"until we have a problem, we're going to leave it like this." I live by those words.

@micahwilson3783

3 ай бұрын

yup still rocking plenty of old stuff. Even my phone is like 8 years old and people always ask why don’t I just get a new one. Simply because it does the job and that’s all i need

If you want a high top but cant afford 6k, find a high top van in the junkyard, and pull the top

@Marcus-xl9kr

8 ай бұрын

Wow I've thought of building a wooden box up top bet never thought of taking the top from a junk yard

@boundariessetinstone5893

7 ай бұрын

But how to make sure it’s installed correctly where it won’t leak.

@boundariessetinstone5893

7 ай бұрын

@@Marcus-xl9krI’m a woman and it’s the first place I thought to look cause I constantly went to the junkyard as a kid to help my dad remove stuff.

@Bryan-jd7os

6 ай бұрын

Junkyard is great for high tops but from someone who has pulled one off a van and out of a yard let me tell you you need at least 4 people to do it comfortably! They are heavier and way more cumbersome than you would imagine.

@MoonKingGamingMobile

4 ай бұрын

Never would’ve thought of that smart man

Love the van. I purchased a 2003 e 350 ford van about a year ago. Needed a bit of mechanical work done. Most done by me and a very good friend race car mechanic. Hey, the inside is set up to do Maintenance work and sleep. I like it and that's what counts. Others don't that's ,Ok too. WE are dudes and don;t need all the Bla Bla stuff. I was married twice. Men are simple people. It's also our man cave. Again love it, keep doing what you do and stay happy.

I love these kinds of builds. Simple and effective. Not much to break either. And it can still go anywhere on the trail. The Holy Grail of American Vans has to be the Dodge Ambulance Vans that were EXTRA WIDE. And I think they were the full 8.6 foot width. They came with the Extended top from factory. That along with it having the engine mostly in the cabin like the Early Ford and GM vans really give you TONS of space in the rear.

Agree with keeping things simple. i have the same van and haven't changed the interior other than adding a floor and a bed. I love the uncovered van walls because i use magnet mounts for everything. People always ask me if I'm going to build it out and I say "no, why would I?" I only sleep and drive in there. The rest of the time I'm outside enjoying nature.

@brakeforsnakes

2 ай бұрын

Yea you get it 🤘🏻

I have a Wasatch installed top too and I agree with you on that being a game changer. Mine is a 350xl with ujoint 4x4 conversion. I love it and I love your van too.

Glad I found your video. I just bought a 2011 E250 4.6L and plan to make it my retirement home on wheels, with maybe a 23ft trailer in the future. Searching for ideas and love your simplicity, but especially your choice of build priorities. Huge thanks for all the links to your mods!

@brakeforsnakes

9 ай бұрын

You can do it!

Dude I'm glad to hear you using a lunchbox locker, this is exactly what I have been looking into. I'm very interested to hear how this has been working out for you.

@brakeforsnakes

Жыл бұрын

I love it but I’m doing a full video on it soon!

@shakehandswithdanger7882

10 ай бұрын

I have a powertrax in a 99 Durango on 33" tires. Works great off road, takes a little getting used to on road but I usually forget it's there. 5 years, no problems

Boy, I keep thinking about doing one of these. This is so cool. Thanks for sharing.

@brakeforsnakes

10 ай бұрын

Do it!

The van is awesome, the minimalist interior is awesome and functional. I love it, well done.

@brakeforsnakes

Жыл бұрын

Thanks so much!

Love me a good walk around… even if I’ve walked around it plenty of times before. Awesome as always JB!

@brakeforsnakes

Жыл бұрын

Thanks Mike!

Your build is coming along nice, it is nice seeing the updates. I really need to do a locker next in mine.

@brakeforsnakes

10 ай бұрын

Thank you and definitely more updates soon! The locker makes such a difference offroad.

Nice setup everything you need to be comfortable. Also I believe when you do a big build out that extra weight really affects the capability of the vehicle off-road. With your setup if you need the van to haul work gear you can remove all your things within a few minutes which is nice. I’m doing something along the same lines to mine.

@brakeforsnakes

Жыл бұрын

Exactly!! We just yank the mattress out and our camp gear then we have a full cargo van to move stuff it’s awesome.

Hell yeah ! I know you said you plan on building it out a little more, but I absolutely love that it’s a budget build! I love because it’s functional and sends the message that you don’t have to spend a 100k. Great video!

@brakeforsnakes

11 ай бұрын

Appreciate that!

@mjdailamy4550

4 ай бұрын

So how much did it cost ? He never revealed it

@thebagg4553

2 ай бұрын

@@mjdailamy455012k it’s in the description

Enjoyed your video. I'll have to watch more of your videos! I appreciate the info on gear and upgrades. Thanks.

@brakeforsnakes

9 ай бұрын

Appreciate the feedback!

I really like your van build. I like the modifications you made. The rest is all personal preference. You can go minimalist or ultra deluxe, no matter you can use the van NOW & modify it along the way. I was saving money to build a van, I happen to find a tiny house in NW Arkansas. I bought the house with the money I had saved, now I have to start saving for a van build. I bought a International 4700 with a 16 foot box!

Dayuumm thats aoo sick for the amount of money you put into it! I want do fulltime van life so I want to live comfortablty. But I also want to go to wild places no huge and long sprintervan can come. You just showed me that that is possible within a budget that is achievable for me. Thank you soo much❤

@brakeforsnakes

9 ай бұрын

You can do it!

Cheap bug screen for rear - look for patio screen net - magnetic center closure and you can find it for around $5-$20 depending on where you buy it. Thanks for sharing your thought process behind your decisions, and costs.

Crazy Cheap is Relative, obviously. However, on your end of the spectrum, I love what you've put into it, it's awesome. Visually it really reminds me of my old van I had and loved very much. Mine was a dodge high-top conversion van. I first gutted the interior completely (walls, topper padding, floors and everything else), later building out to my liking - keeping it as minimalist as possible. For suspension lift, I went with really dirt cheap spring lift - yeah I know, absolutely not the best way to do a lift, but "crazy cheap" for the effect. Aesthetically, it really looked like your Ford does now (slightly lower).

I have been starting to see these off road style vans in north suburban Chicago and they are DOPE! I'm on the way.

Had two 4.6 f150s, 98 and 07. Towed with them, loaded them up, no problems. Certainly none of the spark plug or fuel pump issues known on the 5.4. Looking for an eco van to do much like you. Love your approach. Looking forward to more experience with that locker. Thanks for these videos!

@brakeforsnakes

Жыл бұрын

Thank you and I totally agree about the 4,6!

@joeblow1942

10 ай бұрын

Is that 4.6 a V8 or V6?

@willlockler9433

10 ай бұрын

@@joeblow1942 4.6 was v8. 4.2 was v6.

@Bubba24-ne4zp

6 ай бұрын

4.6 is good Ford V-8

I dig it! just bought same van complete with 4.6. Hope to make it just like yours one of these days

@brakeforsnakes

Ай бұрын

Hell yea!

I have a 1992 ford falcon camper van and i like what you did with your van it gives me something to think of

@brakeforsnakes

9 ай бұрын

Rad 🤘🏻

Have the same van E250 4.6L! Just had 265's installed and the WeldTech grocery getter gets installed next week. REally like what you've done. Not sure about which locker to install. Thx for the tip. Never heard about it but at $400 sounds great!

Love this van! Thank you for the info my friend!!

I bought a 60x80 magnetic screen door off Amazon for under $30 . Trimmed the length to fit . It has worked great on my Chevy express for years

@brakeforsnakes

Жыл бұрын

That is awesome! I'll have to look into that.

Love the build. Helping motivate me to pull the trigger on a "weekender" van build -because i'm not looking to live in one either

@brakeforsnakes

10 ай бұрын

You should! We may unfortunately be selling this one because of recent life changes!

@samschenk4508

8 ай бұрын

how much??@@brakeforsnakes

Awesome van dude! Love the locker and rear tire rack - good find!

@brakeforsnakes

Жыл бұрын

Thanks!!

greetings from NC..new scriber here,I dig it man,good job and thanks for sharing

@brakeforsnakes

9 ай бұрын

Thanks for the sub!

Can't wait to see your Swiss Army van fully built out to your needs!

Hands down one of the coldest van I’ve seen . I was trying to figure out how I was going to build a top and how goofy diy looked

I love your build man!! You went the smart way with the E-250 instead of the "popular" way with the Sprinter.

@brakeforsnakes

5 ай бұрын

🤘🏻

Thank you, got a few ideas for my Van from this video!!

@brakeforsnakes

10 ай бұрын

🤘🏻

I have a 1995 E150 and this is exactly what I was looking for, for the lift 🙂

@brakeforsnakes

10 ай бұрын

🤘🏻

we did this back in the mid 80's with a 1975 e 250 with a O R D 2 wheel drive lift running largest tires i could find , detroit locker with gears straight six with a thru the floor Borg/warner 4 speed its still may be running around tucson all custom built interiors raised deck with storage below this was Our go to camper / hunting rig so many people approched us to ask about it many thought it was 4 x 4

@brakeforsnakes

7 ай бұрын

Hell yea that's rad

Like the utilitarian aspect, very versatile.

The little 4.6's liiiike to Rev. Hence your good mileage with the 4.56's. Goood choice. And when you decide to panel the sides.. carpet padding makes a great sound deadener/Insulator. I've done several of my vans with it. As I'm a flooring guy. Cheap and simple. Hang it with Contact adhesive. NICE build Jim.. My name also.

@brakeforsnakes

10 ай бұрын

Yea it definitely likes to rev haha. I'll look into the carpet padding but I'm still debating doing anything cause I don't wanna add anymore weight.

Love the simplicity

great video ,lots of useful info thanks !!!

Good video. I agree that rattle snakes are a vital part of the eco system.

@brakeforsnakes

8 ай бұрын

Absolutely!

I drove a ford econoline for work doing deliveries, i loved that thing it was a beast. If i remember correctly it was 3/4 ton. Yea def was because i used to haul heavy pallets in it. Have always wanted one since. N yea it wasnt really a pleasant ride n it did wander lol, but man it ran like a champ and just felt so dependable like it could handle anything

@brakeforsnakes

6 ай бұрын

The weldtech suspension kit fixes all that wandering!

thanks for showing this

Stick to your plan when it comes to interior builds...take your time use it in different senarios get a feel for covering your bases based on purpose. I am currently redoing my transit from initial set up - hanging a big rug along the driver's side wall, picking up a couple furniture bits from the good will and tossing a recliner and small power bank in there...we hit the rd to Colorado from GA. Had a blast & learned alot... each trip teaches/shows you something new...thinking outside the proverbial box is the perfect M.O. for getting it right without spending toooo much money...plus these days with vans being easy targets for opportunists it seems better to 'look poor' and maybe stay under the radar. Good luck

Can't wait for the video on the locker!

@brakeforsnakes

11 ай бұрын

Soon!

You should weld some type of lock bar for the two back doors, in the event that someone attempts to break in through the back.

if people really want a budget van you gotta do like i did and lift and convert an awd astro van to 4x4, you''ll give up a lot of comfort but it's very cheap and even if you don't keep it it will at least help you find out what you want in a build. I'd love a full on econoline build like a sportsmobile but those are too expensive and they won't get into places that I regularly take my astro, im always plowing tree branches with it and it only has like 4 inches of lift and 31 inch tires.

WOW whatta guy w/great info. I sooo need to find a cheap Econoline in my area. So far not. TYVM

Man, it looks good! Ive just bought a '97 econo xtended. Its got a medium high top, def a work in progress for a while but excited about this build. Keep up the vids, great info!

@brakeforsnakes

Жыл бұрын

hell yea and thank you, more to come!

This whole van is excellent. Multi purpose is awesome. Can you demonstrate how you lift and lower the spare tire?

@brakeforsnakes

8 ай бұрын

There’s not really anything to demonstrate you just undo 3 lug nuts and lift it off/on the studs

That's a cool and utilitarian build. You got all the stuff you need and no more. I've started toying with the idea of a van build. I currently have a 4Runner that I tow a home made off-road trailer behind. I have a roof top tent on the trailer, but a van is unbeatable if the weather isn't cooperating. Jason from the Primal Outdoor channel also has a Ford van with the Wasatch Overland high top. I'm curious if anyone does some sort of high top/pop top combo? Would be great to have the high top and if the weather is great, the ability to pop it open and sleep up there.

@brakeforsnakes

8 ай бұрын

There’s quite a few companies that make pop tops for these vans. Pretty hard to beat a van as an all around overland vehicle

What?, it’s cheaper for sure. But we have 35’s and a locker in our full time Sprinter. 😂😂😂 love the video and build. It’s awesome to see the different builds out there. ❤ Sub’d

@brakeforsnakes

7 ай бұрын

Haha you get it! Just gotta get some more wheel travel in those sprinters

me just casually watching the video then i see the iron age sticker! this is a man of culture

@brakeforsnakes

4 ай бұрын

You get it 🤘🏻

Yeah a nice gust of wind will make you rock in those things. I stayed in my eco for about a year and not having a place to work on it made it hard to upgrade its livability.

@brakeforsnakes

8 ай бұрын

I never had that issue but I also had very stiff springs and leaf springs

I love the look of Sprinters and i know they are great but in reality for moderate to hard off roading they are limited, imagine a shelf road with an incline in a top heavy Sprinter, yikes!! 200k rolling down a hill no thanks. Whenever you are off roading, exploring uknown trail things can get really hard real fast and for what ive seen on the trails ive been into a sprinter wouldn't cut it. Like many of the comments i am reading i am also Interested in the lunchbox locker performance, i've been looking into one for my Sequoia.

@brakeforsnakes

Жыл бұрын

I totally agree on the sprinters offroad haha. The lunchbox locker is awesome, I don't notice it on the road at all unless I hammer it around a turn from a stop but I'm gonna do a full video on how it is on and offroad very soon!

cool van. Appreciate the very practical "budget" focus. As to snakes, I know what you mean, I'm a diver so I like sharks.

@brakeforsnakes

11 ай бұрын

Gotta love the unloved!

Awesome can build. Thanks for all the suggestions and links. Do you have any idea what it weights (Curb Weight) after the hi-top installed? Thanks 🙏

@brakeforsnakes

2 ай бұрын

The top weighs like 60lbs more than the steel roof

I Agree to alot of what he's Saying due to Practicality, Simplicity & Frugality. Sure anyone can buy the newest & latest things if Money wasn't an Object but for me Everything he's saying makes Great $en$e.......Thanks for Sharing💯💎🤙🏽

@brakeforsnakes

6 ай бұрын

🤘🏻

…. Budget Minded 👌🏽 Subscribed

My van looks exactly the same inside. Bare bones, basics only. Would love to see you frame out side shelves, fan etc.

@brakeforsnakes

Жыл бұрын

I’ll definitely be doing something with the inside soon!

The econoline with the high top looks like the perfect camper van baseline. I hope to find one with the high top already on.

@brakeforsnakes

8 ай бұрын

It’s pretty hard to beat

Great build! Is your axle a semi-float 60? I didn’t know there were lunch box lockers available for that axle. Only thought one could use an ARB air locker or an Ox Locker in the semi float.

@brakeforsnakes

Жыл бұрын

Yup it is a semi float. I put a link to the locker I bought in the description!

1998 Ford Econoline 4.6 here. Hitting near 200k on miles. Still running strong! I'm going to have a new fuel pump switched out before long - just preventative due to year & mileage. No lift, don't need that. No build, although it looks like one. I added a platform inside for better storage. Supported by 2×4 legs which I did all myself. Was actually able to turn one of the bench seats around by switching the bolts around on the floor, (passenger van), so I can use that for a sofa/bed. It sits directly behind the front seats. I recently added bug screens, which I'm quite happy with, I have a video of that on my channel. Yours would be easy with the use of magnets. My interior is all cloth & plastic liners around walls & windows. Recently added a swing away cargo carrier also, but am going to modify it some too. My brother helped by putting a hitch receiver on my step bumper. I also have a 1996 Ford E350 ClassC motorhome, but it's sitting in Texas while I'm in PA helping my aging mother. Brought the van to PA instead. Same issues with my ac's in both vehicles. I'm interested in what you did to correct your problem with yours. Dual air in the van. Which is awesome! But it's not a high top. I Can't have it all! 🤷‍♀️

@TexCynRVLife

10 ай бұрын

I forgot to mention. I ordered my bug screens from Amazon. They have numerous sizes on widths & lengths. I ended up ordering for width, then cut off & hemmed the length myself. Now I have extra to make screens for my drivers & passenger windows too. Seller is Totozakul. The magnets close back together really well! They come with velcro strips & all necessary items. I'm happy with them.

@brakeforsnakes

10 ай бұрын

Awesome! The AC fix is from Vantage Optics: www.vantageoptics.com/shop

@TexCynRVLife

10 ай бұрын

@@brakeforsnakes Thanks!!

Super awesome thanks for share your knowledge fri🎉end

@brakeforsnakes

10 ай бұрын

🤘🏻

I thought 5.4 were notorious for their spark plugs... So 4.6 looks much more appealing and perspective. Very sturdy engine.

We have had 4.6, 5.4, v10, and 7.3. That 4.6 is TOTALLY acceptable.

@brakeforsnakes

Жыл бұрын

That’s what I’ve been saying!

I love the off road look. Did you change any underbody part, like spring or shocks?

@brakeforsnakes

3 ай бұрын

I talk all about that in the video

You got a link for those window covers bud? Thanks sweet van! I need a locker too.

@brakeforsnakes

8 ай бұрын

vanncamp.com/accessories-for-ford-econoline/window-shade/

Have you considered installing a roof rack ontop of your aftermarket fiberglass roof? I think it would add lots of utility but may need to be anchored to the frame somehow.

@brakeforsnakes

9 ай бұрын

I don't have any reason to mount stuff up that high. If anything I want to keep the center of gravity lower not add more weight up top.

This is so cool! I’m looking for something I can take out on the beach for the striped bass runs in NJ. I’m assuming this isn’t AWD or 4x4 ,,, I’d need a budget option with at least AWD.

@brakeforsnakes

8 ай бұрын

Yea a 4x4 conversion costs about 20k on these vans nothing budget about that

Interested to hear how the lunchbox locker does versus a selectable in the snow

@brakeforsnakes

Жыл бұрын

I don’t drive in the snow much being in southern CA but a selectable locker would be the better choice for sure

Very nice love it gave some great ideas; please tell the name of high top; also where you purchased the van, great build!!!! Charlie

@brakeforsnakes

9 ай бұрын

Check description it’s Wasatch overland

awesome van build. where did you get the back black out window coverings?

@brakeforsnakes

5 ай бұрын

They’re made by vanncamp

I want that tire/bike/grill rack🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

@brakeforsnakes

16 күн бұрын

🤘🏻

Econoline, for me...best van you can get because of the flexibility, parts availability and stout platform.

You can spray a non-foam insulation then cover it with a thin adhesive based second layer of insulation if you needed to, or just cover the non-foam spray insulation with those thin adhesive wood panels, you can cut them to fit anything and they'll stick extremely well, if you want them more permanent you could add some type of glue. I plan on buying one of these vans soon too, hope we see some updates soon, good luck on your build.

Grabbed several E Series....my fav is a 2013 E350 wheel chair w/ med high topper. Paid $800. Frame still has original paint. High hour 250k miles. Valve train got weak. Having motor replaced now. I am ALL in for low buck. "Wonder on tje road" ...lol. My daily driver is a 1990 E350 ...that bitch SERIOUSLY wanders. The 2013 is an arrow.

@brakeforsnakes

Жыл бұрын

Haha yea the older vans are squirrely

Looks good

Nice, my style of camping. I think I would need the barn doors instead of the slider. Keep on building!

@brakeforsnakes

11 ай бұрын

We definitely wish we had the barn doors on this van

A brilliant idea considering how expensive the vans cost not because of the build craze.

I like how you cosplay Jeremy Sisto

@brakeforsnakes

11 ай бұрын

I don't even know what that means

Nice van👍

Awsome stuff

@brakeforsnakes

9 ай бұрын

🤘🏻

Hi Jim, great build! Did you calibrate your speedometer after upsizing the wheels? I am trying to do the same thing but haven’t figured out how to calibrate it.

@brakeforsnakes

8 ай бұрын

5-star tuning makes a tuner that you can program the trans with but if you live in CA they won't sell it to you

Do you have any thoughts regarding the extended version of these vans built out in the same way you have done/are planning? Is their body base a hindrance on the trails or would they be capable? Thanks for sharing your insight and your personal experience/products use/install info.

@brakeforsnakes

Жыл бұрын

My last van was the extended body and it’s much nicer in terms of interior space but I hated how long it was off-roading so kinda depends on what you plan on doing with it

@SheahanClan

Жыл бұрын

@@brakeforsnakes Did you have the same lift on the extended that you have on this van?

@brakeforsnakes

Жыл бұрын

@@SheahanClan no it was a quigley 4x4 van

this is exactly what im doing ...livimg in my van while i fix my container home

@brakeforsnakes

10 ай бұрын

Rad!

Great vid!

@brakeforsnakes

Жыл бұрын

Thank you!

@kirillevdokimov7647

Жыл бұрын

After having a 1990 4x4 Econoline and 2 sprinters. Picking up a 2014 E350 next week and rocking the 2wd. You really don’t need 4x4 in 90% of “vanlife”

@brakeforsnakes

Жыл бұрын

@@kirillevdokimov7647 I couldn't agree more! I sold my old quigley 4x4 for this van and it drives so much better on and offroad than that old van. Yea it doesn't have 4x4 but I rarely used it as is.

This is the perfect recipe for a van build, thanks for this rad walkaround! Goodbye sleep hello craigslist

@brakeforsnakes

Жыл бұрын

Haha yesss!

Living in a Bubble on Etsy makes inexpensive magnetic bug nets with magnetic opening down the center. I just bought one for my econoline. The small that I bought was a little narrow at the top for my barn doors, but I think it was sized for the doors you have. Regardless, I was able to make it work anyway.

@brakeforsnakes

Жыл бұрын

Awesome I’ll look for it!

That's a badass van! I have an 04 all-wheel drive lifted Chevy Express with a nice suspension lift and Bilstein shocks, I upgraded to a 14-bolt semi float rear differential and it has a G80 rear Locker, very nice on the road and off

@brakeforsnakes

9 ай бұрын

Hell yea!

My dad used to milk rattlesnakes for the hospitals near us so they could make anti-venom.... talk about brass... lol

I think the steelies are cool lookin

Dang I want my e250 to look like that

What kind of van is this??? What did it cost? What was the Mileage? I ❤ THE LIFT!!!! I'm looking for a van now. 😊

@brakeforsnakes

Ай бұрын

Literally all those questions are answered in the video did you watch it?

are there decent spray foam insulation options for vehicles that could possibly save you space?

@brakeforsnakes

7 ай бұрын

Yup there are

I Just Subed To Your Channel!!! Building My Own Van!!! F-250 Any Input On A Good Lift Kit???

@brakeforsnakes

2 ай бұрын

The one I listed in the video

Can you get the same hitch swing out rack, that would be capable of holding a lightweight motorcycle like 350lbs???

@brakeforsnakes

11 ай бұрын

Check RIGDs website I think they have a new product that will work

Do you have a link to the window shades? Thanks

@brakeforsnakes

7 ай бұрын

I don’t they’re made by Vann Camp

Looking for the link for the door extender. I’m not seeing it here. Can you please post that. I need one. Thank you. Great van.

@brakeforsnakes

Жыл бұрын

Whoops forgot that one here it is! weldtecdesigns.com/product/wtd-ford-e-series-door-slide-extension/ref/_jim_bob/

@thomaswachter3806

Жыл бұрын

@@brakeforsnakes ahhh thought you’re buddy was making them.

@brakeforsnakes

Жыл бұрын

@@thomaswachter3806 He does but he doesn't have a website you can look him up on IG and send him a message: vandyone999

Jim, what year is your Econoline? I own a 2001 Ford E-150 Conversion van with a Triton 5.4L 2Gen engine with 190,000 miles and she going strong. I'm looking for something like yours with the ability to camp up in the North Georgia Mountains. Guy, have you seen what a Sportsmobile costs? Easy to hit 200K so yeah it's a budget build.

@brakeforsnakes

7 ай бұрын

It's a 2013 so it's the same as yours just with an updated front grill/headlights.

How does the weldtec ride and drive compared to your quigley?

@brakeforsnakes

Жыл бұрын

This van drives a million times better than my old quigley. It’s a night and day difference to be honest