2005 Ford E-350 Chateau Quadvan 4x4 :: Featured Classified

The Ford Econoline is a commercial icon and one of a select few vans that can be transformed into a legitimate 4WD expedition vehicle. I’ve owned/driven an array of AWD/4WD vans, but very few can compete with Ford’s E-Series lineup. Unlike most “go-anywhere” vans on the market, which utilize an intelligent but limited AWD system, the Econoline can be upfitted with a heavy-duty 4WD system from conversion specialists such as Quigley 4×4, Advanced 4×4, U-Joint Offroad, and indeed Quadvan. The Quadvan system is considered one of the very best and utilizes more factory Ford components than their competitors (preserving original crush zones, maintaining factory warranty, and ensuring easy access to replacement parts). The end result is a vehicle that boasts the payload/practicality of a van and the backcountry durability/capability of a 4WD; a dream combination for overlanding. Cue today’s meticulously maintained (full details here) 2005 Ford E-350 Chateau 4×4 (189,xxx miles with ~33,xxx miles on new engine), which showcases an uprated Quadvan 4WD conversion and a plethora of premium aftermarket parts/accessories. This is not a proof of concept, but a no-expense-spared and extensively field-proven build, which has conquered some truly formidable terrain (check out this video of the rig climbing the infamous Hell’s Gate in Moab). The interior boasts a modular, function-forward interior, which can be utilized as a “day van”/camper or as a practical daily/family wagon. At $28,000, this package represents impressive value when you consider that the Quadvan 4WD conversion alone will set you back the vast majority of the asking price.

From the Seller:

“Amazingly capable off-road, on par with a stock Jeep Wrangler Rubicon. Been to Moab and many trails in the PNW and Canada. Not an extended van, which makes it far more capable on tight trails. Rides great on the highway and tows extremely well with the V10 motor, E-350 frame, and heavy-duty hitch with electric brake controller. It’s more robust than a Sprinter van off-road but drives like a Super Duty truck on-road. Built as an off-road camper for two kids and me. The camping system is all-gasoline: an Espar parking heater pulls from the main tank, lithium batteries charge from the alternator while driving, and a 2,000-watt inverter runs a microwave and electric stove. No propane, no diesel jugs, no hookups. Just fill the main tank and go. The kids call it ‘Monster Van.’ Selling because they’re getting bigger and we need more room. This was a dream build. No trades. Cash or cashier’s check. Clean title. Have receipts for most parts.”

2005 Ford E-350 Chateau Quadvan 4×4

The E-350 is fitted with a 6.8 liter V10 engine that produces 305 horsepower and 420 pound-feet of torque. A powerful, long-lived motor is matched with impressive capability thanks to 4WD, high and low range, armor, a lifted and uprated suspension, Dana 60 axles, 4.10 gears, a TruTrac front limited-slip differential, an ARB rear locker (with separate compressor and locker controls), and front manual locking hubs. These rugged credentials are balanced with driver comforts that include:

Tilt/multi-function steering wheel
Air-conditioning
Cruise control
Kenwood stereo with DVD/CD, Apple, and Android Play
USB and 12-volt outlets
Cup holders
Tinted windows
Large door pockets, dashboard trays, and overhead storage areas
Heavy-duty rear tow hitch (and front hitch) with Primus electric brake controller
Vantage Optics LED headlights
Rear view camera
Raptor seal on all rain gutters and soundproofing throughout
High-output 370-amp alternator
First Tech Arctic Start alarm with remote start
Heated captain’s chairs (with front passenger seat swivel for camping)

Distinguishing Features

Northwest Quadvan Econoline 4×4 conversion
Timberline HD 4-link front suspension, Bilstein 5100 shocks, Skyjacker 184S front springs, Alcan rear lift leaf springs, Fox front steering stabilizer, Redhead steering box, Carli front track bar, Hellwig 7718 front sway bar and end links, extended front brake lines, new drag link, and more
House battery system with 200-amp-hour lithium battery bank, Renogy 50-amp DC/DC charger with MPPT, and 2,000-watt pure sine inverter
Espar Airtronic S3 heater with EasyStart Pro
Microwave, 800 watts
ARB compressor/inflator system
Aluminess spare tire mount
Hitch-mounted 10,000-pound winch (mountable front and rear)
Custom drawer system with two full-length pullout drawers
Small child’s bed that fits across the front seats and rear seat swapped for a fold-flat bed
Method 703 Bead Grip wheels with Mickey Thompson Baja Boss A/T tires (5)
PowerStop brakes with slotted/drilled rotors
Barnes low-profile front diff cover
LED interior lighting
Freshly repainted (removed pinstriping from trail use)

This 2005 Ford E-350 Chateau Quadvan 4×4 is listed for $28,000 and is currently located in Seattle, Washington State. Check the full vehicle specifications via the original Expedition Portal forum post here.