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Member Introduction...
Hello all,
Well I figured it is about time I properly introduced myself to the forum. I have been lurking for a while, I first joined in the spring to gain access to all of the great photographs the members take of there SMB's. But have since used it to convince my wife that we absolutely need one of these. The forum has been great in helping us decide vehicle platform, interior plans, appliances, and what not to do (ie loading the rig up with reflective material and camouflage).
A little bit about us, I recently graduated with a PharmD and started working pretty soon afterward (after an obligatory road trip to southern Utah). While working my wife spent a couple of weeks working the phones trying to track down a Ford RB E350 6.0L Diesel. Which she soon found out there are very few new ones left in the US. Luckily she found a bare bones 2009 Cargo, barn door in Phoenix with ~20 miles on the OD. We scrambled for financing, purchased a couple one way tickets, and on August 24th took possession.
On our way back to Portland, Or we stopped by Sportsmobile to get a feel for what we were getting ourselves into. Jeff Reiden of SMB was a great help, he spent a lot of time with us and helped us pretty much finalize our design. The process will be completed in 2 parts; Step 1) Penthouse top, RV interior conversion in a modified RB21, with the frig and sink pushed to the back, bringing the dinette closer to the front. This will hopefully be completed by Summer 2011 (depending of number of hours I am able to work). Step 2) 4x4 conversion, solar panels, racks, lights, bumpers (completion date TBD).
Since it is going to be hard to wait that long for the completed product we have thrown in some carpet, and added refletix to the side panels and ceiling. It is incredible how much difference this made in the road/engine noise and temperature regulation. Just this last weekend we took a little camping trip to the (soon to be heavily restricted) Mount Hood National Forest near Hideway lake, for a little taste of what is to come. But for the most part we plan on keeping the Van parked in the garage, and save the miles until after Step 1 is completed.
Here are some pics of the van, and places we plan on going with it:
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Matt
2009 Modified RB21 E350 4X4 6.0L Diesel
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The Delta Flyer
Sportsmobile (AKA Money Pit)
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