Excursion Gods,

The topic I hope to discuss may sound like blasphemy, but like the steering on my beloved 2005 v10 I don't know any better way than to plow into it.

I'm trying to decide what is the right platform for me to build an Overland vehicle for my family. I'd like to be able to get us reliably in and out of places off the beaten path, but I don't need to be able to rock climb in MOAB. We also have a lot of stuff - bikes, camping, hunting and photography gear. I already own two Excursions (the v10, which is my daily driver and I have a '04 Bulletproofed 6.0 that I use to pull a motorcycle/car trailer every so often) so my default is to convert one of these into the Ultimate Overlander. But I was open to other options (as long as they were Ford) and now and trying to weigh the pros and cons I'm seeing of going with other vehicles. I offer up to you all to slam me with some opinion and knowledge to make me the better for it.

Here's what I've gathered as pros / cons of the options I'm considering (Excursion / 4x4 Econoline / 4x4 Transit)

Excursion
+ If I'm going this route, it's gonna be the 6.0 diesel. I have one already, and have a spare motor to keep getting stupid on. Lots of power opportunity, easier to maintain/mod versus the Econoline. I don't think I would go beyond a stock transmission so that'll limit the power I built it out to. It's still a family hauler after all. I would also stick with the diesel because power potential is the Excursion's strength in this competition, and the diesel is the best base for that.
+ Gonna have the best two capacity of any of the options 11k+
+ Probably easiest to upgrade due to the similarities with the f250, lots of options available and probably cheaper
+ Best ground clearance and overall handling
+/- Has windows, good for travel, not great for camping if we're going to be using it as a primary shelter
-I wanted to be able to stand up in the vehicle we end up going with, so it's gonna take a significant topper or pop-top in order to make that happen
* #1 priority is suspension - which I want soft on paved roads but able to handle some rough terrain if we come to it. I was thinking of either the full-traction kit or to do a full f250 SD swap in order to get coilovers and in the latter scenario a Dana 60 axle, which probably is more than I need, but can't hurt.
Some good reference videos I found for Excursion builds (Towverlander being more entertaining than substantive at this point. "It's a Suburban... For Men")
(Overland Excursion)
(Project TOWVERLANDER)Suspension Build idea - https://www.fourwheeler.com/how-to/s...omwWGIe2CWZl2o


Ford Transit (practical, but ugly)
* I think I'd go with EcoBoost/10r80 combo. Everyone I've talked to loves the EcoBoost, it performs well, gets good gas mileage. It's in a ton of ford products so I'm confident that parts/repair will not be astronomical (still high given the pieces but it's not a Land Rover). I5 diesel combo seems like a good alternative, but I am not a fan of modern diesels with all their BS.
+ Definitely the largest interior capacity. Squarish dimensions are practical and going with the cargo version eliminates a lot of window shielding problems. Won't need a topper for this one if I design the interior right.
- Unibody construction. Still specs out at 7k tow capacity (decent). It's strong enough for what I'm looking to do, but I'm assuming that this increases the risk of an astronomical repair if I hit the wrong bump while off roading.
+/- Lowest ground clearance, but easier to get into. With the 4x4 install, I'm confident it will have the height I desire.
- Not a vehicle I'm going to be posting photos of me with anytime soon.
- Could be most expensive option, but it's not that far off when I spec out all the things I also want to do with the other vehicles. Getting the same headroom in any other vehicle is at least $10k, and is not going to be as strong as something built like that from the factory.Some Transit build videos
Econoline Build (A-Team nostalgia)
* 6.0 diesel / v10 - I think I'd go with either option here since I'd keep the engine factory for best reliability. Not fun working on this engine bay.
* 10k tow capacity, depending on suspension upgrades. Pulled this from some Sportsmobile builds.
+ Body on frame construction, sturdy and easier to repair
+/- Some compatibility with f250/excursion, don't think suspension though
- Worst for crash/rollover risk of the 3
https://www.drivingline.com/articles...350-4x4-video/

Some other notes:

The most ideal is that the vehicle is able to be lived in full-time if necessary (ie. bath/shower internal). REALLY TOUGH to do in the Ex, but it is possible. I'd still like a sink/fridge internal as well. Stove would be nice, but I think having to cook inside is not necessary. Also, since I'm taking the family, I'd still like to be able to seat four and sleep at least two in the vehicle (two more maybe on outside or in roof tent).

I'd like to incorporate https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QXRbJMLq_B4[/ame] (Overland Excursion) (Project TOWVERLANDER) Suspension Build idea - https://www.fourwheeler.com/how-to/s...omwWGIe2CWZl2o Ford Transit (practical, but ugly) * I think I'd go with EcoBoost/10r80 combo. Everyone I've talked to loves the EcoBoost, it performs well, gets good gas mileage. It's in a ton of ford products so I'm confident that parts/repair will not be astronomical (still high given the pieces but it's not a Land Rover). I5 diesel combo seems like a good alternative, but I am not a fan of modern diesels with all their BS. + Definitely the largest interior capacity. Squarish dimensions are practical and going with the cargo version eliminates a lot of window shielding problems. Won't need a topper for this one if I design the interior right. - Unibody construction. Still specs out at 7k tow capacity (decent). It's strong enough for what I'm looking to do, but I'm assuming that this increases the risk of an astronomical repair if I hit the wrong bump while off roading. +/- Lowest ground clearance, but easier to get into. With the 4x4 install, I'm confident it will have the height I desire. - Not a vehicle I'm going to be posting photos of me with anytime soon. - Could be most expensive option, but it's not that far off when I spec out all the things I also want to do with the other vehicles. Getting the same headroom in any other vehicle is at least $10k, and is not going to be as strong as something built like that from the factory. Some Transit build videos Econoline Build (A-Team nostalgia) * 6.0 diesel / v10 - I think I'd go with either option here since I'd keep the engine factory for best reliability. Not fun working on this engine bay. * 10k tow capacity, depending on suspension upgrades. Pulled this from some Sportsmobile builds. + Body on frame construction, sturdy and easier to repair +/- Some compatibility with f250/excursion, don't think suspension though - Worst for crash/rollover risk of the 3 https://www.drivingline.com/articles...350-4x4-video/ Some other notes: The most ideal is that the vehicle is able to be lived in full-time if necessary (ie. bath/shower internal). REALLY TOUGH to do in the Ex, but it is possible. I'd still like a sink/fridge internal as well. Stove would be nice, but I think having to cook inside is not necessary. Also, since I'm taking the family, I'd still like to be able to seat four and sleep at least two in the vehicle (two more maybe on outside or in roof tent). I'd like to incorporate this awning no matter what build I go with: ​​​​​​​https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C4G9H_vNH_Y]this awning no matter what build I go with:
I'll also go with Li-Ion power system, so will need space for that internally as well.
I'm a fan of the Aluminums setup for the Excursion, and probably would look for something similar on either of the vans too. (full size spare / bike rack, big box)
https://www.aluminess.com/ford/ford-...5/rear-bumper/

Anyway, if you made it this far, I applaud and thank you for ensuring my stream of consciousness and would appreciate any feedback/ideas you may have.

​​​​​​​Thanks!

 

Welcome to the EX forum!

Is the Transit more roomy inside than an extended Econoline with a turtle top? I don't have either rig's specs, but it looks like the big van (with the fiberglass high top) would offer more interior space.
If this were my dream build (it isn't, we "camp" a lot but with all of the comforts of home ) I would go with the big Econoline van with a Quigly 4X4 conversion and high top roof. I think that it could be built to be more capable offroad and should be a better tow vehicle. By the way, you mentioned towing ability above, exactly what (length, weight, type) trailer are you planning to tow?
I'm obviously a big EX fan, but to me, the EX just isn't the best pick for a rig like you are planning, too many compromises and way more extensive mods to make it an even bigger compromise in the end (compared to the other options).

 

I had a prof in college that had a Quigley converted econoline with full camper setup. We had a field trip planned to study desert reptiles (herpetology class) that was several hours away, and so he made weekend camping trip of it for those able to attend. I rode with him on the way out to our desert field location, and man.....that thing was pimp'd out! He had the canvas pop top that held his bed and everything else inside was for the cooking/living space. If it were only for one or two people, the van route would be my choice. For a single person, a converted Ex would likely be my best option with an outside shower, a big bat-wing awning, and outside cooking area. I can see the practicality of the Transit van conversions, but damn they're spendy.

 

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There was a member here years ago that started a pop top build for his excursion. He sold the truck before he finished the pop top, but maybe he had some ideas you could follow. His screen name was ExploringNH, or something similar to that. I'll try searching, but I never end up with what I'm looking for.

Edit: Found the thread...
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...-grille-3.html

 

One of the reasons Chris went with an excursion for his build is because he was pulling an airstream for an extended duration. Him and his girlfriend also had a ram/sprinter build that they used as well for when they would go out, but they recently sold it.

If you plan on pulling ANYTHING heavy and on gravel road or double track, and for more than 2 people, I would lean Excursion over the other two platforms. But if it's just 2 adults, the Econoline van can be REAL nice...Look at the U-Joint van conversions. https://www.ujointoffroad.com/

 

Thanks for the feedback everyone! After mulling it over some more and thinking how I would fit. everything into the Excursion, I don't think it was possible as Tom mentioned.

But that made also re-think my expectations. So we are a family of four right now, maybe five in the future. I want to be able to put the kids/baby in car seats when we're driving somewhere, so instead of trying to make one vehicle do everything, I'm now considering modifying the Ex and go with a towed camper setup for more creature comforts/space. But, I'd still like to setup the Excursion to be able to be somewhat a self-contained camping platform (space for sleeping for 3, cassette toilet, gear for outdoor kitchen/shower).

I'd still want to pop the top, an outfit in CA - Fiberine quoted me about $7k for a custom build. Similar to a SEMA truck they did (20" lift):
Truck Bumpers and Running Boards

I'll reach out to the ExploringNH folks. I poked around their site/forum. Looks like they had a good amount of experience doing what I hope to do in the next year or so when I get the plan together. Still haven't eliminated any of the other options, but I think the modded Ex with Camper setup is my #1, then transit as a standalone self-contained unit, and last is a heavily modded Econoline. Looking at the towing capacity of the sportsmobile van builds, they're up there with the Excursion, so it may still be worth switching to the van platform if I can get similar towing/off-road capability but will have a vehicle. with much more interior space.