Since I am not at the computer that much, I’m just getting caught up on replying to the various questions.
Q - Did you get a chance to try it on any off camber trail?A - We ran on some roads out near Bodie, CA…nothing too radical. We also ran on some pretty good stuff going up Hi Mountain Road from the Arroyo Grande / Lake Lopez side. We ran that at night and I was really impressed with the visibility, the suspension, the 4x and the power. (Not to mention the comforts of home when you get to the camp.)
Q - Maybe you could post some interior pics?A – I will get some interior shots up soon.
Q - Post a few details on your selection criteria and some interior pics when you get time.A – The selection process was based on how we intend on using the rig. I wanted my wife involved in the decision making process at every step of the way. (I didn’t do this with my recent foray into adventure motorcycling.
http://blackeye.smugmug.com/gallery/3173413_aZrg5#177127217_2AHKz
Although it has been a great and exciting two years, it was in the end a not the best way to go about it.)
After having had several off-road vehicles (D-90, Range Rovers, Hummer, etc.) we wanted a small self-contained adventure vehicle. We looked at various concepts but mutually decided on the SPORTSMOBILE 4x4 Ford van. We wanted the fixed top for the convenience of being able to stand whenever and as soon as we stopped. It is a trade-off from height and COG but through judicious and creative packing, we have kept the weight down low. The decision to build the rack was both utilitarian (mentioned previously) and cosmetic. We wanted to change the look of the fixed “voyager” top. Since it is my intention to travel with my wife to wherever we decide we want to go, I wanted the ability to keep her as comfortable as possible. That was the basis for many of the selections listed. The following represents our “build list”:
- FORD E350 Van with 6.0 Power-Stroke diesel
- Voyager fixed top
- SPORTSMOBILE EB-50 floor plan
- 40x25 awning window
- Carpet Overlay
- DAY/NITE shades at lower windows and at van side and rear doors
- ULTRALEATHER Captain Seats, sofa and mattress
- 16.5 gallon fresh water tank
- 3cf NORCOLD 12v refrigerator
- Portable Stove
- LONPLATE (diamond plate) rubber flooring
- Solid Surface counter top and sink
- Front and rear 12v air conditioning system
- Windshield / Cab Screen
- Tinted windows
- ESPAR Airtronic heater
- Porta Potti
- Interior and exterior shower
- Flat Plate water heating system
- Privacy curtain
- XL Storage-EB with locking XL storage lid
- Safety mirror with outside air temp and compass
- Heated captain seats
- HELLA map lights (x2)
- AGM 4D auxiliary battery
- 2 KYOCERA Solar panels with the BLUE SKY Controller
- TRIP-LITE inverter 2000
- Microwave
- COBRA CB with K40 CB Antenna
- HELLA work lamps (2 ea at both side and rear)
- HELLA Twin Supertone horns
- KENWOOD DNX8120 stereo with XM, DVD, GARMIN NAV, iPod, Bluetooth
- KVH TracVision satellite TV antenna and receiver
- POLOROID 19 inch HDTV with separate DVD
- Back up sensor system
- DYNAMAT sound deadening
- FIAMMA awning
- Window curtains at upper windows
- Upper bed (3 removable panels)
- Attic Fan with thermostat and rain sensor
- Upper side cabinets
- ALUMINESS Trojan front bumper
- ALUMINESS Trojan rear bumper with large Galley box
- Nerf Boards
- HELLA Rallye 4000 Euro-beam driving lights (x2) at front bumper
- HELLA 4000 Compact driving lights (x4) at rack
- HELLA 500 fog lights (x2) in front bumper
- HELLA 550 backup lights (x2) in rear bumper
- WARN 12,000lb winch in front bumper
- BUSHWACKER flares
- EXTREME AIR compressor with remote switch
- AMSOIL oil by-pass oil filter system
- HELLA remote tire pressure monitoring system
- Black FORD grille
- ALUMINESS ladder (passenger side / rear)
- ALUMINESS "Custom" roof rack
- DYNATRAC full-floating axle
- 18” AMERICAN RACING Punisher Wheels
- COOPER Discoverer STT LT325 / 65 / R18 (E rated)
- PANELTRONICS (#9960013) 8 switch horizontal auxillary switch panel
- DIAMOND K9000LRM Motorized Mobile Antenna Mount
- DIAMOND Antenna NR770HB Dualband VHF/UHF Mobile Antenna
- YAESU FT-8800R Dual-Band FM Transceiver Radio w/ detachable face kit
- WILSON Signalboost Cellular Amplifier Kit
- GARMIN GPSMAP 376c global positioning system
- GARMIN GA 29 remote GPS antenna
Q - …it looks like you have a Tracvision but I can't tell. If so how do you like it?A – We do have the KVH TracVision but, to be honest, I haven’t turned on the TV yet.
Q - ... where'd they bring in all the wires/cables? That's the hard part!The crew at SPORTSMOBILE West and Randy with Integrated Audio Solutions (SMB’s audio / video source) did a great job in coordinating the wiring. They ran all of the wiring for the solar, communication and lighting through wiring looms and then through the roof. It was definitely not their first rodeo.
Q - Is there a place to stand on the rack? It would provide a nice view.The rear area behind the solar is a storage deck. There is so much storage in and under the rig that I will likey only use this area occasionally. Yes, we can stand up there and might use it for scouting and photography.
I will post some more pictures when I get a chance.
