Budget Van Conversion Finished Tour | Ford Econoline $3000

Tour of our completed 2004 Ford E350 converted camper van!

This van cost $3000 and the relatively simple conversion cost a little over $3000.

Links to detailed instructions for:

Stuff we used:
Touchscreen 7 inch Radio: Hikity Car Stereo Double Din 7 Inch HD Touch Screen Radio Bluetooth FM with USB/AUX-in/RCA/Rear View Camera Input + Backup Camera $70!!!

Mattress Topper 4"

Cabinet Door RV Latches: 12 pack

Cabinet Lift Supports: Gazeer 6 Pcs 100N/22.5lb Gas Strut Pneumatic Support

Sink: 13" RV Bowl sink

Foot Pump: Marine Foot pump for sink

Ladder: Surco 103H Hook Over Ladder

Small Dehumidifier (perfect van size):

Ladder: Surco 103H Hook Over Ladder

Adhesive Hooks Sticky Wall Hooks

Dirt Devil Handheld Vacuum Cleaner

Battery: Vmaxtanks VMAXSLR125 AGM 12V 125Ah SLA Rechargeable Deep Cycle Battery

Inverter: GoWISE Power 600W Pure Sine Wave Inverter 12V DC to 120V AC

(Amazon Associates paid links)

[mitchwinder]

Finally, a van conversion done by real people, and not corporate influencers. Dig it. Very refreshing. Great job. Thanks for sharing.

[georgelacey]

Most van builds are either 80k custom jobs or hippy nests on milk crates. It’s hard to find decent self builders that know what they’re doing. You guys did a great job. Def a top ten self build in my book.

[TidePrideMan]

A real DIY guy that doesnt have a 100K garage and 50K in the latest and newest tools to do a van conversion. A real video that is actually sensible and done my an amateur that normal people can relate to.

[juliaarmengol]

first time i see extra seats in a small van and there is still allot of livable space!! amazing!

[JohnDoe-fuqd]

Great van conversion. Everyday man's possibility instead of millionaire trust fund babies getting into van life w $60k build outs on top of an $80k van. Thanks for making this.

[skeetersaurus]

Good job on the flooring! Having worked in OEM design of 'commercial vans' for many years, there's a TON of information I wish I could give the 'prospective conversion van' builders before they start out...it would save them a lot of money, and give them a better finish, when done. For example, a LOT of those 'strange shaped holes' in the wall sub-structure are actually designed in for 'attachment points', from anchor holes to run 'E-Track' to 'polymer push-anchor holes' to attach wire loom to. Before 'custom cutting-drilling-grinding', always look to see if you can 'work your design' around use of these anchor points...then make a trip to a 'bodyshop hardware' store (like NAPA or a local body shop) show them where the attachment point is, how much weight you want to bind to it, and they'll most-likely provide you with the answer (steel anchor plate, flanged push-pin, possibly even Huck Bolts...you may be able to borrow a Huck Bolt tool from your local Fastenal to install them...but they are as strong as hot-formed rivets)...again, knowing how to work the attachment points already built in can save you TONS in the 'final attachment solution', look better when you are finished, and make 'later modifications' much easier if you want to 'convert your conversion' once again...in the future.

[corriedf]

Great build. Its so refreshing seeing a reasonable build that doesn't cost a bunch. Love the thumb holes for the cabinets, contoured storage space, and extra seat. Well done.

[Mrseanshills]

I’ve used your videos as a guide/bible to complete my E350 conversion. The only major differences for me, was a tongue and groove ceiling, an extra set of brackets for the rear seat to turn around, and we may skip the sink for cooler space. I’m almost done putting the walls up and the bed will follow soon after. Can’t wait to get some trips in this summer! Without your videos I’m not sure I would have had the confidence to pull it off, thanks a bunch!

[FunkyCold.]

Glad I found your channel with real expectations of a van build, tomorrow my van building journey begins and I couldn't be more excited/nervous !

[jamesisham]

That cement mixing tub you have in back from Home Depot can be used as a moveable shower pan... just a thought for those looking for a shower pan idea for inside showers other than a dog bath pool... they have an unnamed brand up to 24x 36 inches holding about 26 gallons for $13.

[SensatiousHiatus]

That turned out awesome! 👏🏻...very well done. Finally, a reasonable $6, 000 van build video. I can’t see anything that I would’ve done differently.

[johnlone]

Cool conversation. You can attach one or two diy pressurized pvc water tanks on your roof rack - one for drinking/cooking, the other for shower/washing.

[carriemoench]

Wow, what a great "How To.." video! Not only was your narration informative, but very easy to understand. Walking the viewer through each step along your remodeling job, shows the dedication, perseverance and completion of a job well done. Great job. Thanks for taking the time to educate others. God bless!

[ezzaster]

It's nice to see how you can keep stuff simple and economical for a practical 'get-away'. Refreshing and lots of good detail. Cheers.

[robertrusca]

Congratulations on the van remodel and the other good work you do. I've watched van remodel videos for years because I hope to do it someday, and your video came up and I was surprised that I recognized Ashley from high school! Yay adventures and DIY projects! Robby R

[MrManque]

Great camper van! Your video inspires me to make my future camper build simple and fun. There are so many prominent conversions that look way too expensive and complex for the average person to pull off. And I think that's what's important and the point: simplified living for the average person in a simplified (and mobile) living space. I understand that different people have different needs, but you did it all way below 10k, which is/was my future budget. But now after checking out your tour video...I feel freer to spend and do what works for me. Thanks a lot!

[KrishnaKumar-hdqg]

Like your thrifty approach to van life. You are a good handyman. Wish you good luck on your travels.

[rudolfky]

Beautiful, cheap, simple and something a common person can do, nothing flashy and very practical. Congratulations on your campervan

[cityinthesky]

"...my pee bottle...one of the best things..." - spoken like a true engineer with a sense of humor! - One of the best Ford van conversion videos that I've ever seen.

[Techelp]

Awesome job! I like the faucet you built. I spent so long trying to find a small faucet that would work for us. Love that you didn’t use handles on the cabinet either. Those can turn into a real hazard banging into them all the time in the van.