I’m speaking about these issues from experience. Since this blog is focused on budget van life, we focus on less expensive vans, such as the econoline. You can buy an econoline off Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist for as low as $3,000 today, do a very simple build, and be on the road by tomorrow. If that’s what you want, go for it! But be prepared to pay far more for your vehicle. The idea being, Transits offered a little more cargo capacity, space, gas efficiency and van configuration options. In 2014, Ford discontinued the production of econolines to replace them with the Ford Transits. Click to Shop Used Ford Econolines on RVT.com: Why Did Ford Stop Making the Econoline? Personally, I have an E250 and I think it rides smooth as butta’. That being said, if you end up with an E250 or E350 and have a very light payload, it might make for a rougher ride because these vans have stiffer suspension designed for heavier payloads. Note: This post may contain affiliate linksįrom what I’ve seen, most van life individuals will opt for an E250 or E350 for the extra weight capacity and suspension. The bed is probably the heaviest piece of build in my van.įrom what I’ve seen, most van life individuals will opt for an E250 or E350 for the extra weight capacity and suspension. For example, my bench-to-bed conversion setup is made out of oak wood–one of the most dense and heavy woods out there. This is important to consider because converting your van–depending on how many appliances you want to include–will add significant weight to it. The numbers correlate to how much weight the vans can carry (and not the size of the vans–which I had originally thought!) The lower the number, the lower the cargo carrying capacity. The E-series includes the E150, E250, and E350. How Long Do Ford E-Series Last?Į-series vans typically reach up to 300,000 miles before reaching points of critical breakdown–they are tanks! My van came with 170,000 miles on it and I’m now at 186,000 miles–still haven’t run into any issues. There are many with raised roofs so you get the height “luxury” of a newer model without the high price tag. I paid just $6,000 for mine and haven’t run into any big issues for a year now. Now question, Is there only one factory plug? (The gray plug with 5 wires) or are there multiple plugs I need to be worried about? Also am I safe to just splice that gray plug? There looks to be to some type of wire loop at the end.The Ford Econoline van is a popular choice for a simple van conversion, despite its relative age compared to models like the Ford Transit or Mercedes Sprinter. I am now getting what you're saying, I'll just wire an aftermarket RKE. Such a schematic might be found online under '5 wire reversal, rest at ground'-its rather common in the car alarm business.ok, I got a bit confused. Integrating all that into the factory PDL system is relatively easy which isn't difficult assuming you have some degree of familiarity with Ford's circuits for that option. They should have their own circuit for triggering factory PDL's which you construct yourself. I've done this since 2008, when adding this feature I did construct the additional stand alone relay circuit that's integrated into the alarm 'brain'. Look into an aftermarket car alarm-most of those today include some sort of RKE option. You're already been advised fitting factory RKE to a vehicle not originally equipped with that system is neigh on impossible. Thank you! Any help or advice will be strongly appreciated. I'm just trying my van to have keyless entry. If the module is missing but the connectors are present, can a plug and play kit be bought? Needles to say, while I was doing all that I was searching for the module.Ĭurrently I have the side wall by the driver B pillar semi gutted and also passenger A pillar. I've had the ENTIRE ignition taken apart because the van was attempted to be stolen from the previous owner so I had to replace all of it, also had most of the dash gutted before for some custom wiring I had to do for a rear backup cam, wiring some diodes, 7 pin tow wiring, custom stereo install and some other stuff. I've been banging my head trying to search for where it might be. I called ford dealers and they say they cannot check by VIN due to it being older. I'm trying to figure out if my van has a VSM. The van has power windows, power door locks, power mirrors and etc. I own a 2003 ford E-350 Super duty XLT passenger van Hello guys, new here, but I've been following and have read many threads here and ready to contribute.

Ford passenger van 2003