I'm looking to make a dually van for towing
I used to do them back in the 80's
Anyone ( by anyone I mean private party or company ) make a current version ?
I guess what I really need is info from someone who has done one for themselves.
I prefer to not use adapters and go to a salvage yard and get a complete rear end.
But , i'd also like to hear from those that used the conversion kits

 

I think I would look around for a rear from an ambulance, box van, motorhome, or shuttle bus based on the Econoline for a rearend and spring setup. Not sure about where to get the fenders.

 

The user carringb over at "The Diesel Stop" and "RV.Net" forums has a dually extended body Ford van with the V10 with over 350k miles. He'd be a good source of information. From what I recall, the dually rear on most vans provides additional stability but not additional load capacity. It's used sometimes on vans with roof mounted booms, or for people like carringb who tow long heavy loads.

 

check with the folks from arrow wheels I think they are. They claim you can conveert to dually without going the whole change out route and the wheels will be all thats needed. They may also have fender kits available. I was considering them when I had my f250 and a slide in camper. Never did follow up.

 

Out of curiosity:
Do you mean with "dually"
- 2 wheels on one axle
- or 2 rear axles?

I have a friend who has an 1980 E-350 Ambulance and he wants to convert with 2 rear axles, but we don't know how yet.

I know that there are Conversions like this one:

 

Dually in this context refers to two wheels side-by-side. In the USA its also abbreviated DRW occasionally.

BTW that's a cool looking dual rear axle van!

 

Just thought id chime in on the downside to dualys.My experience over 15 year period. They will get rocks about fist size,stuck between the dual tires on occasion. The rocks can easily ruin a good tire,but rarely if they are smooth river rocks. You have to deflate or even remove th outer wheel to remove them . ive tried prying them out but always had to remove a wheel. If youre off road or in a rocky area it can be an additional hassle changing the tires out on rocky uneven ground. On mild 2 wheel drive trails Off road the extra tire on the outboard doesnt fit into the regular tire path so its always hitting big rocks bushes etc.
To me personally,duals arent worth the extra issues ive mentioned.if i had to ,Id rather go to the tandem setup . Dont they have tandem tag alongs available like they do for some older RVs? You might find some on a RV in a wrecking yard. Otherwise the dual axle is a little overkill,weight and friction drag(tires & gears)

As i recall the pictured tandem arctic vehicle was a bunch of rich guys trying to reach the south pole in the forst wheeled vehicle for the hell of it.

 

side by side and it will be for towing , not off roading

 

Yes, but it was the first picture I found
There are more conversions.

Imagine this as an Ambulance, that's what we are looking for:

 

vettex2, I see listings like this on ebay all the time, there's always nice diesel dually 450's listed. Might be an easier way to go for you?? good luck, Mike

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Ford-E-Series-Van-Base-Cutaway-Van-2-Door-2006-Ford-E-450-Super-Duty-Base-Cutaway-Van-2-Door-6-0L-/221409661490?forcerrptr=true&hash=item338d0b5232&item=221409661490&pt=US_Cars_Trucks#ht_265wt_1161

 

interesting.....but where is the rest of the van ?
Are you suggesting adding a body ?

 

Southwest Wheel Company - Ford Dual Wheel Adapters

Welcome - Arrowcraft :: Helping You Handle the Road for over 30 years!


Southwest Wheel Company Steel and Aluminum Truck Wheels

Single To Dual Rear Wheel Conversion - Diesel Bombers 1guy said just bolt on and go, read thru the link

 

If I wanted a dually and a diesel, I'd re-body one of these, must be a half dozen listed in ebay and more on craigslist

 

Hmmmm.....not sure if I want a diesel.......

 

Good info