How do you use your SMB?

canyonrover · 11-09-2011, 09:50 AM

It would seem that the SMB community is a very diverse group. We typically look for the vehicle to match our interests and hobbies. I am seeing a lot more SMBs in the mountain biking community as a base camp or the tried and true photographers groups but what else do you use your SMB for?

I love getting away from as many people as possible but have found a great use of our SMB that brings me to more people. This is something that we knew we would use our SMB for when we purchased it and we finally got to use it for this purpose. This past weekend we used the SMB as a base camp for the Moab Trail Marathon. We camped out the night before and the night after the race saving on a hotel room that we have had to use in the past. We also of course saved on meals since we cook in the SMB. But best of all was the warmth after the race. It never got above the low 40's and rained most of the run making the trail a soupy muddy mess. My lovely wife had it all set up in the finish area (after she ran the 5K) with the heater going and a hot cup of soup waiting for me when I was done. I was also able to easily change into warmer and drier clothes after the race and not have to drive in cold wet clothes to the nearest hotel or home.

Can't wait for the next race to recover in the comfort of my SMB!

Viejo · 11-09-2011, 11:37 AM

We mostly use it for getting off the beaten track.

Late morning in Nowhere, Nevada

Just got back from 3 weeks in Arizona and Utah. The Grand Canyon was the high point of the trip.

Kanab Creek Canyon - (The van is the second 'bush' from the left in the near distance.)

Kanab Point Camp - Our own private Grand Canyon

Grand Canyon - Penthouse View

**daveb** · 11-09-2011, 12:03 PM

Not for biking or hiking purposes as a rule. I use it to explore and hopefully get to places where others can't get, but also I use campgrounds if they are somewhat empty. I like that the vehicle is loaded and ready to go at the drop of a hat. Most of my trips are quick weeekend runs.

joey2cool · 11-09-2011, 12:41 PM

We plan on using it as our primary vehicle, but have not had to yet. It's such a nice ride we have reserved it for places we are comfortable parking without worrying too much about getting it banged up. Still too new and too nice to ruin if we can help it (2WD for this reason too)...

We like to use it for day trips to nearby parks for lunch and trail heads for bike riding and hiking. We also take it on short local camping trips. It is part of a retirement dream that will eventually get us out to see more of the country without the discomfort of tent camping or expense of hotel living.

We've gone on some longer trips (Yosemite, Sequoia, Mono Lake, Mount Lassen, Mount Shasta, Crater Lake, Cascades, Olympics, entire length of west coast Highway 1), and since retirement is a few years away we still need to find the time to do more.

pjpvi · 11-09-2011, 03:32 PM

Draining my bank account!

larrie · 11-09-2011, 05:52 PM

We use it to get away. Usually to he beach. The other use is to go to Oregon Raceway Park where I spend the day photographing the race cars and the evenings watching he stars.

Larrie
89 Ford 2WD penthouse

Ford_6L_E350 · 11-09-2011, 05:57 PM

For travel.

We have gone to Alaska -twice, Labrador/Newfoundland, Key West, South Texas and many points in between. Favorite area is the Southwest with many National Parks and historic sites.

Never stayed in a motel except once when the van was in the shop in Canada. My wife likes to eat one meal a day in a restaurant, rest of the meals in our home away from home. Coldest night was 18 degrees inside the van. Hottest day was 114.

Mike

Advanturetrek · 11-09-2011, 06:19 PM

Wow! Gorgeous pictures. Thanks for sharing.

Well, right now we use the SMB as an expensive jungle gym while we wait for the interior build to start. Once the build is done, we'll use it as a full-time house, mobile office, and adventure base camp. We're building it out to accommodate (depending on the season) skiing, ice climbing, white water kayaking, cycling, kiteboarding, diving, and caving.

canyonrover · 11-10-2011, 06:57 AM

Great pictures, Viejo. I have always wanted to get to the North Rim.

I would agree with most that getting away from everyone else in a a great use of the SMB and primarily why we purchased it.

canyonrover · 11-10-2011, 07:01 AM

Mountain biking is a great platform for the SMB. Here Saline and I rode the Whole Enchilada in Moab while our lovely wives shuttled the vehicles and took care of us. We camped the night before in the La Sals then rode up Burro, down Hazard, UPS, LPS and Porcupine. What a great day.