VanDutch - Another E350 joins the fold!

[michel77]

Hey All,

Been lurking on this side of the forum for some time now while looking for a van. I finally found one that ticked all our boxes (big shout-out to Guri for posting in the for sale thread!!) and worked out some challenging logistics involving driving my Montero down to Irvine, CA to sell it and picking up the van in Newport Beach before driving on to San Diego for our wedding!! All worked out perfectly and we're very happy to call this ours:







It's very well set up for minimalist camping, (removable) bed platform and side storage cabinet in the back, 12V plugs all over, triple battery set-up (solar-ready), 25 gallon water tank with pump, etc. Also has an ARB air compressor and rear locker which should suffice for the trails we typically travel on. We have a nice trip back to Seattle planned out which would be the shakedown run of sorts while for next year we're planning a 3 - 4 month trip taking us South to Alabama and back Northwest the long way round!

Good to be here!! :victory:

 

[Jb1rd]

Congrats, looks like a sweet setup! There is something to be said for simplicity!! I am anxious to hear how the locker setup works for you, it is the direction I am looking at going instead of full on 4x4 conversion, I like you think it will be plenty for the type of driving/exploring I do.

 

[philos]

nice find!

 

[ober27]

Congratulations on the van and the wedding. Looks like a great honeymoon rig.

 

[Shocker]

WOOT!

 

[guidolyons]

I am anxious to hear how the locker setup works for you, it is the direction I am looking at going instead of full on 4x4 conversion, I like you think it will be plenty for the type of driving/exploring I do.

The ARB is awesome traction. Completely seamless on the street, locks the rear end at the flip of a switch when you need it.

 

[michel77]

Update!

Updating the thread now that we are back in Seattle. Covered a good 2,000 miles the past 2 weeks and we're really stoked with the rig. Sleeping is super-comfy (we added a Costco memory foam topper), we can camp anywhere (and have) and can pack up and head out in less than 10 minutes. More importantly, the ride is great, no lack of power with the V10 and we love the extra visibility from and room in the cab!

Following some highlights and pics of our Honeymoon Roadtrip:

- Mt. Soledad, San Diego
- Joshua Tree
- Death Valley
- Vegas (also recommended for bachelor's nights )
- Lake Tahoe (snow!!)
- Keough Hot Springs (first Hot Springs experience, we're big fans!)
- Modoc National Forest, OR + Lava Beds Nat'l Monument with cave loop
- Bagby Hot Springs, Willamette Nat'l Forest (highly recommend, 1/2 hour hike up to carved cedar tubs connected to the springs, fun!)

 

[ober27]

Great photos!

 

[86scotty]

Congrats and welcome! Great pics.

 

[BajaSportsmobile]

Now that is what vans are for.


I grew up just down the street form that cross on Mt. Soledad and used to 4-wheel in my '67 Bronco up and down it; there were many challenging trails on it - all gone now, that was the early '70's.

 

[michel77]

Now that is what vans are for.


I grew up just down the street form that cross on Mt. Soledad and used to 4-wheel in my '67 Bronco up and down it; there were many challenging trails on it - all gone now, that was the early '70's.

It's a great area, I bet that was fun back in those days

We camped out at Carlsbad a few nights before we drove back, the campsites right at the beach? Great spot, laid-back folks and good surf!

 

[350outrage]

What a great van and what a great trip! You guys will probably remember it forever! Good luck and best wishes for your future life together. You sure started it out in a cool way!

 

[dcguillory]

Thanks for the pics. Sweet