New/old TV

[funkill]

I have Nooooooo idea why I'm even considering this - was looking for Horse Trailer in Craigslist and ran across it. Mind started churning and wonder if this would be a good TV. It would be nice to have a van so that when I go *horse camping* without my AS, I would have a place to sleep (rather than the tent - like I'm doing next weekend). And it would be cool to have a vehicle close in age when pulling the Silver Olive - and one very much like my grandparents used to tow their AS. I think I'm loosing it .....

Anyone have an initial thought on this baby?

Laura (current TV: 2000 GMC Yukon XL, 1/2ton, 2wd)
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1978 Ford 3/4 ton Econoline TOWING MACHINE, 351 cu in V8, C-6 Transmission with a "Gear Vendors Underdrive/Overdrive" ($3000.00), Factory Optioned Trailering Package.plus beefed up front and rear springs, "PULL RIGHT 10,000 pound TOWING SYSTEM" ($900.00). Engine has been replaced with a Jasper Rebuild with towing cam, transmission rebuilt too. Van also has trailer brakes, rebuilt Carburetor with K&N air filter,Jacob's Ignition, and replaced the Radiator. Bucket seats, Sunroof, great visibility with full windows and towing mirrors, sliding side door, two rear doors, fully carpeted and has lots of room to haul stuff out of the weather. Same owner for the last 21 years, I have the build sheet, original Ford sales brochure and enough reciepts to choke a Horse! $1950.00

[Aviator]

A well built 351W can make up to 500hp with gobs of torque. It should be able to tow your Overlander without any difficulty. Mileage will be in the 13-15mpg range. From the way it sits in the rear, it appears to have some strong rear springs. For the price, it might be worth considering.

[Jammer]

Looks to be in good condition for its age, but older vans can be costly to maintain.

Watch the condition of the body, interior, and incidentals. I spent $2000 fixing the air conditioning on mine and needed to replace the drivers seat and curtains but never did. I think I spent 3x the purchase price on repairs during the several years I owned it.

Ventilation is problematic when sleeping in a van in hot weather. There aren't enough windows to get much of a breeze, and on a stock van like yours none of them are screened. Some people figure out a way to velcro mosquito netting in place but I've never been able to get that to work.

[NevadaGeo]

Originally Posted by funkill

1978 Ford 3/4 ton Econoline TOWING MACHINE, 351 cu in V8, C-6 Transmission with a "Gear Vendors Underdrive/Overdrive" ($3000.00), Factory Optioned Trailering Package.plus beefed up front and rear springs, "PULL RIGHT 10,000 pound TOWING SYSTEM" ($900.00). Engine has been replaced with a Jasper Rebuild with towing cam, transmission rebuilt too. Van also has trailer brakes, rebuilt Carburetor with K&N air filter,Jacob's Ignition, and replaced the Radiator. Bucket seats, Sunroof, great visibility with full windows and towing mirrors, sliding side door, two rear doors, fully carpeted and has lots of room to haul stuff out of the weather. Same owner for the last 21 years, I have the build sheet, original Ford sales brochure and enough reciepts to choke a Horse! $1950.00 ...

You might get several years of sturdy towing with cheap truck payments with that. Be really hot in the sun I bet though. I'd be checking that out myself.

[Pat Conway]

Maybe you want to grab up that sucker before someone else does! A prepurchase mechanical inspection would help. If you are happy with it you could install a small A/C in the roof and be comfortable sleeping in summertime weather. You just could be grinning profusely when it is still pulling your horse trailer down the road five years from now. IMHO, Pat

[JFScheck]

Or perhaps even just a fan to circulate the air, then it might be quite comfortable!