STEALTH Ford Econoline Camper Conversion Van Tour | VANLIFE |

If you're thinking of getting into Vanlife or looking for a custom build, please email me, I would love to chat with you: [e-mail]
I am excited to share a tour of my 2005 Ford Econoline camper van. I have owned this van for 2 years, it was a traditional passenger van when I bought it. This is my 3rd time tearing the interior out completely and starting from scratch. I believe I have the perfect setup this time around and do not see another rebuild in the future. I have added a few unique features that I haven't seen before. If your working on a build, take a look, maybe you want to incorporate some of these ideas.

[@danweiss1371]

Even though it’s a three year old video, it was actually very helpful. Thank you.

[@nomadbrad503]

I’m happy to hear that, I typically avoid old videos. Glad to hear it still lands

[@leilal8053]

That no-spill good bowl is actually a water bowl... I have one 4 my dog. Get a 2nd one for water. and Lucy can have access 2it when she wants.🐶😉

[@UrielsJunkDrawer]

Now that is a really good idea using the locking metal box.

[@nomadbrad503]

it worked great!

[@laurajphillips5981]

Would have loved to see the awning and how you install it! Great set up!

[@maggiesjourney3877]

I love the drop leaf. You explained it really well too. Thank you.

[@nomadbrad503]

Maggie's Journey in glad you understood it, it had worked so well. I love it

[@retrodog63]

Some great ideas. Thanks for sharing. Well worth the time to watch it.

[@jamessherman8954]

I really like the the lock box and the awning...... pretty good ideas

[@patriciabasey-gibson3894]

Simple but creative. Electrical part made easy. Love the outdoor set up. Keep Safe. Trish.

[@nomadbrad503]

Thank you trish!

[@jayfword117]

This is amazing definitley modeling my future van heavily off this

[@ohmercy5924]

Love it! Great job.

[@hldye7442]

Yep on the tool box for securing your items. I use them on my truck-van-trailer for locking up tools in my building/remodeling business. have not had any problems so far. Looks like you have a great set up in your campervan and thanks for the solar/electric info. God Bless and enjoy life .

[@nomadbrad503]

Great tip!

[@thomashowl6488]

That lock box idea is excellent!

[@vanjoy1781]

Very sweet rig. Good luck and safe travels

[@pentatonya1778]

Nice set up! Love the lock box idea!

[@davemenard5089]

Cool van tour despite the Spastic camera work. Really liked your descend on bend video as well.

[@tiffanyxx23]

Absolutely love this build! Trying to do one myself this summer :)

[@nomadbrad503]

Tiffany Breon thank you! I think it’s the perfect layout for this size of van

[@Bellasafari]

Lots of great ideas! Love the awning also!

[@nomadbrad503]

Thanks! That awning creates a wonderful outdoor space

[@sdlrdlr4518]

To the "Bat van"Lucy!!! Da da da da da da da da da da da da da da...Bat van!!!! 🙂👍

[@jenniferfelts]

Just finished watching your newest build and its a step up of course especially with room. The van is nice but i would love the extra space ❤

[@WizzRacing]

That Car Cover\Tent is kick ass...I bought one two years ago. As I put it over the top of my van. Bungee cord it down on four corners. Keeps the Van from getting hot in the summer.. It also can be put on the rear. To give you an awning cover extension..Leave the back open for the breeze..

[@nomadbrad503]

Hell yes! I love that awning

[@MegaKekojones]

Bad decision to storage together the Inverter and Propane Tank !

[@juststartsomewhere9089]

I like that cable setup it's clever.

[@nomadbrad503]

Thank You!

[@russsherwood5978]

thank you for the video,yup you answered my questions i had, just subbed and thumbs - up, be strong, be safe, and be blessed

[@nomadbrad503]

Thanks for following along 🙏🏻✌🏻

[@woodyvan6047]

Cool van!😎

[@factsgriffin1397]

Looks like a fire waiting to happen

[@nomadbrad503]

This build is 3 years old. The guy I sold it to still drives it all over Arizona..no fire if you know what you’re doing

[@boshita638]

Very cool set up !

[@nomadbrad503]

Thank you so much Reyna 😊✌🏻

[@boxtruckcory3002]

Looking good!

[@nomadbrad503]

Box Truck Cory thanks Cory !

[@oso1339]

Vans sweet!!!!

[@gabriellechilton5902]

Nice build

[@purposelydriven6566]

Love your video

[@ktk2094]

Nice setup. I really like the paneling.

[@nomadbrad503]

Thanks!

[@maggiesjourney3877]

Your above cab storage looks so much nicer than mine. Lol

[@patrickjobling8676]

Gotta tellya pilgrim ..ya done a mighty fine job ..i hope ya proud .. and yes i wanna see moore aboot this instant pot .. anywhos jolly good carryon pip pips 😁happy trails pilgrim

[@minnesotasalamander5913]

Nice setup.

[@nomadbrad503]

Glad you think so!

[@VanSheGoes]

Love your motivation

[@nomadbrad503]

Thank you so much!

[@darrellfort1668]

vanlife4ever!

[@nomadbrad503]

Absolutely 💪🏻

[@nelsonbernier9335]

Thanks for the tip on the Locking Truck Box. I was looking for a type of safe box for any valuables for my build.

[@nomadbrad503]

It worked out great!

[@RedTed1958]

I like it !

[@CarrieMtn]

Nice set up

[@nomadbrad503]

Thank you Carrie 😊✌🏻

[@leese.23]

New to your channel that lockbox fanastic idea

[@jenniferglowacki7201]

Tell us more about the awning! Thanks for sharing your build!

[@nomadbrad503]

Absolutely, the brand is king camp. I purchased it from amazon. I definitely recommend it but you should invest in better quality ground stakes

[@DerpyExpress]

Nice van!

[@nomadbrad503]

Thank you! It was a great home 😊

[@maggiesjourney3877]

My anxiety is huge when I leave the van. I rarely do.

[@armadilllo]

You have a nice hatchet there to break into your box, I would fit a small safe into that box.

[@jeffiebear007]

Great video was wondering did you put insulation on/in your windows was just wondering because I live in my van all year around.

[@chasewyatt2014]

Some great ideas for my build. Thanks. BTW, you don't have to "jack up" any coyotes.

[@nomadbrad503]

Thanks chase

[@debraproctor6396]

I was hoping you'd show the awning. It looks great, we need another video.

[@nomadbrad503]

I should have spent more time discussing it, it’s a king camp from amazon

[@azvwbaja]

Nice van man

[@nomadbrad503]

This is where it all started

[@Cozmicsuga]

New subscriber. Loving your ideas 💕

[@nomadbrad503]

Cozmicsuga thanks for joining me✌🏻😊

[@Cozmicsuga]

@@nomadbrad503 Welcome 👍🏼

[@mikeybarra6394]

Nice build. Thanks for the video. What brand is the hard portable toilet?

[@maggiesjourney3877]

I like the lock box idea. I can't leave my van or let it out of my site. It kinda sucks. I paid more for my batteries and solar equipment than my van.

[@nomadbrad503]

That’s why I added the box truck. Leaving my van for long periods of time have me anxiety. Especially at trail heads or campgrounds because everything I owned was inside.

[@nomadbrad503]

I also added a hidden kill switch so it couldn’t be stolen.

[@maggiesjourney3877]

Nomad Brad kill switch is a great idea. I think I will do that. Thanks for the idea.

[@nomadbrad503]

My econoline had a rollover switch in the passenger floor that would cut off the fuel pump in the event of a rollover. I tapped into that. It was easy and the van would still try to start but never fire off.

[@TimHoSD]

Nice build, how did you do the roof with the high cap?

[@419JesusSaves]

Looks great! Good job! I like my insta-pot too. When u let the steam out, do u bring it outside or put a towel over it so it doesn't let all the humidity inside?

[@nomadbrad503]

Yes, I use a towel

[@peachkopp1352]

Hmmm, inverter next to LP tank. Exciting. LOL

[@nomadbrad503]

Big boom 💥

[@barlowgarage449]

I would have liked to see the outside walkaround and what you did to not make it look creepy lol(headlights, lightbars, accessories)

[@nomadbrad503]

thanks for watching!

[@Iamandthatiam]

love it, great job. how did you block windows? Did you put insulation there? How much did you spend on everything?

[@nomadbrad503]

Jake Nabut I sprayed the inside of the windows with plasti dip which is a removable rubber coating. Then I added insulation and the interior wall panels.

[@rvroutdoors2131]

Nice rig. Smart idea with the truck locker. I always wonder how I could lock up my 🔫’s when out with the rifles and such. What little blue table is that outside?

[@nomadbrad503]

Thanks! The locker is a great way to secure all the important stuff 😉 the blue table is a folding aluminum camp table from amazon. If you sear h for that you’ll find them

[@nelsonbernier9335]

Nice and simple build. Are your electrical components safe under the sink?

[@nomadbrad503]

Yes they sure are!

[@marisolsantiago]

I really like it! How do you wash your van with an air maxx fan? I have one and havent washed since I put it in.

[@nomadbrad503]

marisol santiago the AirMax fan is water tight. Just close the hatch and hose it down. No issues.

[@ogadlogadl490]

Thief to other thief @ 19:35, “Let use this hatchet here on this lock box to get rid of this lock on this here lock box”

[@adgkato9765]

Where did ya get the awning?...badass!

[@nomadbrad503]

Amazon!

[@van.gypsies]

I like your voice👌🏻☺️

[@nomadbrad503]

Thanks!

[@Iamandthatiam]

hey just got econoline e350 that will be my first, i really like your engineering. would appreciate if you could share some knowledge, like electric set up instructions if you have that saved. also my van has fiberglass hightop, but there is another inner one that limits the hight. And i see you cut that out mostly, doest it weaken the structure?

[@nomadbrad503]

Jake Nabut I don’t have any information saved on this build. The inner high top liner that I removed was just cardboard wrapped in fabric. There is no strength to that piece.

[@ruthanderson1758]

Great job. Love that blanket on your bed - where did you get it?

[@nomadbrad503]

Ruth Anderson thanks, that blanket is just a fleece throw that I purchased from target a few years ago:

[@ruthanderson1758]

@@nomadbrad503 - thanks. I'm in Canada and we don't have Target so due to that and how long ago you bought it, I'd probably be out of luck trying to find one.

[@nomadbrad503]

Ruth Anderson yes, finding this exact one would probably be very difficult

[@robertphillips3893]

First video of yours I have watched. The build is nice. But Lucy wants more bacon. I am a dog psychic and they all want more bacon.

[@nomadbrad503]

They always want more bacon 😂

[@razor3003]

Cool! What motor do you have & how are your mpg's?

[@nomadbrad503]

This is the 5.4l about 11mpg

[@merds77]

You mentioned that you bolted the box to the van frame from inside the box. Then I saw how the box was raised off the floor. Is the box anchored to the van wall?

[@nomadbrad503]

My mistake, the box is bolted down to the wheel well not the frame.. the nut is on the inside of the lock box

[@madihoward5336]

Nice setup.. did you coat your ceiling with anything? My Econoline's fiberglass ceiling is a bit spikey and snags my hair and I'm trying to figure out cheap ways to smooth it out

[@nomadbrad503]

Yes! My fiberglass roof was rough and ugly. I sprayed on about 5 cans of white plasti dip ( from Home Depot) which gave it a nice smooth rubber coating.

[@madihoward5336]

@@nomadbrad503 Awesome! Thanks for the reply.. I'm thinking I'll try with that and automotive undercoating!

[@maggiesjourney3877]

Do you miss your van or are you happier in the bus?

[@Benallst]

Cool van but the electrical under the water and next to the propane 😳

[@missculinary]

Would love any feedback your willing to give on the fan install with that fiberglass roof 🥰

[@nomadbrad503]

It was simple, just cut out a 14” square with a sawzall. I have done 3 other fans in fiberglass roofs since then. No problems

[@missculinary]

@@nomadbrad503 I have a sawzall I just purchased. I'm a beginner but I'm gonna take it slow. The curve in my van was making me hesitant. Nonetheless Got my PPE and everything. Thanks for the reply :)

[@johnhartman1660]

Is your top and side walls insulated. Do you use your van in the winter time and does it stay warm.

[@nomadbrad503]

John Hartman the side walls are insulated with half inch rigid foam. The ceiling is not. The van stays warm if you run a heater

[@mikebrownsongs]

Great stuff. Thanks. I noticed that you don't have ceiling insulation. I'm looking at a similar type van to buy and it has a head liner which is too short for me. I would probably get a couple of inches without it. Has not having insulation ever been a problem?

[@nomadbrad503]

Insulation doesn’t really help in the summer because it just retains the heat. Insulation in the winter helps a bit but most vans aren’t air tight especially at the doors so the heat will leak out anyway

[@mikebrownsongs]

@@nomadbrad503 Thanks for the info. If I pull the trigger on the van I'll just 86 the liner and paint it white.

[@mikebrownsongs]

@@nomadbrad503 How tall are you and can you stand up all the way?

[@nomadbrad503]

@@mikebrownsongs I’m 5’9” and no, I have to tilt my head to stand. But also, this isn’t the highest roof option

[@mikebrownsongs]

@@nomadbrad503 Thanks. Helpful info.

[@kingpayton1264]

How did you get your van to sit like that without leaning?. Did you do a new suspension kit?

[@nomadbrad503]

Why would it lean? This van had nearly 300,000 miles and the shocks had been replaced but that’s about it

[@tinavestal2154]

Did you tear out the inside of your conversion van before starting your own conversion or did you just build over it? I'm thinking specifically of the windows.

[@nomadbrad503]

I removed the entire interior to build my own

[@armadilllo]

Old video but do you know if those window fit in the original holes stock windows do but just cut lower? I was looking for windows that open for my e350.

[@nomadbrad503]

I do not know if they will fit

[@armadilllo]

thanks@@nomadbrad503

[@xilei3070]

Where did you get the King Camp canopy tent ?

[@nomadbrad503]

Xi Lei it’s on amazon $99

[@xilei3070]

@@nomadbrad503 TY!

[@antigroundhogday]

Efficient use of space, but do you worry about water being near your electrical?

[@nomadbrad503]

Nope, never had an issue

[@DHFlip18]

Hey cool van, could you please tell me what radio and backup camera you're using and if you'd recommended. Thanks.

[@nomadbrad503]

Yes, I had the pioneer 5200nex. It’s a few year old model by now. I love it because the gps is satellite based and works without cell reception. The camera is a boyo vtl 402cl. I would highly recommend both items. They have worked without problems for over 3 years

[@DHFlip18]

@@nomadbrad503 Thank you so much for the info, I looked up the items and they do seem to have good reviews. Might considering purchasing the same ones 👍

[@nomadbrad503]

Downhill 4Life awesome! You won’t regret it

[@sharongriggs7570]

Nomad Brad thanks for a great informative tour. Did you just paint your ceiling? Just bought my 1997 Chevy G20 today and need to do a simple build.

[@glampervanadventures1117]

Where did you find that canopy?

[@nomadbrad503]

Chuck & Tracy KingCamp Awning Sun Shelter SUV Tent Auto Canopy Portable Camper Trailer Tent Roof Top Car Shelter for Beach, SUV, MPV, Hatchback, Minivan, Sedan, Camping, Outdoor www.amazon.com/dp/B00Q4CQLY2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glc_i_Pxs.Fb4ZR4RKW

[@vanlifecarjunkies858]

I couldn’t do water and plumbing and propane and electrical in the same cabinet I’d be so worried that something to go wrong to me it’s like asking for a catastrophic failure

[@nomadbrad503]

i hear that, its definitely not for everyone. this build has been going strong for 3 years now without issue

[@relax2you80]

Your need Wide angle cámera..but thank you for sharing .

[@flatearthmic]

Well done, Thanks Nu Sub Man See you around

[@nomadbrad503]

Thank you so much!

[@douglansburg4545]

I would be worried about propane next to Electrical,like the flip up counter and tool box

[@MrMcMaN]

I was concerned with the electrical below the plumbing... all in all a solid build, hope everything is working out my guy🤙

[@angelofthelight6650]

You put the electrical right next to the propane. Are you insane? If you have a small gas leak and one spark, you're as good as dead. I've watched hundreds of van build videos and you're the only one I ever saw do that.

[@nomadbrad503]

call me crazy 🤪

[@keldonator]

What kind of mpg did you get with this van? I'm looking to get one for myself

[@nomadbrad503]

I averaged 11 mpg

[@keldonator]

@@nomadbrad503 It's interesting to see the big variances, some claim as high as 17 on highways and as low as 9 in town

[@Yui789esss]

Is your van still running? I’m thinking of getting one

[@nomadbrad503]

I sold it a few years ago. Last time I heard from the buyer he was over 300,000 miles, no issues

[@brazilianredneck]

I'm looking for a van (let me mention, LOTS of scam ads on fb Marketplace...) and I'm pretty sure I'll end up getting an Econoline. That kind of roof you have would be tall enough for someone 5'7" to stand under?

[@nomadbrad503]

Brazil's Redneck I’m 5’10” and had to tilt my head slightly to stand up. You might be able to stand up just fine. This is a mid roof, they also make taller options

[@brazilianredneck]

@@nomadbrad503 Thanks for the quick answer. This kind of roof will sure work for me.

[@allglad]

Since instapot is natural where can I get one? ...maybe pick one from a tree?

[@nomadbrad503]

No, they grow underground like truffles

[@e3ucxp]

what is that flat truck box? never seen flat truck bed box. can you provide the brand? thanks

[@nomadbrad503]

I purchased it from lowes, I believe it was a "craftsman" brand

[@Karen-ov8lh]

I bought a 1996 ford econoline 150, my question is was it hard to gut out and how about putting solar and fan on the top isn't that fiberglass?

[@nomadbrad503]

None of those tasks were difficult for me. The most challenging part was building the wall and ceiling panels.

[@Karen-ov8lh]

@@nomadbrad503 thank you for the reply I have another question can I install a maxx aire or fantastic fan on fiber glasss top

[@nomadbrad503]

Karen Martinez yes you can. I installed a max air fan in this fiberglass high top. I cut the opening with a sawzall

[@Karen-ov8lh]

thank you it's obvious I will need help but I can not pay for custom build is there a place that can help guide me

[@GG-hw1fe]

@@Karen-ov8lh do not be afraid to dive in, watch tons of videos and get your hands dirty actually building it. that experience will help you understand more and more as you go along and also help if you need to maintain or fix anything down the road. Im sure anyone at the local hardware store would love to talk about the van conversion project, maybe give you a few pointers.

[@sogbeen6683]

Hi, there's checked grey/black shirt hangs in van. what's the brand?

[@nomadbrad503]

It’s a coat made by carhartt

[@sogbeen6683]

Thank you.

[@DeliberateNRandom]

Those rear bumpers suck. I swapped mine out for a step bumper. I can put the ball on it for my normal trailer, but also use any attachments or use a drop hitch.

[@lesliegranowski2683]

Nice van but low volume

[@elonashrum7074]

I'm dizzy after watching that.

[@MegaKekojones]

minute 9:31

[@nomadbrad503]

Thanks!

[@josephblakley2329]

Who can I contact about the 1994 Ford e150

[@beanaweena2659]

I have a 1995 Ford e250...

[@HatemBenArfaYT]

Gta online Speedo God Mod 😂

[@age_of_reason]

Haha. 6 gallons does NOT last a week. Who are you kidding.

[@reidcrosby6241]

No offense intended, and you can never create complete security ....but that box would take less than 5 min to break into. You have to think like a criminal. That not an issue to get into. Additonally, if you REALLY good at securing things and you piss them off they may just burn the thing down. I have tons of ideas for REALLY good trailer specific security and in the end they'll just burn the bitch down . Reality.

[@nomadbrad503]

You are correct, nothing is 100% secure. I’m glad I haven’t had the same experiences you have, sounds rough.