Guidance, Advice Needed

[Expedition Will]

Hi All,
First time post in this section. I have been researching vehicles for over a year. I was convinced the Unimog was going to be the right vehicle for us but it has become too complicated a machine for us. I have been a Land Rover owner all my life, 110s, Range Rover, Disco and Series. I looked very hard at Unimogs but we have decided it is not for us. A friend recently suggested a 4x4 van which gives me new found hope. I looked at one owned by a neighbor and was quite impressed. His is a Sportsmobile.
Our needs are for dirt road capability, some light off track stiff but nothing too extreme. I have located one with a Salem Krogen 4x4 system and a 2001 7.3 power stroke Diesel engine. It would be great to get any feedback or thoughts on the advantages of a van over pickups or other trucks and if anyone has any experience with this engine or 4x4 system builder.
Thanks-Will

 

[ujoint]

That engine is the best diesel that Ford has ever offered. Extremely reliable. I think you'll find a 4x4 van to be a good all around vehicle, should fit your needs well!

I'm not too familiar with the SK conversion, any pics?

 

[cobblecrazy]

I've had a Tacome 4X4 w/a shell and camped out of it. It was great to sleep in - in the snow, or in the heat of the Black Rock desert - and it had no issues with any off road I came across, but it was somewhat limited on the "comfort" side which tended to reduce the enthusiasm sometimes with my wife. We had a Tundra 4X4 w/a pop up style cabover. Limited off road w/the camper on because of the weight, and although the comforts were there it was limited on storage space for a week long adventure. Horrible fuel consumption (8 -12 mpg).

We finally went with the Sportsmobile. I grew up with VW Westys so this was a match made in heaven. The storage in this thing is unbelievable. Just about every nook and "empty" space is utilized for some type of potential storage spot. The comfort level has my wife pushing for us to go - no matter if its close to things, or far off the beaten path. We usually sleep in the upper bed, but we have used the lower bed from time to time in the winter. The heater has kept us nice and toasty no matter the storm outside, and the van's air conditioning system has cooled the interior down in the hottest condition (usually just opening the upper windows gives a nice cooling breeze throughout). We have averaged 16 to 18 mpg even when fully loaded. Everything on the interior is accessable even driving along, and many times a quick meal has been had without having to stop.

I have seen the Sportsmobiles doing rock crawling type terrain. Out of my comfort level, but I have had it on roads of just about every other description, and no issues. The most important thing though was my wife did not like to drive the cabover because she could not see. She has had no problems driving the Sportsmobile, and I even had her doing some technical off road without even a grumble...

Get the Sportsmobile - used is great (look at their website for a variety of models) - but I think one of the funnest parts was getting to be involved in the build process.

I think the only thing I would do differently is I might go for the extended body, just for a bit more space.

 

[cobblecrazy]

Here's pics of mine

[/IMG]

 

[1leglance]

I currently own a 2007 FJ Cruiser with a roof top tent. While it is a great 2 person rig, however I have a 4 person family and the rig is over gross vehicle wgt in trail ready setup.
I toured the Sportsmobile factory and was lucky enough to drive one at the Overland Expo (thanks Andy if you read this).
My wife loved it as she normally hates the lack of space on a trip. The walk around factor was super cool and best of all I will be able to take someone in a power wheelchair (that is a Disabled Explorers concern only of course).

I am working hard to figure out how to sell/trade in my FJC and make the switch to a Sportsmobile. I think you will be very happy new or used.

 

[Expedition Will]

Thanks for the help

I hope I hit the right button here for the reply.

Thank you all for your input. This is really helpful. This has been a huge deal for us in searching and I keep seeing the vans driving around and even my wife has commented how much more comfortable they look than a Land Rover. I'm not a very good self mechanic. My mechanic jokes there is a customer price and a price for me because I lifted the hood!!
The van sounds like the perfect option for us. I'll get some pictures. It is a 1995 Super E350, upgraded in 2001 with just about a 100,000 miles on it. They were asking $25,000 but have hinted they need to sell and would go to $22,000. Safe and happy travels to you.
Will

 

[Stumpalump]

That sounds high for a 95 van but I'm not in the market. The Salem Kroger conversion is the best next to the Sportsmobile. The Sportsmobiles offerd Atlas T-case and Dynatrack ProRock 60 axels. The Salem Kroger used all F-350 parts and leaf springs. The 7.3 is the best diesel van period.

 

[spencyg]

I certainly love my 4x4 Van...my wife loves it too, and even in her pregnant state of body she is ready to leave at a moments' notice for unknown adventures. It is pretty awesome. My only concern with any van is the size once the family starts to grow. We're "planning" on 2 kinder folk, and no van will support a family of 4 with indoor living. For now it is awesome, but there may be a custom F550 camper in my not-too-distant future.

 

[Blackeye]

I have also owned a variety of rigs (Rovers, Jeeps, Suburbans, FJ, etc.). We have owned our Sportsmobile for almost a year now (July 16 is it's birth (delivery) day). WE ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT and sorry Lance, we are not ready to donate it to you yet.

During the Overland Training session in AZ.

Here is a link to some info on our build and some trip reports. We are almost at 30k (zero issues) and have slept in it well over 60 awesome nights in some of the most remote places we can find. We also have slept in in while enroute in some pretty urban settings. Check out the info and maybe it will answer some questions or hopefully get you inspired.

http://www.sportsmobileforum.com/viewtopic.php?f=15&t=1588

http://www.sportsmobileforum.com/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=1942

 

[ujoint]

HIJAK: What's up with those tail lights? Them are cool!!!!!

 

[cobblecrazy]

I hope I hit the right button here for the reply.

Thank you all for your input. This is really helpful. This has been a huge deal for us in searching and I keep seeing the vans driving around and even my wife has commented how much more comfortable they look than a Land Rover. I'm not a very good self mechanic. My mechanic jokes there is a customer price and a price for me because I lifted the hood!!
The van sounds like the perfect option for us. I'll get some pictures. It is a 1995 Super E350, upgraded in 2001 with just about a 100,000 miles on it. They were asking $25,000 but have hinted they need to sell and would go to $22,000. Safe and happy travels to you.
Will

Before you spend the money on something with 100,000 miles, take a look here. http://www.sportsmobile.com/z-PO_calif.html Specifically scroll down to the white one in Truckee w/the fixed top.

Or go here http://www.sportsmobile.com/z-PO_indy.html and look at the last one before the "Sold" ones. Its a 4X4 at a good price.

 

[Blackeye]

HIJAK: What's up with those tail lights? Them are cool!!!!!

If you are talking about ours, they are replacement tailights that are DOT compliant and use LED lighting. I think I got them from www.coolights.com. I think they are the same lights that fit the Excursion. Super easy install. They are much brighter in real life and especially at night. Bulb burn-out due to vibration is less of an issue.

 

[ujoint]

If you are talking about ours, they are replacement tailights that are DOT compliant and use LED lighting. I think I got them from www.coolights.com. I think they are the same lights that fit the Excursion. Super easy install. They are much brighter in real life and especially at night. Bulb burn-out due to vibration is less of an issue.

Thanks, they look good, nice to see them installed.

Hijak over--- sorry!!

 

[EMrider]

Before you spend the money on something with 100,000 miles, take a look here. http://www.sportsmobile.com/z-PO_calif.html Specifically scroll down to the white one in Truckee w/the fixed top.

Or go here http://www.sportsmobile.com/z-PO_indy.html and look at the last one before the "Sold" ones. Its a 4X4 at a good price.

Also check out the classifieds on www.sportsmobileforum.com.

There are a LOT of used SMBs for sale now in great condition. A great time to buy.

Our SMB has been excellent. Only regret is that I did not make it more off road worthy at time of purchase. That is now being fixed with some upgrades.
R

 

[1leglance]

Hey Andy....it is all your fault for letting my wife & I drive yours!
On a side note I bought a 4wd mag in Europe and there is an article on the Overland Expo and your van is shown. I will get you a color copy and info in case you want to get the mag. Pm my an adrs.

I know I will lose money on the transition from my FJC to a Sportsmobile but for the first time my wife is ok with the overland habit since she will enjoy it more