I am shopping for a 1996 or so e350. I want to turn it into a small motor home - more than a camper - and also either add 4x4 or find one with it already installed. The GVW for these is about 9,500 pounds. With all of the nicities of home that I want to install, I am concerned that I may be be pushing 8,500 pounds most of the time. Is there any way to reinforce the frame of the van to make it stronger? the suspension?

 

You are looking for a 20 year old vehicle. You are 5 years from "historic vehicle" license plates in Michigan. Why would you want such an old van?

IF you find a van that is in excellent condition, you are at 8500 lbs with a GVW of 9500, and you should be OK if the weight is distributed properly along the axles and you have healthy tires, brakes, suspension, axles. But adding 4x4 is truly difficult, expensive, requires a great deal of fabrication, and will raise your center of gravity.

I would seek a 4x4 Sportsmobile or other camper van as a basis and modify to your tastes. And if you believe you are going to do this on a shoestring budget, you really may want to rethink your goals and abilities.

Read WVVan's thread about converting a van to a camper. And there are many threads about 4x4 vans and conversions.

edit--ultimately you would be best starting out with either a camper conversion or a 4x4 van and having do do only "half" of the conversion work. But it will still be expensive and complex.

Good luck,
George