Hello from a new member

Switchfoot · 01-21-2009, 07:32 PM

I've been a stealth reader of this forum for a long time and always intended to do the obligatory first post with photos after I had some better shots to offer. Finally decided just to post the shots taken when we bought our 2007 E-350 Quigley diesel in Pueblo Gold Metallic with a van conversion interior so I could participate. We love Sportsmobiles, but went a different route with this van as a family with three rapidly-growing teenagers we needed more seats and cargo room than cabinets and camping apparatus. We use the van for hauling kids and pets, car camping, off-road exploring, and towing a travel trailer. Having owned two VW Westfalias (a '71 and a '91 Syncro) used for many Baja surf trips, we love the idea of a self-contained van and may consider an SMB top and interior improvements, once the kids leave the nest in a few years. This forum is a great source of information regarding full-size vans and I especially like the 4x4 and towing sections.

Attached are some photos....

Upgrades so far include: 315/70-17 BFGs, tow mirrors, Aluminess tire carrier, front receiver hitch, Second Skin insulation of front cab, doghouse, and all doors.

Joanna · 01-21-2009, 07:57 PM

Switchfoot,
Your van looks great!
I can completely sympathize with needing vast seating possibilities when driving teens and their friends around. They're all so big and their gear is voluminous.
What is Second Skin? and where is the town where you live?

Switchfoot · 01-21-2009, 08:10 PM

Thanks Joanna. Second Skin is a company like Dynamat that makes sound and heat insulation products. I went with it because it was rated higher than Dynamat and less expensive. The engine noise and heat was really obnoxious when we bought it (our first diesel). Afterwards, I can drive barefoot again and you can actually talk to people in the van.

North Tustin is a part of unincorporated central Orange County located about 15 minutes south of Disneyland (assuming no traffic...). It's sandwiched between Santa Ana, Orange, and Irvine.

jage · 01-21-2009, 08:21 PM

You know y'all are allowed to post here even if you don't own a van.

Greg In Austin · 01-21-2009, 08:45 PM

Welcome....

....we also went with some Second SKin installation, and are VERY happy.

adventureduo · 01-22-2009, 10:02 AM

Very nice rig! Welcome!

scotty p · 01-25-2009, 11:19 PM

thanks jage! I don't own one yet, and it's going to take some time to acqire one, damn I love all the SMB's here. Good looking rig, Switchfoot! Nice job!

Quote:

Originally Posted by jage

You know y'all are allowed to post here even if you don't own a van.

jlrray · 01-26-2009, 03:16 PM

I love those seats...