12ft Box Truck 4x4 DIY RV

[225]

A few years ago I purchased a 2014 Ford E-350 w/ 5.4 gas engine with the intentions of converting it to a camper.

Progress so far:

Day I bought it:



Added a door:



Back wall construction:





Power System. 1120ah of LiFePO4 batteries, 1000w solar.



Awning:



Tankless hot water heater:

 

[LXCam]

That's turning out pretty slick, keep the pic's coming please.

 

[225]

Fast forward 3 years.

Finished shower. Portable toilet goes in there when we're camping.



Closet:



Sink. Mini split was moved. It was over the sink, and then put over the bed.









Camping:

 

[225]

On to 4WD....

UJoint Offroad makes a DIY 4x4 kit. And a lot of other people do. My old van had a UJOR kit on kit. I have a lot of respect for Christ at UJOR, but I want to build my own 4x4 van from scratch.

Front axle being cleaned up:




Crossover steering knuckle:



A long way to go, but 4WD is in the works!

Thanks for looking!

 

[225]

That's turning out pretty slick, keep the pic's coming please.

Thanks! More pics added!

 

[billconner]

Neat. I'm envious. Look forward to more pics and maybe a trip report.

 

[jhn9840]

Top notch camper. Thanks for sharing.

jhn9840
John

 

[Mr.zippy]

Enjoyed the photo's! Really like the weiner dog friends

 

[jsaw]

That is awesome

 

[jack stand]

Excellent @225 !!!
Great planning, determination and execution!
That's a sweet rig already and with 4wd you'll open up opportunities for some real "get away" camping site's.

 

[mike93lx]

Very nice. Any van interior mods to make driving a little better?

 

[225]

Top notch camper. Thanks for sharing.

jhn9840
John

Thanks!

Neat. I'm envious. Look forward to more pics and maybe a trip report.

We're bringing it to Mardi Gras. More pics coming!

Enjoyed the photo's! Really like the weiner dog friends

Thanks, they go everywhere with us.

That is awesome

Thanks.

Excellent @225 !!!
Great planning, determination and execution!
That's a sweet rig already and with 4wd you'll open up opportunities for some real "get away" camping site's.

That's the plan.

Very nice. Any van interior mods to make driving a little better?

We need new seats. Other than a stereo, and adding cruise control, haven't done much to the cab. Eventually I'll buy better seats and a better radio. Plus sound deaden the whole cabin.

 

[mike93lx]

We need new seats. Other than a stereo, and adding cruise control, haven't done much to the cab. Eventually I'll buy better seats and a better radio. Plus sound deaden the whole cabin

I wonder if seats from an expedition or F150. Would work. Some heated and ventilated captains from a Limited/platinum wouldnt ****.

A backup camera would be great if you don't have one yet.

 

[NUTTSGT]

Something as simple as painting the wheels black make it look better.

Any more pictures and details of the roof rack ?

 

[Jswain]

So badass. Nice work!!

 

[Jayman17]

Great work on that camper, turned out real nice!

 

[CJM8515]

very cool build

FYI be very careful with auto insurance on this rig. most insurance companies will not want to insure a converted rig. if you have it as normal insurance all of your modifications typically wont be covered, you need specialty RV insurance. otherwise should something happen your gonna be in a world of hurt as they can deny the claim for the modifications done to a standard van

 

[Nealcrenshaw]

Awesome

 

[225]

I wonder if seats from an expedition or F150. Would work. Some heated and ventilated captains from a Limited/platinum wouldnt ****.

A backup camera would be great if you don't have one yet.

I will look into tose seats. I haven't done much to the cab yet, trying to finish up 4WD.

I do have a full time rear / front camera.

Something as simple as painting the wheels black make it look better.

Any more pictures and details of the roof rack ?

Since these pics were taken, I've added another panel and added a few things.

So badass. Nice work!!

Thanks!

Great work on that camper, turned out real nice!

Thanks!

very cool build

FYI be very careful with auto insurance on this rig. most insurance companies will not want to insure a converted rig. if you have it as normal insurance all of your modifications typically wont be covered, you need specialty RV insurance. otherwise should something happen your gonna be in a world of hurt as they can deny the claim for the modifications done to a standard van

Yup. I have GoodSam insurance.

Awesome

Thanks!

 

[225]

Axle is stripped and painted. I have to get the ball joints pressed out of the other knuckle. My balljoint tool and shop press can't do it.




We went to Mardi Gras. Stayed 5 days uptown, 2 blocks from the parades, in front of Jennifer Coolidge's house. We didn't see her tho.




Never plugged in. A/C ran non-stop. Had a great time.

 

[NUTTSGT]

She thought you were there to stalk her.... putting "FREE CANDY" on the side probably would have gotten her to come outside.




Roof rack and panels look good.. how do you access them ?

 

[rattle_snake]

High steer arm is so well worth the money on that BJ 60. It will make for much improved angles and minimal bump steer.