Ford Build Thread: FrED the Ford. '98 E350 7.3 4x4 The More We Explore's Adventure Van
- Thread starter sixstringsteve
- Start date
sixstringsteve
Well-Known Member
- Location
- UT
Man, I'm humbled (but not surprised in the least bit) by all you guys. I really appreciate these comments, they mean the world. We're delaying posting the news on YouTube for obvious reasons (most of them being all the trolls), but RME has always been a second family to me. Thanks so much.
sixstringsteve
Well-Known Member
- Location
- UT
You know me well. I definitely have been missing my toyotas. While this van has been very reliable, diesels baffle me and I don't fully understand everything that's going on inside the engine. I get that they're supposed to be simple, but I'm no good at diagnosing them or knowing what's needed. Not that that's been an issue, but it's a weird feeling being clueless about the motor in fred.
I'm sure a tundra will have issues like any other vehicle, but I really like how reliable my toyotas have been in the past. They've been easy to work on, and it's easy to find info online about how to fix them. They're simple inside without a million bells and whistles, but these simple systems just keep on working day after day. Since I always buy used, long-term reliability is my top priority. I want to stay debt-free, so a car payment is not appealing to me.
My biggest challenge is figurting out what to do with the bikes. That one has me stumped. I don't want them outside, exposed to the elements, and I can't fit them in the Airstream. The bikes are our favorite part about traveling full-time, so they're not going anywhere. I think I'll start another thread brainstorming ideas for that. I've thought long and hard about it for years, and I can't imagine anything as good as the van for this.
The 3.5 ecoboost was an option, but 4x4 conversions cost $20-25k, which would put them in sprinter pricing. 4x4 sprinters have a 9 month wait after your deposit, and their engines are unnecessarily complex (but they sure are gorgeous vehicles). I feel like the ecoboost f150s are built well, but the transits just feel so cheap. They have a few annoying issues, and we'd be pushing it with the weight limit. There's no clear-cut solution. If I had a guarantee that I could get 250k trouble-free miles out of a new dually 4x4 sprinter, that's the route I'd go. But repairs are stupid expensive on those, and the 4x4 capability really isn't much to write home about. Lots of decisions.
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sixstringsteve
Well-Known Member
- Location
- UT
Thanks Davy, you two are some of those parents that we keep saying we want to parent like. It's been fun to watch you interact with your kids, it has taught us so much already. We are excited.
TurboMinivan
Still plays with cars
- Location
- Lehi, UT
Wow, Steve--that's fantastic news!!! I am so glad I clicked on this thread today (I admit I haven't followed it very closely over the last little while). Congrats to you both. I am genuinely excited and extremely happy for you.
Jesser04
Well-Known Member
- Location
- Kaysville Utah
I have a kid and I can’t imagine anything more comfortable to haul one in besides a van. There has been numerous occasions we have been in a car and the child needs attention so we either pull over or the wife climbs in the back. If I had a van she could stand up go back handle the kid anytime she wanted. The first 3ish years they’re in rear facing car seats which makes it difficult to help them. Not to mention if you guys are some where an the kid needs to go down for a nap the van has all the accommodations.
ttora4runner
Well-Known Member
- Location
- Colorado Springs, Again
Congrats on the kiddo.
Unimog
Eric
- Location
- Stansbury Park, UT
Wow! This is great news, Steve. So happy for you two! You are going to love this adventure! Don't think of it any other way!
Paudrhound
Registered User
- Location
- Utah
Congrats!
glockman
I hate Jeep trucks
- Location
- Pleasant Grove
Wow I'm late to the party. Congrats! The only sure thing about becoming a parent is that you have no idea what to expect and there is no way to be ready emotionally for the experience. You can't prepare by watching others go through it or by researching. You just have to go through it. Stoked to see what life holds for you two and the new addition.
I know you have heard this a lot recently, but we are so happy for you and you are going to be amazing parents. Our girls absolutely adore both of you and still talk about how much it was when you guys driveway surfed at our place. Hope to catch up with you guys again soon.
I know you ended up having it installed but I’m curious if you decided on the type of sealant you would have used? I can’t really find anything good searching the web. I’m doing a high top install on my van this weekend if anyone wants to lend a hand.
