The price of overland vehicles designed for full-time living can be eye-watering and, at times, as much (if not more than) an actual house (EarthRoamer and EarthCruiser come to mind). It’s refreshing when a more budget-friendly vehicle is listed on our forum that’s both a capable 4WD and a fully equipped home on wheels. This monster of a Ford E-350 ambulance has been overhauled for the road less traveled, and is a fantastic rig for someone looking to transition to full-time vanlife.
From the Seller:
“The 7.3-liter makes adequate power and is super reliable. With only 102,0000 miles, there isn’t a whole lot to worry about. Also, since the entire suspension and drivetrain is essentially new, and the transmission was rebuilt, it’s not likely to need any big-ticket items anytime soon.”
1998 Ford E-350
This ambulance is fitted with the legendary 7.3-liter Powerstroke, which is thirsty and dated by modern diesel standards but highly regarded for its bullet-proof reliability (many well-maintained examples have hit 1,000,000 miles). E-Series vans were mass produced (and one of the best-selling vans in the US), which means parts are readily available and won’t cost a fortune. Finally, there’s a wealth of aftermarket parts and services designed to enhance the E-350’s go-anywhere performance; industry leaders Ujoint Offroad offer a comprehensive 4×4 conversion that transforms all-terrain capability.
Distinguishing Features
This Ford E-350 has been extensively modified for overland travel and full-time living. Upgrades include:
- Ujoint Offroad 4×4 conversion
- 2004 F-350 axles (Dana 60 front and Sterling 10.5 rear), completely rebuilt with new 4.10 gears, bearings, seals, U-joints, ball joints, and more
- Fox 2.0 shocks
- Reman NV271 transfer case
- Warn locking hubs
- Custom specification Atlas leaf springs
- Custom Tom Wood’s front and rear drive shafts
- Cubic mini wood stove and 7-kilowatt diesel heater
- Norcold 12-volt compressor fridge
- 300-amp-hour AGM battery, 300-watt Renogy solar panels, and 1,500-watt pure sine inverter
- Freshwater (30-gallon) and greywater (15-gallon) tanks
This 1998 Ford E-350 4×4 ambulance is listed for $65,000 and is currently located in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Check the full vehicle specifications via the original Expedition Portal forum post here.
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