Vacations are the moments when someone manages to escape their daily life and can wander off to recharge their batteries. Some people prefer five-star luxury, while others find pitching a tent in the wilderness irresistible. There is a middle ground, and this 1987 Ford E-350 Conversion Van could be the ideal solution. It offers a self-contained, comfortable, versatile lifestyle, so its owner can go where they please when the urge takes them. It isn’t perfect, but with the seller offering it in a No Reserve auction, it could be affordable. The Ford is listed here on eBay in Severn, Maryland. Bidding sits at $5,395, and with No Reserve in play, a new home is only days away.

Ford released its Third Generation E-Series range in 1975, with vehicles remaining in production until 1991. The company attempted to cater to all tastes, offering a variety of models as commercial or passenger alternatives. This E-350 rolled off the line in 1987, with the first owner ordering it in Oxford White. The Ford found its way to Champion Vans, who fitted it with a fiberglass and steel Camper conversion. The vehicle presents well for its age. The close-up shots reveal minor chips and scratches, but there are no significant flaws or evidence of rust beyond minor surface corrosion on some external fittings. The custom stripes and graphics are a welcome touch that reflects the Camper’s leisure leanings, and the panels are straight. I believe the wheels might benefit from a refresh, but the trim and glass are excellent.

The seller sends mixed signals about the Ford’s driver’s compartment. They refer to leather trim, power windows, and power locks. However, I see no evidence of these items in the supplied photos. I would describe the condition as serviceable, although there are shortcomings a new owner may wish to tackle to improve the overall presentation. The Captain’s Chair seats are pretty good, with no tears and only minor marks. The rubber mat shows no significant issues, and the plastic engine cover has minor scrapes. The door trims are the biggest issue, and their condition detracts from the overall presentation. Not only are they mismatched, but neither is in good condition. Sourcing a set of factory trims shouldn’t be challenging, and that single move would lift the interior markedly. It might not have power windows or locks, but the buyer receives air conditioning, cruise control, and a Sony AM/FM radio/CD player.

An RV of this type is unlikely to offer luxurious accommodation, but this Ford provides almost all the comforts of home. The kitchen features a gas cooker, a fridge, and a stove. The bathroom is a wet room with a toilet and hand shower. The dining table and seats convert into a bed. There is plenty of cupboard space for storage, a lounge for kicking back at the end of a hard day, and a privacy curtain to isolate occupants from the outside world. Once again, the condition is serviceable, with this aspect of the Camper better than the driver’s area. It has no apparent needs, but the decor is typical of the period. New seatcovers and fresh vinyl on the floor would be an easy and cheap way to give it a new lease on life, but this could happen when (or if) the new owner feels it is appropriate.

This Camper won’t be a lightweight, but its mechanical configuration should offer respectable performance. The engine bay houses a 5.8-liter V8 that produced 215hp in its prime. Shifting duties fall to a three-speed automatic transmission, while power assistance for the steering and brakes should make life more bearable in tight circumstances. The Camper is unlikely to score victory at a “Traffic Light Grand Prix,” but it should comfortably cruise for hours on the open road at 60mph. The seller states this classic has 71,000 original miles on the clock, with no mention of supporting evidence. They also supply no information regarding how it runs or drives, but the fact that they describe it as ready for camping or a vacation suggests it is a turnkey proposition.

It is possible to spend a small fortune on a Camper to create the ultimate home away from home, and some people do that without batting an eyelid. However, not everyone is in that financial position, and more modest options are their only alternative. This 1987 Ford E-350 could be ideal for someone on a tight budget because the No Reserve factor may see bidding remain in the affordable range when the hammer falls. It has attracted thirty-two bids, suggesting people like what they see. Is it an alternative you might consider for your summer escape?