SUMMARY: This van is in remarkably good condition. I’m an obsessive and detail-oriented person; this is reflected in the caring maintenance of the van and the quality of the build elements I did. It’s perfect for the traveler who values reliability and accessibility of replacement parts and repair. (Not that the van’s needed it. It’s hardly needed any mechanical attention at all.) But I came from the vintage van world where replacement parts can bankrupt you, so I really value that this is the kind of van you can drive across the country 10x with just oil changes. And if a transmission goes, you can literally buy a replacement for a $1600 at O’Riley’s. This is a MAJOR perk over specialty vehicles. This van is perfect for a solo traveler or couple who like a scrappy build out but value investments where it counts: in a super plentiful interior electric system (work full-time or camp off-grid long term in this van, no problem), a nice refrigerator, tons of storage, and a VERY comfortable bed.
ALL YOU NEED TO BRING IS: Your bedding and the bathroom options of your choice and a camp stove.
THE BASICS:
- 2004 Ford E150 (2WD)
- 4.6L v8 engine
- Automatic transmission
- 139,000 miles
- Mid high roof (66" interior clearance)
- Power steering, AC, heat all work great
- All maintenance records in hand, everything done on schedule
- Runs great, has been a very reliable daily driver
- No mechanical concerns
RECENT $5K INVESTMENT:
- Fresh brakes (full brake job plus master cylinder)
- New coolant tank
- New drive battery
THE BUILD OUT:
- Vinyl plank flooring throughout
- Insulating + sound deadening underneath plywood subfloor
- 53x66" memory foam mattress
- Platform bed with tons of storage underneath
- Hand-built kitchen cabinet with butcher block countertop, plentiful storage, extra deep sink, fresh and grey water tanks with quick connect for easy service
- Dimmable, color-changing remote control overhead lights with options for RGB and warm white (powered by house battery)
- Bulkhead storage above front seats
- Pop-open windows at rear doors, and slide-open windows on sides for easy ventilation
- Privacy curtains behind front seats and insulated window coverings for all windows
- Swivel passenger seat for a “living room” feel when camped (also makes for a safer dog seat while driving)
- ARB awning (recently cleaned up, lubricated, and reinstalled)
- PREVIOUS OWNER DID: High top, lift kit, interior metal walls with truck bed liner, side windows, fold-down table on side door, full-size spare tire carrier, back up camera, light bar and crude interior lighting (powered off drive battery)
BEEFY HOUSE ELECTRIC SYSTEM:
This is a big investment and a major feature of this van. The system is one of the best you can build. I lived in the van full-time with this set up, working all day on a laptop + running lights, the fridge, and the camera gear and never even got close to running out of power.
- 300 amp hour lithium house battery
- 240w glass solar panel on roof + Victron solar controller
- Victron Orions DC-to-DC charger (charges house battery while driving)
- Victron battery monitor (you can watch your electric use real time)
- 750W inverter
- Two fully-operational BlueSea fuse blocks (one in rear, and one mid-van)
- 12v power outlets throughout van
VAN COMES WITH:
- Rocket box on roof for storage
- Insulated window coverings and privacy curtains
- Everything listed in build-out section
- Option for upgraded inverter with shore power capability ($1200 value)
- Option for fridge base that slides ($350 value)
- Misc. recovery and camp gear if you’re interested (basically, come shop my garage)
POSSIBLE CONS:
- Gas mileage is 11-14 MPG. This is about standard for a camper van (but it’s not the best as a daily driver).
- Paint on kitchen cabinet is chipping – could touch up or paint whatever color you prefer.
- Back up camera isn’t super high quality. I bought a better one I never installed. I’ll throw it in for the right purchase price. You install.
- Window treatments came from previous owner put together with staples. They could easily be re-done.
- ABS control unit pump went out and the part has been discontinued. I tried to talk the mechanic into replacing with a used part, but he says the van doesn’t need it because it has well-functioning mechanical breaks. Indeed, it does stop great. But pedal sinks when stopped and it makes me a little insane. I’d replace with used part if it were me. But it might not bother you. (Repair with used part was quoted at $600 including labor.)
- 20 year old van sold as-is. It’s in great mechanical shape, but the timing chain and transmission are original. Those are big jobs I’d budget for those in the next 5 years. (Currently babying it with additives and 50w-20 oil to keep things working well as long as possible.)
A NOTE ON THE (LACK OF) BATHROOM:
You might think it’s a con, I think it’s a pro, so it gets its own section. I am not a person who believes in dedicating precious interior van space to a permanent bathroom installation. I got by for years with a simple folding toilet and a she-wee + Nalgene bottle. You can too! Want something more robust than that? No problem. I've got several options I can recommend. Let's chat.
