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Old 05-28-2009, 11:55 AM   #1
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What if there were no SMBs?

Quigley4x4s ad got me thinking, if you couldn't have an SMB, what would be your next choice?

Say it's an alternate reality and SMB went out of buisness in the 1970's instead of transitioning to full size vans (after the VWs they go belly up). You can convert to 4x4 or go 2wd as you like it.

What would you get or build?

Personally, I'm going with the Chinook Baja with an Aluminess front bumper, Deavers and Toyo M/Ts.

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Old 05-28-2009, 12:20 PM   #2
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Re: What if there were no SMBs?

A horror story you are coming up with here Jage....

I would probably continue outfitting the 300k mile Nissan 4WD pickup to accomodate me in the rear, in the camper shell.

...and there would be more money in the bank account....
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Old 05-28-2009, 12:20 PM   #3
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Re: What if there were no SMBs?

If I were a lottery winner, I'd go with EarthRoamer.

Since I'm not, and probalby never will be, I'd have stayed with my '02 F250 diesel with camper shell, and upgraded the suspension.


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Old 05-28-2009, 12:30 PM   #4
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Re: What if there were no SMBs?

I did upgrade the suspension on the Nissan...... A rancho kit.

We love that truck and will likely never part with it. It gets only a little use each month, but I am wondering if we could use it with the SMB to take some extended family on a fun trip.
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Old 05-28-2009, 04:36 PM   #5
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Re: What if there were no SMBs?

I thought Chinook quit making the Baja? I was after an Earthromer at first myself. The size freaked me out when I actually saw one but if you could tow a Jeep it would be nice. Beaucoup bucks though. I would actually look for a SMB look alike such as GTRV with 4x4 system. But what if typical van type styles go away? What would be cool is to have something similar to an Earthromer cut down to size with a pop top of some kind. Base it off a Ford F-450.
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Old 05-28-2009, 05:29 PM   #6
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Re: What if there were no SMBs?

Dump more $$$ on our Westy........or......
an EarthRoamer
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Old 05-28-2009, 07:45 PM   #7
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Re: What if there were no SMBs?

It is funny that this topic came up because I read somewhere that Ford might stop producing the E-series in light of the fact that they are going be selling Transit vans in the U.S. Although now that I think about this the two don't really compete for the same share of the market do they?. I guess I would have to dive into the specs further. Either way I hope its false since I'm still 3-4 years away from a potential SMB purchase (I like to plan ahead ).

Here it is http://www.expeditionportal.com/foru...t=ford+transit

To answer your question for me that would mean multiple Land Cruiser ownership (simultaneously of course!)
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Old 05-28-2009, 07:57 PM   #8
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Re: What if there were no SMBs?

Oy. Woulda saved a fortune.

I'd love to see one of the Jeep based Earth Roamers in person. Looks ideal: http://www.earthroamer.com/tab_xpeditio ... rview.html
There's a massive aftermarket for these Jeeps, and small size makes it capable of going pretty much anywhere. Have to be a pathetic, antisocial, single loser like me though--two might be a crowd inside.

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Old 05-29-2009, 12:14 AM   #9
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Re: What if there were no SMBs?

Quote:
Originally Posted by ChuckB
It is funny that this topic came up because I read somewhere that Ford might stop producing the E-series in light of the fact that they are going be selling Transit vans in the U.S. Although now that I think about this the two don't really compete for the same share of the market do they?. I guess I would have to dive into the specs further. Either way I hope its false since I'm still 3-4 years away from a potential SMB purchase (I like to plan ahead ).
Seems the sprinters have taken over the commercial delivery industry for the most part. If the ambulance companies adopt them I can’t see the E-series has much time left. It’s poor timing for trying to design anything to take the E-350’s place in that industry. Goofy government regulations may doom the Econoline as we know it today unless there is a variance given to the ambulance companies. I think it will all depend on CAFÉ standards set by our fearless leaders and whether or not a good high horsepower fuel saving engine can be developed quick enough. Maybe Ford will develop a power plant that the G-men accept. But if you could figure out the perfect ambulance (which need to be FWD or AWD in many parts of the country) someone could profit possibility. If it’s the right size, built tough, has a good reliable engine with the right power, and just happens to looks stylish enough as an off road vehicle maybe a new SMB will come about. If you look at Revcon, Xplorer and Earthromer you’ll see nice vehicles but they are so large that they’re limited for off road use not to mention their fuel guzzling engines. Last year I was worried about fuel prices stopping my SMB from hitting the road. Look what happened; diesel is about 2.30 now. Still my SMB is not (and I hate this word) eco friendly. I still think the big RV industry is going to be hit hard because of this. My biggest fear is how Americans are so easily pushed into small vehicles. But before the government forces me into matchbox, I’ll go with a Jeep and a good off road trailer. The Jeep ought to be around forever. Oh God what am I saying, this fat boy loves his SMB no matter how much it costs.
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Old 05-29-2009, 02:09 AM   #10
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Re: What if there were no SMBs?

Well here is my view from over the pond where we live pretty much without SMB

4x4 campers are pretty much extinct except for large Toyota and Land Rover 4x4s with roof tents. Actually I don't know any apart from SMB...

But otherwise standard RVs are very popular and are following the "eco-friendly" trend or should I say the CO2 trend (As the other gases aren't really taken into account...). Most are stated to do 20-22 mpg but that is on paper... Here are samples of what is sold over here : http://www.campingcar.ch/vente/

I would say what I am more worried about is our right to go out into the wild without being policed like mad...

If I had money and free choice I would have a Pickup with a camper cell like these for ex. fitted to it... I like the Isuzu D-Max for a base 4x4...
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