WTB: very simple, garageable pop top van

[MountainBikeRoamer]

Originally Posted by gbail

Wow, thx Mike. This one could work if I could fit it into my budget.

Hey there again gbail ---

Just noticed, the seller of this particular Dodge has now posted some more inside/outside pictures (previously there was only one exterior shot.) Looks super clean inside/out, but it is to be noted that it appears this rig has no propane.

(There's no door outside for propane-tank access....and the stovetop is an electric range, so it seems this is a purely-electric / generator-powered rig.)

Nothing wrong with that of course. Some people do prefer to have the option of onboard propane for things like a furnace (or the ability to make a cup of tea without a generator running to do so.)

Still a nice van.

[MountainBikeRoamer]

Another one......even simpler build, perhaps more like you were originally indicating you were after.
Cheaper, too --- at $20k vs. $29k for the last one.

(**gbail, did you already mention you put a deposit on a Tiger ProVan? Hadn't heard if you were still looking or not for a garage-able SMB.)

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1995 SPORTSMOBILE RAM 3500
$19,995
Used Class B In Henderson, NC 27537

https://www.rvtrader.com/dealers/Str...3500-123262730

Condition: Used
Year: 1995
Make: Sportsmobile
Model: Ram 3500
Class: Class B
Location: Henderson, NC
Mileage: 92,942
Fuel Type: GAS
Gross Vehicle Weight: 7,700
Stock Number: 17036
VIN Number: 2B6JB31Z5SK570756
Sleeping Capacity: 4
Air Conditioners: 2
Awnings: N
Length: 19
Engine Manufacture: Dodge 5.9L V8
Water Capacity: 30
Leveling Jacks: N
Self Contained: Y
Exterior Color: White
Interior Color: Blue
DESCRIPTION & COMMENTS
1995 Sportsmobile class B RV built on the Dodge 3500 chassis. This RV only has approximately 92,942 original miles! This van is as easy to drive and park as a minivan! We have gone through this RV completely to ensure all systems are working properly including brakes, engine, transmission, and coach appliances. This RV is in great condition and there are no leaks, smoke odors, or pet odors. Here are some of the features :

Features:
•sleeps 4
- Sportsmobile Penthouse top, includes foam pad
- Gaucho Couch below
•12v / 120v refrigerator
•microwave
•sink and waterpump
- fresh water tank
- grey water tank
- city water intake
•pull out pantry
•dual swivel front seats (not power seats)
•full privacy shades and curtains
- front curtain
- curtains on van windows and doors
- cloth rollup shades in penthouse
•interior lights
•lots of storage space/cabinets/drawers/counters
•dining tables that break down and stow
•12v power system
- 120v shore power input and cord
- 12v converter
- single deep cycle AGM battery for RV, charges from van alternator or 120v shore power
- isolated from van battery
- lights
- water pump
- refrigerator
- small oscillating fan
•3 screened van windows, 4 screened penthouse windows
•2 A/C units: A/C in RV (works great!) in addition to van A/C
•new-ish in-dash radio / cd / mp3 with front and rear speakers: Kenwood KDC
• van cover included

Mechanicals:
•engine and transmission are in great shape, plenty of power for this van
•smooth acceleration
•leaks no oil or coolant
•performed regular oil changes and tire rotation
•well maintained, with many new parts:
- new engine valve gaskets, bearings, seals January 2015
- new oil pressure switch January 2015
- new brakes November 2015
- new alternator May 2016
- new van battery May 2016
- new tires August 2017
- new RV plumbing hoses, fall 2016
- transmission maintenance (replace seals and gaskets) June 2017
•all RV features work well and the interior is in very good condition
•includes all Sportsmobile original documents
•includes all service records
• gas gauge does not work - easy to track gas remaining using the trip odometer

This van was converted by Sportsmobile right off the production line in 1995, and has been a well-loved RV ever since. It has been garaged for nearly all of its life when not in use, and well maintained and cared for.
Not Included:
•No stove
•No heater
•No port-a-pot

This RV is ready to take you on your next Adventure!Doc fee of $49 applies to the purchase, no other dealer fees!

Stream RV
151 Stagecoach Road Suite B
Henderson, NC 27537

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[gbail]

Wow, thx, that's a really good looking van!

I can't go look at it right away as my wife just got home today after being the hospital getting total hip replacement surgery and I can't leave her on her own for 4-6 weeks! This was a rather unexpected surgery, at least having to have it done right now.

My best plan is to get my 2004 Camper van sold first and use those funds for the "new to me” SMB. I thought that'd be accomplished by now as I'm offering to sell it for a real low price. My ads keep getting flagged tho and that's killing my plans.

I am getting the 4WD Tiger later this fall. We're replacing all three of our vehicles....wife gets a brand new Suby Outback as soon as she can drive again, I'm selling both the camper van and my truck and replacing them with the Tiger and the hoped for, simple daily driver garageable van.

Thx mucho again for this heads up.

[gbail]

Okay....got our ‘04 Camper Van sold (and our Suby Outback too) and wife is on the mend from her hip surgery, so we can start to look for the simple pop top replacement van again now.

Still working on selling my truck and still would consider a trade on that.

Anyhooo, please forward me any interesting garageable vans you see for sale, especially on the western side of the USA.

[Vanski]

What is your height restrictions in your garage? Would a 4x4 Ford E350 with poptop fit in your garage? Are you only interested in a 2wd?

[gbail]

Thx, Vanski

Would love a 4x4 but unfortunately even a 2wd Ford would not fit in my parking area.

My max garage height is the standard insufficient 7’ entry height (just @84”).

Dodge is pretty much the only full size SMB poptop van that’d fit. GTRV poptop full size Ford and Chevy works too. I’d maybe also consider a full size Chevy w/out a poptop if AWD.

[Vanski]

My van is 7’5” without the rack so too tall. It is the transformer model with the poptop so has minimal camping gear. Gas 5.4 motor to boot with 108k. Deflate the tires and it may fit

[Squirrel_murphy]

This one checks all your boxes.
https://eugene.craigslist.org/cto/d/...338245662.html edit just read your height requirements so maybe not

[gbail]

Thx. Yeah the Ford’s also too high, dang it.

I’m so frustrated with my homeowner limitations that I’m now actually looking to get quotes on the cost of raising the roof so that the height of the entry into my off street parking pad will allow me to park a Chevy or Ford out of sight.

I found a nice Chevy poptop locally with no fancy inside but it still doesn’t fit into my garage entry!

So basically im looking at a $20k solution to the problem, but it beats selling and moving.

[MountainBikeRoamer]

Heyo gbail --
here's another one for ya.

http://www.sportsmobileforum.com/for...tml#post215275