97 E350 Winne 4x4- Ski Bum Mobile
- Thread starter java
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java
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Stitebunny
Adventurer
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java
Expedition Leader
Ski Bum Van (SBV) Part Deux
The next adventure has started! We were outgrowing our Sportsmobile and I was looking for a 4x4 motorhome when Java's came up. I was on it like T on Twitter! I was very excited to get the kids to the ski resort on a Friday night because getting them to move in the morning is nearly impossible. It really worked well! We were warm all night. There was NO complaining in the morning.
It drove well but a bit squirmy. It is very stiff. It feels like a low mile vehicle. Have been working on the awnings and the electricals. All the hot water works. Unfortunately the jacks stopped working. The relays work, but the pump is not going. I found a rusty 40 amp fuse block so I am going to replace that and see what works.
I want to redo the passenger side interior but we are already enjoying it. My daughter already set up her bed with unicorn art.
Last weekend I was at Lot 3 with my girlfriend at Alpental for the first time and the SBV was immediately recognized because of this thread.
It performed well in the deep snow (they don't plow often at lot 3). We met a lot of great people there hanging out at the campfire. They were very helpful to all those who got stuck in the deep snow. The SBV needed no help getting out of the parking lot though.
One glaring omission, Java, where is the bottle opener???
I am looking forward to spring break. Hopefully I can get the jacks and maybe front springs figured out so I don't rattle my teeth out. I love this rig.
The next adventure has started! We were outgrowing our Sportsmobile and I was looking for a 4x4 motorhome when Java's came up. I was on it like T on Twitter! I was very excited to get the kids to the ski resort on a Friday night because getting them to move in the morning is nearly impossible. It really worked well! We were warm all night. There was NO complaining in the morning.
It drove well but a bit squirmy. It is very stiff. It feels like a low mile vehicle. Have been working on the awnings and the electricals. All the hot water works. Unfortunately the jacks stopped working. The relays work, but the pump is not going. I found a rusty 40 amp fuse block so I am going to replace that and see what works.
I want to redo the passenger side interior but we are already enjoying it. My daughter already set up her bed with unicorn art.
Last weekend I was at Lot 3 with my girlfriend at Alpental for the first time and the SBV was immediately recognized because of this thread.
It performed well in the deep snow (they don't plow often at lot 3). We met a lot of great people there hanging out at the campfire. They were very helpful to all those who got stuck in the deep snow. The SBV needed no help getting out of the parking lot though.
One glaring omission, Java, where is the bottle opener???
I am looking forward to spring break. Hopefully I can get the jacks and maybe front springs figured out so I don't rattle my teeth out. I love this rig.
I just picked up this rig from Pete so I thought I would continue the saga.
I plan on using this for my snowbike adventures. I will be towing my enclosed trailer from Northern California to Wyoming.
I'm going through the rig to familiarize myself with how it operates and it's lay out.
Already put new calipers, rotors and pads on it. Remove a ton of the leftover unused wiring under the dash and have some plans to upgrade the refrigerator.
I plan on using this for my snowbike adventures. I will be towing my enclosed trailer from Northern California to Wyoming.
I'm going through the rig to familiarize myself with how it operates and it's lay out.
Already put new calipers, rotors and pads on it. Remove a ton of the leftover unused wiring under the dash and have some plans to upgrade the refrigerator.
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alaskantinbender
Adventurer
Glad to see the continuing saga. We just picked up a E450 class C in Alaska and plan on making it more of an off the beaten path rig.
What have you guys done with the water system in the truck? Seems that trying to keep the utilities working in colder temps would be very challenging.
What have you guys done with the water system in the truck? Seems that trying to keep the utilities working in colder temps would be very challenging.
In the interest of keeping the rig's history public here's an update. I found this thread very informative when looking to purchase so felt I should keep it going.
Iv'e been busy with doing some nice upgrades and some unfortunate repairs due to water damage found.
First the good.. Found a nice couch ($100) and set of studded tires ($500) on CraigsList. Also added a 5 port USB charging outlet by the table and tested out my bike hauler.
Iv'e been busy with doing some nice upgrades and some unfortunate repairs due to water damage found.
First the good.. Found a nice couch ($100) and set of studded tires ($500) on CraigsList. Also added a 5 port USB charging outlet by the table and tested out my bike hauler.
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The bad... After big storm came through I found some moisture. When I bought the rig I did notice some de-lamination on the over cab bunk but though it would have been from the lights on the side or clearance lights on the front.
After looking at it closer I found lots of water damage and rot. I first thought I would try to cut out the rotten wood and patch in good wood, but ended up doing a whole tear down as there was not much left to save.
I'm not real big into taking pictures so I didn't capture the entire process, but here are pictures I did take.
After looking at it closer I found lots of water damage and rot. I first thought I would try to cut out the rotten wood and patch in good wood, but ended up doing a whole tear down as there was not much left to save.
I'm not real big into taking pictures so I didn't capture the entire process, but here are pictures I did take.
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