Finally

[EMrider]

Originally Posted by Seattle

Thanks all for the well wishes. We are really stoked!

Regarding the suspension, I was told all stock, but was looking at it, and it appears to have the "old man emu" shocks up front? Not sure if that is standard SMB or not.

My one question to you all is regarding the "float" in the steering, at freeway speeds it takes active participation from the driver to keep going straight. Not bad, just much different than the Audi or BMW previously driven. Being a van/4x4 novice, I am chalking it up to the fact that it's a big heavy 4x4 van with big wheels and tires, but thought I would ask. It was checked out prior to purchase and nothing came up regarding any issues with the front end, just curious to get some feedback from the experienced SMB owners here.

Thanks!

Congrats on the new van. Our 06 has given us many great trips and memories.

Ditto what Herb said on the front end, alignment and tires. My 06 SMB tracks very straignt on a flat surface, but it also requires very 'active steering' when driving. An odd combination of stability and 'float' as you describe. Minor surface fluctuations or wind have an immediate impact. Driving these big vans is totally unlike a normal car. It is a 10k pound truck and requires full attention. Things can go FUBAR very quickly at 70mph.
R

[saline]

Driving these vans, one must be attentive. Mine still seems to wander a bit at high speeds but it's not bad. After I bought the van I found that a tie rod end and the steering adjustment clamp were loose. They didn't need to be replaced, just tightened.

[myriadmyriad]

Everybody should check this. Mine were real loose.

Jeff

[Railvan]

Welcome Seattle and Spomo1 to PNW SMB living! There's also a local (PNW) group with four (I think) other SMB vans among a large mix of other vehicles at: http://northwestoverlandsociety.org/ Good bunch of folks over there too.

Might be time again for another PNW meet and greet on the SMB Forum. We had one so far (that I know of) and had four vans at Lake Sammamish State Park.

Welcome!

Brian Rutherford
Bellingham

[Roonie]

Count me in as I just bought an 06 RB50 4x4 SMB from a forum member this week. I would be up for a meet and greet as well. I am in Kirkland.

[CJ]

Make it around the middle of June and I might be able to make it. My Navigator and I will be up in the area for a few weeks in June.

SoCal attendees 2

[Seattle]

I am game for a meet up, the sooner the better as I have many questions. Roonie, do you have your van already? Congrats on the purchase.

[Roonie]

Originally Posted by Seattle

I am game for a meet up, the sooner the better as I have many questions. Roonie, do you have your van already? Congrats on the purchase.

Thanks and not yet. Going down to LA to drive it back in a couple weeks. Just trying to organize my busy schedule to get down there. Trying to do it sooner as I am anxious to pick it up.

[John and Dana]

We would also be in for a PNW SMB meet and greet.

John

[AndrewST]

Would join but will be back only in september, if there will be one in fall will attend...