This is our new 2004 Ford E-350 1 ton Ford van / box truck. This page documents the process of converting it to a light use camper and toy hauler that be comparable to a Sprinter Van. We actually think it might be better than a sprinter in the end because it will be faster, bigger, and slightly wider overall with similar mileage and great durability because it's a 1 ton. It doesn't look as cool, but we plan to do some little things to address that like a brush guard and possibly a winch. We do not plan to convert it to 4WD mostly because its so good already in 2WD including in the snow and 4WD will cause it to use more fuel. It gets about 16 mpg right now, which isn't bad for a large truck with a powerful turbo V8 engine.

It's turbo diesel so it gets decent mileage and cruises well. It's an '04 so it has airbags, AC, and it's nice and safe and somewhat modern compared to brown sugar, our 1977 van. It is the same wheelbase and approximate overall width of regular van on the outside. But because it is a small box truck, it is extra heavy duty and it's 6'6 wide and 10 feet long, so it is much bigger inside.

We are going to remove everything out of the rear and start from scratch which we're excited about. We're going to put in better windows and a camper door, good flooring, a comfortable bed, a couple passenger seats in the rear, a small kitchen, and generally clean it up and make it nice. It will be a fun spring project!