I'm looking to re-home my rig we affectionately call "Polar Bear." You can read about her build and her life here on this forum via this thread:
https://www.sportsmobileforum.com/fo...a-3751-36.html
I'm asking $11,500. I've posted her to Craig's List here:
https://seattle.craigslist.org/est/c...379062925.html
This is the text of the CL post with all the deets (written for a more general audience than you good folks):
She's a 1987, third generation, Ford E-250 Econoline Van with extensive modifications. After a dozen years of adventures, we've moved into a new home where working on Polar Bear is prohibitively difficult. It's time to pass her along.
Polar Bear is a great adventure rig. Go just about anywhere with four wheel drive, a lift, and all-terrain tires. Bring loads of gear and pile it up on the safari rack. Listen to your music via bluetooth, Android Auto, or Apple Car Play and display your navigation on the 9" touch screen. No matter how cold it is at night, you'll sleep cozy-warm on the memory foam mattress thanks to the propane furnace. And no matter where you are inside the van, there are plenty of USB ports to keep your gear charged and there's always a light within reach.
Van Specs:
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- Ford's 4th generation 300cu Straight 6 EFI (high torque)
- Warn manual locking hubs
- 1 ton rear axle (Dana 60 posi) and 3/4 ton front axle (Dana 44)
- 3 speed C-6 automatic transmission
- p205 transfer case w/ 4:11 gearing
- 8 lug 16″ rims w/ 33″ BFG A/Ts
- K&N air filter
- Steel rock sliders & front bullbar
- Weatherguard “Safari” roof rack
- Fox shocks & relatively new leaf springs
- Dual gas tanks (15gal and 20gal I think??)
- Class 3 receiver
- Sliding side door
- Fancy delivery driver mirrors
- 10” subwoofer & amp (powered via house batter)
- Superduty brake pads
- Unknown miles
Driving Experience:
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This is a heavy vehicle. The engine provides lots of torque but not a lot of horsepower so acceleration is slow. On the highway she drives fine, but don't expect a lot of power. This is most pronounced when climbing mountain passes as you will be moving slower than most traffic. Corners surprisingly well for the size and weight. Great performance for around-town driving. The suspension is on the rigid side so the ride is smoothest when the van is loaded down with gear. Gas mileage is a fairly steady 9.5mpg. I say “fairly steady” because the fuel economy doesn’t vary much when the vehicle is carrying a heavy load. The 4x4 system works as well as any from the era. The high-torque engine matches well with 4x4 low range. Combined with the limited slip rear diff, you get a lot of traction and power to the wheels when you need it. On slippery conditions such as ice, the 4x4 system pulls straight. Be aware, however, that these vans do not have antilock brakes.
Camper Specs:
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- Memory foam bed, folds into a bench seat
- Propex HS2000 Propane Furnace (external exhaust, thermostat)
- 3ish gallon propane tank with skidplate
- Dedicated "house" battery (Optima gel)
- NOCO Genuis battery charger w/external plug (charge off 110 plug)
- Internal 110 powerstrip when external plug is active
- Reversible passenger seat
- Removable rear shelf (carry tall things)
- Foam mattress & pillows for rear shelf, provides second bed
- Recessed blue lighting for zombie missions!
- Nice counter, overhead shelves, and lots of storage options
- Molly seat covers (you can attach molly packs to it, some included)
- Detachable rear speakers
- All windows can open
Comes With
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- 2 sets of keys
- Matching spare tire w/steel rim
- Tire change tools: hydraulic jack, lug wrench, blocks
- Spare lug nuts & a lug nut key
- Air tank, spare fluids
- Haynes manual (extremely useful)
- Flashlights, binoculars, canteen, paper towels, bungee cords
Condition
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Everything is, for the most part, operational. Steering is good. Springs are good. Tires and brakes are good. All of the 4x4 components are working well. Just got an oil change and new serpentine belt. Transmission can be cranky but always pulls through. It can get overworked and overheat. Just had the cooling system tested and they say it’s good. I drive this vehicle often and have been able to depend on it. The interior is clean and highly functional. The backup lights, however, stopped working. I have not yet figured out why. Also, I stopped repairing the A/C system as it needed to be patched and filled every Spring. If you’re going to use it, it really needs to be updated with a modern system.
While this van is the most fun toy ever, it requires ongoing love and attention to keep on giving back. At 34 years old, components are in various stages of wearing out. If you want to go on the overlanding adventures of your dreams, you should expect that this vehicle is going to need regular maintenance and repairs. This van would greatly benefit if owned by someone mechanically inclined and with time to tinker.
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