Camper Van Conversion Build for under 4k: Living in a Ford Econoline
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This Is the conversion I dod In my E150 for less than $4000 that does not include the price of the vehicle, only the build itself.
GEAR LIST⬇️
-Vent Fan: amzn.to/3fLLjip
-LED Lights: amzn.to/3yX1bG0
-Light Dimmer: amzn.to/3wUYkff
-Refrigerator/Cooler: amzn.to/3hMP604
-Battery: amzn.to/3vh8wht
-Solar Panels: amzn.to/3wuDsLk
-Battery + Panel Combo: amzn.to/3c720CH
-Storage Box: amzn.to/39H5JnG
-Reflectix Window Covering: amzn.to/339KutM
-Mattress: amzn.to/3bPf1k2
-My sleeping bag: bit.ly/3wStT99
-Favorite Jacket: bit.ly/3uNrY4E
-Kettle: amzn.to/2SpnbsE
-Sink: amzn.to/3hPjtmr
-Faucet: amzn.to/3uh7Fw1
-Water Tank: amzn.to/3g60Us1
-Small Grey Water Tank: amzn.to/3vLPW1s
-Stove: amzn.to/2CRuTV1
-Stove Fuel: bit.ly/33v8TsF
-Big Stove: bit.ly/34aRx4C
-Pot: amzn.to/3jV4aYj
-Pan: bit.ly/3l8bL6S
-Coffee Grinder: amzn.to/2RtmNFx
-Coffee Press: amzn.to/2ExFwwC
-Seasonings: amzn.to/3hNd2gE
-Coffee Cup: amzn.to/3iAg5cF
-Bowls (similar): bit.ly/3ttNmuL
-Utensils: bit.ly/38vP3At
-Table: amzn.to/3hdAgiL
-Chairs: amzn.to/3i17xyr
-Garmin Satellite Phone: amzn.to/340vgH7
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-Mic: amzn.to/3uEt1Es
-Tripod: amzn.to/2VYqtBw
-Gimbal: amzn.to/3n3zK7g
-GoPro: amzn.to/34mKU0a
-Drone: amzn.to/3pCZeKx
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This is the way to do it. Essentialism. All those videos of people buying high top overpriced Sprinters and tricking them out when all you really need is just a place to lie flat to sleep. Van building has become a cliche and a screaming demonstration of look at me, this is my $100,000 van are ruining it for people who just want to get out into nature or don't want to sleep in a Motel 6
I agree!! This is all you need!! Simple is best!!!
People with $100K vans aren’t ruining anything for anyone. Just buy and build the van you can afford and go out and enjoy it. Comparison is the thief of joy.
@@Freightlinerbobthis needs way more likes
Motel 6 in California ran me $120+ a night or $3,000 a month. Van life saved me $$$
@mxney727 yes!
came for the van views, stayed for the cute pup
Same.
I am inspired by your philosophy of learning from the Ford, rather than (the seemingly endless) waiting for the funds for the perfect Sprinter.
Glad to hear it, Natalie! I’ve learned a lot and been able to save money through the process which makes it a win win for me.
I learned the hard way to avoid paying to keep a Mercedes on the road. Less reliable than a Ford...FAR more expensive to maintain and repair.
This is my kind of van build. Simple, clean, sturdy, and inexpensive. It looks very good! You've done an excellent job! 👍🏽
Thank you!
I like your straightforward presentation... no cheesy KZhead gimmickry 😁 you seem like a cool guy who has things figured out, and I wish you much success and many happy travels!
He does not have things figured out. Typical millennial. No common sense. You better off with a tent than that thing. Terrible setup complete waste of money. You can't cook inside, you can't wash dishes in that sink and if you need water it's easier to just pour it out of the container than to pump that lever 20 times to fill a glass. put in those dividers under the bed in the back just eliminates useable space. You oaready got everything in containers why do you need to divide the containers with petitions. If your six feet tall the vans not wide enough to sleep crossways in. (I had a van I camped in for 14 years) He should have just put a luggage rack on the roof and builts a box to tie down in it to store stuff like lawn chairs. No room for a table to cook on outside, No chairs to sit out side. Can't stand up in it. Should have just been setup for sleeping in.
@@stevewainwright3344 Wow...what a downer you are...not one nice thing to say...
@@stevewainwright3344 damn, who shat in your cereal this morning? That’s pretty elitist for a van lifer
Thank you! I appreciate the comment and support. Take care🙏🏼
@stevewainwright Hey Steve, somewhere in that 14 years of becoming a van elitist you must have forgot how to interact with humans. Take your shit talk elsewhere, it’s not welcome here.
That's a clever trick with the drawers by installing them too far back so they stay under tension when closing. Nice man!
I thought so! Thanks👍
“Flirting with the edge…” oh that puppy captivated my heart! 🐶💕 Oh yeah, nice van setup. Congrats on your wedding, many happy and loving years to you and your bride.
He is very nice with the dog, you can see he has patience..
I have been working toward the goal of van life for a year and researching. Last night I was watching a very good but complicated/expensive solar/battery installation. Then I realized I did not need all of this. I could handle the majority of my needs without all of these bells and whistles. Your video fits me needs better than any other that I have seen. You have given me several practical ideas that I will use in my build. Still we are all individuals and desire different amenities. Climate control will be my first priority and I will go heavy to insulate my living area. I will lose a few cubic feet doing that but feel it will be worth it as I currently live without air conditioning in my apartment and still live comfortably. Your approach is perfect and hope it inspires people to do they build that suits them. Liked/subscribed!
This is awesome. I feel like getting a more inexpensive and lower cost build as a Version 1 is a better idea than investing in the higher end dream build right off the bat. You'll get to work out the kinks and figure out your routines before it's too expensive to change components. Thanks for sharing and congrats! Best wishes on your wedding and moreso, your marriage!
That's exactly why I got my e150 for my first live-in van! My tester van 😁
Agreed. I have a 2000 E450 7.3 Turbo Diesel 24’ shuttle bus that I was going to convert but it’s too big of a project right now. I want to get out there, YESTERDAY, so I’m trading it for an E150 Cargo Van. One day down the road I’ll buy a pre-converted build as an upgrade.
Your build is FANTASTIC!! Love all the wood in there and I can imagine how much work it was to contour it to the side of the van. Great job!
I've watched a lot of van builds through the pandemic and agree that the simpler the design the better. Some of the elaborate builds are very nice, but the maintenance on them from rumbling down the road is exhaustive. Your build definitely enhances your active, outdoor lifestyle. We are a little older couple and have a 17' Casita travel trailer which I am grateful for its simplicity, but most people think it is too small. It is perfect for us. Congratulations on your upcoming nuptials!
Im sleeping out of my car at the moment and hopefully one day i can afford something like this. I watch these kind of videos all the time! Im convinced one day ill be able to convert a van into my home. Thanks for the ideas
I felt this at my core. "the floor is the only straight thing in this van.......as far as the van build is concerned" Love the build. Clean and simple. Just like my Express Van.
Haha these small curvy vans make us work for it! Thanks for watching
Came here to make sure this comment existed. Thank you for your service.
"the floor is the only straight thing in this van.......as far as the van build is concerned" yeah i caught that lol
One of the best builds I’ve seen. I think it’s a nice balance between simplicity and comfort.
I just bought me a 1992 Ford Van E 350 and getting ready to do the same!
Currently building out an 03 e350 xlt. Of all the builds I’ve seen on KZhead this is top 3 for econolines. I’m also using the jackery 1000 and have the 40L iceco being delivered to my house. Would love to see a more in depth video on your fuse box with the jackery. Great content. Thanks for sharing.
I’ve been working on renovating this exact make and model, (passenger version with the ac/heater) this is really inspiring and impressive to see. Nice job!
We have been living in our 1999 ford econoline conversion for the past 5 months we love it
Congratulations! That's super impressive that you got it together so quickly
Great tour thank you. I bought a 2200 watt power station and iceco separate freezer fridge combo and I love it. You did a great job on yours. I bought a 2003 econoline 12 passenger van and took the rear seats out. I'm hoping to get mine a little more livable like yours soon. Keep up the good work
Awesome, love the van style too. Little different from typical builds. Congrats on van and wedding!
Literally something I want to do. Buy a van, build it, enjoy it for a few months and then sell it and try to move into something bigger and better build.
This is probably one the most realistic van builds I've seen. Cheers!
I get a real bed is necessary for couples, but I'm surprised no one I've seen has thought to build hanger for a hammock that you can just store away when you're done, & you get the rest of the space on your meantime. Like you'd have so much more room doing that & a hammock doesn't need much space even when in use. You could maybe even fit a larger fridge & a generator.
I love how simple and neat his camper is!!! This is prolly the route I will go!
Great build. Good design, and affordable. I have a Chevy Express, so I like to see the low roof vans, not all Sprinter all the time. Nice tip about the soft close drawers, too. The puppy was such an adorable little scene-stealer🥰 I was waiting for it to dive right off the back in the beginning of the tour!
It's beautiful and perfect. Just what I need to start my travels and Freedom. Can't afford the Promaster and all the other big cargo vans but this build seems duable. Congrats and stay safe. Blessings and much love 💖
Don't touch the parts that go back into your drinking water tanks! Any germs from our hands will cause problems. Cool build! Be sure to ventilate your mattress so there is no mildew. Lovely van build. Glad you are using 12 volt!
I love your puppy and how you were with him. I subscribed simply because of how you carefully shut the back door with your puppy in mind. They are pure love and deserve our respect and love back. I do love your van though too..lol great build!
Hi 👋
You can always tell a lot about a person about how the act with their animals
I’m wanting to travel the world in a van and this van build is exact what I was imagining so I appreciate the video!
I’ve got an 08 E350 window van and looking for a buildout like yours. Looks really good. I’ve installed carpet on the floor but my build has the12 volt cooler, porta potti, and queen bed. Basics covered, but you definitely have more. Clean build for sure. Need a cabinet similar to yours. Looking forward to your travels!
Lovely, neat, practical build. Very well done. Safe travels. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for the video and links. I plan to do this soon. Starting with a van, low budget, minimalist attitude, taking notes for upgrades and future builds. I want to travel but don't want to give up my home. I want a place to come back to.
Congrats on your forthcoming wedding.May you have many years of health and happiness.God bless you both.
Really nice job with the van build. I have a Ford E250 that I use on short trips. I kept it really simple where I could remove everything and use it for other things if needed. My next project is installing recessed LED lighting in the headliner. I plan on doing van life full time when I retire.
That's how I use mine to. I just bought push on light pucks and screwed them into the existing headliner screws. They take AAA batteries, but you can just pull the batteries out after camping without using much out of them.
Hi Chase. This video popped up in my recommended this morning. Subscribed. This is the way! Sometimes less is more. My kind of build right here. I spent two decades in the army in combat units. Several years of day-to-day life in the desert roughing it. Hot in the daytime & cold at night. I don't need fancy electrical & plumbing. Total solar is the way I roll. Only difference between your build & mine is no sink faucet nor fancy copper sink. I have a large stainless steel bowl for a sink that I also use for food prep after cleaning it. The sun heats my water for showers & dish cleaning via five gallon tactical military water container. Cheers 🍻
Just a real chill dude talking about van life. 👍🏻👍🏻
Looks good. I just bought a Chevy Express 1500 cargo van and am excited about building it out. Gonna be heading out to Arizona this winter for a few months.
Love the Van build! That is a dream. If I ever get the time or money I hope to do the same. I totally dig your inginuity. And back to the motor size. The 4.6 is an incredible motor. What it lacks in power it makes up in longevity. If you ever have questions about them give me a shout. Wishing you and Sadie the best. Hopefully we will meet someday!
My 4.6 has 273,000, no problems with cam phasers or stripped plugs cause it ain't got none! Ok, it's got plugs but they're shorter and they've got lots of threads.
Clean and simple, nice build and it looks like it will work out great for you
When I clicked on this I thought you were interviewing someone about their van! Glad you still have the Subaru! I like the van build. Minimal and effective. Hope the wedding goes smooth! It’s awesome you guys are starting the van life together!
Very creative! I can't wait to watch the next vdo about the real living in Econoline. Cheers!
Impressive build for a 3 week while working full time, outstanding 🥰✊🏾
Hey Chase, love the build! By far the closest to what I want to do with mine out of any video I've seen. I'm curious how you wired your battery into the car to charge it and how you wired the vent fan into the battery since it's 12 volt?
Wow, you've got a lot of smart solutions in here. Thanks for sharing!
I usually dont subscribe to van channels. This is the smartest van conversion and close to a doable thing to me. Thanks for sharing.
Dude, this is exactly what I want to build in the van that I'm picking up tomorrow. I've been looking online for some inspiration
"Came with some sweet body work!... needs." That was friggin hilarious 😆 Currently doing the last of the gutting half of the build on a 85 chevy g20 with my wife and doggie, can't wait to get into the rebuild which you've given me plenty of great ideas and insight! Hope we run into each other on the road some day! Yall seem very similar to my lady and I, keep it simple stupid, no need for crazy luxury. You nailed it
Congratulations to you both on your wedding. I'll bet that you chose wisely, now simply treat kindly :). A beautiful van build as well.
Perfect little van build! It's got all you need to enjoy yourself. Good job! I think you will be building a version 2.0 soon!!
Congratulations on your wedding!! Nice van! Glad you've still got your Outback. You're going to do great when the zombie apocalypse happens.
Thanks for watching! Could you live in this van settup?
I think I could. I am defiantly jealous though, but I'm very excited for you and for the future videos!
Awesome build!
Your build skills are outstanding, looks great from the inside! You can sell this thing for at least 2x/3x it's price (at least here in Europe there's a huge demand for Camper vans) So you are not going to quit your job and rent out your house and travelling fulltime?
If it’s built out properly I definitely could live in it.
Just needs 🚽 & 🚿 😁
My sincere congrats on the wedding! I hope to see many more videos. The Outback and the Econo have been great platforms and I'm highly interested in your future endeavours. Thanks for the entertainment, education, and for giving hope to those of us who need the escape, but just aren't all that handy. I'm going to need plenty more content or a carpenter buddy to get going. Cheers!
Beautiful work, Chase!! Also, The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) states your fridge should be at or below 40° F (4.4° C). However, your camper van fridge temperature should be between 35 to 38 degrees Fahrenheit (1.7 to 3.3° C).
Love the van!
Chase, I stumbled upon this video and man, you have done a fantastic job. I've been looking into getting a camper and am overwhelmed by the costs associated, but this is the first time I've seen a build and wanted it... So cool... Keep up the good work.
Love the different van conversion. Giving me more options
Definitely interested in seeing more of your electrical setup! I'm planning on doing the same with my van and I am curious about the "splitter" portion for your 12v
"It's for a toilet...I bought it new." 😂😂😂
Going to Loch Lomond Scotland Tomorrow in our converted Camper. Been to Scotland wales and Cornwall few times this year. But I do envy you Americans. Your backyard is huge.
Love the build and walk through. 3 weeks? You are definitely skilled! All the best.
The view out your kitchen window 🤩
This is the van i want... Gives me some good ideas!!
You did a beautiful build, lots of storage, it gave me a lot of ideas. I was thinking about the 500 Jackery for me, but the 1000 sounds like a beast. Its encouraging that you did the build on budget and in 3 weeks. Can you share how much you/a range you paid for the van and repairs? The vehicle is the main thing holding me back
I think you did a great job customizing there van. I like your taste in gear. Thanks for sharing and thanks for being so kind to that adorable puppy.
Thanks for the video Chase. I would love to see how you plug your Jackery in to charge. Where you place it and the solar panels while at work. You mentioned a video on your fridge draw and solar as well , (and perhaps your hot kettle) That would also be interesting to view. Happy travels.
Two things you said that has made me decide to get a passenger van rather than a cargo, even though I will have to have the seats pulled. You highlighted the vents in the back and the side windows that pop open. I think it's more challenging to mount cabinets/shelves up over part of the windows but I love all of the windows in a passenger van. Many cargo vans don't have enough windows for me to feel comfortable. I laughed when you talked about using the ice chest. 😄 From my experiences with the very temporary barbecues and picnics, I know I don't want to even start using one on the road. Your build is simple and almost minimal but it is so clean and beautiful. You must be a skilled cabinet builder. Nice presentation. Cutie little furry friend. Thanks for sharing and best wishes!
Awesome video, solid content! Great work on churning out the van build on the short timeline.
Thanks, Alex! It was a bit stressful not having a ton of time to plan/build but I’m happy with the experience and result. Thanks for watching!
13:43 Soft locking is a genius way to keep drawers shut. I loved that.
Love videos like these. Safe travels. God bless.
That scenery is amazing! Nice build Sir. Safe travels
Nice Econoline setup. I do a lot of the mechanical work on the Econolines in my videos. Hopefully, I'll be getting to the interior soon, after correcting the transmission shop errors. I'll be moving on to headliners, body, and paint. Although I'm not a fan of the square nose, I must say black looks really nice on an Econoline. Goes well with the ash floating floor. Good job.
Dope....simple, not complicated, practical and do-able. Thanks for sharing Chase! Good stuff!!!!
Impressive build for a very short time frame, enjoy thanks for sharing!
I liked the Subaru, but you've taken your channel to a whole new level. Look forward to future "van life" vids. And congrats on the wedding and pup!
ahhh this is cool! i've been in a van life binge on youtube recently lol.
Thanks! I get it, I’ve watched a few too many myself.
I have a 94 Chevy G20 same basic design (except engine area) I like your build a lot. Everything in mine is still original. Couch makes into a bed with a bench behind so probably almost queen size. I don’t need even half that much room. Planning to live as is for a while while I consider what’s good and what needs to change. Great ideas. Gutting mine will be really difficult though. Maybe in the early Fall! Thx for sharing.
Thanks for sharing ! Beautiful set-up !
Awesome build! Definitely one of the best looking and most practical that Ive seen! Since you have the passenger style van, did you have to make any modifications to the rear airbags when you were going through the demolition phase?
Chase I personally love your presentation getting right to the build. Your build is One of the best I have ever seen. You unitized every space without it looking cluttered. By the way that is my favorite pooches. The Irish border Collie. Very well done.
Thnaks, I appreciate the feedback! Shes a little sweetheart of a pup. Take care!
looks sweet! I agree. Hilarious to see one admire his own work like that. I do it frequently when things come out right .Doesn't always happen
Interior looks great
Good job! Love the simplicity
This is great stuff! I'm building out an E350 cargo van, gotta get it dirt road ready and built out in about 3 1/2 weeks, this is really helpful!
Right on, glad it was helpful! Have fun!
Simplicity is always best, enjoyed watching and thanks for sharing!!! Happy Blessed Travelings🙏🙏🙏
Thanks for some great ideas. I've been van camping since the early 70s. Started with a VW bus then a C class and finally a Winnebago TOUR which was sold 4 years ago...too big..too expensive. Just bought a 2013 E250 as a project. I'm getting the itch to hit the road again. :)
I'm loving how you built the bed. I hope there's a van build video.
Damn Chase, this is awesome. Your content is so underrated. I hope more people find your channel. Congratulations on getting married! I hope the best is yet to come! Davis - Alabama
Just subscribed. Chase is super legit!
Nice build. I'd definitely like to see more van stuff.
So so cool!!!! Totally love it!!!! Congrats!!!
Great job! Love the simplicity.
Hello
Thanks Chase. Looks nicely kitted out and must give you a lot more room than the Subbie! Congrats on your wedding and hope to see more of your trips and footage.
Alright I have to download and rewatch this. Freakin awesome
Amazing build! The woodwork especially 👌🏼
What a wonderful time to come across this video, about to do the exact same thing with almost the exact van (2002 E150)
Thank you for sharing your build. You did an awesome job.. This is exactly what I want, simple and functional. I do Geophysical surveys, and end up traveling a lot carrying an array of instruments. So sleeping in my rig gives me a greater piece of mind. Also some places I have to camp at because of logistics. But I'd have to have a 4wd because 15% of my jobs are in some rough places.
Thanks for sharing. Looks good.. Just put my deposit down on a cargo van that will be here in April. Excited to hit the road.
Finally a proper van E150 for the win
Congrats on the van! Very stealth. I've always loved these types of vans.
Hello