Ford’s longest-reigning van
The original Ford E-series van was released earlier than you might think. Debuted in 1961, it has been produced in an unbroken line through four generations to the present day. That makes the Econoline one of Ford’s longest-running nameplates, one of a very few to reach the benchmark of 60+ years of production.
Perhaps not surprisingly in light of that fact, the E-series were also the best selling commercial van in the US for several decades. Even today, it is third-in-line after being overtaken by the E-series’ little brother, the Transit, as well as Volkswagen’s eternally enduring Transporter, which is even older and also still in production. Today’s feature has been made into what is known as a “Sportsmobile”, which includes a 4×4 aftermarket conversion, raised suspension, and a complete camper overhaul.
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Built for the back country
This Sportsmobile has been painted in a simple brown scheme that will hide scratches, mud, and other trail-related viscera. All four wheels are now powered thanks to a 4×4 conversion, and a pop-up tent has been added to the roof, providing ventilated sleeping space that can be deployed as needed. On top of that sits a solar panel array that provides power, augmented by an Onan generator and a 28 lb propane tank slung underneath. A 4″ Agile Off Road lift kit and off-road suspension gives you the ground clearance, set up for even the worst trails, and is bolstered by hefty aftermarket front coil springs, as well as a Fox steering stabilizer and shocks.
An Aluminess heavy-duty bar bumper keeps cosmetic damage from minor dings to a minimum, while a no-nonsense 16,500-lb Warn winch gives serious pulling power, both to get others out of a jam and yourself unstuck. Visibility can often be an issue out on the trail, which is why, in addition to fog lights, the owner has also added Vantage Optics projector headlights. Since the vehicle rides so high, the installation of Off the Grid-branded side steps helps with ingress and egress. On the rear is a swing-out full-sized spare tire, as well as a receiver hitch and large rear storage box. Once you make it to the campsite, a Fiamma roll-out awning keeps you comfy and covered from the elements. Carrying all of that are four 16-inch Vision aluminum wheels, painted black and shod in 285/75 Goodyear Wrangler tires.
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An off-road machine that feels like home
The driver and passenger captain’s chairs are upholstered in simple tan cloth and can swivel back to the rear cabin. The dash, door panels, and vinyl flooring are also tan, while the entire interior has been lined with sound-dampening Dynamat. The all-black bi-spoke steering wheel is bare and straightforward, and behind it lies a gauge cluster with a 0-100 mph speedometer, with fuel and engine temp gauges to the left, and oil and battery level gauges to the right. The dash also houses a Tadi Brothers trailer brake control with monitor, as well as an Alpine touchscreen head unit with Bluetooth integration and back-up camera integration.
In the back, a red gaucho sofa folds down into a bed, and along with he pop-up tent, provides ample sleeping room. There is a kitchenette that features a sink, a Dometic propane stovetop, an Isotherm refrigerator, a simple countertop with pull-out pantry, and storage cabinets. A 2.8-kW Onan generator provides power alongside the solar panels up top, controlled by a Blue Sky controller. A 2000W Xantrex charger, several 400Ah AGM batteries, and an extra-capacity 50-gallon fuel tank ensure energy and fuel are available when you need them, not just when the sun is shining.
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No kill like overkill
Under the hood of this behemoth is a truly potent 7.3L (445 ci) turbodiesel V8, specifically Ford’s much-beloved Powerstroke engine, equipped with an engine-block heater and an Edge CTS3 Tuner. All of that power is sent to all four wheels by way of a four-speed automatic transmission. Fumes and heat are shed by an aftermarket Diamond Eye Performance 4″ exhaust system. The odometer reads 177,000 miles, about 10,000 of which have been added since the owner’s purchase in 2021.
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Final thoughts: An ORV first and an RV second
The Ford Econoline vans are already famed for their heavy-duty, overbuilt construction, as well as reliability and durability. Add to that a plethora of aftermarket performance parts, a 4″ lift kit, and a full 4×4 conversion, and you have a potent off-road vehicle that can take on even the toughest trails.
That focus has been augmented by the camper equipment, allowing you to make it off the beaten path and call it home when you’ve reached its end. This combination of features, when taken together, makes for a unique and powerful capability to hit the trails hard and have the base camp right there, wherever there happens to be.
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