SMB surf wagon

[Aldercrest]

We have a 2002 E-350 EB Sportsmobile with Quigley 4WD with a custom interior that is going to need some modifications to support an expected second child this fall. I have been thinking a lot about the "ideal" floorplan for a family of four. Based on my experience with our van, and being in and out of some friends' vans, I have decided what the ideal floorplan would be for us. Having experienced my Quigley and a couple of Quadvans (2" and 4"), the 4" Quadvan lift with Deaver rear springs is hands down the best choice if you're choosing between Quigley and Quadvan for 4WD. Plus, you can always try 2WD and pay for the Quadvan conversion only if you decide you need it. Don't get me wrong, my Quigley works fine, but Quadvan is better - more stable, more stock, handles better.

So here it is:
- Four captain's chairs. Second row close to the first row for easy communication and hand-offs to the kids.
- 2nd row captain's chairs should be easily removable.
- Passenger chair and 2nd row chairs should swivel.
- Left side rear fridge, sink, storage, counter, furnace, electrical.
- Right side rear gaucho that folds down into a bed. Gaucho needs to be removable. Leaves the center aisle open when traveling if you need to put boards (or in my case, bikes or kayaks) inside for some reason. Also provides room to work at the galley area.
- By having all the seats removable, you have the opportunity to mix and match as needed.
Check out this post for something similar: viewtopic.php?f=7&t=5761

Like I said, that's my ideal layout. You have to figure out what works for you. I think the 4 captain's chairs are key, especially with younger kids. If you want to more safely seat 4+, go with a normal bench behind the captain's chairs, but you will have to figure out your galley access, and you lose some of the storage flexibility that the center aisle provides. Check out Bitburger for this option.

I'm sure that if I ever rebuild to the "ideal", I will find its flaws and start dreaming of the new "ideal". Good luck with your quest!

[Eyecre8it]

Great feedback everyone, many thanks.

The big question now is, do I:

A. Buy the van and dropship it to Portland for the Quadvan conversion first and then schedule the sportsmobile build at SMB West afterward.

OR

B. Order the van through SMB West first and get the top and interior built, then take a road trip to Portland for the 4x4 conversion?

I live in the Bay Area and am thinking option A is the way to go. Is that the sound strategy.

[carringb]

Any Ford dealer can drop-ship to QuadVan.

However.... QuadVan prefers adding 4x4 post Sportsmobile conversion, that way they can dial it in to your specific setup/weight.

[SheepShagger]

Originally Posted by daveb

Except currently Ford only allows the extended warrantee on SMB 4x4 conversions. That might change in the future but is something to consider.

I don't think the extended warranty covers any drive train parts, so it's probably a mute point. But Ford do extended warranty on Quigleys. It's the only 4x4 conversion that is full warranty / all parts at any ford Dealer. All others you have to go back to the particular 4x4 shop for warranty on the conversion parts.

[daveb]

Sorry I have not kept up with Quigley. For a time no 4x4 converted vehicles could receive the ESP. It probably changed after SMB was allowed to receive the Ford ESP. Jay Mento convinced Ford to offer it on Sportsmobile conversions. It looks like Quigley may have got the same deal as SMB. Looking at Quigley's site it looks like a Quigley conversion can get the ESP, but like SMB the aftermarket componets are not covered.

[Eyecre8it]

Other than adding a pop top roof the weight of the van will remain relatively stock. Again, the van will only have a portable fridge, 4 captains chairs and a bench sofa. Any idea how much the SMB pop top weighs?

Here's how I'm thinking this build will go... Purchase a new RB 350 passenger wagon through Towne Ford in Redwood City, have it shipped to Quadvan in Portland for the 4x4 conversion and shipped back, then have SMB west do the pop top. I'm still researching where to take it for the interior. Any advice is appreciated. Craftsmanship is key.

Regarding buying a new stock van with the intent of carving it up a bit (roof, 4x4, custom passenger interior), what options would be a waste of money and should be avoided? Some options to consider: "heavy duty auxiliary battery and alternator", back up camera, Radio, Sync voice activated communications, etc, etc.

Given that quadvan can make a sliding side door clear the fenders with a new bracket, is this an option you'd recommend for a passenger/camping/snow van? Or do you prefer the barn doors and why?

Have any of you used the upfitter switches for anything? I was thinking one of these could be used to raise the pop top electronically? Can SMB wire that?

I can't thank you enough for helping me navigate through this process!