Local Apparent Friday

Super neat. Glad you got what you wanted!

Dope. Post some more pics and welcome!

Schweet. Looking forward to seeing what you end up with. - laf

Neat build. Lots to think about. - laf

@radin2son Thanks.

Oooooh good find on Campendium! Hadn't heard of that one and have already found a campsite we want to check out. Not to hijack, but trucker path is another good app we use to find truck stops for showers and whatnot on the road. - laf

If you opt for electric only you could just carry a generator, but then you'd have to listen to a generator. Best of luck @ the outfitters! Would dig some before and after pics. - laf

Side note...popped into the dealership yesterday to get the ball rolling...I've hot him looking for 25/35 w/V8 and high top. - laf

Thank @radin2son...his info, I just tracked it down. Keep us posted, interested to see what you settle on. We never considered strictly electric because it rules out comfortable boondocking in the cold months. If you're strictly a campground user, then you'll have no problem, but we use FreeCampsites a lot and those rarely have hookups. Depending on how you travel, you may limit yourself. We spent the 2017 Solar Eclipse out on BLM land in Wyoming and the closest available campground was hours away. It was admittedly summer, but low temps out there are 34 and there are a lot of beautiful things to see in the winter time. Best of luck with whatever you decide. - laf

Yah sounds like we are two very different types of users. - laf

@NVinNE I think this is what he's talking about.

Probably not, but I'll start weighing things. The 2500 w/V8 definitely seems easier to find around here than the 3500, and there's always adding a leaf/airbags if it becomes necessary in the future. Thanks for the thoughts, and for the weight info on your build. - laf

That's what the propane is for.

@radin2son Ty we'll check them out. The econoline is modular and basic, mostly because it doubles as a work truck and a trackday haul rig, but the NV will be a full time conversion. - laf

Can confirm all of this, and would definitely personally go the installed diesel route. Obv any heater would be accompanied by a proper alarm, but that doesn't solve the moisture issues.

K yah that's what I figured was the difference. Thanks for the input. - laf

@aztec We're part of those crazy #vanlifers, so we regularly sleep in our vehicles. Upgraded from a honda element. We rented one of the transits for a 2000 mile trip around the '17 solar eclipse and it was plenty spacious, but for the reasons mentioned above, we've ruled them out and are solidly looking at the NV. @crusty Ty. I read a thread that was talking about reliability issues with the newer v8 compared to the older, but it was an old thread. Is that not a thing to worry about? As to having to do things ourselves, that's kind of our MO, so no worries there. Another thing that I'm curious about is what are the actual differences between the 25 and the 35. I've read just bigger tires I think...I know the capacity is different, but I'm wondering if I can buy the 2500 and upgrade it, which is on the docket anyway. The 25's seem to be MUCH easier to come by, at least around me. Thank you both for your input. - laf

Ceramic heaters that i've seen are all electric, so unless you're able to plug in or want to run a generator, that's a non-starter. A cheap and easy portable alternative would be the Mr Buddy brand propane heaters that can be purchased at walmart/tractor supply and run on the little green propane tanks or can be used with a 20lb bottle with an additional adapter. They come in like 3 different sizes.

So these things are small and can fit just about anywhere, but not under a swivel seat if it is a pivoting post style. Generally they get built into cubbies with ductwork for heat and the exhaust and fresh air lines plumbed through the body. The places with which I am familiar won't install the gas ones because of a perceived danger, also we have done more research on diesel because that's what we're currently rocking, but you can score the diesel heater on ebay for about $100. Be sure to go with a true 2k in a van this size...there are posts out there about how to tell which is which and I can link of you are curious. Super easy to install, there's a good facebook group as well as a ton of youtube videos, and it comes with a little day tank for fuel. Alternatively, they make the ones that are gas as well, but I haven't seen those coming out of China. Any of these are knockoffs of better known brands like webasto. If you want name brand, then you can generally find good deals on espar and eberspacher heaters at truck (big rig) junkyards but, again, those will be diesel style. I just did a quick ebay search to see if they even make a gas heater in the chinese style, and I found this sweet deal on an eberspacher, if you are deadset on gas. Again, pretty easy to install yourself with the help of buildout blogs and youtube. - LAF

Ty for getting back to me and for your thoughts on the issues. Our current van is the extended cargo version, BUT It's a standard roof, so we're hoping the added height will make up for the shorter length. Either way, I'll be excited to stand up when I walk around. Also, the van is kind of our inlaw suite/weekend doghouse...we are working on a fullsize RV restoration project for extended travel, and we have all the room in the world in that thing. Good to know about the V8. We get a consistent 22mpg on summer diesel, with winter mix dropping us into the 17-18 range. Looking at fuelly, it looks like the NV will be a compromise for the time being, but that's okay. Thank you! Saw the one on conversiontrader and will continue to keep an eye out. I tend to pick things up for cheap that need work, as I have time and experience to fix things, but I appreciate any and all links to check them out. - LAF

Once you guys are done with conversions and traveling, head for the North Maine Woods if you've never been. Used to live up that way and LOVED exploring up there. They sell a thing called the "Gazetteer" which is pretty much the bible for roads up that way. Best of luck with your buildouts! - LAF

Hello all. So...rather amusingly, googling led me to an old troll thread here about Econolines v. NV's, which is how I found you guys. I won't necrobump or link, but yeah. Deffo liking the NV over the econoline. Anyway; We're looking to make the switch to the NV platform. We're currently rocking a '00 E350SD with the 7.3 diesel, and it's been a great van that's taken us on adventures all up and down the east coast, but we're looking hard at the NVs after having recently rented one for an unrelated work purpose, just thought I'd introduce ourselves. I love the ford for the towing capacity and insane fuel economy we get whether she's loaded or not, and I love the reliability of it all, BUT we are missing some creature comforts, like a raised roof, modern amenities, and safety features. Further, we pretty much do all our own work and trying to get to the engine is a pain. Looking at the sprinters and the transits, it doesn't get any better, and I like the idea of an actual frame as opposed to unibody as well. Anyway, we'll be hanging out and lurking, reading up on the differences between the 2500 and the 3500 to decide which to go with, we're pretty much settled on the V8 as we tend to go up hills and whatnot. We're in the process of selling the Ford, and then we'll hopefully pick up an NV with an eye towards a full time conversion and buildout. Looking forward to participating in the forum! - LAF