Here in Europe, it’s rare to see E-Series vans or any American vehicle, and I think that primarily reflects running costs. I appreciate fuel prices are crazy even in the USA, but here in the UK, $8 per gallon is the norm, so the E-350’s 6.0-liter diesel engine is unsustainable for the average person. However, as an overlander, I’m not the average person, and while fuel economy is important, it’s arguably not the number one consideration.
Take my 2.5-ton 1986 Vanagon Syncro, which is fitted with a 1.9-liter engine, returns a combined 23 mpg, and produces just 76 horsepower. Now, on the flat, that’s liveable, but the second you hit any incline, technical terrain, or add heavy supplies and additional passengers, you’re immediately putting significant stress on the engine, which is why WBX engines rarely live beyond 180,000 miles.
Alternatively, today’s E-350 features a 350 horsepower 6.0-liter motor, which is better suited to a heavy overland rig, and subsequently some well-maintained Power Stroke diesels exceeding a million miles. So, what’s the take-home? Economy is important, but I can tell you that after rebuilding my engine twice, holding up traffic on just about every mountain pass, and overheating off-road, I’d rather sacrifice some MPG for better performance and reliability.
Today’s lifted 2WD E-350 has been owned by the current owner for a whopping twelve years, showcases premium modifications, and is priced at $28,000. Additionally, the seller is offering to overhaul the remaining small mechanical issues or even provide assistance in converting to 4WD for an extra cost. This is a great rig, owned by a real enthusiast, and could make an epic all-terrain rolling home.
From the Seller:
“Ford E-350 camper featuring a powerful V8 turbo diesel engine, with a massive 16,000-pound towing capacity that runs and drives awesome. The engine and mechanicals were also fully rebuilt and ‘bulletproofed’ at 154,000 miles, so it has zero mechanical issues and is ultra-reliable. It currently has 189,000 miles and is ‘just broken in.’ It goes 85 mph all day long and is an amazing road trip mobile. It’s been to California, Colorado, and all over the west many times.”
2005 Ford E-350 Diesel
This 2005 Ford E-350 is fitted with a 6.0-liter Power Stroke diesel motor that produces 255 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque (today’s example has been uprated). These engines are not the most economical or powerful, but they are very long-lived. If you’re looking to convert to 4WD, the two leading conversion specialists are Quigley 4×4 and Quadvan.
Distinguishing Features
- Warn, 12,000-pound
- Bilstein shocks, factory I-Beam front suspension, and 3-inch lift kit
- Awning
- BFGoodrich A/T tires
- Rear rack with bicycle carrier
- Camper interior
This 2005 Ford E-350 Off-Road Camper is listed for $28,000 and is currently located in Salt Lake City, Utah. Check the full vehicle specifications via the original Expedition Portal forum post here.
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