Autoblog

Van, boat and RV combine to make water sports more awesome

George Kennedy — Fri, 07 Dec 2012 14:58:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Videos, Specialty

When one needs to transport a large powerboat great distances, it presents a rather wasteful problem. See, you have plenty of livable space on the boat, but said boat is up on a trailer, thus one must either tow one's craft with a large RV or stay in hotels. The owner of this... thing evidently thought that was too wasteful in the name of epic leisure. As such, you see the incredible contraption in front of you.

The vehicle(s) is/are a 1987 Watercraft Sports King Boater Home. The cab consists of a 1986 Ford E-Series, while the rear is a 28-foot power boat that contains living quarters for both land and water use.

There are several like this out on eBay Motors and elsewhere on the web. A quick search for "BoaterHome" will yield plenty of results, though none have been done up quite like this one. With a teardrop window on the cab section and a paint job that would make the Duke Boys blush, this thing is apparently set on celebrating the '70s. That would likely explain the "35" on the side, representing the 35th anniversary of, well...we're not quite sure.

Check out the video below to see how this incredible combo vehicle separates for aquatic use (the action starts at 1:27). The boat may look a little front heavy, but this seems like a best-of-boat both-worlds approach!

Continue reading Van, boat and RV combine to make water sports more awesome

Van, boat and RV combine to make water sports more awesome originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 07 Dec 2012 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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NHTSA ends 27-month investigation into Ford E-Series vans

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 10:29:00 EST

Filed under: Minivan/Van, Safety, Work, Ford

More than two years ago, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration began investigating the 1997-2008 Ford Econoline/E-350 and E-450 over faulty HVAC temperature controls. According to The Detroit News, stories of melting switches leading to smoke and hot buttons on the dash were recounted in 1,036 complaints received by NHTSA. Two years ago, the government agency upgraded the case to an engineering analysis, but its testing has led to the case being closed without determining that a recall is required.

Two fires due to the short circuits were also reported, but NHTSA found that the layout of the switch tended to prevent a fire when it went bad. Although there won't be a recall, Ford has redesigned the switch and is informing dealers and customers about replacing the switch and electrical connector.

The vans that were under the agency's microscope overlap with the 1999-2008 E-Series models in question in a lawsuit over flaking fuel-tank liners. Still, for perspective, the E-Series has been America's best-selling full-sized van for decades, and according to Ford, those from 1997-2008 have done more than a billion miles.

NHTSA ends 27-month investigation into Ford E-Series vans originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 10 Apr 2012 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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How Ford plans to phase out the best-selling E-Series

Jeff Sabatini — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 14:00:00 EST

Filed under: Minivan/Van, Work, Ford, Police/Emergency, Specialty

In a commercial market where "change" is a four-letter word, Ford has a lot of explaining to do.

It is not often that an automaker decides to dump a best-selling vehicle line, one that's dominated its segment for decades. But Ford's commercial vehicle team is doing it not once, but twice. Ford had been phasing out its Panther platform for a good five years before it finally ceased production of its Crown Victoria taxi, Police Interceptor and Lincoln Town Car livery offerings in September. Now the company is set to do similarly with its E-Series van, which will eventually be replaced by Ford's Transit, the venerable European equivalent. Ford divulged a few more details about its commercial vehicle plans at a press event in Dearborn yesterday.

When the final Panthers rolled off the assembly line in St. Thomas, Ontario, Canada, Ford was left with no direct replacement. Instead, the company plans to sell the compact Transit Connect van in the taxi market, upgraded Tauruses and Explorers as police cars, and a "Town Car" version of the Lincoln MKT crossover to livery operators. All things being equal, these are significantly better products than their Panther-based predecessors, yet in a commercial market where "change" is a four-letter word, Ford has a lot of explaining to do.

Continue reading How Ford plans to phase out the best-selling E-Series

How Ford plans to phase out the best-selling E-Series originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 08 Dec 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford confirms $1.1B investment to build Transit van in Kansas City

Zach Bowman — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 13:29:00 EST

Filed under: Minivan/Van, Plants/Manufacturing, Work, Ford

Ford has confirmed that its Transit van will be manufactured in Kansas City. The company plans to invest $1.1 billion in facility upgrades and tooling to produce both the next-generation F-150 and the Transit in preparation for the van's arrival on U.S. soil in 2013. That investment is $700 million more than Ford had previously allocated for its Kansas City facility. Ford says the extra cash will go toward new paint and body shops in addition to an integrated stamping plant. The upgrades will also allow Ford to increase F-150 pickup production with the addition of a second manufacturing shift.

Previously, we had heard word that Ford would embrace the T-Series naming convention for the Transit, with models breaking down into trim levels similar to what's seen on the current F-Series, though the press release after the jump specifically refers to the new van as the Transit. Does that mean Ford will rely on a new system of trim designation for the van? It's hard to say, but either way, it certainly sounds like the days of the E-Series/Econoline range are numbered. Hit the jump to see the full press release for yourself.

Continue reading Ford confirms $1.1B investment to build Transit van in Kansas City

Ford confirms $1.1B investment to build Transit van in Kansas City originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 21 Oct 2011 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Terrahawk shows you how to erect a mobile sniper's tower in under two minutes

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 06 Sep 2011 12:58:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Minivan/Van, Etc., Police/Emergency, Specialty

Just one minute and 45 seconds after purchasing a Mobile Utility Surveillance Tower from Terrahawk, you can have a (low-flying) bird's-eye view of your surroundings. You'll be more comfortable than any bird, however, in your climate-controlled guard tower, but you might be slightly more constrained when it comes to handling your 'business.'

Pitched as a tool for surveillance or emergency response, Terrahawk will be demonstrating the M.U.S.T. for Congress this week. it's a seriously sinister-looking Ford E-Series van, but we suppose bad guys can't be caught with the Good Ship Lollipop. Still, Terrahawk might want to paint "Free Hugs!" on the side and avoid parking near any schools if the 25-foot tower isn't deployed. Either way, we can see this being just the thing for anything from well-heeled game hunters to the NASCAR fan who wants to outdo everyone else in a camper. No word on cost, but while you check your disposable income, you can follow the jump to watch the video of it in (slow) action.

Continue reading Terrahawk shows you how to erect a mobile sniper's tower in under two minutes

Terrahawk shows you how to erect a mobile sniper's tower in under two minutes originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 06 Sep 2011 12:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford E-Series celebrates 50 years with a special edition

Zach Bowman — Mon, 13 Sep 2010 13:02:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Minivan/Van, Work, Ford

Ford celebrates 50 years of Econoline - Click above for high-res image gallery

Ford is celebrating the fact that its Econoline vans have been on the job for a full 50 years. The Blue Oval's plucky little work horses hit the scene in 1961 with a total of three different body styles. Originally drafted for commercial duty only, Ford quickly realized that families love vans as much as plumbers, and began churning out consumer-oriented, family-friendly versions, as well. Since then, the Econoline (known in recent years simply as the E-Series) has gone on to become the best-selling full-size van in the United States for 31 years straight. Not too shabby.

By way of marking the occasion, Ford has decided to roll out a special-edition E-Series. Packed to the gills with the XLT package, the van will come dipped in a unique metallic blue paint and will wear seats embroidered with a new "Econoline 50 Years" logo. So far, there's no word on how much that kind of kit will set you back, though we can't imagine it being too much more than the $33,455 Ford asks for the E-150 XLT Premium. Hit the jump for the full press release.

Gallery: Ford Celebrates 50 Years of Econoline

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Ford E-Series celebrates 50 years with a special edition

Ford E-Series celebrates 50 years with a special edition originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 13 Sep 2010 13:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Perhaps this isn't the best way to load your jet ski

Chris Shunk — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 14:59:00 EST

Filed under: Minivan/Van, Etc., Safety, Videos, Ford, Humor

Click above to watch the video after the jump

We've all seen people doing really dumb things. You know, the kind of act of stupidity where you'd try to stop them from harming themselves or their possessions if it weren't so riveting to watch. Hell, we've made some pretty heinous misjudgments in our time, but we've never attempted to load a jet ski into the back of a Ford Econoline while said van was partially underwater. That just doesn't sound like a good idea.

While driving a jet ski into a cargo van doesn't make any sense to us, we know of at least one YouTube all-star who thinks otherwise. Well, he probably thought otherwise until the van's rear wheels began having trouble maintaining traction while submerged under water. Hit the jump to watch Darwin's theory in motion. Luckily, it appears that nobody was hurt during this epic fail.

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading Video: Perhaps this isn't the best way to load your jet ski

Video: Perhaps this isn't the best way to load your jet ski originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 Jun 2010 14:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VanTastic: 2009 Ford E-Series upgrades

Dan Roth — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 00:09:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Work, Ford

Just as Ford's F150 has been the best-selling vehicle in the United States for decades, their E-Series (née Econoline) vans have also been sales champs since before the dawn of the 1980s. A strong presence in the trades delivers forty percent of the full-size van market to the E-Series. Ford's adding some new features and an upgraded interior to the E-Series for 2009 to help it continue to earn its keep. The full-sizers got an exterior nip and tuck last year, so the biggest body changes this year are rear doors that open wider.

Ford's Work Solutions system is a natural addition, and it makes just as much sense in the work van as it does in a pickup. The biggest news is a revised instrument panel with -- bar the door -- four auxiliary switches. Actually, not having a mish-mash of toggles and rockers drilled through the dash face for aftermarket gear is a nice touch. The panel itself has an uncluttered, no-nonsense layout, though the vents look like they could chew off errant fingers. Also on the new dash is a navigation system, which should lessen the "I'm lost, so I'm going to lunch" calls from contractors. American cargo vans are unsung utilitarian heroes, and Ford doesn't want its class leadership to slip away. Press release after the jump

Gallery: 2009 Ford E-Series

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading VanTastic: 2009 Ford E-Series upgrades

VanTastic: 2009 Ford E-Series upgrades originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 26 Feb 2008 00:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Have you driven a Force, lately?

Alex Nunez — Fri, 08 Jun 2007 15:01:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Etc., Ford

The Force is with you. Click image for more.

"This is not the Ford you're looking for."

Then again, if your level of Star Wars geekdom has reached its apex, maybe it is. Weather-beaten from exposure to too many Tatooine sandstorms, perhaps, this Econoline's custom finish is still plainly visible to all. You might not think it looks like much, but they said that about the Millenium Falcon, too.

This boxy freighter's port side is decorated with likenesses (well, they're more like approximations, really) of the aged Obi-Wan, Luke Skywalker, Threepio, and Artoo. Back towards the rear bumper, we see two members of the Mos Eisley Cantina's house band, Figrin Dan and the Modal Nodes. Unfortunately, they look more like Roswell aliens than anything else. Over to starboard, Vader looms ominously (sort of) over a battle scene showing a pair of X-Wings and a TIE Fighter with (incorrect) square solar panels. The rear hatch is decorated with Han and Chewie off to the right, the rest of the cantina band to the left, and really bad renderings of one of the other cantina creatures and what appears to be Luke with darker hair. The "Force" windows are a nice touch, as is the Rebel Alliance symbol displayed in back.

It's parked outside a Home Depot (Tosche Station must have been closed), where the owner was undoubtedly shopping for a new set of hydrospanners with which to repair the perpetually-broken hyperdrive. Maybe if he'd stop taking the thing to Lando's Garage for repairs, he'd have better luck.

Thanks to Scott for the tip and photos!

UPDATE: A commenter states that the owner of the van is -- drumroll -- a girl! And that the ride's a '78. The mural dates back to '79.

Gallery: Star Wars van

Have you driven a Force, lately? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 08 Jun 2007 15:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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A land speed record of the unusual sort

Eric Bryant — Sun, 18 Jun 2006 11:02:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Etc., Ford

Most land-speed racing takes place in the deserts of the Southwest United States, but that doesn't mean that all land-speed records are set there. Voyage Concepts' Jason De Carteret lead a team from the Antarctica port of Patriot Hills to the geographical South Pole in just over 69 hours - averaging marginally more than 10 MPH over the 700-mile trek.

The vehicle of choice was a heavily-modified 15-passenger Econoline van, which was converted to a 6x6 drive configuration and outfitted with 44" tall tires. Its 7.3L Powerstroke engine burned 360 gallons of diesel along the way.

The previous record of 24 days was set by Shinji Kazama, who used a motorcycle. Yeah, we don't know what he was thinking, either.

[Sources: Forbes, Voyage Concepts]

A land speed record of the unusual sort originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 18 Jun 2006 11:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Vauxhall freights in reworked Vivaro

Chris Paukert — Mon, 05 Jun 2006 20:08:00 EST

Filed under: Trends, Europe, Work

We're by no means experts on European commercial vehicles, but it would seem that White Van Men on the continent are about to be inundated with new product choices, while their Stateside counterparts continue to make due largely by choosing between a Dodge/Freightliner Sprinter, Chevrolet Express/GMC Savana, or Ford's jurassic Econoline. In just the past month or so, we've seen a fresh-faced Volkswagen Crafter and Fiat's new Ducato (along with its Citroen Jumper and Peugeot Boxer twins), and now Vauxhall is set to market a revamped Vivaro.

The Vauxhauler receives an exterior once-over, keeping its distinctive bubble roofline, but adding new light fixtures front and rear and a new V-shaped grille.

Inside, upholstery and trim materials have been upgraded, with faux metal trim and chrome-ringed gauges, and a new range of infotainment options available.

Later in 2006, buyers will have their choice of a revamped engine range as well, including a pair of new 2.0-liter common rail turbodiesels or a tidied-up 2.5-liter CDTi, all yoked to six-speed manual gearboxes.

[Source: Transport News Network]

Vauxhall freights in reworked Vivaro originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 05 Jun 2006 20:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford shifts production back into gear at seven plants after identifying transmission defect

Eric Bryant — Mon, 01 May 2006 15:31:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Truck, Plants/Manufacturing, Recalls, Ford, Earnings/Financials

Ford was forced to halt production at seven assembly plants after finding a quality problem with a transmission component, but all seven plants affected by the stoppage should be up and running again today.

A supplied component, described as "a clutch mechanism that helps make the transmission shift smoothly between first and second gears" (sounds to us like the overrunning clutch), was found to be problematic, but the defect was caught before any suspect vehicles were delivered to customers. The supplier isn't being identified.

More than 4,000 units of light truck, van, and Lincoln Town Car production were lost, costing Ford somewhere in the neighborhood of $35M. The automaker says that making up for the stoppage won't be a problem, as they seem to have a bit of extra capacity to put towards the effort, and F-150 inventories are current running at about 107 days of sales.

[Source: Detroit News]

Ford shifts production back into gear at seven plants after identifying transmission defect originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 01 May 2006 15:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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American Idle: Ford halts production lines at seven plants due to defective part

Chris Paukert — Fri, 28 Apr 2006 12:17:00 EST

Filed under: Plants/Manufacturing, Ford, Lincoln

The importance of quality parts and strong supplier relations was laid bare for the Ford Motor Company Thursday, as it was forced to hit the red button on five assembly plants (and partially close a sixth) after it learned that of a defective clutch mechanism employed in certain 4-speed automatic transmissions. The costly shutdown idles plants producing F-Series pickups, E-Series vans, Expeditions, and the Lincoln Town Car. 15,000 workers are affected.

No word yet on how many units are affected, or how soon production will resume on these profit-rich vehicles, but an analyst has pegged the shutdown as costing some $34.4 million per day, before taxes.

[Source: Associate Press via Yahoo News; BBC News]

American Idle: Ford halts production lines at seven plants due to defective part originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 28 Apr 2006 12:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy shot: Ford Econoline mule spotted sporting rhinoplasty

Chris Paukert — Wed, 19 Apr 2006 11:36:00 EST

Filed under: Trends, Truck, Work, Ford

One could be forgiven for thinking that the temperature in Hell is taking a precipitous dive after looking at the photo above. After all, when was the last time you saw a Ford Econoline test mule, with its tacit promise of a coming update? After all, the current E-Series has been trudging on for decades with changes few and far between. This, despite consistently selling in big numbers.

Well, the fine folks at BlueOvalNews.com have snagged this tester rolling around Dearborn, with the camouflage clearly covering a revamped front end. Expect the soon-to-be-everywhere tri-bar grille to take up residence in the van's snout, along with revamped headlights and fascia.

We can only hope beneath the refreshed bodywork, there are some substantive mechanical and interior changes to the 200,000/year seller as well. BON reports that the Econoline revamp will likely hit dealers in 2007, with the promise of a new 6.4-liter Powerstroke diesel available underhood.

[Source: BlueOvalNews.com]

Spy shot: Ford Econoline mule spotted sporting rhinoplasty originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 19 Apr 2006 11:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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