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Old 12-03-2013, 10:23 PM   #11
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Re: Uncle Scotty's Sportsmobile Build - Introduction

Research Ford's extended warranty if you want one. Not sure if you can get one depending on how you change the van. At least in the past, Ford wouldn't honor it if the van had been converted...been there done that. I don't know what they are doing now days.

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Old 12-04-2013, 09:57 AM   #12
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Re: Uncle Scotty's Sportsmobile Build - Introduction

It sounds like you are thinking this thing through pretty well. It sure helps to have all of those ideas out on the Forum doesn't it? They sure helped me before my recent build.

Since you like Sherman I wanted to make sure that you saw the pictures of my build. It's a lot like Sherman, minus the shower. The pics are in my gallery.

I don't have enough experience with mine to give you advice. But OK, I will anyway. I am loving all of the countertop space that I gave myself but wish that I had more big storage space for bedding etc. My workaround on that has been to put a Thule box on top as a place to store light, bulky stuff. I needed it for my skis anyway.

Have fun!

Dan
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Old 01-07-2014, 07:48 PM   #13
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Re: Uncle Scotty's Sportsmobile Build - Introduction

Hi All -

Some work happened, then the holidays...sorry for the silence. I'm back on the trail.

I've reconsidered my layout decision.
The issue of child safety has me back to an EB50 layout.
The kids need to face forward.

So now my questions for all y'all relate to how to make the most of the EB50.

I've read some discussion about including the 4CF fridge, and the resulting higher counter top and window obstruction. Unless someone can talk me out of it, I think the 4CF will make the list.

I'm debating the typical cabinet M vs. cabinet L. The L will yield a bigger bed, but less storage. I'm sure there are believers in both. Speak up!

Since the kids will be on the sofa while we drive I'm thinking about adding a window on the drivers side, requiring cabinet L. I couldn't find any pictures of that combination.

Those are the big layout issues for now. I'd love to hear any of your thoughts on these or other ways to maximize the EB50 layout.

Cheers!
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Old 01-07-2014, 08:01 PM   #14
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Re: Uncle Scotty's Sportsmobile Build - Introduction

Don't know how I missed your original post, but welcome!

With the amount of 'things' you want to bring, maybe an RB50 layout in an EB van would fit your needs, especially if you add an additional Captain's seat (I think one will fit).

BTW, it took me a while to get past this one sentence in your original post "One time, at band camp,..."


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Old 01-08-2014, 06:10 AM   #15
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Re: Uncle Scotty's Sportsmobile Build - Introduction

Quote:
Originally Posted by UncleScotty
Hi All -

Some work happened, then the holidays...sorry for the silence. I'm back on the trail.

I've reconsidered my layout decision.
The issue of child safety has me back to an EB50 layout.
The kids need to face forward.


I've read some discussion about including the 4CF fridge, and the resulting higher counter top and window obstruction. Unless someone can talk me out of it, I think the 4CF will make the list.


Cheers!
I would definitely recommend the 4cf fridge. You are going to have to lose some space somewhere for it. If you have more than one person traveling, ever, I don't see how you can live with anything less. We like to take food and cook rather than buy road garbage and we have a 4 plus a small cooler to keep cold drinks in. I have no idea how people get by with less personally.

I also agree that forward facing is a better option for rear passengers. The only exception I see to that is if you have only one person on a rear bench, that way they can stretch out longways and still be facing forward, of course this doesn't work well while belted. Forward facing keeps everyone safer, more comfortable and happier in my experience.

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Old 01-08-2014, 06:44 AM   #16
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Re: Uncle Scotty's Sportsmobile Build - Introduction

Welcome aboard! It's a fun ride designing your own custom build and even more fun getting to use it!

I spent about a year planning and thinking about my build. Trying to envision us using it with a certain layout really helped. Sherman is actually the EB44 layout with a Portable toilet and the galley door kitchen. When I drove it back from Quadvan (totally empty in back) they bolted a seat behind the passenger front seat in the barn door area to keep us legal (my two sons were with me). It worked nice when all 3 of us were sitting, but usually they spent a lot of time just laid out in the back with pads and sleeping bags. I mention this because as my vehicles have gotten bigger (Ford Escort-> Honda Pilot-> Suburban-> Sherman) I feel that my passengers have gotten safer and the "need" to have everyone buckled in has gone down. We always wear our seat belts up front, but once in the back we rarely use the seat belts on the gaucho couch. Think school bus. I know the safety "PC" police will go nuts with this, but at what point are we safe enough. Personally I feel a lot safer in Sherman(unbuckled) than in my old Escort(buckled), plus I don't drive Sherman like a sports car. I also did not like having part of the barn doors blocked with the 3rd seat, thus our open layout with Sherman. We haven't taken a long trip with them yet, but when we do I guarantee that they will spend most of the trip with one sleeping on the floor and the other sleeping on the gaucho. Just my 2¢.

Good luck on your build with all the wonderful choices that a Sportsmobile gives you!
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Old 01-08-2014, 08:16 AM   #17
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Re: Uncle Scotty's Sportsmobile Build - Introduction

I voiced similar concerns about the 4 cu. ft. fridge in the build I'm planning. Pretty much everyone here said that it's a non-issue. You won't loose that much view/ventilation. If you decide to go with an EB-layout, SMB has indicated that they can place a small slider above the sink (at the cost of some closet space). I don't think the smaller fridge is an option for us. We plan to cook a lot on the road (or off, rather) and while we may make some sacrifices here and there, we aren't going to go with pre-fab food or microwave stuff (no micro will be installed in our van - heck, we don't even have one at home!).

I've also considered a second awning window on the passenger side aft of the standard window. I don't really care about having the magazine/manual rack/holder thingie that goes there in the ~50 layout and IMHO, more air and additional light is a decent tradeoff for loss of space to store my Overland Journal and Manly Crochet Project Weekly publications.

Good luck and keep us posted!
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Old 01-08-2014, 02:47 PM   #18
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Re: Uncle Scotty's Sportsmobile Build - Introduction

Quote:
Originally Posted by UncleScotty
I also plan to use the Sportsmobile for tailgates and music festivals with 2-3 other guys… especially when things are wet. One time, at band camp ....

- Uncle Scotty
Wait, WHA...?!?!?

Sorry, couldn't resist striking a few lines from your "introduction" post!

But my favorite part of your post:

Quote:
Originally Posted by UncleScotty
I have 3 tools in my toolbox: A telephone, a checkbook and a bottle opener.
Welcome aboard, and good luck with planning your build! Looking forward to seeing the finished product!

-Bryce
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Old 01-08-2014, 04:48 PM   #19
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Re: Uncle Scotty's Sportsmobile Build - Introduction

Quote:
Originally Posted by carringb
I recommend thinking about 4.10 gears.

1) It gives you an extra 3,500 pounds of combined weight rating.
2) You can upgrade later to lower gearing without replacing the carrier.
I agree 100% 4.10 all the way!
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