Hello all.
I just joined the forum after many hours of lurking and living vicariously on trip reports. Great site and inspiration. I believe my post following will reveal my ignorance of this lifestyle, but that's never stopped me before, and I do have a lot to learn. Although I've read every post on this forum I'd like one more take on recent Sportsmobile ownership. I just subscribed to OJ but haven't received the Sportsmobile issue yet.
So on to my questions. I have read and researched as much as I can on self-contained expedition worthy vehicles and I'm a bit overwhelmed with all the possibilities. After considering most of my options I've narrowed my search to a 4x4 camper van vehicle. I believe this fits most of our requirements while not "completely" off the price scale. Most of our planned trekking will be non-technical off-road accross the western US, Canada, Alaska an Mexico with as much boondocking as we can muster.
However considering a Sportsmobile's outfitted hefty price tag it seems as though the quality is not quite up to par. I base that observation on the BadgerTrek site (wealth of info, thanks) and their extensive first hand experience. Can I assume the issues they had have been addressed in the newer models? Are the bugs worked out on the 6.0L diesel or is the jury still out on it? What should I look for in a new vehicle?
I know not to expect a perfect vehicle but when the price approaches 100K, I am a little more discerning. Any input is appreciated.
I have considered building a vehicle as well, as I have the mechanical ability to do so. I do tend to take too long to complete projects however and I would like to hit the trail sooner rather than later. Perhaps those of you who have built your own can give a compelling argument to do it myself. Maybe provide a real world estimate on difference in price if I went the DIY route. If you could build it yourself how would you go about it (including outfitting). A virtual build if you will.
Any help is appreciated.
Thanks,
Carl
I just joined the forum after many hours of lurking and living vicariously on trip reports. Great site and inspiration. I believe my post following will reveal my ignorance of this lifestyle, but that's never stopped me before, and I do have a lot to learn. Although I've read every post on this forum I'd like one more take on recent Sportsmobile ownership. I just subscribed to OJ but haven't received the Sportsmobile issue yet.
So on to my questions. I have read and researched as much as I can on self-contained expedition worthy vehicles and I'm a bit overwhelmed with all the possibilities. After considering most of my options I've narrowed my search to a 4x4 camper van vehicle. I believe this fits most of our requirements while not "completely" off the price scale. Most of our planned trekking will be non-technical off-road accross the western US, Canada, Alaska an Mexico with as much boondocking as we can muster.
However considering a Sportsmobile's outfitted hefty price tag it seems as though the quality is not quite up to par. I base that observation on the BadgerTrek site (wealth of info, thanks) and their extensive first hand experience. Can I assume the issues they had have been addressed in the newer models? Are the bugs worked out on the 6.0L diesel or is the jury still out on it? What should I look for in a new vehicle?
I know not to expect a perfect vehicle but when the price approaches 100K, I am a little more discerning. Any input is appreciated.
I have considered building a vehicle as well, as I have the mechanical ability to do so. I do tend to take too long to complete projects however and I would like to hit the trail sooner rather than later. Perhaps those of you who have built your own can give a compelling argument to do it myself. Maybe provide a real world estimate on difference in price if I went the DIY route. If you could build it yourself how would you go about it (including outfitting). A virtual build if you will.
Any help is appreciated.
Thanks,
Carl