Potential SMB?

[GBreezy]

I am new to this forum and am in the market for a van to build. There is a van on ebay that I am wondering if it would be a good platform to start with.

My major concerns are that it is a E250 and has the 5.4L V8. I am not going to be towing anything and I will not be doing any serious off-roading. I also do not have an unlimited budget to build with.

Any help from you experienced SMB'ers would be greatly appreciated. By the way, this site is great!

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/NO-RESER ... 3ccc7e5b60

[oceansrealm]

Thats a nice van. I have wondered the same thing myself, regarding the load rating. Sportsmobile states to make sure you pick an adequate load rating... right under where they detail putting a top on it.... but i probably misunderstood. Hard to believe that the top would have anything to do with it. I imagine it all depends on how many gadgets you want to stuff inside the van. This might be a great candidate for a minimalist/transformer setup? I am sure some on here could elaborate.

[Elltom]

Yes, great deal for 15k. I know a guy who paid 24k for his 06 v10 cargo a few years back, but do not tell his wife! No reserve auction with eight days to go........
Watch out for last minute bids by associates, unless he gets a few guys interested. Happens all the time.

[capnjim]

With reference to the 5.4, there is another thread that talks about just that. I own a 2006 Quigley 21' dually RV. I weigh 12,300lbs and have significant frontal area. In addition I carry a 2008 KLR 650 on a hitch mounted rack. I have climbed CO mountain passes, rolled down miles of dirt roads and covered a ton of miles on open highway. The 5.4 is an awesome little engine. Never once did it let me down. Sometimes I do run mine in fourth gear if I have a big headwind or if the highway is really hilly. My gas mileage is typical for a 5.4 towing or heavily loaded. I wouldn't be afraid of the 5.4 if the deal is right.

Jim

[jage]

That's pretty and it comes with a free quarter!

[BroncoHauler]

No longer available, but you can still view the ad/pictures.


Herb

[GBreezy]

Thanks for the help everyone. I did not bid on the Ebay vvan, think I will hold out for an E350. It is overwhelming to look at vans and their potential. If anyone comes across one that looks like a good builder, please let me know.

Thanks