The cost of live-in vehicles skyrocketed during the pandemic, with many examples selling for hugely inflated prices. This trend was partly due to a boom in finding adventures closer to home but also reflected a need for cheaper or alternative ways of living as many people lost their jobs or transitioned to remote work. Sure, there is no shortage of 4WDs, truck campers, and vans on offer, but anything bigger usually comes with an eye-watering price tag. Even smaller expedition-ready E-350 4x4s are the best part of $100,000, with recent examples including this $86,000 2009 full conversion, an $82,000 1999 diesel XLT, and a $75,000 2002 hightop campervan. Hence, today’s E-450 4×4 bus represents exceptional value at just $35,000, especially considering it features a desirable 4WD conversion, premium modifications, and a well-equipped camper conversion. I was impressed by the amenities, which include 65 gallons of fresh water, a 600-amp-hour battery bank and over 400 watts of solar, a 95-liter Dometic fridge/freezer, and much more. Sure, this is no rock crawler, but thanks to the 4WD conversion, low range, and rear locker, it can certainly leave the tarmac and reach off-grid camp spots. If you’d like more inspiration, check out Ujoint Offroad’s awesome E-450 4×4 Bus and this 2017 Shuttle Bus Quigley 4×4 Conversion.
From the Seller:
“This 2008 E-450 overlanding conversion was built from the ground up over the last year. [It] has the space and storage to take extended trips to the desert, the ski slopes, and everywhere in between. It has… the practicality to enjoy all of the experiences of van life, with more of the conveniences of home and way more space. When you want the comforts of a full-size RV but still want to be able to get off-road for extended periods of time, this is the ideal way to travel.”
2008 Ford E-450 4×4 Camper
The Ford E-450 is fitted with a 6.8-liter V10 that produces 305 horsepower and 420-pound feet of torque. As you’d expect, the vehicle is not especially economical and returns “around nine mpg at 70 mph,” but that’s to be expected for a large rolling home. A powerful, albeit thirsty, motor is mated with impressive all-terrain capability thanks to a custom 4WD system based on the Quigley 4×4 conversion. Quigley upgraded the bus with Dana 60 front and rear axles, a 6-inch lift, a 2-speed transfer case, a Detroit rear locker, progressive rate Bilstein shocks, a heavy-duty custom sway bar with custom links, and more.
Distinguishing Features
- Coilover suspension with custom-tuned front and rear progressive rate Bilstein shocks
- Quigley wheels with Falken Wildpeak ATP tires
- Renogy 600-amp-hour AGM battery bank with 410 watts of solar
- Freshwater tank holding 65 gallons
- Dometic fridge/freezer, 95-liter
- Air conditioning
This 2008 Ford E-450 4×4 camper is listed for $35,000 and is currently located in Mankato, Minnesota. Check the full vehicle specifications via the original Expedition Portal forum post here.
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