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:
2nd Seat Install: • Install 2nd Row Seat |...
Simple Van Electrical: • Simple DIY Van Electri...
MaxxAir Fan Install: • Maxxair Fan 4000 | 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:
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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!
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Cabinet Door RV Latches: 12 pack
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Cabinet Lift Supports: Gazeer 6 Pcs 100N/22.5lb Gas Strut Pneumatic Support
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Sink: 13" RV Bowl sink $34
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Foot Pump: Marine Foot pump for sink
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Ladder: Surco 103H Hook Over Ladder
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Battery: VMAXTANKS 125 Amp hour AGM Battery
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Small Dehumidifier (perfect van size):
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Amazon Associates paid links

[@ellengriffin1547]

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.

[@norml.hugh-mann]

Lots of condensation

[@lwright3907]

I was thinking also about the foam under the flooring becoming damp with condensation. Great video tho, I wouldn't evenknow where to start.

[@Stink_rman]

Does this still apply to fake wood flooring?

[@joejoe4486]

@@Stink_rman Mold will grow on the plywood underneath the vinyl.

[@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 KZbin. 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! 💐💐💐

[@hannathompson7998]

Same!

[@Yosemite2003]

I agree. I saw more of their feet than any other part of them! The focus on the van and tasks at hand made the video unique. I am painfully shy on camera, so this approach to filming is awesome to me! Plus they seem very talented and competent in problem solving and pointing out challenges and mistakes.

[@kylemolletfishing9123]

I think that it's because it shows that even someone with the most basic understanding of the construction/building process, and who isn't afraid of a little hard work can still get decent results without having to break the bank. I'm sure it will serve them well, and if they want to change things/upgrade down the road, they will have gained some experience from this, and that will put them one step ahead the next time.

[@emmabaker7434]

Agreed

[@deborahiaquinta2870]

I was thinking the same thing and I have no skills in this area at all but I absorbed a lot of what you were doing and had a few 🤔🤔🤔 moments ...like I think I could do that. 😄 You really did a great job of taking us step by step in detail on each thing you did. A lot of videos show moments of each thing but you really don't see the whole process and exactly what they did and how they did it. You definitely have a knack for doing a teaching video on this topic. If you created a teaching video program showing each topic especially electrical work on a separate video in detail a lot of people would buy it and have a step by step guide as to how to make an awesome camper van it would support your channel and maybe you'd do this as a business. It's cool that you used such an old van in not the best shape and turned it into a very clean and beautiful camper van. Great job!!

[@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.

[@laslas6679]

What kind of moisture barrier is needed and how is it applied

[@alexandrelandry1992]

@@laslas6679 "CGSB Approved 6 mil Vapour Barrier" is one example of product, it would be tacked to a frame to separate the insulation. In a house you would staple it to the wood frame and it would hold the pink insulation or rockwool, in a van you could use strapping as your frame. once its tacked on you can sheet your walls with whatever material you plan on using (plywood, particle board, ect.) hope this answers your question!

[@devinnn39]

It’s sheep wool. Which cannot absorb moisture and therefore cannot mold. Very different than rockwool

[@misse8787]

Nah, just cook outside, and you're fine.

[@iammaximus614]

@@alexandrelandry1992would the cgsb vapor barrier & rock wool or sheep wool be the best combination for van insulation?

[@daviedood2503]

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.

[@MaLiArtworks186]

Thanks. Thumbs have gone numb on a few projects!

[@terrybaldridge8730]

Yup.

[@TheREALOC1972]

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.

[@jeffharper410]

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.

[@findoutDIY]

great idea

[@armandoramos1949]

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

[@samueltractorton2088]

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.

[@slipperysteev]

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

[@svenn1946]

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

[@macymiller6079]

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

[@TheMisterMonkeyman]

You did a really good job showing the processes as you went along. It's great how you were more concerned with function over appearance, while also keeping the budget down. I'm looking forward to watching the "finished" video to see the final product. The one thing I probably would have done differently would have been to use button-head self-tapping screws to mount the paneling because they would have sat much flatter. But that's a small thing, on the whole it looks to be a good, solid job. Thanks for sharing. Peace.

[@jrdepew]

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

[@JesVenUS13Marz999]

My family like to tell me I can't do it but this jus proves I can ♡

[@dictator7586]

@@JesVenUS13Marz999 what is hard in making van conversion

[@enitska]

@@JesVenUS13Marz999 if you know that you can do it and you have motivation, don't worry about negative people and it will be a success

[@johnfarrell6282]

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.

[@silentwalk1768]

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

[@jameshenley.]

I've got a 92 ford club wagon. I plan on doing a conversion

[@hldye7442]

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.

[@fayemealing9332]

I watched this video a year ago before my build, and now I’m watching it again. Both times were very pleasant and I appreciate your work

[@johnjohnson3447]

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.

[@tdmj2812]

How many layers could you lay efficiently? I love this idea! I have this same van and I despise the noise it makes.

[@jamesgreg5542]

That looks like so much fun but also richly rewarding. Nice that you have help!

[@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-oe2vr]

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

[@tnopsclark6179]

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

[@jksatte]

I really appreciate the detail you provided with your build. Makes me think I could do something like that. I can't but you make it look kinda doable. Janice

[@Techelp1001]

Love the build! We have been doing a budget Econoline build ourselves. Make sure to keep us updated with your travels!

[@urbanismogdl1092]

I have always admire these type of skills and talent to do all of this work. Great clip !!!

[@IceManGav1]

Just about to start this journey myself with a van I bought from auction! Perfect video to remove the guessing for me, thank you!

[@jessicahickey4527]

I really enjoyed how you built and showed this. Really helpful and insightful behind the scenes build. Nice job

[@lisalutterbach6843]

Looking forward to seeing the final product

[@kathryn.rollins]

I love the updates you did to this van! So cool. Thanks for sharing this!

[@wheretonext7577]

I did not have any faith that this would come out like it did from that initial look at it. You're amazing and talented.

[@nancycarter2952]

Looking forward to the final tour!

[@DebZaragoza]

Really enjoyed this! You both put a lot of time into this!

[@JohnDoe-dl1vx]

AMAZING WORK MATE.UNBELIEVABLE YOU GUYS CAN DO ALL THAT WORK IN SANDLES! YOUS TRULY ARE A JACK OF ALL TRADES.I TIP MY HAT TO YOU.GREAT EDUCATIONAL VIDEO.

[@DeadCultAverse]

Very nice, guys! Love the "tidbits" ya didn't gloss over.

[@InchesRoadkill]

One of the greatest can build videos I’ve literally ever seen, great job you two

[@JohnSmith-ww8cs]

Love how modest he is. About the insulation knife and the brackets for the sink lol. Thanks for not editing that out

[@Talani61]

Great step by step presentation. You gave me an encouragement to take on a DIY van conversion.

[@wanderingIvy67]

Ty for showing and teaching how to do this in detail better than I've seen yet. 💜

[@jessicathorsted]

Great job! Thanks for explaining things, unlike most videos I have seen. You both did great! 🙌

[@amandam3153]

Just got an E150 love this so much thank you!

[@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!

[@StevenBagley]

Great build! Looks ready for good times.

[@gypsybelle4757]

Thank you for sharing this breakdown of your process. Beautiful build!

[@SlotDropMarc]

that dude should have paid YOU the $3000 when he sold you the van. Great job

[@jessmatthewson7775]

Oh yeah that was LOTS of work🤔

[@mikeb3603]

Love the wall panels. Many use tongue and groove. Looks cool but heavy and expensive. Dude has a great grasp of mechanics. Well done. I'd trust his builds

[@SensatiousHiatus]

Looks good...it'll be cool to see the final build. I hope to do a similar build someday. Thanks for sharing!

[@wynn4334]

Wow you explained this so well. I have never once understood one of these videos! Y’all are about to save me sooo much money on my van conversion😭🙌🏼

[@Sean-bp6xb]

Fun to see it come together. Watching from Ontario Canada

[@ladypatriot2996]

So excited I found this video, as i literally just bought this style of van, except mine has windows down either sides. Thanks for the great video as I'm starting my conversion this year.

[@adastra5346]

Excellent job on this one my guy. Thanks for showing the process.

[@jasonbrand5762]

50 year cycle back to the hippie era & 70's custom vans.✌️

[@backyardbraaapn1017]

Its never stopped. Its just a fad now so you see it more

[@cathycoryell2351]

Sheep wool insulation on the sidewalls is great idea! Hear so many mixed opinions on fiberglass vs. spray foam and other options.. you just nixed all that chatter, and confusion. Hope it's warm enough, over time! Great video!

[@atmosrepair]

Spray foam is the best by far, but it is costly

[@nore8141]

Really cool this is the video I’ve been waiting for. Thanks 🙏

[@elianasmith6330]

Your videos are very useful and provide lots of information. I have received lots of help, please continue to share this kind of information. Thank you.

[@johnw65]

❤ Love it! Thanks for sharing your hard work. We look forward to the finished video

[@SlowlanelivingwithPaulaRandy]

Just subbed! We are working on our Econoline van as well! Nice! we love watching other videos to help us decide how to build our van out!

[@ILKnierim]

Nice looking forward to following your journey through 2021

[@ricardoparker2806]

Thanks for the guide, great work! Plan on building a Stealth RV!

[@andybauer9689]

got the floor all installed and sealed up, ready for the bed frame

[@andrerogers9961]

Nice build and love the copper faucet.

[@andybauer9689]

started working on our van, just got the sound deading and insulation done, ready for the floor

[@flowrob6861]

Thanks for this . Have 97 e350 extended being converted .

[@andreefaniel208]

***..I mean GREAT archivement .. Thanks A LOT for your generosity .. Bon voyage !! 😘 💕..God Bless you guys !! ***

[@stephenr115]

Always giving us excellent advice!

[@paulballenden9366]

That was a great build mate, you weren’t talking to fast , dident make things sound hard to do or use big words etc , and it was a easy build no bells and whistles . Good on yah mate. From a Aussie mate

[@checkingabandonedplaces5953]

Well done! You make it really seem like its easy.

[@keithdaris6537]

Bro, this is the most impressive video I've seen on a buildout. You're clearly a master craftsman as well!

[@Mehdidoha0203]

Hey Guys, I love watching your videos. Your second row seat installation video helped me a lot for my Van. Just wanted to say Thank You!!

[@findoutDIY]

Great to hear!

[@rosak6291]

Wow !! It looks great!! You both are very talented!! Thank you for sharing!!

[@Louie12673]

Awesome job! I like the flooring.

[@benjaminrush4443]

Nice Presentation ! I really enjoyed your real approach to the conversion. I was looking at a newer E 3500 on a lot. Awful for a new van - Transit. Thanks.

[@lawrencedavidson6195]

Lovely economical build. Greetings from sunny Jamaica.

[@twosongs7396]

I looooove how you show EVERY step

[@marklennox2151]

Nice build out. I wouldn't go with the vinyl floor strips though because they always peel off. I just used the original rubber mat. It is a cargo van after all.

[@ballerballa9122]

Amazed you did this all in Sandals.

[@codystewart1014]

Niiice. I also have a ford econoline im making into more of a 70s tailgater vibe. This vid gave me hope, haha. You guys rock!

[@louisejones6239]

You have excellent skills. By putting your time,energy and knowledge into this build,you were able to save tons of money.

[@CLdriver1960]

Well done! I used very similar ideas and materials in my Promaster City build.

[@hcnhonor3239]

I kinda giggled when he said that the best way to cut the insulation was with the "insulation knife". Almost like it was designed for one specific reason. Lol. Awesome video btw, you guys are truly amazing.

[@brandonclark4826]

Same van 2008 and took rack off mine and box and shelves out! Bought it from my old boss Johnny at Minto Electric in Mobile and I plan to do the same thing maybe slightly different, but still same concepts! Cool✌😎

[@SunflowerandtheBussLady]

Dude your toes!!! I was all in a twisting waiting hear that primal wail when your pointing got whacked! I ripped off a big toe nail working on my dads old step side with my siblings. My 3 old brothers actually cried while I held my breath so I would scream and get my mom out there. Because you know that’s when all hell would have broke loose, and my poor dad would have gotten skinned for my bad decision making. 😲🥺😩. But I survived, and watched them all have fun working on it. I learned pin striping on that project mainly because I had the most steady hand, and I was stationary on an old secretary chair. Now I have to call them and have a good ol cringe at the memory of that day. Awesome job!

[@MizzBluuu]

I can't help but internally freak out over the fact that you're doing this wearing flip flops. You're bold sir, very bold.

[@sunshinelavender1663]

Beautiful craftsmanship

[@justkelly6992]

The cable from the batteries to the back of the van should have been run under the van inside a flex tube. Don't forget to fuse this cable. That is a big cable to run overhead and to try to conceal behind molding and panel. Good Job.

[@johnrpizzaguy]

I am the fleet mechanic for a commercial bakery and over half of my vans have a battery box ( from the factory)under the side cargo door area, all you do is put a fuse in the engines fuse box and install a battery in the underside box, it charges from the alternator with the existing un used battery cables.

[@tonoy1956]

Wow! What saving $6,000 can't wait see next video.

[@tnr2217]

I never would have thought you could fit so much in one of these. I just had the idea to do this today but it only went as far as a bed.

[@sharicollier6097]

Lol! Got 2 start somewhere. At Least U Will have. place to dream up the rest I'm sayin this All Tongue im Cheek cause I'm financially strapped after have mechanical costs over the last year, thinkin the same 4 me.

[@Smallbore2wheels]

this is definitely a good way to get started before the MSF course.

[@evanae1995]

Thank you it’s great, can’t wait to see the next video !

[@CesarHuerta-ih7oj]

NOW THIS VIDEO IM SAVING FOR FUTURE BUILT.👍👍👍

[@lighghtrite2261]

Cool build! Very informative.

[@mitchgroff263]

Thank you a lot for this video. This is very interesting and informative. Keep posting like those amazing videos, this is awesome.

[@m.s.1046]

Confidence and elbow grease ... impressive!

[@wearefreesd3305]

Absolutely amazing job.

[@CPIVCR]

really enjoyed watching this build. all in flip flops-impressive. good luck to you both on your journey. stay safe, stay well

[@tinaking1033]

Nice job man ? Be nice warm for any kind weather warm- hot-cold. ... That's kind of home on wheels for me my husband... I have watched of video's of different home on wheels. Great job.

[@averagealice8877]

This is truly amazing and informative. Just wondering though if the poly iso under the plywood might compress as you walk on it? You clearly have automotive skills! I’m jealous of that radio and thanks for the mention of refurbishing the instrument panel.

[@findoutDIY]

Thank you! The poly iso board has not compressed at all and does not squeak at all, which was my big concern. It is good stuff.

[@gjonesii]

Really nice craftsmanship.

[@Kfoley11245]

I love all the PPE and then flip flops

[@cara2011plts]

Love seeing someone else does big physical labor in the chacos!

[@findoutDIY]

Both retired river guides....old habits die hard

[@buzzinbee9463]

Dayyyuuummmm. You are a pro. Wow. So skillful