VANifornication - my 4x4 Camper Van project.

I was thinking the same thing, camper van/bus like a Westfalia or something, until I google imaged sportsmobile. (never heard of sportsmobile 4x4 before this thread). Sportsmobile is badass, like a manly version of the camper van.

 

Best van conversion.

 

Damn, Chaos. That's a great idea. I'm in Ladera Ranch too....can I be your friend? :-D

 

All this talk about wannabe VW's and pictures of sissy trucks. If you're going make the jump, jump HIGH!

Welcome to http://www.earthroamer.com/

The little one will set you back around $200K ........bike rack optional

 

OK. That is bad ass.

 

For more interior ideas check out Outsidevan.com

I've been running a 2000 E350 Chateau 7.3 PSD for 250,000 mi over the last 9 years, getting ready to turn 300k mi. If I hadn't bought it specifically to tow a 10k lb race trailer over 70,000 mi for the AMA Superbike series, I would have gone V10 for cheaper maintenance. Out of 3 Ford vans, my PSD has cost me the most to maintain and I haven't even touched the engine. Running 100% bone stock, I'll can get up to 16 mpg on highway trips (PSD trucks will get 18+ mpg because they have engine bay space for an intercooler after the turbo). But once you start going bigger tires, 4x4 conversion, hanging racks & top cases up top, your mileage will start dropping to 12-13 mpg highway, which is what I got with my prior 5.8L gasser. Although I don't have the extended superduty, I probably have as much clearance as a 2wd F350 extended cab for fire/forest roads with rock. Your cheapest option for slightly more ground clearance and traction is to get 2" longer front springs, 265/75R16 tires, and an electronic locking rear diff. Going 285/75R16 will require a minimum of 4" lift for the front. As much as I've wanted an 4x4 E350, the only time I've found I've needed it was on ski trips to Mammoth and have gotten by just fine with snow cables. Keeping the inside modular is important for me, as I reconfigure depending on my needs whether hauling 4x8 sheets of plywood and 12' boards from Home Depot, two sport bikes inside while hauling a travel trailer to Lagua Seca Moto GP, shuttling 10 peeps & bikes for 20,000' vert in a day, or just throwing my MTB inside for a lunch ride at work. Sportmobile conversions with the pop-up penthouse seem fine for 2-3 guys, but more than that and someone is sleeping outside on the ground. I'd concentrate more on efficient storage of everyone's gear.

I don't take many picks of my rig, but this is how it was configured for two seperate week long Moab trips for 8 people, gear, & bikes in 2008 & 2009. I've got a Versahaul moto rack that I add if I want to self-shuttle.

 

This one is hotter than your new lunchpale on wheels

 

Sweet!! Ohh the work you have ahead of you. It's going to be fun but way more time than you think, especially if you have a full time job and a family? But super stoke nonetheless.

 

I saw a decked out Sportsmobile in Joshua Tree. Big money but the the thing had solar panels for hotwater (and propane) and a freshwater maker like a ship. The couple stated they could hang out in Baja until their food ran out because they could convert the ocean water to fresh drinkable water. Ultimate zombie apocalypse vehicle and 4wd offcourse.

 

Outsidevan.com <---- those interiors are awesome!
thanks for the link, i have not been to this site before.
lots of good ideas.

 

a few updates...

a few pictures sent over by the shop.

Spring Hangers installed and stitch welded.


Front axle installed, just waiting on the correct pitman arm to tie up the front...


Dual front shock mounts


Sterling 10.5 being rebuilt w/4.10 and ARB locker


installing the rear axle


grainy pic of the rear skid plate installed.


and after a few hiccups she's on the ground.


still a few more things to do... need to plumb and wire OBA, check alignment, replace belt and tensioner, etc...
hoping to have possession by tomorrow afternoon.

 

This is an awesome project. I have always wanted a Sportsmobile. I haven't read through the entire thread but are you getting this done at Sportsmobile? Also did you go Diesel or normal gas?

 

can't afford a Sportsmobile new or used... so this is a DIY camper van. It's a '97 E350 EB 7.3 Diesel

 

Sorry the Subie had to go, but I'm stoked and inspired you've got this project "off the ground".

 

so sick rodizzle!!!!

 

that is beast mode!

lots of nice parts and $$$!

 

That thing is a monster!!! Looks like you are definately headed in the right direction, looks nice bubb!

 

You can do this kind of stuff yourself? Nice... what has this project cost you so far?

 

me no... i don't have the tools nor skill, but yes you can do most of the conversion yourself... venture over to ExpeditionPortal.com you'll find many ppl doing their own conversions not just to Ford Vans, but many other vehicles to!

cost... still pricey when i think about the age of the van... a 15yr old Ford #-o
the mods have more than doubled the cost of the van! :lol: this is it for the time being.... i think! :-k
but this is cheaper by FAR [as it sits not yet 4x4]to insure than my WRX STi

 

Is thare going to be a watterbed in it?