Budget Van Conversion | Ford Econoline $3000!

An overview of the steps we took to convert a 2004 Ford E350 into a camper van complete with DC electrical system, foot pump sink, bed, and removable second seat. The van cost $3000 and the conversion cost just over $3000.

Links to detailed instructions for:

There are some details I forgot to include (like painting/siliconing the bolts on the underside of the van, attaching the bed frame and cabinets with brackets, and cabinet latches and hydraulic door lifts), so if you have a question on how I did something, feel free to ask politely in the comments. I plan to put those details in the final video.

Sound Deadening Mats, butyl:

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!

Cabinet Door RV Latches: 12 pack

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

Sink: 13" RV Bowl sink $34

Foot Pump: Marine Foot pump for sink

Ladder: Surco 103H Hook Over Ladder

Battery: VMAXTANKS 125 Amp hour AGM Battery

Small Dehumidifier (perfect van size):

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[LotusMorning]

Only major problem I see is there's no moisture barrier between the metal and the rock wool. That's going to cause lots of very bad mold issues. Living in a van with your respiration, cooking, and water use will generate lots of humidity. Also, the condensate that will form on the inside of the metal will just absorb into the wool with no way to dry out.

[ellengriffin]

I learned from an older van lifer that any wood flooring (and probably on the walks, too) needs to be painted first, before installing, with an oil-based paint, because condensation causes black mold to get in the wood. The 5 yr van lifer had to remove all his now squishy in places flooring and completely start over with an experienced professional van conversion builder friend who showed him how to build it right, and implemented ways to also catch condensation or drips from the 5 gal water bottles where they sit so that they, also, won't damage the base of the cabinets. We're all learning in the process.
Thankyou for your presentation. Good learning. I liked the no hype quietness of it.

[SistahRev]

Something about the way you presented this made your build process seem/feel more accessible and understandable than the scores of other van build videos I have watched on YouTube. It really made me feel like I have a more realistic sense of what layers of tasks, skills, and time I would need if I ever decided to do such a thing, a better gauge of whether or not I am realistically capable of it given my skill set and temperament. I can’t put my finger on why your presentation accomplished this in a way many other step-by-step vids did not (for ME), but I am appreciative of your efforts, your skills and your sharing. Thank you!! Looking forward to the final tour of the build, and wishing you safety, health and delight as you go out adventuring in your completed van! 💐💐💐

[johnfarrell]

Very nice DYI, wish I was that handy. I bought a new Ford E-250 and had a master carpenter build it out. He did an extraordinary job. I’m a minimalist and did not want a stove, sink, or fridge. I carry a Camp Chef propane stove and 6 gallon water jug. I do have a deep cycle battery and 1500watt inverter that supplies my electric needs. The van is totally insulated with a Fantastic Fan Vent in the ceiling and an awning window behind the drivers seat. Plenty of cabinets with slam latches. I removed the spare from underneath the van and had customswing arms and rear bumper. I had him build a metal “ cellar” box on the inside rear for additional storage. One side for the spare and one side with a storage box. Also have a fold out bed that converts to a double bed. Used rubber flooring which cleans up easily. Two electric outlets also. He also installed LED strip lighting on each side adjacent to the ceiling and they are recessed. Everything is trimmed in Cherry wood. The entire interior cost was $5, 000. Been out west 8 times (2 month trips), mainly to Colorado, Wyoming and Montana Worth every penny I 😊spent.

[daviedood]

Really cool. One quick note to anyone who sees this. If you're gonna spray paint with cans, spend the extra $2 and get that plastic trigger cap that goes on top of the can. Sorta looks like a plastic pistol and the spray paint can sits under it. It's $2 this let's u spray evenly, and consistently, without your finger getting tired and with over laps etc. For $2 it keeps everything even and consistent. Thought I'd share Bc in spray painted a desk once and geez I could have used it. Next desk I used one and saved so much. 1 can actually lasted longer with the thing than without out it some how.

[TheREALOC]

I had a buddy that did something simular while we were in Tech School in Orlando Florida but his was one of the 15 pac van that he bought from his church when they bought a new one. His bed was a platform but the platform was an old dresser that he cut the legs down, painted it and mounted it in the van on one side using L brackets and that allowed him to create a little closet on the other side to hang shirts on. His didn't have any water but he didn't really need it, he just bought a case of bottled water and rented a spot at an RV park just outside of Orlando so he didn't need a bathroom, shower and laundry because they had them for public use but he brought his laundry over to my apartment on the weekends. He bought a little 650 motorcycle to ride back and forth to school on. He had a microwave to cook with and ate on paper plates and used plastic utensils that he could just throw away. He used 3 cheap solar lawn lights for lighting at night and would just sit them outside during the day to charge. He spent very very little on living while we were school, He was a vet just out of the military and used the G.I. Bill to go to school on plus they paid him like $1600 a month and it cost him about $400 a month to live, he made out liker a bandit., I wish I had thought about it.

[jeffharper]

Can I recommend covering your plywood with cork flooring for several reasons.
1. Cork is fantastic sound deadening natural material.
2. It softens sound inside the van.
3. It is a good thermal insulate and will help regulate a livable temperature.
4. It looks nice.

[samueltractorton]

Thanks for the extensive video showing all the hard stuff, and with all the cleaning! Of course everyone likes the super high end sprinters...but most people can't even afford the van, let alone everything put in them. Affordable, stealthy, functional, clean, that's what I dig, cool.

[armandoramos]

I admire people like you guys who are very talented and have the patience and knowledge to do things yourself. Great job, looks awesome!

[silentwalk]

Nice job too many of these old vans get scrapped it's a shame they are so versatile I have a 1980 Ford E100 and I still drive it

[macymiller]

We just bought our first can to convert, a 1978 Ford Econoline!

[svenn]

I love this conversion. I see these overly complicated builds with everything cramped in and an awful lot of (in my opinion) complicated electrical that you don't need anyway. The foot pump faucet for example is so much better than one ran on a water pump. You guys really made a good example of a budget van build, that everyone will be able to make, no matter how little experience they have

[slipperysteev]

4 mins in and I already have so much respect for you for this DIY masterpiece!

[tnopsclark]

Wow. I’m so jealous! I have a cargo van I live in and no skill to build anything like that. But you all did a fabulous job! Thanks for sharing

[johnjohnson]

The sound deadening material is a worthwhile addition. I used it successfully in my 2000 Corvette. Suggest you use it over/near the wheel wells. Road noise generated by the tires obviously is the major source of noise. Multiple layers are best.

[realweston]

So impressed that your doing this whole thing yourself. From a kid that likes to tinker with my cars and make them potentially less value from my modifications 😅 I think the van build is super solid. And at a great price

[penelope-oevr]

You could probably also get flooring remnants since it's a small area. Thank you for showing this an affordable and realistic way

[jrdepew]

Good job on build and editing. Shows how inexpensive a person with some skills can go for a get-away van.

[hldye]

I work as a Gen Cont and never work or see anyone in open toe shoes / but for some odd reason just about every person that is fixing up a van does flip flops ? Also thanks for good music selection :). And not ac/DC crap . Keep up the good work.

[jsmythib]

I have had great luck with 6 econolines over 30 years(Flooring)... Alternators/Heater Switchs/Blower motors/Starters. In that order. Keep those parts in stock and fluids topped off :) The build looks great, ty for the ideas. Cheers!