New Sportsmobile on Order [Archive]

Trail Monkey

10-16-2009, 07:58 PM

Ok here's my offcial thread to track construction of my new Sportsmobile. The truck was in production at the time of my purchase. Its an 08 chassis RB50 layout, white shell, grey interior.

http://i250.photobucket.com/albums/gg266/jamesmroy/DSCN0536.jpg

http://i250.photobucket.com/albums/gg266/jamesmroy/DSCN0537.jpg

http://i250.photobucket.com/albums/gg266/jamesmroy/DSCN0538.jpg

this last photo has a drawing of the location of the two 16.5 gal water tanks in it...

washington taco

10-16-2009, 08:07 PM

Sweet! Nice to see the factory "Build" keep the up dates coming subsrcibed!

surfgeek33

10-16-2009, 08:54 PM

Congrats! Can't wait to see the finished product.......the wait is so painfull.:violent-smiley-031:

TRACTION

10-16-2009, 08:55 PM

Subscribed. Keep the pics coming.

Redline

10-16-2009, 09:29 PM

Very cool James, you decided on the white one! I love white trucks. What made you change your mind?

1leglance

10-16-2009, 09:45 PM

adventureduo

10-16-2009, 10:19 PM

Right on, looking good. Petrol or Diesel?

BorntoVenture

10-17-2009, 12:22 AM

Subscribed, can't wait to see more pics of the build-up!

Scott Brady

10-17-2009, 12:53 AM

Congrats James!

Trail Monkey

10-17-2009, 01:07 AM

Very cool James, you decided on the white one! I love white trucks. What made you change your mind?

funny you should ask. my preference was silver with cherry interior. but to get that in an rb wil take till march.. so the white i ike also and its on the line. i can be driving it in 1 month.

Trail Monkey

10-17-2009, 01:09 AM

Right on, looking good. Petrol or Diesel?

Diesel.. hope the turbos are solid now..!

Trail Monkey

10-17-2009, 01:20 AM

Hey since it is already in production is there any chance it will be ready for the Overland Training Alumni Baja Mexico trip? It would be very cool to have you guys along in a SMB.

I would really like to hear more of your thought process on the choices you have made...I know I went through some real struggles on the layout and options?

RB vs EB is such a space vs trail performance balance
Diesel vs Gas
Propane built in cooktop vs portable, diesel heater vs propane

Oh and white ext w/ grey int is the same look I went for and I think it will stay cooler and look great in the outdoors.

Small chance well make Baja Lance.. Would be very cool. Sorry to copy your color scheme, wasnt the original plan. Now well be twins on the trail..:coffeedrink:

The choices are overwhelming. Having a rock crawling background, decided on the RB for better departure angle. also having lived in the Tacoma for 2 months, we felt we would still have enough space in the RB.

The gas/diesel issue was easier for me. I see depreciation on the diesel much slower and diesel torque for crawling with that atlas should be great. Plus if i want more power its much easier to get out of the diesel and cheaper to get as well.

We opted for the diesel heater and water heater. its a pricey seup, but after the rest is added up i figured why stop there. haha.. nice to get hot water when truck is off. not a necessity by any means though...

we will use a partner stove external hooked to onboard LP tank from sportmobile. this way the countertop inside is big and clean, great for food prep, wife likey mucho...

having issues still with the fridge. ill talk to jonathan monday about what yur doing. im think maybe a 50-60 qt unit on a slide in the regular fridge vicinity close to the floor. pull it out to open. bending over not to big a deal for us YET... and then we get a large clean counter top.. not sure f this will work, but i see no reason to have two fridges and the factory options just wont work for us.. so hopefully they can customize something for me.

lets get some of you photos up.. and congrats.. oh just remembered your unveiling at SEMA.. <BIGSHOT> first OC then FELLOW now this..:wings:

Martyn

10-17-2009, 01:31 AM

James. these are great vehicles, keep this one for an extended period of time :sombrero:

Trail Monkey

10-17-2009, 01:33 AM

James. these are great vehicles, keep this one for an extended period of time :sombrero:

Ill try Martyn, but i have a rare disease, doctors have no name for it.. It can cause me to loose all control and upgrade at any given moment...:victory:

dzzz

10-17-2009, 01:56 AM

That looks great with the big tires. I look at those inside shots and wonder how you are setting it up. Is it based on a stock plan?
When I looked at smb, the finished GVW bothered me (probably too much). Have you estimated a final weight? One advantage of the RB is that there is only so much space to add weight :)
The tuners for ford diesels work well and seem to be safe, at least with the stock injectors. But there is plenty of torque in the standard engine. For running on mexican diesel you may just need to do a DPF delete.

Edit: I see RB50 is a plan. cool. Can they still make the front seats pivot?

OverlandZJ

10-17-2009, 01:59 AM

That's going to be a hell of a rig James, best of luck with her.

Need someone to drive her home?!... the long way? :sombrero:

trailsurfer

10-17-2009, 02:46 AM

Looking good James

Saline

10-17-2009, 02:54 AM

Congrats! Looking good! You'll love it!

Off topic** but some worthy info:
For good info on your 6.0L check out www.thedieselstop.com
From my research here's a few things I have learned about our engines:
1). Don't chip them (head studs stretch)
2). Don't let it idle at low idle for extended periods (carbon buildup on turbo/EGR valve due to por combustion)
3). Change oil and fuel filters religiously
4). Get a coolant filtration system (long story but prevents EGR cooler and oil cooler failure)
5). Drive it every 8-10 days and drive it hard for a bit. (prevents the VGT turbo from sticking.
6). Ford also recommends using cetane boost to provide for cleaner combustion.(EGR related stuff)

Redline

10-17-2009, 03:06 AM

Wow, only one month away!!! Very excited for you :)

funny you should ask. my preference was silver with cherry interior. but to get that in an rb wil take till march.. so the white i ike also and its on the line. i can be driving it in 1 month.

1leglance

10-17-2009, 05:13 AM

I am sure the guys at SMB West can work out something with the fridge for you, I like the idea of using a slide. I could be totally off on this but after reading all through this forum and the sportsmobileforum.com I just didn't want the Norcold fridge.

I can understand your desire for the better angles on the RB, and the RB50 floorplan is the most popular for good reason. I also think the penthouse is a great way to go for most people, you get more head room when walking and more sleeproom when setup.

Not sure what you are spec'ing for the rear bumper or roof rack but I found Dave at Aluminess to be easy to work with. I am going for the large box on the back due to my overall lack of storage space and since the rig has onboard water & a 46gal fuel tank I don't plan to carry more than a 2.5gal fuel can & a collapsable water carrier.

If you looked over Alan's emerg red van you saw his rear bumper winch, something I really like but didn't go for. I am questioning my choice now as I think it woudl be great to have as a backup (pun intended).

I am going with the Rigid LED lights on my roof rack and a small antenna farm to accompany the solar panel. These rigs just look right with a roof rack and even with the penthouse top you can handle a couple hundred pounds up there.

Not sure on your front hub choice but for Disabled Explorers the Dynatrac's were a no-brainer as they fail locked, and if you are in remote areas with a failed front hub much better locked than unlocked.

As great as everyone is around here there is also good info on the sportsmobile.com forum so check it out.

I agree with Saline about not chipping or ramping up these engines as heat is a real issue, also the EGR filter thing seems spot on.
As for the diesel in Mexico, per Alan & Ford that isn't a problem on these right up until the last one is built. They are using the older engine setups so no fuel problems.

Can't wait to see pics of yours on the trail and keep us posted as to when you will either be in Fresno or anywhere in the southwest, would be cool to run with you before the next Overland Expo (we really need to make sure SMB's are the #1 rig by numbers)

SCRover

10-21-2009, 09:31 PM

i have a rare disease, doctors have no name for it..

i believe it's called "i'm-better-than-you" syndrome. not really a physical ailment, more of a personality flaw. you guys and your Sportsmobiles! must be nice to be throwing money around while we peasants struggle to get by...

wanted to make sure you got yours, James; given your self-proclaimed affinity for dry humor and all. seriously awesome truck! can't imagine the excitement one would feel while his/her dream rig is rolling down the line.

trailsurfer

10-21-2009, 10:17 PM

i believe it's called "i'm-better-than-you" syndrome. not really a physical ailment, more of a personality flaw. you guys and your Sportsmobiles! must be nice to be throwing money around while we peasants struggle to get by...

wanted to make sure you got yours, James; given your self-proclaimed affinity for dry humor and all. seriously awesome truck! can't imagine the excitement one would feel while his/her dream rig is rolling down the line.

Now that is funny.

I am jealous of your 110. Do you have any pic's you could share?

Trail Monkey

10-22-2009, 12:09 AM

Great Stuff..:wings:

Ok, heres the most recent build update, no new photos, because these are all decisions and not installed yet.

going to remove ford dana 60 in rear and install dynatrac built full floating rear with positraction.

front will also be the dynatrac 60, typical in sportsmobiles with arb locker.

dynatrac locking hub option also, if they fail, they fail locked..

going to change out the atlas 1:3 for a 1:4.3- they also have a 1:3.8 but if your going low, get it done...

decided on the rear winch option.

not going to take the step sides. working on a custom rock slider for protection instead..

decided on a roof rack for sure, but it will be very low profile, more intended to protect the penthouse top.

the fridge issue is a big open one. factory will look for options on mounting a national luna or engle in the kitchen area.

thats all for now..

1leglance

10-22-2009, 01:16 AM

Great choice James...
Aluminess can do whatever you can dream of on the roof rack, they were aces with me.
Go for the solar panel option, it is worth it even if you plan to drive everyday. The fact is you could end up dead batteries and with a day of sun be charged up and ready to roll.

On the fridge, if you go engel then check out ih8mud.com for a thread on how to make it a side opener, I have the parts here and they would be a gift for your new rig.
That would give you the option of having the fridge run along the wall (thinner) and then do a custom slide that brings it out.
Or do what I am which is to treat the fridge top as part of the countertop. But that is tougher to live with.

What about rear ac, or a heater system?

What are your wheel & tire thoughts?

Trail Monkey

10-22-2009, 01:43 AM

surfgeek33

10-22-2009, 02:31 AM

James,

We just opted for the 12V rear A/C instead of the 110 AC. It was good enough last summer season. We almost never stay on a site w/ hook-ups (The 110AC is an energy hog even with a Generator or Solar). What helps out immensely is a portable 12V "Endless Breeze" fan on those hot days.

Regarding the 315 BFG's. Make sure they are E-rated. Our 315's are D rated are IMHO under rated for the SMB. We have an Extended body and weighing in at approx 10500 loaded. Hopefully by next summer, I will have E rated tires.

jammyauto

10-22-2009, 03:09 AM

Redline

10-22-2009, 03:15 AM

Great Stuff..:wings:

Ok, heres the most recent build update, no new photos, because these are all decisions and not installed yet.

going to remove ford dana 60 in rear and install dynatrac built full floating rear with positraction.

No rear locker?

going to change out the atlas 1:3 for a 1:4.3- they also have a 1:3.8 but if your going low, get it done...

decided on the rear winch option.

Agree it is nice to be low geared when needed, a big heavy rig with 4.3:1 should be nice when crawling. What is the ring & pinion ratio? Do you get to choose?

Rear winch instead of front, or both?

not going to take the step sides. working on a custom rock slider for protection instead..

Another great plan. The regular steps I’ve seen look nice but they just look like a step (or worse, a damage multiplier when crunched) and real rock slides are soooo much better. :)

Trail Monkey

10-22-2009, 11:26 AM

JL

the front locker is a definite. The rear will be limited slip, this way when im in two wheel drive i get power to two wheels when needed. the word on the street is that this system on the sportsmobile works so well the rear locker is not that necessary. so ill try it out and if any problems its not that big a deal to put an ARB in the rear later.

Rear winch is just to compliment front winch. I was on the fence on this one, i dont think i really need it. extra weight/money and space, but id really like to get anymajor wiring all done at the factory. so rather then add it later if i regret not having, i figured id just put it in now.

Trail Monkey

10-22-2009, 11:29 AM

Will SMB install an Isotherm fridge? I have one in my SMB (homebuilt interior) and it's great. I have the cruise 85 with ASU. It's quieter than my ARB fridge and has never skipped a beat in 4 years now. Good choice also to add another water tank. 16 gallons is not that much water.

those isotherms look real nice. i think they are open to any aftermarket option that they can fit. they are going to try and work in a national luna or engle, which is my prefernce right now. but if its not possible due to space, ill take a closer look at the Isotherms.

thx

Redline

10-22-2009, 01:09 PM

Nice, I like the idea of having front AND rear winches. I wish I had my front bumper on my F350 made to take a winch many years ago, adding it now (later) is always more, at the time I just had a received hitch put in the front of the bumper.

I understand your reasoning for no rear locker. As you know a straight axle is better/needs a locker less, and having a limited-slip all the time is really nice... I wish more rigs had both limited slips and rear lockers (my car kind-of does with A-TRAC). It's easy for me to spend your money, but I would encourage you to reconsider rear locker, especially since you hare having a custom axle built instead of using the factory Ford axle. I think you will push that truck in some locations/situations [which I fully support :) ] and will like to have it locked front and rear. Or because it's longer, will want to turn the front axle hard but need a locker for the traction.

Having said the above, I have wheeled my '96 F350 in Moab a few times with nothing more than a rear limited slip and have done very well. But if I was building/modifying a new truck... :elkgrin:

JL

the front locker is a definite. The rear will be limited slip, this way when im in two wheel drive i get power to two wheels when needed. the word on the street is that this system on the sportsmobile works so well the rear locker is not that necessary. so ill try it out and if any problems its not that big a deal to put an ARB in the rear later.

Rear winch is just to compliment front winch. I was on the fence on this one, i dont think i really need it. extra weight/money and space, but id really like to get anymajor wiring all done at the factory. so rather then add it later if i regret not having, i figured id just put it in now.

dzzz

10-22-2009, 01:16 PM

Redline

10-22-2009, 01:17 PM

snip........
Agree it is nice to be low geared when needed, a big heavy rig with 4.3:1 should be nice when crawling. What is the ring & pinion ratio? Do you get to choose? snip.......

Ring & Pinion ratio?

Redline

10-22-2009, 01:19 PM

The 2011 F350 srw comes with a rear locker standard and limited slip as a minor add-on. Usually there's an air locker that will fit the front axle.

Cool, but I'm not buying a new F350.

This is James' Sportsmobile thread :sombrero:

Trail Monkey

10-22-2009, 02:31 PM

Yes ill have the onboard rail mounted propane option for my stove and bbq.

im checking out the ring and pinion ratio in that dynatrac.

durango_60

10-22-2009, 02:36 PM

Fantastic plan, I can't wait to see the results. Yet another vehicle to add to my "try to buy this when the expo owner gets fickle" list.

1leglance

10-22-2009, 02:57 PM

I know my rig is coming with 4.11's gears and I am pretty sure that is what they put in all the 4wd's unless you really push for something else.

I agree with James (Trail Monkey) that they rear limited slip works really well. After talking with Alan who has wheeled Moab many times and lots of other SMB owners on their forum I figured I could do without the rear locker....and it can alway be added later.

Since the rig is getting a propane tank you should get a portable fire pit like mine..
http://www.thefiredancer.net/index.5.jpg
http://www.thefiredancer.net/

Everyone laughs at first but with no smoke in your eyes, it weighs nothing at all, you get a fire in the morning then it is cool in 5min to pack up and you can use it even with fire restrictions since it is propane/off ground/no sparks.

Just a thought...hey you will have the room and gvw :)

I will be out at SMB West next thursday to finish up the Disabled Explorers rig for SEMA...so watch for updated pics on yours.

Trail Monkey

10-22-2009, 03:58 PM

Fantastic plan, I can't wait to see the results. Yet another vehicle to add to my "try to buy this when the expo owner gets fickle" list.

i have two other vehicles availabe right now for your list. what are you waiting for???

04 Tacoma
05 LJ

Chris

10-22-2009, 04:44 PM

As long as you are taking the plunge, getting it locked front and rear is a great compliment to the full floating rear axle you will have. Even if you don’t use it much it's there when you do.

X2 on Relines' idea of locked rear and opening the front in tight areas, this happens more often than not. And Yep you probably will want to push it in some locations :Wow1: locked front and rear put a smile of my face :ylsmoke:

My first thought while spending your money was to pre wire the rear winch only and move the savings to the rear locker.

I'll get you that picture of the Aux Engels frig, thought I had one already.....NOT!.....so I'll throw in snap a pic and post this weekend.

durango_60

10-22-2009, 05:23 PM

i have two other vehicles availabe right now for your list. what are you waiting for???

04 Tacoma
05 LJ

I've already got a great rig filling that category, now I'm waiting for the self contained unit, and more $$$ to actually buy what I really want.

Trail Monkey

10-24-2009, 03:12 AM

Blackeye

10-24-2009, 04:16 AM

I could use some help from SMB owners on this one. With building the roof rack from aluminess: what have you guys done for antenna mounts for HAM and CB? any photos?? are you using a clamp mount to a rail, or a bolt on type mount on a custom bracket etc?

thx...

Hey James,

We have an Aluminess rack on ours with several antenna. Aluminess installed some aluminum plate material at either side toward the front so that there would be mounting space for various antenna. You can see some of the antenna in the following:

http://blackeye.smugmug.com/Travel/Rocking-R-Sportsmobile/DSC0096/337505962_Gn4mB-L.jpg

http://blackeye.smugmug.com/Travel/Rocking-R-Sportsmobile/DSC0396/385519737_ZnUTU-L.jpg

http://blackeye.smugmug.com/Travel/Rocking-R-Sportsmobile/DSC0003/493725881_erhBu-L.jpg

You can also check out http://blackeye.smugmug.com/Travel/Rocking-R-Sportsmobile/5514475_J85qK#337501966_4H7XS for more images.

We have a Diamond Antenna NR770HB Dualband VHF/UHF Mobile Antenna (NR770HB) with the Diamond Antenna K9000LRM Motorized Mobile Antenna Mount (K9000LRM) both from http://www.expeditionexchange.com/.

Alomng with some other antenna, we also have a Wilson Satellite Boost antenna and a remote mounted Garmin antenna for the Garmin GPSmap 376c.

Dave at Aluminess can and will accommodate just about anything...just ask him. I hope this helps.

1leglance

10-24-2009, 05:45 AM

James,
I will be at SMB West next week and snap some pics of how my 3 antennas are mounted...at least how they are for now.
We kind of went quick on things for SEMA but I am thinking of putting all the antennas on motorized tilt mounts for when I am in overhanging desert scrub & trees.

Trail Monkey

10-24-2009, 06:26 PM

[QUOTE=Blackeye;490879]Hey James,

We have an Aluminess rack on ours with several antenna. Aluminess installed some aluminum plate material at either side toward the front so that there would be mounting space for various antenna. You can see some of the antenna in the following:

thanks for the photos. very helpful.. im looking to have my solar panels up front , no satellite on my rig. then thinking a center mounted plate for the antennas, using the motorized mounts..

What are you keeping in that plastic case on the roof??

Willman

10-24-2009, 10:53 PM

Right on James!

These are truly sweet rigs!

Baja here you come!!

;)

Cody1771

10-25-2009, 02:05 AM

God, everytime i see one of these things the jelousy meter gets pegged. i cant wait to see some pics of the new SMB, especially with the dynatrack driveline, personnaly id go with a detroit locker in the rear, i have one in my truck and i love it, unlike a full locked rear end (minispool or something) it is quite good on the road as well. cant wait to build a custom camper for my truck... anyone got a shop they wanna loan me for oh say... 8 months? lol

Trail Monkey

10-28-2009, 05:43 PM

http://i250.photobucket.com/albums/gg266/jamesmroy/DSCN0579.jpg

http://i250.photobucket.com/albums/gg266/jamesmroy/DSCN0580.jpg

http://i250.photobucket.com/albums/gg266/jamesmroy/DSCN0581.jpg

ok, here's a few shots of Lances fridge in my truck for fitment purposes. It will actually work against the back of the drivers seat, perpedicular to the wall, on a slide, However we have decided to totally rework the cabinets and eliminate the need for a slide. the new countertop will be attached to the fridge lid with a mitered joint in the counter top were it opens. the counter top and cabinets will come off the wall further than the stock RB50 layout. increasing cabinet space and decreasing the floor area abit.

now i need to figure out exactly which fridege to use, as ill need the power on one end and the vent on the other. plus ill want to get the largest one i can use in the area..

1leglance

10-28-2009, 06:57 PM

He He He He ....my fridge got to hang out in your SMB before you did :)

Hey James, call up Paul at Equipt as the National Luna line is pretty varied. Plus he knows it all off the top of his head.

If you have room there is one that has 2 lids, 1 for the fridge & 1 for the freezer...that would be an energy saver.

Also really think about if you need a freezer at all. I can keep a tupperware of ice in my fridge for mixing drinks and still just use it as a fridge. To me a freezer is important only if you:
1) Really want ice cream
2) Plan on taking loooong trips without easy resupply (thus freezing some meats and such)
3) Just plain ol' want it.

Also make sure you check out basket options inside. These things are deep and baskets make it easy to take out large amounts of goods to get at what you need. Matter of fact I would rank baskets over freezer in importance.

Hey I think I will have to email Paul myself with a link to this thread and show him how that fridge really gets around :)

SCRover

10-28-2009, 07:37 PM

That is one BAR* there, Blackeye! Never cease to be awed by these vehicles. Just love the idea of a self-contained go-anywhere rig built and modded in the good ol' US of A.

You SMB'ers are fortunate souls.

*Bad A&s Rig

Redline

10-28-2009, 09:43 PM

Good point Lance about having two doors. I have an MT60Combi in my KK which I like but it would be nice if it had more than one opening. Rarely do I want to get into the freezer, mostly the fridge.

SOAZ

10-29-2009, 12:30 AM

Congrats James! Looking good.

1 Question. Is there any issue with these new ultra-low sulfur diesels that ford uses accepting Mexico or other foreign country diesel? I remember the Earthroamers having an issue with it.

Trail Monkey

10-29-2009, 02:16 AM

For the current and past 6.0 diesel there is no issue with the diesel. however the next gen diesel engine, not yet available in the vans will have the same issue as the other ford diesel trucks.

just the 6.0 vans are good to go...

SOAZ

10-29-2009, 03:04 AM

rctr03

10-30-2009, 05:31 PM

congrats!

Blackeye

11-12-2009, 03:19 AM

What are you keeping in that plastic case on the roof??

Sorry for the delayed response James. The small black plastic case in the rear carries jumper cables. I had problems keeping them in the trunk of my first car so from now on, I like to keep them isolated from the interior.

The black round disk in the front is the de-activated satellite TV antenna. We activated it for about a month and never watched TV. It has been dormant since then.

All the best with your build. We are excited for you!

Redline

11-12-2009, 04:04 AM

I don't want to excessively dilute James' thread... but what problems with jumper cables in the truck? Battery acid, electrical?

Sorry for the delayed response James. The small black plastic case in the rear carries jumper cables. I had problems keeping them in the trunk of my first car so from now on, I like to keep them isolated from the interior.

The black round disk in the front is the de-activated satellite TV antenna. We activated it for about a month and never watched TV. It has been dormant since then.

All the best with your build. We are excited for you!

Blackeye

11-16-2009, 01:44 AM

I don't want to excessively dilute James' thread... but what problems with jumper cables in the truck? Battery acid, electrical?

Consider it diluted. It was the impact that the battery acid had with other items in the trunk. Keep in mind this was a long time ago, but I keep them isolated now just to be safe.

Trail Monkey

12-01-2009, 11:41 PM

A Few updated photos on the kitchen/fridge design...

http://i250.photobucket.com/albums/gg266/jamesmroy/DSCN0638.jpg

http://i250.photobucket.com/albums/gg266/jamesmroy/DSCN0639.jpg

http://i250.photobucket.com/albums/gg266/jamesmroy/DSCN0640.jpg

http://i250.photobucket.com/albums/gg266/jamesmroy/DSCN0641.jpg

elcoyote

12-02-2009, 12:46 AM

James, you're going to love the NL weekender 52 fridge/freezer....nothing like Popsicles in the desert in August!

etbadger

12-02-2009, 03:35 AM

Great Stuff..:wings:
...
going to change out the atlas 1:3 for a 1:4.3- they also have a 1:3.8 but if your going low, get it done...
...

I'd suggest you bring along a GPS on pickup, and do a small run, to verify the low ratio installed is what you ordered. We ordered the 1:3.8, but when I finally got around to measuring the true-speed/indicated-speed it turned out we ended up with the 1:3.

-e

Trail Monkey

12-12-2009, 01:19 AM

http://i250.photobucket.com/albums/gg266/jamesmroy/DSCN0584.jpg
American Racing Punisher Rims with Teflon Coating -Good for cooking eggs in the desert.

http://i250.photobucket.com/albums/gg266/jamesmroy/DSCN0685.jpg
Aluminess Front Bumper in Place

http://i250.photobucket.com/albums/gg266/jamesmroy/DSCN0689.jpg
Alminess Rear Bumper

http://i250.photobucket.com/albums/gg266/jamesmroy/DSCN0690.jpg
Aluminess roof rack with dual solar panels

http://i250.photobucket.com/albums/gg266/jamesmroy/DSCN0687.jpg
Fridge Progress

jcbrandon

12-12-2009, 02:28 AM

Sweet!

surfgeek33

12-12-2009, 02:50 AM

Nice looking roof set up. Putting anything else up there?

1leglance

12-12-2009, 03:53 AM

Great looking build..
Keep us posted on the likely finish date when you will pick it up so any of us in the area can meet up with you on the trip home.

Trail Monkey

12-12-2009, 12:05 PM

Nice looking roof set up. Putting anything else up there?

The roof rack for me is intented to protect the penthouse top and secure the solar panels and antennas. I had aluminess build the rack very low profile with the lower rails coming down to help protect the sides of the roof a bit. So the design is not ideal for alot of gear, but will hold anything if needed. My plan is to keep it unloaded. I may possibly install a pelican box at the rear center of the rack. it would be a fairly slim one in height, and i would use it for some recovery gear seconds and a basic first aid kit. this in the event of a major accident perhaps it survies and is more accessible than something in the truck. or in the event of needing recovery gear from the bumper storage areas and those not being accessible, perhaps the roof storage will prevail at that moment..

Trail Monkey

12-12-2009, 12:10 PM

Keep us posted on the likely finish date when you will pick it up so any of us in the area can meet up with you on the trip home.

Sportsmobile is shooting for the 22nd as a completion date. Howver with that being so close to the holidays and not written in stone, Im opting to probably pickup the truck around the 7th of Jan. Im debating flying out for a day to check it out around the 22nd.

Once i get the truck we have 3 weeks of exploring planned from CA to AZ. Still in the air a bit on the track, but looking to possible visit on trial with jbrandon, redline, and xjmike so far. We are working out those details. Ultimately when i get back to AZ ill look forward to 1leglance and others in the area kicking the tires.. And im sure by then ill have big eveny for lance's
extended body, and full top.

trailsurfer

12-12-2009, 03:58 PM

Looks great James.

surfgeek33

12-12-2009, 04:27 PM

I would suggest to stay close to SMB on the first couple of days of your shakedown. Just incase there are any issues that may arise with the build.

Chris

12-12-2009, 09:43 PM

If your plans include So. Cal, call ahead I'd love to see it and maybe even do some dirt with ya.

Chris

:ylsmoke:

Trail Monkey

12-17-2009, 02:03 AM

http://i250.photobucket.com/albums/gg266/jamesmroy/DSCN0700.jpg
REAR DYNATRAC 60

http://i250.photobucket.com/albums/gg266/jamesmroy/DSCN0699.jpg
DYNATRAC HUBS ON ALL FOURS

http://i250.photobucket.com/albums/gg266/jamesmroy/DSCN0698.jpg

Saline

12-17-2009, 02:11 AM

Looking good man! Schweeet!

Trail Monkey

12-17-2009, 02:18 AM

I would suggest to stay close to SMB on the first couple of days of your shakedown. Just incase there are any issues that may arise with the build.

Good advice.. Ill be doing that..

Trail Monkey

12-17-2009, 02:20 AM

If your plans include So. Cal, call ahead I'd love to see it and maybe even do some dirt with ya.

Chris

:ylsmoke:

Thx Chris. Looks like Central CA, were going to try Yosemite and Sequoia based on the weather Jan 7th. Then work our way towards DVNP and then into AZ..

Trail Monkey

12-19-2009, 02:06 AM

http://i250.photobucket.com/albums/gg266/jamesmroy/DSCN0728-1.jpg

http://i250.photobucket.com/albums/gg266/jamesmroy/DSCN0729-1.jpg

Cant wait to use the new Garmin 640

http://i250.photobucket.com/albums/gg266/jamesmroy/DSCN0730-1.jpg

The fridge will get a vent in the front of the cabinet to breath. And the fridge top will get a custom cover for food prep when closed.

http://i250.photobucket.com/albums/gg266/jamesmroy/DSCN0731-1.jpg

http://i250.photobucket.com/albums/gg266/jamesmroy/DSCN0732-1.jpg

The grill will be changed out for a black one. No chrome for me.!

OverlandZJ

12-19-2009, 05:02 AM

She's a beauty James.

:drool:

jcbrandon

12-19-2009, 05:08 AM

James-

Listen... The desert is calling...

Adventurerider

12-19-2009, 01:54 PM

James,

Killer build, very nicely thought out rig and great thread, fun to watch someones baby be born!! Thanks for posting all this info and pictures, helps us dreamers/wannabe's, maybe some day:drool:. Wow, love those new brakes, those are Huge :Wow1: for stock. I will be excited to see how your delivery/shake down goes:smiley_drive:. Wow, one heck of a C'mass present my friend, it must be your turn this year :wings: enjoy my friend!!!

Trail Monkey

12-22-2009, 10:42 PM

Anybody have experience purchasing a SMB from Fresno and registering it out of California. Basically SMB says that i have to pay the CA sales tax to take delivery in CA. Otherwise they will drive the truck to Vegas for me to take delivery and avoid the CA tax.

I have no issues with paying the tax in CA as the rate is very similar to NY, however i fear that NY will want the tax also when i try to register it with NY plates.

Another option for me is to pay the CA tax and then try to register it in AZ where it will spend alot of time. AZ allows out of state residents to register vehicles in AZ, CA does not..

any thoughts..?

1leglance

12-22-2009, 11:17 PM

HAH I just went through all of this with Disabled Explorers....

California sales tax is higher than Arizona so SMB West delivered the van to SEMA in Las Vegas where I offically took delivery. They place a temp reg tag on it so I could drive home to Arizona.

Arizona did look to see if I had paid the CA tax and only since I didn't Arizona ask Disabled Explorers to pay 5.6% sales tax along with registration fees...still less than California would have charged and since it comes out of my overtime work at the hospital I was very very happy :)

I was lucky enough to visit the SMB West factory a number of times during the build and hang with Alan at SEMA so I don't feel I missed out on any new owner orientation that would otherwise happen when a person picks up their new rig.

It really comes down to money vs time/hassle....
in your case James there is a real benefit to arriving at SMB West in the morning, spending some time getting to know your rig and it's systems and camping close to Fresno the first night just in case there is anything to catch before starting a long trek east. I don't know the math you face well enough to say if that is worth the tax difference.

There is also the issue of AZ annual reg cost vs NY...these do get classed as RV's so that could make a difference even if you pay the tax in Cali.

Vegas is only like 6hrs from Fresno and I am pretty sure the guy they use to deliver the vans is a regular at it so he could give you the full tour and if needed you aren't that far from Fresno...again cash vs time/hassle.

If it was me, there is just something fun about being at the factory, meeting Alan, Jonathan, Liz and everyone that I enjoy. Of course you will see Alan & some of them at the Overland Expo...but that new rig feeling :)

Have I clouded the issue enough yet with my rambling?

trailsurfer

12-23-2009, 02:15 AM

Redline

12-23-2009, 03:35 AM

Topher Walters

12-23-2009, 05:12 AM

Call the guys at SMB west they know the ins and outs of this procedure. I would think you would be able to do the full tour at the factory and then drive out with their driver to NV and take delivery. You would really need to contact NY and find out if their taxes are more or less than CA (yea I'm laughing too CA taxes are probably higher) and find out if NY will credit you the taxes that you paid in CA. If you take delivery in CA and pay CA taxes then take it to NY and try to register it and they want to tax you agian that would really suck. Contact the guys at Fresno they have sold a few of these rigs and should know the program.

Topher Walters

12-23-2009, 05:15 AM

BTW I saw your rig when I was at Fresno awhile back it looks great. I met Lance there when he was working to get his rig ready for SEMA. He has a great setup also.

ujoint

12-23-2009, 12:37 PM

Looks beyond awesome, we need to invent a word...... Vantastic!

What model Kenwood is that?

Trail Monkey

12-23-2009, 12:51 PM

Looks beyond awesome, we need to invent a word...... Vantastic!

What model Kenwood is that?

thanks for all the positive feedback guys.. The Radio is a kenwood ddx 514. its not actually very high end. No GPS. Just a basic DVD player to support the flate screen TV and then stereo functions and Ipod compatibility. Im using the Garmin 540 and a leptop for nav functions and didnt want to pay twice...

rcm89

01-03-2010, 09:18 AM

Arizona did look to see if I had paid the CA tax and only since I didn't Arizona ask Disabled Explorers to pay 5.6% sales tax along with registration fees...

With the wheelchair lift, there was NO SALES TAX here in TX on either my van or trailer [yeah, DMV hates to see me come wheeling thru the door :) ]. YMMV, but you might want to look into that...even retroactively. 5.6% of the new van price is a big chunk of money that I'm sure could go to better use than the state coffers...

Trail Monkey

01-10-2010, 05:02 PM

Got the smb. Loving it. Did yosemite and some trails in national forest. Headed to kings canyon today. Photos of truck in a day or two.

CSG

01-10-2010, 05:35 PM

Congrats! Looking forward to seeing photos.

Redline

01-10-2010, 06:26 PM

Hooray for you and Stacie James !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :victory:

Got the smb. Loving it. Did yosemite and some trails in national forest. Headed to kings canyon today. Photos of truck in a day or two.

OVRLND

01-12-2010, 10:16 PM

That is GREAT news! We hope to see its soon, maybe one of the alumni trips.

Trail Monkey

01-15-2010, 04:25 AM

So far the truck has been great. Weve hit 3 National parks in CA plus a good portion of the Pacific Coast highway. Headed into Death Valley in the morning with a few portal members..

heres a few shots of the truck. il start a thread soon on this whole trip. lot of great experiences so far. the SMB gets crazy attention on the road and in parking lots.

http://i250.photobucket.com/albums/gg266/jamesmroy/IMG_9297.jpg

http://i250.photobucket.com/albums/gg266/jamesmroy/IMG_9298.jpg

http://i250.photobucket.com/albums/gg266/jamesmroy/IMG_9299.jpg

http://i250.photobucket.com/albums/gg266/jamesmroy/IMG_9301.jpg

http://i250.photobucket.com/albums/gg266/jamesmroy/IMG_9337.jpg

http://i250.photobucket.com/albums/gg266/jamesmroy/IMG_9343.jpg

Trail Monkey

01-15-2010, 04:27 AM

http://i250.photobucket.com/albums/gg266/jamesmroy/IMG_9468.jpg

http://i250.photobucket.com/albums/gg266/jamesmroy/IMG_9466.jpg

http://i250.photobucket.com/albums/gg266/jamesmroy/IMG_9464.jpg

http://i250.photobucket.com/albums/gg266/jamesmroy/IMG_9346.jpg

Redline

01-15-2010, 04:31 AM

Excellent!

I love the plain white wrapper.

trailsurfer

01-15-2010, 04:58 AM

Great Pic's. Have fun in Death Valley.

Martyn

01-15-2010, 05:15 AM

Yep, 'buy in CA' pay taxes in CA...

When I purchased my 4Runner from a So Cal Toyota dealer over the phone three years ago and had it shipped to Nor Cal (Roseville) I had to pay Calif. sales taxes because that is where it was purchased and I took delivery. I think CA law is very clear on this.

Once home in Nevada it was clear that I had already paid sales tax and therefore I didn't need to pay taxes in Nevada, just vehicle registration fees.

I believe you are fundamentally correct on this.

There is an exemption, if you pick the vehicle up in California and drive it directly out of State, without using it for any other purpose.

The example given is someone picking up a boat in California, they are not liable for the tax if they drive out of State, and do not stop and use it for example to go fishing on a lake.

However it looks like Trail Monkey has been playing with his new toy in California so he is paying tax.

1leglance

01-15-2010, 07:18 AM

great pics...
I really like the low profile roof rack...is that Aluminess's work?

No side awning huh? I love mine!

How are you guys liking the aux heater? :)

Looking forward to hearing your thoughts on how your custom fridge setup works.

Blackeye

01-15-2010, 11:47 PM

Congrats James! I remember the feeling of the "new" rig. It doesn't seem to go away. I hope you guys have some great times and make some lifelong memories in your new rig. I look forward to seeing it at the Overland Expo. Are you going to be there?

wanderer-rrorc

01-16-2010, 12:34 AM

http://i250.photobucket.com/albums/gg266/jamesmroy/IMG_9346.jpg

nice "COME HITHER" look!!! :elkgrin:

adventureduo

02-06-2010, 07:30 PM

Looks great james! Nice touch on the rear winch.

A little tip on saving money on taxes. Our SMB was bought and taxes were paid on it as a standard van, then it was sent to SMB for the build as a separate invoice.

Regcabguy

02-12-2010, 01:05 AM

Thanks Lance.

Im going with the espar diesel setup and the hotwater option. not going to get the rear AC. we are 90% just two in the truck. i dont htink well need it, plus we are not full time out west either.

Im going with the 17" AR punishers in black teflon with the 315 BFG AT's

I have these on my motorcycle trailer already, so it should be a nice matchup, and allow for one spare.. The BFG 315 AT's are a D rated tire that only holds 50 psi. I'd consider an E rated Toyo MT with a huge load rating and super thick sidewalls. They balance up with little lead also. Also Walker Evans makes a bombproof rim to specs. Baja proven.