2002 E350 turtle top adventure van

[canam-SMB]

Anyone doing a build might be interested in this. Took me about a year and a half for this build. Here are a few details 12 valve Cummins, Quigley 4x4 , espar heater heat exchanger, ac/dc fridge, diesel cooktop, shower-and outside shower, cassette toilet, tv, microwave, auto tv antenna, three lithium ion batteries, 500 W solar, 2000W inverter charger, hyd winch, Max fan , automatic side door remote or manual thanks for looking it’s not for sale just thought might be helpful on some ideas

 

[E-350]

Very nice! Thanks for sharing!

 

[bigriver-SMB]

Yeah that's a very cool rig... good work. Congratulations. It would be interesting to see what the original truck was like - hint hint

 

[Twoxentrix]

Yep, some unique & interesting qualities...I like it.
I'm interested in how the drivers side bracket (holding the recovery boards) is fabricated and attached to the van - if you're willing, any chance you can take a couple pic's of that unit canam?

 

[canam-SMB]

It was installed before the inside was finished bolts were welded to wall gussets of the turtle top metal frame. Reason for that I knew I wouldn’t be able to ever get to the boat inside again.As far as the bracket is just two horizontal pieces that the bolts go through and then to vertical arms, that the jack and recovery pads fastened to. Hope that helps

 

[canam-SMB]

I bought some receiver locks on Amazon, cut the end off, welded that on the horizontal pieces and the jack and the recovery pads slide over those and then you can lock them so nobody can steal them.

 

[kccourtney]

Those turtle tops are such a dope platform.

 

[mgmetalworks]

Casually mentions

...12 valve Cummins...

then just moves on to solar panels, inverters, microwaves and cassette toilets as if they're all just part of any ol' camper van...

Pics and details of that part of the build? Transmission choice? Drivability, fuel mileage, noise level? Fitment/placement challenges? Access for serviceability? Did you fit it in through the front or lift the cab? What would you do different next time?

:b5:

 

[landcruisin-SMB]

I'm glad I'm not the only one who was surprised that was glossed over and with no engine bay picks.

 

[canam-SMB]

Casually mentions then just moves on to solar panels, inverters, microwaves and cassette toilets as if they're all just part of any ol' camper van...

Pics and details of that part of the build? Transmission choice? Drivability, fuel mileage, noise level? Fitment/placement challenges? Access for serviceability? Did you fit it in through the front or lift the cab? What would you do different next time?

:b5:

4r100 trans with quick 4 controller, in and out through the front, transmission has to be moved back 4in, engine was overall easy install.Hardest part is the wiring. Stock radiator, Ac pump, alternator. Hade to do water to air intercooler.Noise isn’t bad but louder than stock. Only thing I would do different definitely use Cummins parts when rebuilding motors. Hope this helps answer your questions.

 

[canam-SMB]

Also diesel conversion specialist has adapter plates and motor mounts this stuff is expensive but makes it a lot easier and faster. Fuel mileage is pretty good that’s why I went with the diesel. The rig 11,000 lb with totally loaded

 

[mgmetalworks]

That's cool that you could get it in through the front. The 6.7L wouldn't fit that way fully assembled. I chose to lift the body off. If I were to do another Cummins swap, I think I'd do the radiator differently since I ended up having to make a lot of custom parts up front. I'd also approach the wiring a little differently. I integrated all of the Cummins wiring into the van's harnesses...next time I think I'll make the engine and trans more standalone with a simpler interface to the van wiring.

 

[canam-SMB]

This is the second build I did first one lifted off the body much earlier. Wasn’t possible with turtle top they didn’t allow access to the bolts so that’s why I went through front. This thing was completely gutted and built from scratch it wasn’t a camper van it was a shuttle bus. Me and my wife put a lot of thought into the build. Were really satisfied with the way it turned out. It meats all of r needs really well.

 

[Lcavalletti]

this is awesome!! wow what a van, question on the front bumper, why the additional tubing? are you hauling something on the front?

 

[canam-SMB]

Yes I have MC i put on the front and also live in �� country

 

[E350-SMB]

@canam please keep posting!


And I am also from California.

Let's go Brandon!

 

[Youngster]

@canam please keep posting!


And I am also from California.

Let's go Brandon!

Is @canam 1st name Brandon?

Yes, please, Brandon, keep us posted on your progress with the van!:d8:

 

[Ramjet-SMB]

4r100 trans with quick 4 controller, in and out through the front, transmission has to be moved back 4in, engine was overall easy install.Hardest part is the wiring. Stock radiator, Ac pump, alternator. Hade to do water to air intercooler.Noise isn’t bad but louder than stock. Only thing I would do different definitely use Cummins parts when rebuilding motors. Hope this helps answer your questions.

Really ambitious and nice build out. Did you do the engine install and wiring yourself or hire someone?

 

[motovan_mn]

Is @canam 1st name Brandon?

Yes, please, Brandon, keep us posted on your progress with the van!:d8:

I was also curious who Brandon is, but I think this makes the most sense

 

[Rettich151]

Awesome built!!



What is the interior head room from floor to top in a turtle top?