had them all. My Excursion was a great people mover, but not something I'd want to turn into an "expedition" rig that I'm going to live in for more than about...an 8 hr drive.

My CC short box, while bigger than the Excursion didn't have the seating or interior moving around space. Living in the back of a truck under a cap, even a high-top, sucks great big goats. Unless you are single and the size of a small Hobbit I dont think I'd recommend it.

If off-road prowess AND built in livability are paramount I think I'd opt for a standard E-series. Highly customizable, easy to move about in without having to exit, and capable of some fair off road ability. If livability, storage, and convenience are more important than rock crawling, I'd opt for the ambo. There is a ton of storage space, quite customizable without breaking the bank, they can be found already 4x4 converted if you are a bit patient, and hands down beat the other options for overall interior space.

I dont really see paylad as being much of an issue because one way or the other you'd be adding that weight to the other vehicles anyway. An Ecursion is only 3/4 ton chassis btw. The truck you'd have to add a top, insulate it, wire it, stove, fridge,etc etc. All the stuff you'd be adding to the ambo, and you'd still not have squat for storage space, so you tote a trailer.

To me it sounds like a standard E-series might be your ticket. To me storage and interior comfort were more important than kick-******** off-roadability,so I opted for the ambo. If I really want to get funky off road I'll bust out the unimog build and play that way.

 

[Darwin]

I would stick with what you have. Building up an 'ambo' is going to take a lot of time, plus the short wheelbase of the single cab will be nicer for driving around time when you get to where you are going.

 

[Heloflyboy]

I have an ext diesel van that I would not trade for anything but a nicer van. I just bought my wife an awd astro van that she loves. I think the van is the way to go. On the flip side your truck would make a good platform and you have it already.
Good Luck

 

[flightcancled]

Unless you are really looking to sink your teeth into a larger build it sounds like you want to go with a van. I have done my time living out of a truck- 300 days or more of camping. In a word long trips are uncomfortable. Might be ok in dry climates, but once the rain starts it turns into a swampy hell fast. You have no where to hide out and relax.

My ambo is awesome and I love it. Going full size and committing to a dual rear lets you have more flex in your payload. I can comfortably weather most any storm inside, and I would be ok to live in it for an extended period of time.


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[Skooter_Built]

Hey there Lane, nice to see another Metro Detroiter here.

I went the Ambo route for my rig of choice. Ive got an on going build here.

If I was going to go for a bare bones rig, I'd definetly want a nice high top conversion van to start with. I'm a little guy (5'8) and can stand up comfortably in my ambo.

I'd hate to be hunched over if I had to spend a long amount of time inside a standard van. Other option is a truck and popup camper, that would work and gives versitality.

Oddly enough, I have the craigslist ad open for that black F250 :sombrero:

 

[ExploringNH]

I have an Excursion and with the current mods, it lacks nothing off-road. It can go anywhere you point it. It has space for everything I need, including a full size foam mattress. I am considering a van because of the ability to have standing height with a pop-top roof. I have considered a hightop van since they are cheaper and easier but I don't want the added height on the trails. My Excursion with a 6" lift and 37" tires is 7'8" and it is already too tall. A pop-top van on the same 6" lift and 37" tires ends up around 8'. A hightop is out of the question. I fully agree with the person above about a place to hide out. I live "next to" the vehicle right now and sleep inside. Cooking, eating, hanging out, etc, is all done outside and behind the truck. I want to be able to move indoors on a wet or cold day and cook a meal and stay dry. Most days will probably be spent cooking off the back but the option for interior living is something that I am starting to appreciate.

It is a trade off. The Excursion is better off road. The van is better for living in. For me, I think a van on 37s is a good compromise. I give up a little of the off-road capability but gain a lot more livable space. I have been seriously considering adding a pop-top to the Excursion but the van in factory state has more interior space and height. Even with a pop-top, the Excursion will be a little cramped.

The Excursion is great on the highway and easily cruises at 80mph. The seats and driving position are pretty comfortable for me.

 

[mikracer]

If you're going to be living in it during your adventure, I would definitely with a van. The truck and excursion are nice, but once you get to where you're going, you don't have very many options for comfort. You typically cant even sit up in the back of a truck with a topper on it and if you do, you're sitting on the floor with your legs crossed. Also think about how full the back of the bed will be with all your gear. The Excursion is pretty much the same. They both lack cubic space and interior height.

With the van, you could put the passenger seat on a swivel base and create a living space. You can sit back and relax and have room for your dog to be with you. You can build a simple sleeping platform that is high enough to be able to store your gear under it. With the passenger seat on the swivel, your bed doesn't have to double as your seating/living space. It can be just your bed. What people have mentioned above about not having to exit the vehicle to get in the back is also a big bonus. You can stay dry and more importantly, your interior stays dry.

 

[mikracer]

If you're going to be living in it during your adventure, I would definitely with a van. The truck and excursion are nice, but once you get to where you're going, you don't have very many options for comfort. You typically cant even sit up in the back of a truck with a topper on it and if you do, you're sitting on the floor with your legs crossed. Also think about how full the back of the bed will be with all your gear. The Excursion is pretty much the same. They both lack cubic space and interior height.


With the van, you could put the passenger seat on a swivel base and create a living space. You can sit back and relax and have room for your dog to be with you. You can build a simple sleeping platform that is high enough to be able to store your gear under it. With the passenger seat on the swivel, your bed doesn't have to double as your seating/living space. It can be just your bed. What people have mentioned above about not having to exit the vehicle to get in the back is also a big bonus. You can stay dry and more importantly, your interior stays dry.


Also, whats your budget? 7.3, 4x4 vans are expensive. So are 7.3 4x4 Excursions.

 

[DetroitDiesel]

Hey there Lane, nice to see another Metro Detroiter here.

I went the Ambo route for my rig of choice. Ive got an on going build here.

If I was going to go for a bare bones rig, I'd definetly want a nice high top conversion van to start with. I'm a little guy (5'8) and can stand up comfortably in my ambo.

I'd hate to be hunched over if I had to spend a long amount of time inside a standard van. Other option is a truck and popup camper, that would work and gives versitality.

Oddly enough, I have the craigslist ad open for that black F250 :sombrero:

Hello Skooter. Thank you for the welcome. I am at 8 mile and Woodward now but grew up in Trenton. Its funny the last 3 trucks, 2 diesels and a lifted Bronco I sold to guys from White Lake, and I got the black truck from Howell. Thats where all the good trucks are for sale too. Are you building your ambo in White Lake? I would like to check it out. Im probably not going to do an ambo unless its the one where its an e350 extended van with a raised roof. There are downsides to that also. If you need help and I'm free Id always help wrench. I am rehabbing one of those huge old brick homes off Woodward and 8 mile and went from a 3 car garage and long driveway and understanding neighbors to where I am at now. Having 7 cars just isn't flying my neighbors keep asking if I'm running a used car lot or mechanic shop. They called the "po-po" on me when I was changing my brake pads and putting my winter wheels on my subaru I had the car up on jack stands all 4 tires off they thought I was stealing the rims. Im looking to get out of here so I may just want to get something thats not an extreme "build". This isn't my dream build sportsmobile. Its more like a scout vehicle to go see the world. Then once I see the world and the other options and whats needed beyond marketing I can make a better plan. You might have saw my trucks I sold driving around White Lake. They were my off road Bronco and its tow rig. I sold them to a couple 20ish year olds.

I have an Excursion and with the current mods, it lacks nothing off-road. It can go anywhere you point it. It has space for everything I need, including a full size foam mattress. I am considering a van because of the ability to have standing height with a pop-top roof. I have considered a hightop van since they are cheaper and easier but I don't want the added height on the trails. My Excursion with a 6" lift and 37" tires is 7'8" and it is already too tall. A pop-top van on the same 6" lift and 37" tires ends up around 8'. A hightop is out of the question. I fully agree with the person above about a place to hide out. I live "next to" the vehicle right now and sleep inside. Cooking, eating, hanging out, etc, is all done outside and behind the truck. I want to be able to move indoors on a wet or cold day and cook a meal and stay dry. Most days will probably be spent cooking off the back but the option for interior living is something that I am starting to appreciate.

It is a trade off. The Excursion is better off road. The van is better for living in. For me, I think a van on 37s is a good compromise. I give up a little of the off-road capability but gain a lot more livable space. I have been seriously considering adding a pop-top to the Excursion but the van in factory state has more interior space and height. Even with a pop-top, the Excursion will be a little cramped.

The Excursion is great on the highway and easily cruises at 80mph. The seats and driving position are pretty comfortable for me.

Thank you NH. Thats the type of real world comparison I'm looking for. You're actually living "next" to it. Thats what I was seeing happening in the truck also. The truck being the way to transport a bunch of stuff I have to set up "next" to the truck. Then its like pack unpack climb around to go to bed. Then like is being said I would have to basically only be in the back when I'm sleeping. Nowhere to have the dogs go be still either. I saw some of these vans on 37s but man I'm just not sure I need that. Mud is mud. Snow is snow. Thats traction and clearing the pumpkin really. Now undulations and uneven terrain and all that I think its a fine line between clearance and stability. Im not looking to do any roller coaster type wheeling in this so I'm thinking a 2wd lifted van. If you clear the front axle its then momentum. If you catch the back diff or high center it won't matter if you have 4wd. With the lift and 37s you decrease the chance of that happening but also increase the chance you try going somewhere its not meant to be. I like the old military ambulances the m1010 that might be the only 4x4 type box/van type thing I would consider. Im leaning towards a van with a roof or a mini mod I believe they're being called here. No duallys.

If you're going to be living in it during your adventure, I would definitely with a van. The truck and excursion are nice, but once you get to where you're going, you don't have very many options for comfort. You typically cant even sit up in the back of a truck with a topper on it and if you do, you're sitting on the floor with your legs crossed. Also think about how full the back of the bed will be with all your gear. The Excursion is pretty much the same. They both lack cubic space and interior height.


With the van, you could put the passenger seat on a swivel base and create a living space. You can sit back and relax and have room for your dog to be with you. You can build a simple sleeping platform that is high enough to be able to store your gear under it. With the passenger seat on the swivel, your bed doesn't have to double as your seating/living space. It can be just your bed. What people have mentioned above about not having to exit the vehicle to get in the back is also a big bonus. You can stay dry and more importantly, your interior stays dry.


Also, whats your budget? 7.3, 4x4 vans are expensive. So are 7.3 4x4 Excursions.

I am going to be living in it. And you are painting the picture I am looking to paint. Im not trying to be climbing all around, in and out, eat on my bed, store things under my bed or outside no compromise. I think I would want my bed up a little higher like a bunk bed then my dogs directly bunked underneath. Small center path with a water tank over the wheel wheel but under the bottom bunk. The other side having storage over the wheel well balancing the water on other side. Also the lighter I can be the more options I have for recovery if needed. I can be tow strapped out not hi lift and winched. Im going to do a receiver type warn portable winch thing. Just in case and also to help others or moved downed tress or anything like that. I only see washed out roads being a problem. This is my "house" like you said and I want a clean organized "house" so the less I have to get out in the rain grab something come back in type thing is the best bet.

As far as the budget its all relative because in Detroit its like no other place to buy a used car. Its really a down time financially here. You can buy a rusted out truck or grandpas clean truck for the same money because everybody's selling. The prices I see being mentioned and have seen for 7.3 4x4 vans and 7.3 4x4 excursions is insane to me. I can buy a 7.3 4x4 ex for 6-8, and a 7.3 4x4 van for 3 grand right now today and 6 grand on average. Yes they aren't rust free garage queens but I plan on using mine hard. I want to spend 3-5 on a solid mechanical condition and then add my touches. A brand new truck can fail the same as a new one so I'm looking older than 2003. 6.2,6.5 or 6.9,7.3 idi or psd. I have found a bunch of cool shapes of vans I'm going to post for reference about what I've narrowed it down too. Thanks for the feedback.

 

[DetroitDiesel]

Heres some of the high top or raised roof type vans being mentioned. Also a couple other options. So how high is too high? And how long is too long? Or wide? When does it become a point of diminishing returns. Thank you

Basic raised


Higher and a window




Other options

 

[DetroitDiesel]

Heres the one that is number one right now. I can put two spare tires on top of the cab and almost be flush with the roof. Then Im not adding more height. Its a go if it runs and is clean. Its 4 hours away but small price to pay. Its basically a m1010 based off a van though. It doesnt have the 24v stuff to bother with. I can put m1010 running gear underneath it real cheap if I ever needed 4wd in the future for snowy trips or out west uneven ground. Im going to have my enduro and I'm going to buy a Patrol or bj74 once I'm down there to play.

 

[86scotty]

Sounds like you're about there but I would also go for a van. Of course, you're on a van forum, big surprise. I have had 3 E350 vans with the XLT seats (cloth with armrests). I also have 2 BMWs and a Jeep and one of the BMWs is supposed to be pretty comfortable (5 series). I would rather drive my van anyday. Much more comfortable, better vision, doesn't fatigue me.

Good luck!