Personally, I wouldn't mind a rig like this...though I know my wife would not be into it. Pretty sure we'd like to be a little more stealthy.
What would you buy for $40k?
- Thread starter markley
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Personally, I wouldn't mind a rig like this...though I know my wife would not be into it. Pretty sure we'd like to be a little more stealthy.
So to keep my options open, I am going to keep an eye on used Ford E250-350's? What should I look out for? I've seen a lot of folks suggesting v10 or 5.4. What is the advantage of one over the other? Also, what mileage should I stay under? I'm sure this will depend on engine, intended use, etc. I guess the better question is, how many miles can you get out of one of these if properly maintained.
If we go this route, I know we'd have to spend the money on a fiberglass high roof..guessing that would run ~4-5k? I also wouldn't mind a pop top, although that does take away some storage space. Then we could always do a 4wd conversion down the road if need be.
One thing that I guess I haven't mentioned (or made clear) is that we are more looking for a camper van (to drive around the country up to 2 months at a time) as opposed to an adventure van (although I know our travels will take us off the beaten path some). So comfort (both 'living space' and driving) and space to build out are very important. Although I will say that we have scrapped the idea of having a shower/toilet so as not to need something too long. Will just go with a portable toilet of some sort and outdoor shower. We also have a long term goal (or dream) of just taking a year or two off and living on the road (say in the next 5 yrs).
If we go this route, I know we'd have to spend the money on a fiberglass high roof..guessing that would run ~4-5k? I also wouldn't mind a pop top, although that does take away some storage space. Then we could always do a 4wd conversion down the road if need be.
One thing that I guess I haven't mentioned (or made clear) is that we are more looking for a camper van (to drive around the country up to 2 months at a time) as opposed to an adventure van (although I know our travels will take us off the beaten path some). So comfort (both 'living space' and driving) and space to build out are very important. Although I will say that we have scrapped the idea of having a shower/toilet so as not to need something too long. Will just go with a portable toilet of some sort and outdoor shower. We also have a long term goal (or dream) of just taking a year or two off and living on the road (say in the next 5 yrs).
Thanks for those suggestions! Yeah, I'm gonna start looking out for a 5.4. Regarding the Quigley 4x4 Transit, roughly how much would that cost? I thought I've read that you can only do those on new Transits (or within some grace period)? Is that the case? Also, is that something that is done after purchase? or can you order a new Transit with Quigley 4x4?
The Ford gassers (5.4 and 6.8) will go a long long time. Really the mileage is more about how the vehicle was used. If you go E-series, here are some costs:
Van (really depends) late models (2010+) with less than 60k are fetching $16-22K
4x4 conversion $16-20K depending on who what and tires etc.
Pop Top Installed ~$7-9K
High top installed $4k
Some folks are really happy with a high top, and then there are folks like me who need a bunk for their kids so a Pop Top is a necessity. I am often jealous of the high tops because of the way you can build the cabinetry and have a high bed with a ton of storage under it. But I like the sleekness of the pop top when on the road. Both are great, just different.
Depending on what van you get, you are looking at anywhere from $6k - 15k for the buildout, even if you DIY it. It really depends on what you want in there. A full Aluminess package of bumpers and racks and boxes etc is gonna be 8k alone. I just fuinished purchasing my electrical system and it was almost 2k for the battery, switches, cables, solar controller, shore power charger etc. I am not planning any hot water (yet, never say never), but there's some more cash. it adds up quick, which is why the SMB's used still command high dollar. I figure I will have close to 60k in my rig when I am done, but everything in it will be hand picked and I decided not to cut corners.
I would say that if you really intend to put a lot of miles on it, then go with a 2010+ van. If you go with the 5.4l you will find a lot more used vehicles. V-10's are harder to come by. You will get slightly better mileage from the V-8 depending on your driving habits. My personal taste is power, so I have a V-10. Both are good engines that are easy to get parts for and have fixed. There are millions of 5.4l engines on the road.
Go test drive a used econoline and a new Transit. See what you think. Have the wife drive em too.
Van (really depends) late models (2010+) with less than 60k are fetching $16-22K
4x4 conversion $16-20K depending on who what and tires etc.
Pop Top Installed ~$7-9K
High top installed $4k
Some folks are really happy with a high top, and then there are folks like me who need a bunk for their kids so a Pop Top is a necessity. I am often jealous of the high tops because of the way you can build the cabinetry and have a high bed with a ton of storage under it. But I like the sleekness of the pop top when on the road. Both are great, just different.
Depending on what van you get, you are looking at anywhere from $6k - 15k for the buildout, even if you DIY it. It really depends on what you want in there. A full Aluminess package of bumpers and racks and boxes etc is gonna be 8k alone. I just fuinished purchasing my electrical system and it was almost 2k for the battery, switches, cables, solar controller, shore power charger etc. I am not planning any hot water (yet, never say never), but there's some more cash. it adds up quick, which is why the SMB's used still command high dollar. I figure I will have close to 60k in my rig when I am done, but everything in it will be hand picked and I decided not to cut corners.
I would say that if you really intend to put a lot of miles on it, then go with a 2010+ van. If you go with the 5.4l you will find a lot more used vehicles. V-10's are harder to come by. You will get slightly better mileage from the V-8 depending on your driving habits. My personal taste is power, so I have a V-10. Both are good engines that are easy to get parts for and have fixed. There are millions of 5.4l engines on the road.
Go test drive a used econoline and a new Transit. See what you think. Have the wife drive em too.
Newberg Ford has some 4x4 transits in stock. You could order them from any Quigley dealer, they are all over the country.
My guess is eventually there will be other converters doing the Transit 4x4 conversion. But it get's more difficult with the newer traction systems etc.
Jsweezy
Explorer
Wives dont realize its what they want until they realize how functional it is. As far as being stealthy... there is no such thing in a giant van. If anything this would be way more stealthy because everyone would assume its just some stupid box truck, not an apartment on wheels.
I've been debating myself on what to get when the time comes and read an article at work about the "new" full size diesel vans that I think Motor Trend did.
Ford Transit won hands down due to comfort n ease of use as well as insulation n a few other things. The Sprint got horrible reviews on comfort n insulation as well as drive. Too bad I cannot afford new as Transit would be my choice but $70k for extended wheelbase and diesel then 4X4 too much $$$. Gonna buy a used Type II Ambo instead.
Ford Transit won hands down due to comfort n ease of use as well as insulation n a few other things. The Sprint got horrible reviews on comfort n insulation as well as drive. Too bad I cannot afford new as Transit would be my choice but $70k for extended wheelbase and diesel then 4X4 too much $$$. Gonna buy a used Type II Ambo instead.
rruff
Explorer
I think this is the test, and you are mistaking the Sprinter for the Dodge. The Sprinter tested very well: http://www.caranddriver.com/compari...ng-performance-data-and-complete-specs-page-5
rruff
Explorer
You said that you want to take 2 month long trips. Once per year? What is the vehicle doing the rest of the time? If you'd like to use the vehicle for normal driving the rest of the year, a removable camper on a pickup makes a lot of sense.
One thing I realized is that adding 4wd to van is a huge expense (~$15k), because it is not factory. But 4wd on a pickup is a $2k or so upgrade. Bigger tires and suspension upgrades are also easy mods on a pickup compared to something like a Transit or Sprinter.
Regarding your shower and toilet comment, it's easy to include these in a modest rig if you get a little creative. There are many varieties of port-potties. And for a shower you can make a hoop to hold a curtain, put a pan on the floor to catch the water (dump it out later), heat up some water that you suspend in a container from the ceiling. All this gets stored when not in use. Also check out No Rinse cleaning products. Sponge baths work also.
Yes that is it n my mistake. I think it was around $70 with the long wheelbase and all the heavy duty options including 4X4. Did the numbers a year or 2 ago.
I'd imagine the rest of the year, the van would be used for weekend trips around the mtns of Western NC where we live...mtn biking, camping, etc..with occasional extended trips on the east coast (Florida Keys for some kayak fishing for example).
You know I probably should consider a pickup with camper top. My tacoma is getting up there in age and and will need another commuter in the near future...that is if we stick to the day jobs
who knows, we may just sell our house and vehicles and hit the road. The only thing I don't like about the pickup is the access...though not a big deal.Man, this is a harder decision than it should be..I swear I go back and forth by the hour. I did get my wife back on board with the e series option. Regarding that, it seemseems like most of the v8's I've found are 4.6l. Are the 5.4l just as hard to find as the v10? Seems like there are very few v10s.
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