New member here... so I just figured I would start a thread on where our van has been since its purchase in September, 2007. Some of this content is older so apologies for to those that have seen it before.
The basics of our Sportsmobile are:
Me, my wife, and our eight year old daughter actively use our Sportsmobile and it remains ready to go on a moments notice.
Answers to common questions people have asked about our Sportsmobile:
Following - as time allows I will occasionally post some images to this thread of a few of the places that our Sportsmobile has taken us (thus far).
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Regardless if your first journey or your next journey... here is to inspiration, preparation, and determination. Pass it on.
The basics of our Sportsmobile are:
- 2007 Dark Shadow Gray Ford E-350 Super Cargo Van
- 6.0L PSD Diesel
- SMB 4x4
- No Propane
- Diesel Heater
- Diesel Generator
- Solar x 2
- Fridge, Microwave, Sink
- External Shower
- Cabin wide A/C
- TBM (The Brake Man) Racing Brakes (front)
- Dynatrac Pro Rock 60 (front diff)
- Dynatrac 80 (full floating rear diff)
- 4.56 Gears
- 35x12.50x17 Toyo Open Country tires
- ARB air lockers (both ends)
- 12K winch (front)
- 9k winch (rear)
- Atlas twin stick t-case
- Rear air bags
- Onboard air compressor
- Inverter
- Powered top
- Awning
- Aluminess bumpers, roof rack, rear box, and front box
- Baja Designs LaPaz 8" HID Racing Lights
- Remote search light
Me, my wife, and our eight year old daughter actively use our Sportsmobile and it remains ready to go on a moments notice.
Answers to common questions people have asked about our Sportsmobile:
- What is it? (see above).
- How do you like it? (We love it).
- How much did it cost? (More than my house).
- How long did it take to build? (About a year)
- How many miles per gallon does it get? (14mpg is normal, 16mpg is good)
- Where are you from? (Washington State)
- Have you ever got it stuck? (Yes, two feet off of the side of a gravel road)
- How much does it weigh? (12K lbs, loaded)
- What is that thing up there - pointing to the center of the light bar? (remote operated spot light)
- What is that yellow box under the rear? (Diesel generator)
- How is the quality? (there are good bits and not so good bits, you need to be more specific).
- If you could do it again, would you? (I cant afford to do it again).
- Was the 4x4 package worth it? (Yes).
- Would you ever consider selling it? (No).
- Have you had any problems with the 6.0L diesel motor? (Yes, the IPR valve screen fractured and got lodged in the IPR valve. This caused the fuel pressure to go to zero valve was stuck open). Van died getting on the highway and subsequently was in a no start condition. Had to get towed back to my shop. After some time, I was able to successfully troubleshoot and replace the failed part.
- Have you Bullet Proofed the motor (No, not yet).
- (From my wife) How soon until we can go camping again? (tbd).
Following - as time allows I will occasionally post some images to this thread of a few of the places that our Sportsmobile has taken us (thus far).
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Regardless if your first journey or your next journey... here is to inspiration, preparation, and determination. Pass it on.
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