Retro American camper with separate bathroom

The previous owner called her Wilamina and in keeping tradition, so did we! Wilamina is a 1988 E250 3rd Generation Ford Econoline, extended version left hand drive, and oozes character and charm – it certainly turns heads. You won’t see many of these in the UK, but they are common in the USA so getting parts quickly for a reasonable price is not a problem (we easily got a new, UK compliant headlamp shipped from Germany on eBay, for example). The van is equipped with solar panel and operates totally off-grid with two 12V 120AH leisure batteries.

Recent MOT as of July 22, currently with 82,300 miles on the clock. The private number plate will be included with the sale. Upon purchasing last July, we paid a specialist company to down-plate it with DVLA to below 3.5 tonnes – this means it can be driven on a standard UK driving licence.

Since having Wilamina, we have also:

• Replaced the old batteries with 2 x brand new 12V 120AH deep cycle leisure batteries September 2021
• Replaced the starter motor February 2022
• Replaced the shower tray
• Put down new bathroom flooring
• Steam cleaned interior chairs and sofa cushions
• Replaced windscreen wipers July 2022
• Replaced front headlight, July 2022
• Painted the ceiling throughout
• Added retro wallpaper
• Added 1x new plug socket with USB port, 24v through power inverter
• We removed the spare tire on the back of the van when we reduced the weight allowance (but still have it and will provide to the buyer – it’s the same spec as you see on the other tires). You will find a tire repair kit inside the van.

Interior:

The van is designed as a four berth with a 1.8m x 1.2m pull out couch/double bed in the centre (blue velour) and an extendable bed platform up top to create space for another 1.7m x 1.4m double, perfect for kids, but too tight for adults (in our opinion!)
Beneath the sofa/bed there is an 80 litre freshwater tank with pump and extra storage
Both the front seats are on swivel bases, the drivers seat will turn 90° and the passenger seat will turn 180°
There is a kitchen area with a red formica worktop with original two burner hob and sink, above and below there is useful storage for all your cooking stuff
Opposite the kitchen there is more storage including a pull out drinks cabinet
There is no built in fridge, but you can get a good 12V plug-in fridge for under £100
We added retro wave wallpaper to the wall behind the sofa
The bathroom is a great size (a huge bonus), with separate shower tray, toilet and ceramic sink with storage cupboard

Exterior:

Gas and electric plug-in points (for cooking outside and music, lighting and fridge).
240v Hook up with long lead and adaptor included
Drinking water filler point
Key guard hidden key stash box for your spare keys
Storage for gas bottles, hook-up power cable, levelling ramps
Tow Bar with electrics
Fiamma wind out awning, this is a bit scruffy and takes a bit of manoeuvring, but it still works.
The grey and black waste tanks are stored beneath the van at the back, they are emptied via a long flexible pipe into campsite RV waste disposal drains
Rear doors for access to the service compartment below the toilet cupboard, contains batteries, water heater, heater blower, charger and power inverter

The previous owner owned Wilamina from 2012 – 2021, and did the following during his ownership:

• Restored the paint and stripes
• Stripped out old insulation and replaced with Cellotex
• Installed a large 250w solar panel on the roof for off-grid camping
• Installed VSR Split Charger to ensure motor battery stays charged
• Installed UK 240v electrics – two double sockets connect to this
• Installed 12v-240v inverter – one double socket connects to this
• Installed 240v-12v battery charger
• Installed 20psi water pump
• Serviced the Truma gas/electric heating and boiler
• Replace most of the weatherstrips, rubber window seals and channels
• Installed new Fiamma Roof Vent
• New fibreglass on roof
• Added galvanised Steel Roof Bars
• Replaced power window motors
• Replaced wiper motor
• Replace Rear brake cylinders and shoes
• Replaced Steering Rack Bushes, Track Rod Ends, Front Coil Springs and Shock Absorbers
• All new tyres 2019
• New Front Grille
• Fitted LED downlight in main cabin
• Installed Karndean vinyl flooring planks in living area

Engine Bay:

5.8l 351 Windsor V8 petrol engine
Automatic C6 3 speed Transmission
In 2019 the engine was removed; The heads were cleaned, stripped and reassembled, valve seats were cut, block was skimmed and all gaskets were renewed.
The EGR (Exhaust Gas Return) was deleted when the previous owner bought the van. He added a plug in VTS simulator and plugged the relevant holes and vacuum lines. The EGR system could be reinstated with available parts but the engine is running well without it.

Engine parts replaced:

• Starter Motor, Radiator, Throttle body, Air Intake, Water Pump, Timing Cover, Serpentine Belt, Belt Tensioner, Alternator, Thermostat, Fuel Injectors, Distributor, Ignition Wires, Coil, Spark Plugs, Starter Motor, Exhaust Manifolds, Front end of exhaust system, Catalytic Converter, Speed Sensor, MAP Sensor, O2 sensor, Temp Sensor, ECU, Fan, Fan Clutch, Battery, New twin cone air filters and hoses.
• We have a couple of boxes of spare bits’n’bob’s including the Haynes manual, various gaskets, bushes, bolts, sensors, headlamp, dashboard spares, distributor with leads, and alternator, which will come with the van if wanted.

Bad Bits

• It has some minor marks on the bodywork but is very good for its age.
• Drivers side door card velour is tatty at the bottom of the door
• Crack in Windscreen on the passengers side, not a problem for MOT
• Fresh Water tank level indicator not working
• A van of this age does require a certain amount of upkeep and needs to be taken out for a good run regularly – this is something we couldn’t manage, hence selling!