So I am the luck guy who found and purchased the 2003 Ford E350 that U-Joint named SteelBlue 7.3. Once U-joint completed their work (
Ujointoffroad), SMB put a penthouse top on the van and Advanture completed the interior (
Advanture Company).
For the past 10 years, I have built or modified a number of expedition vehicles. Most recently I built a 2007 Fuso FG 4x4 with a custom 13' fully expo camper. 35", posi, 4:88, 3-point mounting, all diesel and d/c appliances, and a monster 520w solar system. So I am very familiar with build techniques pros/cons. When I saw this van, I knew I had stumbled on a unicorn! U-Joint, SMB, and Advanture...wow, a perfect trifecta of talent on display.
My wife and I have taken it on one 5 day break in and we are hooked on #vanlife. This thing is awesome. It has road manners, get's decent mpg, has suspension travel that rivals Jeep Rubicons, and will cruise at highway speeds all day. The SMB top is great to add standup room. We won't be using the penthouse for sleeping, but do appreciate the extra room when parked. The interior systems are exceptionally well laid out and designed perfectly for our use: D/C isotherm refrigerator/freezer, propane two burner cook top, Espar airtronic heater, porta-poti, removable dining table an swivel passenger seat (Toyota Sienna of course).
If you haven't noticed, we are elated with this rig and look forward to some awesome trips in the spring (if not before)
2008 GMC 3500 SMB
VivaLaVida
AWOL
Linear Mode
