Or "which way to Wal*Mart?" Bonus points: if you can't find space in the RV park for the night, Wally World allows you to camp in their parking lot (one night only) in a recreational vehicle (subject to local laws, of course) 😉
Greetings from the US.The 250 on the badge means that it's a 3/4 ton chassis. Ford used 150, 250, and 350 to designate 1/2, 3/4 and 1 ton chassis on their trucks. This carried over on their vans.
Slight correction, 100 designated 1/4 ton. The F-150 was invented around 1975 to fill a market gap, and allow the smaller truck chassis to haul 1/2 ton (mainly with heavier springs in the rear and a stronger axle). Chevrolet/GMC responded with the "Big 10" square body pickups. You could still get an F-100 through the first couple of years after Ford introduced the 1980 new F-series trucks...my uncle had a 1980 F-100 with 3-on-the-tree!
Fergus thats a real gem you have there , hope you get many more years of fun and holidays out of it . If there ever comes a time petrol costs go astronomic or unavailable , i believe these engines are perfect for LPG conversion . Best wishes from Northern Ireland.
This is the nicest old Econoline I've seen in a very long time. So many of these withered and died in backyards in my part of the States, leaving only giant hulking monuments of a bye-gone era of forced family camping trips.
In the Netherlands these campervans are converted to LPG which makes it a bit cheaper to run and LPG is widely available also in Belgium and France. You see them also quite often in Sweden as the Swedes love American V8.
I remember going in the shuttle bus versions of these in the US and I loved the sound when the driver put his foot down. In the UK when I got home the shuttle was a transit diesel. Oh dear! I knew my holiday had ended with the diesel clattering away in the drizzle.
Now this is what I like about HubNut road tests - you'll never know what it might be next and most likely it is something that other car-youtubers would never drive. Excellent!
Oh so glorious the Starsky and Hutch mirror and that tabletop. Would I fit round the table.......not in this life or the next...but the Americans love that fake wood panelling so do I so 70s/80s. It's like a camper for Jim Rockford or Quincy.
What fun to sample a slice of pure Americana! Our elderly friends from Williston, ND had a Ford Econoline w/ extra-wide camper conversion; it was a 1985 and must've had the 460 V-8; when Earl floored the thing leaving town, it was downright scary! Earlier, we helped them clear a wasp nest from the camper's furnace exhaust..."...well, no wonder it's not firing; there's bees in the combustion chamber!" I said...Nice camerawork by Ms. HubNut; she looked right at home in that thing!
As a kid in the 70’s, I loved the custom van craze in those years. By 1980, my mates were “inheriting” some interesting passenger and camping vans to use as their first car. My girlfriend was fortunate enough to appropriate a 1979 Ford E-350 called a “Leisure Van.” Because so many of us used it to sneak cigarettes, it was appropriately renamed “Leisure Lung,” with graphics that matched the original. It is nice seeing someone paying attention to our old US vans. They were truly a lifestyle for many years. Thanks for the video. Cheers.
There's something glorious about this 80's period of American vehicles, all about easy living, freeways, and denim. Might watch again, but listening to The Eagles instead of Ian...?
Iv lived in America for 25 years now and my first vehicle was a 76 Ford E150 econoline, I had that for 100,000 miles. It was great! Mirrored windows wide wheels and miles of shag carpet and glass pack exhaust with a 351 modified engine. 6 miles per gallon 😳. Then upgraded to a 86 Chevy G20 conversion van with a wimpy 305 ci(5,0) which was also awesome!. Currently driving a 93 chevy S 10 Tahoe 4.3 V6(17 mpg) . Love older American vehicles.
Yes, the engine is a 351 Windsor...351 is the displacement in cubic inches. The Windsor series of engines is most famous as the "Mustang" (actually Ford Falcon) 289 and 302 displacement blocks. The 351 Windsor block is almost exclusively designed for pickup trucks and vans. Some special editions of the Foxbody Mustang (towards the end of production) had a 351 Windsor as well.
Australia also had the 351 , both Windsor and Cleveland versions, as an option in Australian built Falcons and Fairlanes from 1970 to about 1982 as well as the 302 including the later Australian made only 302 Cleveland. Actually closer to 352 cubic inches, but to avoid confusion with the older 352 called a 351. Hubnut' test of the Falcon 302 Cleveland. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-y2Q_FwaYzA4.html
I now remember that it was earlier for the first Australian Falcon, Futura and Fairmont with the Windsor 351 an option in the XW Falcon released in June 1969 replacing the XT Falcon. The XW was an extensive facelift of the XT, Most sold with six cylinder motors but around five to ten percent of buyers paying the extra for a 351, although standard on GT models. Many more Fairlane buyers went for the 351 option.
Had an 88 E-150 conversion van with 4 captains chairs, drinks table, and rear folding bench/bed seat. Bought it for $50 CND. Replaced the fuel pump then sold it for $1000.
My favourite part was the "EXIT" sign on the drivers door If you can't figure out that you exit a vehicle through the door then you probably shouldn't be driving a vehicle in the first place!
The Twin I Beam front suspension of this Econoline and the F Series pickup was literally just two beam axles side by side and attached to the front wheels
What an interesting vehicle review from Ian with Miss Hubnut providing the camera work. I have always been curious to see an old American Campervan in the UK & you found an old & interesting one for us to see and enjoy.
What a great video; and with addition of Mrs HubNut camera work; so professional. I've got to say the end shot of the Van driving away; felt like. If you won the speedboat from that famous TV game show of yesteryear but, didn't live near the sea; but were determined to use it to it's full potential, a'la Mad Max Style.
Lardy, doesn’t handle, you navigate it rather than steer and it does 7 mpg...? Perfect 😍😂 what a loveable beast when you only ever see Ducato diesels or Peugeot Boxers. Great review Ian
Love the 'face' of these series of Fords. There's definitely a lot of charm to this one. And indeed, for a long haul trip, especially with working cruise control, pretty damn nice. With UK fuel prices though...
The early Econoline's were also badged as Falcon.They used quite a lot of Falcon parts. And the dash on LA Bob is very reminiscent of the Australian Ford ZH Fairlane and P6 LTD (1976- 79)
Ford Australia, GMH and Chrysler Australia borrowed a lot of body parts from the U.S devisions of the respective parent companies of the 70s as they were heavily American influenced designs. Only in the 80s when they turned to European influence (as America's carmakers started doing as well in the 80s) did th at change.
As someone who is 6'2" tall, I have never been a fan of caravans, motorhomes or camping. None of them are made with a thought for tall people. Even static caravans aren't big enough. I get sick of banging my head, having to sleep in the foetal position, hearing absolutely every drip and squeaky fart from someone else's toilet visit, and being told to turn everything off at 10pm. I much prefer a hotel or a chalet. But each to their own. If this is how you choose to spend your holidays, then I respect your ability to endure the discomfort of emptying your own toilet every morning. I genuinely do.
I´m 1,94 m tall and that does still mean I get nothing for daily use that fits. A car, a camper, a tent - pretty ridicolous what they construct in these days with no respect for the fact that people became taller over the last decades. "I much prefer a hotel or a chalet" I very much agree :-)
@@cornishhh I live on a 50' narrowboat. It's snug, BUT it seems the builder knew what he was doing re. interior layout. Having said that, I dream of not walking sideways down a corridor...
@@davebicker8618 I've spent several years living aboard much smaller sailing cruisers, but I've only ever lived on them alone when I've been out at work full time. If I'm being honest I quite miss it, especially the camaraderie you find amongst liveaboards. Do you continuously cruise or live in a marina?
Hippo in a wheelbarrow NOW THATS FUNNY! and the camera ladies thumbs up too Hubnut can take a monument to American malaise era design and make it into good fun!
I've not finished the video yet, but a couple of notes. The first, most important, is that if the cruise control is not disengaging properly, the van needs a new brake lamp switch NOW. It is the current from the brake lights that pauses the cruise control. The switch runs about $20 Canadian, so maybe £12. It is an easy repair. A pair of needle nose pliers is all that is required. Pull the Cotter pin, unplug the harness, lift the open side of the switch over the brake pedal arm and slide it off the rod. Installation is the reverse, but you have to be sure to capture the top of the pedal arm between the ears of the switch. The repair takes an easy 10 minutes. The original Econoline vans were based on the unibody platform of the Falcon that hit the market in 1960. A significant number of parts are therefore the same as the original Mustang. Econolines of this generation came as the E-150, E-250, and E-350, denoting ½ ton, ¾ ton, and 1 ton models. Later ones were available with the V10 gas engine. There were also hefty turbo diesel engines available in various displacements depending on the year. The Twin I-Beam suspension is not a beam axle. Each side is independently sprung. Unlike double wishbone, though, the pivot point for each side is on the frame rail on the opposite side. It is very strong and quite durable. Frequent checks of the tracking are necessary to keep the handling and steering correct. It sounds like the steering box on that camper van is maybe about due for renewal. They seem to need doing about every 30-35 years. About that time the pinion shaft seal starts to leak, which is also about the time the gears are getting a bit worn. It is not a difficult job. The idler arm needs redoing at about the same time. The Transit Van here is available in 4 main configurations. Transit Connect is the baby, with the 4 cylinder. The E-series replacements are the Transit 1500 (½ ton), Transit 2500 (¾ ton), and Transit 3500 (1 ton). The 3500 comes standard with dual rear wheels. They come in a variety of lengths, the longest of which is longer than this camper. Seeing the end of the video, the right side tail lamp assembly needs attention. The ground is bad and the reverse lamp is illuminating when the brake light should be coming on. Start by fixing the ground. Most often it is as simple as a new socket. A standard part from any parts store. I believe that late in production the bulb is a North American 3157, which is the flat based bulb with the plastic base, but that socket is dead common. If needed, I could get one on the post tomorrow. Of course, making sure there is no bare wire on the loom to it is first. There are a total of 5 wires. Two for the reverse lamp, 3 to the tail/brake/turn signal socket.
I had one when I lived in Canada during 1999, bloody thirsty, lucky fuel was $0.29 CAD per litre. MIne had an overdrive on the automatic which helped and suspension Captains chairs and it rode nicely, the steering was dreadful as was the fuel consumption. Did I mention the hideous fuel consumption and it was leisurely in terms of pick up.
The Ford Windsor engine family debuted as a 260 (4.3 litre) in the 1962 Fairlane. All but the 351 (which has a raised deck) are similar in size to the Rover nee Buick V8, but somewhat heavier due to cast iron construction. The Windsor was available in several sizes, the smallest being a 4.2/255 that was made briefly in the early eighties, and the 5.8 was the largest. The "5.0" (actually 4.9, or 302 cubic inches) is arguably the most famous, found in everything from Torinos and Falcons to South African exotica like the Capri Perana and XR8 Sierra, and the Brazilian Maverick. Where the Windsor is not found as readily? Australia. The combination of regulations and conditions Down Under led to Ford at Geelong preferring the Cleveland engine family, which allowed more displacement than the Windsor.
True in Australia we had the 289, 302 and 351 Windsor up to 1970 then switched to the Cleveland in 302 and 351 ci up until 82. Quite a few of the last Australian Cleveland's ended up in America to be used in NASCAR. Also the Windsor returned to Australia in 92 as the 5.0 for the Falcon/Fairlane/LTD. Australia was the last market for the old Windsor before the new 5.4 modular came out in 2002
I am aware of some interchangeable parts between the Cleveland and Windsor blocks, including heads. Can a Cleveland block take a Windsor crank? I'm thinking the bore spacing is going to be identical. The 351M and 400M were Cleveland blocks with Windsor heads designed for improved emissions and offered in North America in the 1970s.
@@wanderinggentile I'm not 100% sure on interchangeably of the internals like the crank. The heads can be swapped over ,but need slight modifications. Cool to know about the 351M and 400M. Back in 1970, Ford Australia had the GT > HO Falcons. The 1970 XW Falcon HO was the transition from 351 Windsor to 351 Cleveland. Phase 1 was Windsor and Phase 2 was Cleveland. Apparently there was a short production run of Phase 1.5 made. These had the Windsor but with the Cleveland heads and other mods. An Australian version of the 302 Boss.
Back in 2004 I drove a newer version around Canada for a fortnight with my mates. It was hilarious. It had a much bigger camper body on it and about a six foot overhang on the rear axle. I grounded the tow bar on someone's driveway trying to 3 point turn it when we took a wrong turn. :) It handled like an oil tanker and, like this one, the steering wheel had very little influence on the direction. :) Mind you, it didn't half shift when you floored it. Along with the passengers and any unsecured utensils. ;) It was an E450 and I think a V10? It managed silly mpg but the price of fuel was also silly. :) Years later I drive a 36 foot, 26 tonne refridgerated lorry and although much slower, it handles like a Ferrari in comparison. :)
I drove one of these back then, in fact the 350 chassis, 7 meter long as a taxi and limo, with the 7,3 liter V8 diesel. What a car. It did 0-60 mph in 12 seconds, empty, and 100 mph in topspeed. 8 captain seats and a sofa in the rear. On the motoway, it used 18 liter diesel on 100 km, and 16 in city driving. Had a frontal chrash with a 5 series bimer. That car was really crumplet. The driver survied. The van wasn't crumplet a all, but the chassi was gone. We was 8 in the car, and no one had any injuried, but I could se where a had my left fot when we crashed.
Remember I was on a easter holiday with that car and some friends. Used 175 gallon or 800 liter diesel on that trip, but back then, the diesel was cheap and the tax was on km driven. Not one the fuel pr km.
Oh and if you manage to wangle an America trip just use a massive RV. Similar running costs and no size/parking problems over there so you might aswell have the comfort.
Back in the 80s I drove campers quite a bit, even hiring a beautiful Bedford Calypso off season a few times for nice trips around Britain, from a relative who worked for Dormobile at Folkestone, famous for their van conversions, campers, ambulances etc. I eventually bought a 1978 BL Sherpa camper van as a daily driver for a few years in the late 80s and had some great holidays in it. My parents would buy and sell cheap camper vans on, but would use them for holidays too. I remember them doing a touring holiday of France in about 1990 as far as Bordeaux in an old twin-tone green and cream Commer conversion - lamentably slow, apparently, but reliable enough, and not unpleasant as a camper. I see these fetch very high prices as restored classic vehicles these days.
Ian, if you search for Twin I-Beam and look for a diagram, I think you'll see that while the components are, indeed, beam axles, there are two of them that overlap to a great degree, providing each front wheel with its own axle, sprung independently and isolated from the movement of the other.
i just cracked up when a thumb appeared, Ian it looks like a trip across the states is called for from New York to L.A wonder if it will be like the film Paul and you have got to visit ( the little alien inn ) on the extraterrestrial high way and then stream it live.
I went with a group to the usa in 2013, and whilst they did the florida theme parks, i was more interested in the cars on the roads and the dealerships. On one stretch of the i27 it was possible to buy a retired but usable fire engine and proper yellow school buses. . I'm desperate to get back. But covid has buggered that
A proper American vehicle then - steering that feels like a games console, shocking handling and terrible fuel consumption from an oversized and underpowered engine. Love it!
Love this !!! I want one !!! (just a shame I couldn't afford to run it, lol) So much more character than crappy plasticky modern campers. Fergus, you are a very lucky man !
It's probably how the majority get used. I think time was when the number of beds was a selling feature. Even if four of them were children it would be no fun if more than a couple of people moved.
Excellent review! Yes, this is typical US RV motoring, although I would call this interior retro. Ford for years supplied chassis for RV manufacturers, still does. And yes, American drivers loved overboosted power steering, we don't need to feel the road, we just point and go! Grey and black water tanks hold used liquids, to which one goes to a station, open the valve, empty each tank, then continue on their journey. My parents owned quite a number of RV'S, from fifth-wheel caravans to very tall class A motor homes. And way to go Miss HubNut!
@@volvo480 We have many different manufacturers besides Winnebago. RV'S (Recreation Vehicles)also come in many, many different sizes and classifications here in the US 🇺🇸. Some are like this Ford Van, currently they are on Mercedes-Benz or FIAT van chassis. Then you have Class A and C motor homes, bus chassis, the list is endless! Over the past forty years has the RV industry evolved to what it is today, and it is still taking off, more so due to the pandemic and unaffordable housing!
those campervans were and still are very popular over here(canada) and of course in the us. some are even poweful enough to tow a car behind them! "listen to that" he says, that's the sound of gasoline being poured down the carburator throats!!
The original econolines were cheap workman's vans, very often straight six. Trying to comnpete with the VW van imports that were sweeping the country. The name just sort of stuck. Google original Econoline van and read the Wiki.
The 250 means it's on a 2500 chassis. That means it's more heavy duty than a 1500 (Base level) It's because all the weight that the bed, furniture etc, adds to the van. They can also tow heavier loads.
I lived for a bit in Australia where I had job as a wholesale bookseller. I had to trave all around N.S and Queensland in a company Ford van (1983l vintage), in 1986. This was called a Ford Econovan, very much a misnomer! It had vinyl seaters or bench seat, needed to be lifted and strapped to check the oil. I think it had an AM radio, but the engine noise drowned it out completely. With vinyl seats and no air conditioning, in outback Australia I nearly drowned in sweat. It had four cylinder engine and a very thirsty one - it was geavy, and very underpowered - if you ever find one I would love to hear wat you and Miss Hubnut think of it!
The USA trip has already been approved by Miss HubNut. This is a product for long straight roads, not for the pretty twisty roads in the UK and Europe. But it will certainly be an experience in itself.
American campervans are great and the GMC motorhome might interest you if you can find one to test drive. Some of them have made their way into the UK.
I noticed that sneaky little thumbs up from Miss Hubnut when driving a campervan across the USA was mentioned. 👍 😁. I’ve done similar but by car and I heartily recommend it.
I must say, I like the cut of Fergus's jib. Clearly bonkers, and all the better for it. I think if it were mine, and I were considering using it at all regularly, then I would maybe replace one of the petrol tanks with LPG. Brings back so many memories of 1970s and 80s TV shows and films.
I learned how to drive on my Father's 1978 Ford LTD Station Wagon, the experience reminds me of yours with this van, effortless thrust, no feel in the steering, poor handling (mostly because of the pillow soft ride) and the brakes were so sensitive that I'm surprised I never slammed the front bumper on the pavement. I hated that car so much that I didn't buy my first American car until 1999 (or so) when I bought a Plymouth Voyager minivan. That was a much better drive than the Ford.
It's mental that something that old-fashioned was made in 1990. Fair enough the 2CV was still in production in 1990 but by that stage it wasn't really purporting to be a modern vehicle. This feels like it was.
Its still being made in 2021, at least in cutaway chassis form - they did a new dashboard and external sheet metal in 1992, but under the skin, the current E-Series chassis cab is still the same basic van since 1975
The interior light switch to read map is a trick using the main head light switch. I also found that such a huge engine has no power. I bought one 160,000 miles and drove all the west cost PCH 101 and crossed Canada Vancouver to Atlantic and way back to LA without any problem, except in Rocky Mountains, the long down hills with engine break makes the gearbox excessively hot.
