learn me 1998 vintage ford E250 conv van

There is a 98 Eclipse brand ford e250 conversion van for sale semi locally at a good price.

The intent is to use it to tow my race car on an open trailer with it, and sleep at events.

It doesn't state in the add, and I've haven't heard from the owner what it is equipped with for an engine. However, google indicates a 4.2 liter V6 which kind of surprises me for a 250. I guess I would have expected a V8 in the 250, and the v6 in the 150. It does say that towing capacity is 5200 lbs for the v6. Events are local to me, 1.25 hour drive is about the max I'd be towing.

Most likely it is a V8, I haven't seen many full-size conversion vans with 6 cyls. E250s usually have a higher tow rating than 5200 lbs, but it is the weight of the conversion stuff that limits it. Any stuff you can get rid of from inside will make towing than much easier.

I had a 97 E-150 and currently have an '06 E-150, both conversions. I've towed on an open trailer as far as 800 miles away and not had any problems at all with the 5.4. I would image the -250 would be even better, but if it has the 4.6, expect it to work a bit harder. If you're planning on sleeping in the back, I'd recommend leaving the middle captain's chairs at home, for the extra room. You might also want to try to build some screens for the windows for summertime.

What i envision: I have a 10x10 pop up, with a screen add on. Thinking I'd connect to the van somehow. Or basically, create something with netting to allow the doors to be open, so bugs don't come in. My other thought is to add a receiver style hitch on either side to hang my bumper dumper and maybe create a portable shower surround that I can throw the solar shower on. I have a huge tent, which works for most cases, but If I'm solo I'll just sleep in the van. Van is insurance against rain and the like when a big tent isn't the best option.

The van is to make it easier for my wife and 3 yo son to come to events with me. Right now I have a single cab truck, and that doesn't work with two adults and a child seat. The more enjoyable the experience, the more often i can go.

81cpcamaro wrote: Most likely it is a V8, I haven't seen many full-size conversion vans with 6 cyls. E250s usually have a higher tow rating than 5200 lbs, but it is the weight of the conversion stuff that limits it. Any stuff you can get rid of from inside will make towing than much easier.

funny~ish story...

i saw an Astro conversion van once, with an iron duke.

The 4.2s aren't too bad. Not big on HP, but they will get the job done. My 250 work truck has the 4.2 and it hauls the 8000 pound van around with no problem. My 97 E150 had the 5.4. With an open trailer it would pull fine and get around 11-12 MPG. The only problems I ever really had were coils and brakes. It would eat a coil ever year, and the brakes were good for about 30K. The 250 will get you the bigger brakes so that shouldn't be a problem.

Fuel mileage doesn't hugely concern me. I figure I'm getting hosed on that no matter what option I choose. Very little interstate driving to my events, so I don't need to set any speed records. Just want stability and adequate braking(offset with trailer brakes).

A 250 series conversion van is fairly rare. Do pictures show it with 8 lug wheels?

belteshazzar wrote:

81cpcamaro wrote: Most likely it is a V8, I haven't seen many full-size conversion vans with 6 cyls. E250s usually have a higher tow rating than 5200 lbs, but it is the weight of the conversion stuff that limits it. Any stuff you can get rid of from inside will make towing than much easier.

funny~ish story... i saw an Astro conversion van once, with an iron duke.

That was why I clarified with "Full-Size", there are a few Astro conversion vans around here, although they mostly are V6 models. Can't imagine how slow an iron duke would be.

Are there many conversion vans with the PowerStroke?

I haven't seen a conversion van with a Powerstroke, they probably do exist but are very rare.

I've actually seen quite a few 3/4 ton conversion vans. Yes, the useless, overladen half tonners are the norm, but there are more out there than you think.

ddavidv wrote: I've actually seen quite a few 3/4 ton conversion vans. Yes, the useless, overladen half tonners are the norm, but there are more out there than you think.

GM's yes - the 20 series, that was not really a true 3/4 ton - but Fords? To be honest, I spend more time than logical looking at conversion vans. I think I can count the Fords I've seen that weren't on a 150 chassis on one hand.

Finally heard back that it has the 5.4 V8.

Also have a hillclimb buddy selling a 96 Chevy conversion van with a 350. All things being equal I lean towards the Chevy do to knowing the previous owner, and he'll be looking me in the eye on a regular basis.

However a e-250 chassis seems wiser for towing.

Well we pulled the trigger on a van. 96 Chevy with gladiator conversion. Leather interior, high top. Paid $3k for it. Needed a brake caliper, and a brake hardline. A/C needed a recharge. Used it to tow to upstate NY and camp over the weekend. My wife and 3 yo son, joined me. It was a rainy weekend. It got 14.9 mpg over the trip. Quite happy with how it worked out. Towed well. It was able to brake without the trailer brakes as well as I had a small snafu with the controller, so that was comforting. It could use airbags to make it perfect, but I'm very happy with it's first voyage.

Nice! Welcome to the CVLC.

(Conversion Van Lovers Club).

I hope to rejoin enventually...

Nice van.