Tubs: My 2004 E350 Build

[RememberTheFallen]

Great job!! I really like the way the roof rack turned out. I've been thinking about a similar approach but was concerned about the weight of steel vs aluminum. Any idea what it weighs?

I was worried too. My inability to weld aluminum decided for me though.

Not sure on exact weight but I was able to get it on and off the van by myself without the wood. With the wood I needed help. Very rough guess would be 100lbs or so. Just a guesstimate though.


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[Topo.Ranger]

How does the van feel as you're adding weight to it? Is the motor struggling any? I'm looking at getting a van but trying to figure out the best engine option for me.

 

[RememberTheFallen]

How does the van feel as you're adding weight to it? Is the motor struggling any? I'm looking at getting a van but trying to figure out the best engine option for me.

Still feels good.

Yesterday it weighed 6640lbs at the metal recycler. Figure it will be very close to 7000 once everything is in.

If I could have found a nice, clean V10 for a good price I probably would have got that. I couldn't though and do not regret getting this one!


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[Topo.Ranger]

i have found a few 15 passenger vans that has the 6.0L turbo and the v10

 

[RememberTheFallen]

My wife and I took off several weeks ago and have now been living in the van since.

The van has worked out great and no major issues so far. Plenty of living space with the futon.

Power the of the 5.4l is lacking at elevation but adequate every where else. Averaging 12MPG with larger tires and roof rack.


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[RememberTheFallen]

Some recent pics.....

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[RememberTheFallen]

And one of my favorite campsites so far...

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[WVI]

Any idea on the brand of side step/nerf bars on that?

 

[RememberTheFallen]

Any idea on the brand of side step/nerf bars on that?

Yep, they are APS brand. They were on the van when I bought it so no idea where you would find them.


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[Vandit]

Sweet pics! Especially love that last one.... great campsite.

 

[RememberTheFallen]

Sweet pics! Especially love that last one.... great campsite.

Thank you!

One of my favorites. Camped here several years ago based of an Expo members recommendation.

Smithsonian Butte Byway outside Zion NP. Doesn't cost a thing since it is BLM land and only a couple of folks out here despite Zion being absolutely packed with no camping available. Steep, rocky hill that is "4WD" only keeps a lot of folks from coming up from Rockville. Coming from Apple Valley a Honda accord could make it. My 2wd open diff van made the hill BTW.


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[FDM2012]

Great pics. You are living The Dream!

And just like I tell my girlfriend, I REALLY like your Rack!!

 

[Surffj62]

Every time I think about ditching the Ford for a sprinter (want more headroom) a van like this comes along and changes my mind.
I am 100% copying that rack- missed how it attaches to rain gutter though.
Nice job

 

[ujoint]

Jealous! Great pics.

 

[RememberTheFallen]

Every time I think about ditching the Ford for a sprinter (want more headroom) a van like this comes along and changes my mind.
I am 100% copying that rack- missed how it attaches to rain gutter though.
Nice job

Thank you!

Can't remembered where I copied it from but the mounts are basically plate bent at a 90 with about 3" of thread welded to one side. The rack has short pieces of tube welded to the down legs. The thread goes thru the tube and is tightened down with a nut to form a clamp.

I too have been thinking about a Sprinter for down the road. This van is a little rougher and higher mileage for me to spend the time on a 4wd conversion and pop top. Guess I will need to figure that all out 5 years down the road!



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