When you think of a 1989 Ford Econoline, you probably picture a well-worn plumber’s van or a delivery workhorse—not a hardcore off-road adventure rig. But for Jerry Bain of Elizabeth, West Virginia, that old Econoline became the canvas for something much wilder.
Over the course of a year, Jerry built his 1989 Econoline 4×4—nicknamed “Boogie Van”—right in his driveway. What began as a tired two-wheel-drive work van is now a trail-ready overlanding machine inspired by a Matchbox toy van he loved as a kid.
The project began after Jerry sold his Jeep Comanche MJ to fund the build. The goal? To create something with more room for him and his wife to travel, explore, and camp comfortably off the beaten path.
You can follow Jerry and Boogie Van’s adventures on Facebook and @boogie_vanner on Instagram.
Powertrain: Ford Strength from Front to Back
Under the hood, the van retains its factory 5.0-liter fuel-injected V8, backed by a C6 three-speed automatic transmission. Power is transferred through a Borg-Warner 1356 two-speed transfer case sourced from a 1989 Ford truck—perfect for channeling torque to all four wheels when the pavement ends.
The drivetrain is built around stout 1-ton Dana 60 axles. The front axle came from a 1992 Ford truck, while the rear was pulled from a 2006 model. Both are equipped with 4.10:1 gears, giving Boogie Van the ideal balance between crawling capability and highway comfort.
Suspension: Long-Arm Stability and Trail Control
Jerry engineered a custom four-link front suspension with Skyjacker 6-inch-lift coil springs and Hydro 8000 shocks. The setup uses Barnes 4WD Enduro joints in the custom upper and lower control arms and a Barnes 4WD Heim-jointed track bar for precise articulation and durability.
Out back, the van rides on custom Skyjacker 6-inch-lift leaf springs and another set of Hydro 8000 shocks.
This suspension setup not only gives the van its commanding stance but also delivers the flex and control needed to handle off-camber Appalachian trails with confidence.
Boogie Van rolls on a set of 35×12.50R17 BFGoodrich Mud-Terrain T/A KM3 tires mounted to 9-inch Trail-Gear beadlock wheels—a perfect combo for tackling mud, rocks, and sand alike.
Exterior Upgrades: Classic Strength Meets Custom Fabrication
At the front, Jerry fitted a vintage 1974 Ford High-Boy Warn winch bumper—complete with a Warn winch for self-recovery when things get gnarly. The rear bumper is a custom dual-swingarm setup built to hold gear, spare tire, and accessories.
Up top, the van sports a custom roof rack made from a Jeep Wrangler JK LoD Offroad rack, modified to fit the Econoline’s roofline. The rack features an aluminum deck, a full row of KC lights, and 400 watts of solar panels to keep power flowing during long overland trips.
Interior: Comfort and Capability for the Long Haul
Inside, Boogie Van has been transformed into a self-contained overlanding camper. Jerry outfitted the interior with everything needed for extended off-road adventures, including:
- Refrigerator
- Propane heater
- Television and DVD player
- Stove and sink
- Full-size bed
Together, these amenities turn the once-plain work van into a cozy mobile basecamp built for exploration and independence.
A Builder with Experience and Passion
With over 20 years of off-roading experience, Jerry knows what works in rough terrain. His favorite parts of the build—the 1-ton axles and long-arm suspension—make all the difference when navigating steep, rutted, and uneven Appalachian trails.
“They allow me to keep the van planted while navigating the often off-camber, steep, and rutted terrain of the Appalachian Mountains.”
Adventures Across the Continent
Since completing Boogie Van, Jerry and his wife have embarked on countless adventures. The van has logged serious miles, from Maine to Key West, and across Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Pismo Beach, and even Canada—multiple times.
Last year alone, they drove over 6,000 miles to Baja, Mexico, and back, proving that Boogie Van isn’t just a showpiece—it’s a true multi-purpose machine built to explore wherever the road (or lack thereof) leads.
Follow the Journey
You can follow more of Jerry Bain’s builds and travels here:
👉 Facebook: Jerry Bain
👉 Instagram: @boogie_vanner
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About The Author
Growing up, my father always believed that every family needed a truck—there’s just something about having a vehicle capable of hauling anything at a moment’s notice. That philosophy stuck with me, and it’s been the foundation of my lifelong passion for Ford trucks.
While I’m best known for my work with Ford Rangers, I’ve owned a wide variety of Ford trucks over the years—including F-150s, F-250s, F-350s, and even larger rigs like the Ford Excursion, Ford Expedition, and a 1982 Ford Econoline Sportsmobile camper van. I’ve used these vehicles for everything from family transportation to towing car trailers and campers, and each one has fueled my love for Ford’s versatility and durability.
I especially enjoy the styling of 1970s and 1980s Ford trucks—the bold designs, rugged presence, and classic charm are timeless. Sharing my passion for Ford trucks, vans, and SUVs with other enthusiasts online brings me a great deal of joy, and it’s why I created Blue Oval Trucks.
This website is dedicated to helping Ford truck enthusiasts explore, learn about, and celebrate these incredible vehicles. While I share my expertise and experiences here, Blue Oval Trucks is an independent enthusiast site and is not affiliated with Ford Motor Company.
