2008 Ford SMB 4x4 ?? - Page 3

Edie · 01-29-2008, 10:20 AM

Greg,

Yes, I have the tow package, but at this time I have no plans on towing anything. I got it mainly for re-sale, WAY in the future sometime. I'm finding out, however, that the square hitch receiver could be used for many things. Carr, who supplied my hoop steps, also has a little drop-down step that can be fitted into the hitch opening. Does anyone have one, or is there something better? Maybe just a portable folding step would be best for the rear. Actually, I think I'll wait until seeing the van, and then decide if I need anything there at all.

I do know that my mirrors can be folded back.

Thanks for all the comments!

Edie

sdwindansea · 01-29-2008, 01:38 PM

Eddie - we got a rear, hitchstep for our 2007 SMB 4x4 (http://www.gorhino.com/hitchstep/hitchstep.html). We never added an aftermarket rear bumper. It has really helped with accessing the rear of the van and the ladder as well. Furthermore, it provides a lot of extra protection if you are rear-ended or unluckly enough to back into something. I have it extended so that it is at the same distance from the rear of the van as the spare tire, so it hasn't affected the length at all. We leave it on the entire time with a lockable hitch pin. It doesn't rattle and it is light and easy to store. Here are a couple of pictures.

Greg In Austin · 01-29-2008, 05:24 PM

Hhmmmm..... anyone know what the difference is hat gets you one type of mirrror versus the other? The two types of mirror are seen in the photos above. A single post versus a larger dual post. It was suggested that maybe the tow package is what got the larger adjustable mirrors, but now we have a tow package van that has the single post mirrors.

charlie56 · 01-29-2008, 06:32 PM

If you go to the Ford website and look at the E350 brochure. On page 10 it states that the Aero mirrors (I assume these are the single post) are listed by “select availability” as an option if you select the Power Group.

The telescoping trailer tow, manual adjustable are standard.

The telescoping trailer tow, power adjustable sideview are an option from the Power Group. (So what does the mean?)

Greg, it doesn't directly answer your question but I think I'm in the ballpark.

Sure hope SMB orderd the power option for me. Hate to hang my head out the window going down the road while trying to adjust these babies.

Heres the link to the brochure:
http://www.fordvehicles.com/assets/pdf/ ... at_NAV.pdf

Greg In Austin · 01-29-2008, 07:01 PM

I think you are getting close.... we know we have the telscoping towing mirrors, and we have the power group option, so they better be power.

From what you described it sounds like you would have to choose the Aero mirrors specifically to get them.

Edie · 01-29-2008, 08:36 PM

Sdwindansea,

Thanks so much for the pics of your hitch steps. They look like a much better option than the small ones I mentioned. Very clever! I'll definitely look into them later. I also like the idea of them being sort of a bumper. You never know....!

Thanks again, Edie

ridgerunner · 02-20-2008, 07:06 PM

Well, we took delivery of Edie's new SMB last week (I'm Edie's son). I posted some photos and a video over on the "Show and Tell" forum.

bitburger · 03-03-2008, 09:24 PM

Two comments:

I was at SMB West last week and they mentioned that the two post mirrors came with the tow packages. They are powered adjustment with the power package but you need to reach out manually to have the mirrors fold in.
Single post is the default if you don't have the tow package.

I like the Sdwindandsea hitch step.
When I started to look around, I found one with a built in back-up audible alarm.

http://www.obstaclesensor.com/?gclid=CJ ... awod60WbwQ

I'm trying to figure out if it is just a gimmick. If any have gone this route, let me know. I'd like to minimize my bumps in the garage