Any advice for the perfect camper van ?

[wayne thomas]

Exit Inn

Robert , Your tag line . How did Hunter die ?
That's what I was referring to . Sorry for the confusion .

 

[skysix]

Competition for SMB

Found a Sprinter conversion in 4 wheel drive, stove and fridge are propane (but Wallas diesel/ceramic top and Danfoss compressor fridge can be ordered). Water heat is diesel (Espar) hydronic with forced air cabin heat from same source. The way the sink slides into the wall in the bathroom is kinda neat. BiXenon HID headlights, 110W of solar panels, a 235AHr battery and LED interior lighting. With 26 gallons of insulated/winterised fresh water storage (17 grey) and a 5 gallon cassette toilet and you have a well equipped rig for 2-9 day trips.

http://www.cs-reisemobile.de/main.htm

Link is under the MB Sprinter header: "Independent" model. What isn't mentioned is the price - but a 2wd used 2003 version (customized with a large-dog kennel built-in under the bed and no fridge or stove) in Sweden is up for sale at $38k with 74k miles.

http://www.blocket.se/alvsborg/Mercedes_Benz_313_CDI_CS_RONDO_23372788.htm?ca=11&w=3

German brochure is at:

http://www.cs-reisemobile.de/pdf/alt/rondo.pdf

I wonder if you could buy a vehicle here and ship it over to be converted to 4x4/manual transmission then fitted out - likely outrageously expensive. Or buy one here and have it converted to 4x4 by http://www.salemkroger.com/sprinter.html before sending to Germany - but you'd still be stuck with the automatic. You might be able to order a US spec model in 4x4 from the factory (likely restricted to auto unless MB decides to offer the manual here to get better gas mileage numbers...) and have it dropshipped at the converters. Best would be to convince MB and CSR to build for the North American market!

I have no stake in or connection with the company other than I wish I could afford one!

 

[skysix]

Thread placement

After re-reading the OP's requirements - the above is likely not an option. Perhaps one of the moderators could move it to a more appropriate thread or start a new one?

 

[haven]

The Texas franchise of the Sportsmobile brand has two used vehicles
that seem to fit the OP's requirements.

http://www.sportsmobile.com/z-PO_texas.html

1. Price $10,900, 1996 Dodge RB - 3500, Miles 119,200, Engine 5.9 V-8, Seats 6 Sleeps 4, Cabinets Brown Interior Blue, Penthouse Pop Top Interior Height 6'10", Loop Pile Carpet, Day/Night Shades, 3CF Refrigerator, Microwave, Starcool A/C, 2.8 kw Onan Generator, 9" TV/VCR with Converter Box, TV Antenna, Radio Switch, Aluminum Running Boards, Hitch. Garaged, very good condition.

2. Price $10,900 1998 Ford, Miles 147,600, Engine 5.4 V-8, Seats 7 Sleeps 2, Cabinets Brown Interior Green, Contempo hard top Interior Height 5' 10", Loop Pile Carpet, Day/Nite Shades, 2 cf Refrigerator, Microwave, Starcool A/C, Inverter, Radio Switch, Aluminum Running Boards, Class III Hitch.

 

[Grim Reaper]

I just about bought a 82 Westy as a DD and I just couldn't get my head wrapped around the reliability issues and I have had plenty of Air cooled experience. I ended up with a $1400 Toyota Previa. Runs great after I did a few repairs (transmission mounts, SADS, SHocks and Stuts). They are available with AWD but no lifts and very limited in tire size. PAINFULLY reliable with many going way over 300k.

Willing to travel? Ad is still up so I assume it is still available.

Ford Areostar pop top camper. Looks interesting.
http://atlanta.craigslist.org/atl/cto/1472887268.html

 

[karimik]

skysix that is hot. i wish i could find one in NA. haven, thanks i have been keeping my eye on that site and the price is right but i hate the plush interiors. it looks like my grandpa's motor home, and i love my grandpa but we have different tastes. : )

grim reaper, i'm willing to travel! i have looked at that cl ad a few times now, wonder why i haven't emailed seller yet. i guess i'm about to. ta