Helloooo, I've been searching for weeks for a van to use as a camper for full time living (but not necessarily full time driving, I'd like to just be able to get to each destination and stay put for a while and drive around another small vehicle)and am open to lots of directions as far as what kind of van to go with... Too many to choose from and I have nothing to base a decision off of. What's the best buy??!? I get so caught up in searching for a different model every day and then I hear about a recall or some other "point 0" engine is stronger and aaaaaahhh! It's all the same to me and I feel like I'm making no progress. Shuttle bus, ambulance, van, 350 450 5.7 6.0 7.9 idk what engine is up or down. For some reason I feel set on going with a diesel though. If something was absolutely perfect my max price is 10,000 which isn't considering taxes or anything extra. Ideally I need some of that to pay for gas and live for a while so I should really only spend 5 grand maybe 7. Can't finance because I have no verifiable income so womp womp.

I really like this 89 E350 Ecoline Diesel Ambulance and would like more experienced opinions on it! I might have some other examples to share too if you could offer your advice on each

Ambulance: http://m.ebay.com/itm?itemId=191635344152

Van: http://m.ebay.com/itm/Ford-E-Series-Van-/252032707299?_trkparms=aid%253D222007%2526algo%253 DSIC.MBE%2526ao%253D1%2526asc%253D20150519202348%2 526meid%253D3553e1a93d5d40d298903e3fa40eeb26%2526p id%253D100408%2526rk%253D6%2526rkt%253D25%2526sd%2 53D191635344152&_trksid=p2056116.c100408.m2460


I like the idea of having a higher roof to at least stand in, but I'm not opposed to getting a regular sized work van either (I figured something like that would be better on gas?) I want the van to be able to pull another car so I realize gas mileage shouldn't be expected, but examples of using yours for similar jobs and how t works out for you / estimated gas mileage might be helpful!

I'm afraid to get something older and have it fall apart because lately has been full of car troubles (two cars stalled while driving and I'm lucky to be alive) but what if something is worth it and I can't tell?

Thanks for your input
Have a happy night/day

 

test test

I had to edit so I could read the wqhole thing.

 

If your wanting a ford diesel always go for the turbo charged from 97 and up I think. Don't get the non turbo or the aftermarket turbo models, they are gutless junk. Get one with a powerstroke engine.

 

If it's going to be your "house" and vehicle, you better get something better quality than some museum piece from the 80's or 90's.

I'd recommend the newest model year that you can afford, with the v6 (because it will pull a small car, and yet will sip fuel during idling). I suspect a van dweller will require much idle time.

 

Kind of a broad statement that is false.

To the OP, just know that there will be some trade offs. The older diesels (NA included) are not going to be the same as a modern diesel. From your post I would assume, and I hate assuming, that you are not overly well versed in vehicles. If this is the case I would look for something that was very well kept and had routine maintenance done religiously. Also, set up a repair account to address any issues that will come up. With the addition of a few items just about any van set-up should tow a small car reliably.

If you want added height you can go the pop-top or raised conversion route. A modified ambulance chassis could make for a nice camper, but would probably require custom fabrication work.

 

I see older school buses reconfigured to RVs for around $5-10K, give or take, should easily pull a small and cheap Geo Metro or haul a small scooter or something. Plenty of room to live out of and relocate whenever you choose.

 

Ford box trucks are also cheap and they are tall. Again would be easy enough to haul a scooter around in also, shouldn't be too hard to configure into a living quarter with a window unit a/c or portable a/c unit and small propane heater. The main issue with anything is going to be reliability and fuel mileage in your spending range. Most things I can think of that would suit your purpose are going to suck gas like a pig due to weight.

 

I agree about getting something as new as possible. I strongly disagree about the V6 (4.2) engine since those have known gasket problems and NO power for pulling up hills or carrying weight.

Starting with a vehicle that has already been configured as a camper might be a good start but a raised roof conversion van could also be a good start (black out the windows).

However, living inside a van will create a LOT of moisture which will cause rust and mold problems. I would spend a lot of time reading about what it takes to convert a van into a quality camper and do as much as you can to make sure that stuff has been done.

Good luck,
George

 

How about something like this - E450, FOOD TRUCK, PARTY BUS, ICE CREAM TRUCK ?



Sixto
93 E150 Chateau 5.8 191K miles

 

Don't be an *** Jaro88. I stated my opinion based on my experience with NA diesel engines in general compared to a 7.3 powerstroke which I have owned 3 and is a much better engine imho for both reliability and power delivery. If your going to call someone out for making a false statement then back it up with facts, otherwise don't flame members comments here. You should know better.

 

Do NOT get anything with a V6

 

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.

I'm out on this one. Have fun!

 

I wasnt, i was disagreeing with your statment. I said that the statment was false. If i wanted to "flame" you i would have gone on to make negative/derogatory comments about you, which i didnt do. I also elaborated breifly by stating that there are trade offs between the 2 and that you shouldnt expect an older NA diesel to be the same as a turbo powerstroke. You made a very broad statment without any specific. You simply said "guttless junk", but did not elaborate. If you want to express your opinion, that is great, just say why rather than a broad generalizing statement. Why is it "gutless junk"? Did you have a bad experience with one? Did you purchase one and it was not what you expected? Disagreeing about something is not "flaming", it is simply disagreeing. I didn't go into further details since having a powerstroke vs IDI debate wouldn't do a lot to help the OP.

The powerstroke 7.3 is a very good engine. It is reliable and makes more power for less modification $ than the previous IDI diesels. That does not mean the IDI is junk. It is reliable, simple to work on and inexpensive (generally) to purchase and maintain. It is less powerful than the power stroke, but is usually significantly cheaper to buy. It would easily tow a vehicle, which was the guidline the OP gave. I have used mine (NA) to tow my car on an open trailer quite a few times and have no issues with the cruise set at 65. The turbo version of it performs well enough ,and with a few tweaks, can perform admirably. You just shouldn't expect it to be the same as a modern diesel, because that is not what it is.
A good way to describe it is that it will not be the first one to the top of the hill, but will get you there reliably and for less of an initial investment than a newer diesel.

However, if my assumption about the OP is correct, I would suggest getting one from a person who has maintained it well since with an older vehicle there are usually items to deal with.

 

Why not just a used motorhome?

 

You replaced the intake gaskets; other people including WVVan who spent hundreds of hours doing a camper conversion have had cylinders fill with coolant and destroy the engine. Not something I would wish on a van buyer and a reason why some of us don't like the idea of the 4.2.

I can't imagine a measurable gasoline use difference between idling a V6 and a 4.6.... Replacing a hydraulic'ed engine is gonna cost more than any fuel savings when idling--the OP made it sound like a couple grand for an engine replacement would be a hardship.

The main objective would seem to be the most trouble-free vehicle possible, and there are certainly many other possible trouble areas but buying a van with a trouble-prone engine is not a good start.

George