What would you buy for $40k?

M

markley

Observer
So my buddies e350 has all around windows. How difficult will that make building out? Seems like it would limit mounting cabinets, etc. I'm sure there are some creative ways around it.
 
M

markley

Observer
Seems like the Airstream b190s are a little harder to come by. Also, not sure I like the profile of the roof. The more my wife and I have talked, the more we are leaning towards an inexpensive e-series that we can build out to make work for now..and get a feel for what we really want and need. Would get a high roof and take to u joint. We'd likely just use it as a weekend adventure van, with a few longer (month or so) trips over the next few years. Our long term goal (~5yrs) is to hopefully live on the road for an extended period at which time we'll probably spend more money and get a roomier, more comfortable and functional rig.
 
M

markley

Observer
Found this one that is not too far away. Has the same mileage as the 1999 e350 van my buddy would sell me. Being that my buddies needs some work, the price difference may be somewhere around $6-7k when all said and done. I'd probably be able to buy my buddies, get a high roof and 4x4, and end up spending around the same amount.

What are your thoughts? Is this a reasonable price for this van?
http://billycainford.net/Banks-Cros...d/Econoline-Wagon/2010-XLT-Gold-Van/51121893/
 
Bikersmurf

Bikersmurf

Expedition Leader
My gut reaction is that 12k seems a bit high for a 99 gasser. It's hard to say condition since, "Pictures may not represent actual vehicle". I think you'd be better off putting some work into your buddies if it's body isn't rusty.
 
M

markley

Observer
Bikersmurf said:
My gut reaction is that 12k seems a bit high for a 99 gasser. It's hard to say condition since, "Pictures may not represent actual vehicle". I think you'd be better off putting some work into your buddies if it's body isn't rusty.
Click to expand...

Thanks..the 12k van is a 2010. But I am still leaning towards my buddies.
 
normal_dave

normal_dave

waytoomuchwritinginposts.
Did anybody post this one? add the top, visit U-joint, done.

V10 XLT 12P Wagon, 127K
http://greenville.craigslist.org/ctd/5960711578.html

Edit: or a nice looking Chateau package closer to home: 5.4L engine
http://www.4mautos.com/2005_Ford_ESeries%20Wagon_Hickory_NC_266139614.veh

Edit 2: Ok, so now I'm just out of control, roof (yes handicapped doors), V10
http://www.tricitychryslerjeepdodge.com/used/Ford/2002-Ford-E-350SD-Eden-NC-ae7211ac0a0e0adf41c9e44a2a6f854c.htm

This would have been sweet, '06 Chateau, V10, factory tow package, listing still up but marked "Sold", Hmmm...
http://www.shelnutautosales.com/2006-Ford-Econoline/Used-VanMinivan/Blairsville-GA/8507949/Details.aspx

Here's a newer 2014, E-150 Premium Package (today's Chateau package) 27K miles, 5.4L. If I understand it correctly the newer E-150s are basically the old E-250 and should convert to 4x4 with similar ease? Oh, this one in Murphy, NC "call for price" ha ha.
http://www.kingfordsales.com/certified/Ford/2014-Ford-E-150-00b5943b0a0e0a171812578a6efe4be2.htm?searchDepth=1:98
 
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M

markley

Observer
Wow! Thanks for all the links normal_dave!! So what search engine did you use to find all of these? I need to up my search game. Also, good to know that the new e150 are basically the old e250's. Opens up my search options.

I guess the other thing I'm struggling with is the SB vs. EB. I'm sure I'd appreciate the extra room in the EB, but I'm sure we could make do with the SB. All we really want is a bed/seating area, cooking space, and storage. It would be tighter, but it seems that the SB are more plentiful.
 
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normal_dave

normal_dave

waytoomuchwritinginposts.
Normally, Craigslist with include surrounding areas, but also cargurus, and searchtempest, but for me the keywords are the "key". Since I have a Chateau package, rare, factory built, and decent quality with quad seats, I search Chateau. Later, Chateau was dropped, then became XLT Premium package. Also since I'd rather have the V10, I search those as well. Even Autotrader in a pinch. For me the E-350 Chateau V10 that hasn't been modified is the holy grail of van workhorses, begging for the right 4WD conversion.

Tons of van fans here, but if you want more confidence in the V10, towing, reliability, and longevity, look here for posts by "carringb" under Towing and Tow Vehicles sub forums. He's probably headed toward 400K on his V10 wagon, and most of it heavy towing, and can really speak to the usefulness of V10 and especially wagons (window van) over the standard work van.
http://www.rv.net/forum/index.cfm/fuseaction/listings/forum/41.cfm

Like others have said, you will be kicking yourself until you end up giving away your Sprinter based van, get the Ford V10 forget about the gas mileage, and enjoy the power and reliability of the best kept secret in van life. Remember that tall roof hits low branches...and when you finish the 4WD conversion it's a lot taller-just sayin.

So maybe a Chateau package, V10, get the 4WD conversion, and pull one of these behind it?
https://www.livinlite.com/products/camplite-travel-trailers/CL21RBS.html

Now you have a base camp that you can leave and return to while you are out 4-wheel exploring in the van that you bought listening to wise counsel on this forum (not from me of course). Finish your research, set the plan, pull the trigger, then when you are sitting by the fire enjoying the destination the reliable Ford wagon just took you to, you can ask yourself "why did I wait so long to get this project going?"


Good Luck.
 
M

markley

Observer
normal_dave said:
...the van that you bought listening to wise counsel on this forum (not from me of course). Finish your research, set the plan, pull the trigger, then when you are sitting by the fire enjoying the destination the reliable Ford wagon just took you to, you can ask yourself "why did I wait so long to get this project going?"
Click to expand...

haha..yeah, the advice I have received here has definitely helped steer me towards a Ford van! Now I'm trying to narrow it down to the engine and length. Seems as though most recommend the v10, however it sounds like a 5.4l will work fine for us as well (especially since we won't be towing anything). I think I'm over the whole gas mileage thing...i think:)

Regarding your suggestion about the tow behind..I have considered that. However, part of the reason that we want a camper van is to be able to make wherever we end up our 'camp'. Plus, having to worry about towing a trailer (parking, etc.) is not something we want to deal with. It is enticing though...maybe down the road.
 
M

markley

Observer
So if you were going to buy a van to build out, would all around windows be a big deterrent? I really only want rear and side door windows , but it seems that there are fewer of these on the market. Who knows, maybe it wouldn't matter..Guess I could always cover them from the inside.
 
V

villageidiot327

Explorer
markley said:
So if you were going to buy a van to build out, would all around windows be a big deterrent? I really only want rear and side door windows , but it seems that there are fewer of these on the market. Who knows, maybe it wouldn't matter..Guess I could always cover them from the inside.
Click to expand...

i prefer a cargo van with rear windows. if you buy a white van, there are doors off other vans that you can buy that have the side door windows in them if you want to go that route. nice set of doors in the $600 range. then it allows you to build as you desire.

you can also add other windows from CR laurence etc, as you desire.
 
normal_dave

normal_dave

waytoomuchwritinginposts.
Here's why I like the wagon (Ford window van)
-factory insulation
-quieter overall
-factory rear air conditioning (xlt and up) the center ceiling channel has individual adjustable vents and individual reading lights factory. (pets really appreciate the A/C on the trip)
-multiple seat configurations (mounts already there)
-windows provide better visibility (merging/turning/backing) is harder without side windows
-passengers when you have them, have something to see outside, besides the DVD
-factory tinted glass/additional reflective or dark tint on Chateau and premium package
-Windows are pop out at the bottom; (side and rear windows) for ventilation
-factory stereo wiring and speaker mounts already in place and ready for easy upgrade
-wagons typically always dressed up a little more interior and exterior plus usually better optioned.

While you do lose some interior space due to panels, rear heat/air, you probably won't attach anything to the cargo van metal window blanks anyway.
Also, the factory RV upfitters start with cargo vans, and note, they most always add windows, so why not start with them.

Here's an old discussion, still relevant on cargo vs window vans, related to towing, but lots of opinions.
https://www.rv.net/forum/index.cfm/fuseaction/thread/tid/24658641/print/true.cfm
 
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normal_dave

normal_dave

waytoomuchwritinginposts.
Another Chateau package, '04 E-150, wagon, 5.4L, factory tow package, 140K, $ 6,999. Irmo, SC
http://www.jimhudsontoyota.com/vehicle-details/used-2004-ford-econoline-wagon-chateau-1FMRE11L34HA77049

If you consider an E-150, verify 4x4 conversion capability first. Can't recall what year Ford changed the suspension on the E150.

Also, here's a realistic option on a Chinook in Ringgold, GA. Get this, do the 4WD conversion, and presto.
http://www.mcssl.com/store/parkwayrvcenter/2000-chinook-concourse-e350-class-b-motor-home-80k-miles
 
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