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Old 05-21-2009, 12:34 PM   #1
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What is wrong with a E250 4X4 conversion?

Sportsmobile says E250s should not be converted to 4X4.
I am looking a buying this E250 4X4 and wondering what I dont know?
http://www.rvtraderonline.com/find/list ... h-95103039

Any insights appreciated. One SPM salesperson said the engine would be stressed, the company who did the conversion to 4X4 said there could be an issue with sway. The owner says no sway issues.

-Robin

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Old 05-21-2009, 02:49 PM   #2
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Re: What is wrong with a E250 4X4 conversion?

I was told the frames of the 250's were not as stout as the 350 but can't say for sure. Even if that is the case I would think the 250 would be OK for light weight use. We have them at work and put them through some heavy mud and rough roads. But mostly flat land travel. No rock type climbing.
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Old 05-21-2009, 04:17 PM   #3
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Re: What is wrong with a E250 4X4 conversion?

An SMB conversion alone will max out a 250. The 4wd adds several hundred pounds and would put it way over Ford's GVWR. I suspect SMB wouldn't want to make it like that.

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Old 05-22-2009, 09:32 AM   #4
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Re: What is wrong with a E250 4X4 conversion?

The camper conversion (similar to a R50) was not done by Sportsmobile, yet another company. They used "lighter material for cabinets, plywood not not MFD, and did not install 1/2 of the cabinets." (owner's words) There are no cabinets on the driver side of the bed. I am getting it weighed as this does seems to be the concern. The transmission is the same as a 350, and it has 3000lb tires.
I am learning, and have a ways to go. I appeciate the help! After calling all Sportsmobile locations, two salespeople say "no problem" to the R250 and one says "Don't buy it."

I used to have a 4 Wheel Pop up on a Toyota 4X4. It was fun but this seems so much better, I am anxious to get one. With an internet dish installed I can work from the road. My house is rented...just need the camper.


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Old 05-22-2009, 09:45 AM   #5
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Re: What is wrong with a E250 4X4 conversion?

Why don't you talk to someone at Deaver Springs? They might be able to tell you if it's a frame difference between the E250 and the E350, or if it's a suspension diffference which could be overcome with new springs and shocks.


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Old 05-22-2009, 09:51 AM   #6
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Re: What is wrong with a E250 4X4 conversion?

I think GVWR is going to depend on the model year as well, for example:

Model year: 2003 2009

GVWR: 7300 8900

Payload: 2165 3530

Info from cars.com for E250
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Old 05-22-2009, 11:01 AM   #7
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Re: What is wrong with a E250 4X4 conversion?

I suppose you should consider what you'll be doing as well- "lite" 4 wheeling (sand, snow, gravel roads) isn't going to bring the frame into issue. Moderate (which is pretty hardcore in an 11K SMB) wheeling or more as a standard use for the van... in that case I'd hold out for an E350 assuming they're different. The F-series 250 I have has one less leaf than the F350 of the same year... bolt for bolt they are identical right down to the rear spring packs, oh and the badging. Unfortunately I don't know about the vans.
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Old 05-22-2009, 05:40 PM   #8
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Re: What is wrong with a E250 4X4 conversion?

I just had the 2003 4X4 R250 weighed I am considering buying. It is 7400 pounds. In the reply email above, he sailquik said
Model year: 2003
GVWR: 7300
Payload: 2165
I dont understand if i can add the payload and GVWR together to get a safe weight? www.cars.com website was confusing to me.

I will not be towing, carrying anything heavier than a generator, no rock climbing!

can i buy it yet ;-)
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Old 05-22-2009, 06:12 PM   #9
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Re: What is wrong with a E250 4X4 conversion?

[quote="robinen"]
Model year: 2003
GVWR: 7300
Payload: 2165
I dont understand if i can add the payload and GVWR together to get a safe weight? [quote]

No. GVWR is Gross Vehicle Weight Rating, the MAXIMUM weight the vehicle is rated for. I know a lot of people exceed that number (especially pickups with campers). One possible bad outcome is an accident, and you exceed the GVWR, your insurance may not cover you.

Payload is the amount of weight that can be added to the bare van to reach GVWR.

My van was rated at 9400# GVWR. When S-K did the 4wd conversion, it was rerated to 9999# and it weighs 9700# going down the road.

Mike
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Old 05-22-2009, 06:26 PM   #10
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Re: What is wrong with a E250 4X4 conversion?

I thought GVWR was the max of the vehicle, passengers, cargo. I could easily be wrong though.

If that's right, it sounds like it's already 100 lbs over the limit.


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