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I second this. Or just a plain jane van and a bumper pull camper and skip the small car altogether. This way she only has one vehicle to maintain. And all the comforts of living (so to speak) and nothing that has to be built up to live in.
why does everyone hate the v6? I had one for 60-80,ooo miles and it was decent.
Yes I did have to replace the intake gaskets and plenum bolts, but otherwise was without complaint. It towed my race car/trailer which weighed 5,000lbs.
My biggest point of the V6 is in regards to the idling time. It seems that point is being muted. The OP spoke of basically DWELLING in the van, not taking vacations/recreation.
Get the V6!!
With that said; I fully retract my V6 opinion IF the OP utilizes a better/alternative plan for Air conditioning and other electrical power.
Hi everyone :0 Yea, i guess I mainly just don't want to end up choosing a trouble prone vehicle to start off with, and would like to know what to expect from them, maybe how to tel if something is really fishy,Even if I think I'm getting a well-maintained one that turns out to freeze up while I'm driving as my ford ranger did on the Atlantic city expressway !
Soooo a turbo charged years 97 and up are good...Would that mean the 7.2 L and/or v6(& is that the same as 6.0)? And if I were to get diesel only get turbo ?
I have considered just getting a used camper, but As someone mentioned moisture control, all the ones I've seen reak already :x plus they are just too crammed and poorly designed with cabinetry and such which makes it annoying. I'd rather adapt to what I need as I go along, but I definitely understand the importance of ventilation which is something I do worry about. They have solar powered fans I could put in place or something for this hopefully. And if I were to get a camper that's another realm of research to do on how those things run and what's best. I don't like to assume either but they seem like they'd be more of a hassle to work on.
I love the idea of a box truck because of the height, and don't think it would matter much about gas if I'm not carting it around all the time and instead just doing highway driving trips to campground a to campground b every few months or years or so, and just drive the scooter or car around rest of the time.
Whether it's a box truck or bus or can, am I looking for the same engine in all of them?
I have also considered just getting a plane Jane cargo trailer or small camper, but then I figured if I went THAT route I would just get a truck because I would rather drive that around daily than a van, most likely. Although I wouldn't know from experience. If I did get some type of van I guess it would have to be a heavy duty work van still to pull something behind AND be my daily without being too tuckered out. I don't know what I can trust as far as the tow vehicle living a second life in general which is why I figured I would make the living quarters the one on wheels and only drive for relocation
I second this. Or just a plain jane van and a bumper pull camper and skip the small car altogether. This way she only has one vehicle to maintain. And all the comforts of living (so to speak) and nothing that has to be built up to live in.
Originally Posted by ginasaltina
I have also considered just getting a plane Jane cargo trailer or small camper, but then I figured if I went THAT route I would just get a truck because I would rather drive that around daily than a van, most likely. Although I wouldn't know from experience. If I did get some type of van I guess it would have to be a heavy duty work van still to pull something behind AND be my daily without being too tuckered out. I don't know what I can trust as far as the tow vehicle living a second life in general which is why I figured I would make the living quarters the one on wheels and only drive for relocation
The more I think bout it, this is what I would recommend. You could get a small travel trailer or even a pop-up for you home base. That way you could have amenities like AC/Heat and a shower/toilet. It would cut down on vehicle maintenance since you would only have one to maintain (trailers take maintenance though) and it would give you a variety of vehicles to choose from. Initial investment could cost less as well, depending on the trailer/pop-up expense.
I am not well versed in the v6 engine being discussed, though I have heard that there were some issues with it. There is also the 4.9 I6 engine that was very good and towed fairly well, but a vehicle with it in it would probably be a little older.
The 6.0 L is referring to the Ford 6.0L diesel. You would want to read up over on the 6.0L forum. They can be good engines, but have some updates that need done in order to do so.
How handy are you, what tools do you have and how willing are you to learn? I ask this because most vehicles you get are going to need some kind of repairs (either immediately or later). If you are going to be paying someone to do it then you should look at repair costs as well.
As far as the diesel vs gasser thing. A gasser could be simpler for you. There are more out there to choose from, your use doesn't require heavier duty and (in general) repairs on the newer diesels are going to cost more to have done.
As far as the turbo vs Non-turbo (NA) diesel, either one will do what you are asking. There are just trade offs, mostly power wise, but either one will do the job you need. The Ford NA diesel route would probably be the 6.9 or 7.3 IDI (I daily drive a NA 7.3 IDI). They also have factory and aftermarket turbo IDI's. The NA versions are not going to be fast at all, but they are solid engines that could easily tow what you want. Turbo versions will have more power. What I like about the IDI is that it is simple/inexpensive to work on and fits my needs (I don't have to tow fast). The newer turbo diesels are going to have alot more power and pull a little easier, but they are going to be more expensive to buy and maintain.
From what you have said I would look for a trailer/pop-up to tow. Then I would look for a truck/van to tow it with. I would probably go with a gasser that was very well maintained and expect to pay more $$ because of the continuance. I would look for a v8 or a 4.9 I6. Make sure the vehicle has a tow package or has been set up to tow.
I'm getting to be on the same page with jayro88. If you build the camper on a vehicle and the vehicle dies, you have a ton of work and/or value involved in the camper that could be lost if the vehicle had some kind of fatal issue or accident. I've driven full size vans into city centers and parked them in parking garages downtown; a camper or motorhome would not allow that kind of access.
WVVan has a LONG and detailed thread on this page about building his V6 van into a camper...and then having the engine blow up. It cost him a big pile of money to replace the engine. It might be a good thread for you to read to see how much work it is to actually build a proper camper. And a real world example of a lunched V6 among our group.
Ford vans and trucks can last a LONG time. We have posters who have over a million miles on them--but the most successful of these have been big miles put on via continuous driving of relatively new vehicles. Delgriffith has a fleet of vans with some with over a million miles.
A gas powered pickup or van as a tow vehicle would be my recommendation depending on the weight of the camper; they are more easily serviced and spare parts, replacement engines, etc, are more easily available. You would likely want an F or E250 level truck for a good tow capacity.
Finally, I have had friends with fantasies of living in tiny houses or converted vans...hell, I joke that I keep a van so if I lose my house I have someplace to live...but consider the viability of spending all of your time in a small space. I've had my own fantasies of living small, but I simply have too much *stuff* to ever consider a lifestyle like that. There is even a show on HGTV (my wife keeps that channel on a lot) about living small.
I'm getting to be on the same page with jayro88. If you build the camper on a vehicle and the vehicle dies, you have a ton of work and/or value involved in the camper that could be lost if the vehicle had some kind of fatal issue or accident. I've driven full size vans into city centers and parked them in parking garages downtown; a camper or motorhome would not allow that kind of access.
WVVan has a LONG and detailed thread on this page about building his V6 van into a camper...and then having the engine blow up. It cost him a big pile of money to replace the engine. It might be a good thread for you to read to see how much work it is to actually build a proper camper. And a real world example of a lunched V6 among our group.
Ford vans and trucks can last a LONG time. We have posters who have over a million miles on them--but the most successful of these have been big miles put on via continuous driving of relatively new vehicles. Delgriffith has a fleet of vans with some with over a million miles.
A gas powered pickup or van as a tow vehicle would be my recommendation depending on the weight of the camper; they are more easily serviced and spare parts, replacement engines, etc, are more easily available. You would likely want an F or E250 level truck for a good tow capacity.
Finally, I have had friends with fantasies of living in tiny houses or converted vans...hell, I joke that I keep a van so if I lose my house I have someplace to live...but consider the viability of spending all of your time in a small space. I've had my own fantasies of living small, but I simply have too much *stuff* to ever consider a lifestyle like that. There is even a show on HGTV (my wife keeps that channel on a lot) about living small.
Good luck,
George
I lived in GMC van after the 89 quake. It's not really a joke. things happen If something happens again I'll live in my Ford.
The more I think bout it, this is what I would recommend. You could get a small travel trailer or even a pop-up for you home base. That way you could have amenities like AC/Heat and a shower/toilet. It would cut down on vehicle maintenance since you would only have one to maintain (trailers take maintenance though) and it would give you a variety of vehicles to choose from. Initial investment could cost less as well, depending on the trailer/pop-up expense.
I am not well versed in the v6 engine being discussed, though I have heard that there were some issues with it. There is also the 4.9 I6 engine that was very good and towed fairly well, but a vehicle with it in it would probably be a little older.
The 6.0 L is referring to the Ford 6.0L diesel. You would want to read up over on the 6.0L forum. They can be good engines, but have some updates that need done in order to do so.
How handy are you, what tools do you have and how willing are you to learn? I ask this because most vehicles you get are going to need some kind of repairs (either immediately or later). If you are going to be paying someone to do it then you should look at repair costs as well.
As far as the diesel vs gasser thing. A gasser could be simpler for you. There are more out there to choose from, your use doesn't require heavier duty and (in general) repairs on the newer diesels are going to cost more to have done.
As far as the turbo vs Non-turbo (NA) diesel, either one will do what you are asking. There are just trade offs, mostly power wise, but either one will do the job you need. The Ford NA diesel route would probably be the 6.9 or 7.3 IDI (I daily drive a NA 7.3 IDI). They also have factory and aftermarket turbo IDI's. The NA versions are not going to be fast at all, but they are solid engines that could easily tow what you want. Turbo versions will have more power. What I like about the IDI is that it is simple/inexpensive to work on and fits my needs (I don't have to tow fast). The newer turbo diesels are going to have alot more power and pull a little easier, but they are going to be more expensive to buy and maintain.
From what you have said I would look for a trailer/pop-up to tow. Then I would look for a truck/van to tow it with. I would probably go with a gasser that was very well maintained and expect to pay more $$ because of the continuance. I would look for a v8 or a 4.9 I6. Make sure the vehicle has a tow package or has been set up to tow.
Wow very meticulous reply, thanks for your input!
By saying I would have multiple vehicles to choose from do you mean that pretty much anything would tow a small trailer(trailer as in something with no engine?), and that I should just pick one car or truck or something to tow with and daily drive with too? It seems realistic in thinking it would cut down maintenance cost that way..... But if I tried really hard to not drive the bus or truck I would be living in, how much maintenance would it really need? And then if I would have another tiny car to tote around that would end up being the majority of repair cost because of using it more. Sure if both broke down that would suck but I do have a few credit cards and am good with finances. By the same token if only one broke down I would always have the other to get me by..... I would basically have to maintenance my living quarters as a vehicle . ON THE OTHER HAND I like the idea of a house on just a trailer instead because someone would be less likely to drive off with my house, plus that's less insurance.
I am very eager to learn about cars, I had an old cj7 for a while and learned about the inner workings of that and took it apart for a big project but didn't get everything back together, I recently sold it and am a little scarred lol.... So a bit hesitant to dive into anything big in fear of not finishing . But I'm willing to get greasy and my knuckles scratched up. I've changed the radiator on my subaru And the fuel pump as well as brake pads. That's about all I've done aside from battery and lightbulb changes ::P. I have a mediocre set of tools but friends who would help if I needed it. Have a highliift jack and some stands.... Couple c clamps .. Lol very scattered.
. If you build the camper on a vehicle and the vehicle dies, you have a ton of work and/or value involved in the camper that could be lost if the vehicle had some kind of fatal issue or accident. I've driven full size vans into city centers and parked them in parking garages downtown; a camper or motorhome would not allow that kind of access. Good point about the access, it's a nice luxury to have the option to be stealthy. If something that Costly happened I wonder if I could just gut out the working parts to sell and then just tow the van around with my other vehicle. ?? Or just get by with my other small vehicle/have the broken van preheat ever towed to a safe spot til I can get it fixed.
It might be a good thread for you to read to see how much work it is to actually build a proper camper. And a real world example of a lunched V6 among our group. Good resource, thanks.
You would likely want an F or E250 level truck for a good tow capacity. I wouldn't want a pop up because of winterization, and wouldn't want anything bigger than say, a 14 passenger shuttle bus as a camper. I had considered the f250s or 350s work trucks. Or the 2500 work vans for your suggestion.
...but consider the viability of spending all of your time in a small space. Getting rid of stuff definitely makes it possible and feels good, I'm still not done. I would like to be prepared for an event where I would have to live a mobile life, but I also want to. I don't like feeling like if I have to go anywhere my crap is weighing me down, and I obsess too much over rearranging and organizing to deal with bins and bins of stuff anymore. It's time to make a change.
Good luck,
George
I suppose I could still just get a cargo trailer, pull it with an easier maintained/repaired truck or van, while also getting away with taking along a scooter. Maybe designing the inside of the cargo so that I could actually drive a small car up inside of it for travel. First step of course being the tow vehicle and trailer.
Wow very meticulous reply, thanks for your input! By saying I would have multiple vehicles to choose from do you mean that pretty much anything would tow a small trailer(trailer as in something with no engine?), and that I should just pick one car or truck or something to tow with and daily drive with too? It seems realistic in thinking it would cut down maintenance cost that way..... But if I tried really hard to not drive the bus or truck I would be living in, how much maintenance would it really need? And then if I would have another tiny car to tote around that would end up being the majority of repair cost because of using it more. Sure if both broke down that would suck but I do have a few credit cards and am good with finances. By the same token if only one broke down I would always have the other to get me by..... I would basically have to maintenance my living quarters as a vehicle . ON THE OTHER HAND I like the idea of a house on just a trailer instead because someone would be less likely to drive off with my house, plus that's less insurance.
I am very eager to learn about cars, I had an old cj7 for a while and learned about the inner workings of that and took it apart for a big project but didn't get everything back together, I recently sold it and am a little scarred lol.... So a bit hesitant to dive into anything big in fear of not finishing . But I'm willing to get greasy and my knuckles scratched up. I've changed the radiator on my subaru And the fuel pump as well as brake pads. That's about all I've done aside from battery and lightbulb changes ::P. I have a mediocre set of tools but friends who would help if I needed it. Have a highliift jack and some stands.... Couple c clamps .. Lol very scattered.
Yes, in theory. If it is just you and you do not need much room (assuming no since you discussed van living) you could get a small/light trailer. A small/light one along with not needing a "Living" vehicle would mean that you would not need something as large. You could even look at some pop-up campers. They are very compact to tow and can have favorable amenities (AC/furnace, shower, toilet, house batteries). Now that doesn't mean that any vehicle will reliably tow it, but you could easily get away with a half ton truck or van that is in good shape. I would add a large trans cooler and trans gauge to monitor things. I have even seen larger cars pulling very small trailers and looked to do okay with it. Of course, a brake controller would be needed for any vehicle.
I am not well versed on the registration and insurance on travel trailers, but look into the difference in cost between them and another vehicle insurance and registration.
I am in the process of insulating my '88 e250. Have a location picked out or a couple of house batteries. Been looking around for a used pop top to install. I also have a to scale floor plan drawing of how I would set up the van as a camper complete with fresh, gray and black water tanks.....a toilet and shower.
My mind never stops and I like the idea of having bug out vehicle. Not sure if I will ever get round to the project though.
Got this today for 6.75 at a local auction, the off road commode Seemed like a deal, just add a bucket
My woman gave me the hairy eyeball but after explaining seem OK with it.
Now I need a tarp to use when the back doors are open if she needs to use it.
!
If something happens again I'll live in my Ford.
. But I'm willing to get greasy and my knuckles scratched up. I've changed the radiator on my subaru And the fuel pump as well as brake pads. That's about all I've done aside from battery and lightbulb changes ::P. I have a mediocre set of tools but friends who would help if I needed it. Have a highliift jack and some stands.... Couple c clamps .. Lol very scattered.
Seemed like a deal, just add a bucket 
