Ford Econoline as possible BOV
Ford Econoline Passenger Van possible BOV
So a traveling contractor working on some stuff at my client's plant brought this little beauty to bed down in and save expenses on lodging. Its an older Ford Econoline diesel passenger van. He told me that his father found it at a mechanics shop for about $2k. It had been an airport shuttle bus for most of its life and needed some work to the alternator and normal maintenance to get it running again. Now that I'm writing this I think about asking what the total cost was. Oh well, it couldn't have been much more than another $2k as this guy does most of his own work.
The vans body was in good shape but they ripped out all the seats in the interior and built a system of bunks and storage on each side. Unfortunately I couldn't get a good picture of the back - the sheet you see is blocking it - but they actually have a portable shower and toilet back there. For insulation they tacked solar reflectors to all the windows in the passenger area, the thing felt at least 10 degrees cooler than the outside at about 95 degrees, and the A/C hadn't run in at least 12 hours.
Bunk on left - sorry, limited time for pictures
The thing in the box attached to the back is a portable diesel generator. It is plugged into the electrical system so they can run the A/C, a radio or tv, and a small set of cooking appliances at a greatly reduced cost to running the engine.
The diesel genny on the back
He operates throughout the South East and takes this rig with him wherever he goes. He says it gets about 11 mpg and it let's him pocket the lodging fees from his billing and even reduce some food costs with a cooler (no fridge due to power draw) and hot plate. In jest I told him to weld a BBQ to the back for some serious tailgating and he actually said he would!
The owner is a seriously talented welder with a lot of know how. I would not attempt this if you're not skilled in metal work. Just wanted you guys to see it.
Note: Pics taken with the new Kodak Playsport - hopefully I can figure out the video software soon.