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Old 10-27-2013, 09:51 AM   #1
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P/H top question

Since I can't afford the $40,000 that Sportmobile wants for a full conversion I've chosen to "do it yourself". My question is about the Penthouse top on a E350 EB.

Sportmobile gets $7,000 + for the top including installation [top, screens, & bed]. That seems inordinately costly. But I recognize that this is one part of the conversion that I can't do. Does anyone know if Sportmobile will give seniors on Soc. Sec. any "love" on the costs? I haven't asked yet.

Any other suggestions? [I live in So. Calif.]

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Old 10-27-2013, 10:11 AM   #2
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Re: P/H top question

Just ask. But discounts aren't in their vocabulary.

Seriously consider an e-pop top before you pull the trigger.
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Old 10-27-2013, 11:49 AM   #3
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Re: P/H top question

Blunt opinions.

There aren't many manufacturers of penthouse tops (SMB, Colorado Camper vans) so there little competition, and little incentive to give discounts.

Look through through this forum about the build threads, and the threads where someone transplants a penthouse from one vehicle to another. There's a LOT of work involved.

If you're implying to us and to SMB that your only source of retirement income is Social Security, to be frank, I don't think converting a van is a wise choice. I'd also guess that quite a bit of SMB's customer base are retirees, so again, not much incentive to give discounts.


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Old 10-27-2013, 09:50 PM   #4
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Re: P/H top question

I have to agree with Herb and Jacko on this. I just can't see discounts on recreation vehicles. Possibly something for disabled people but even then I doubt it. Never hurts to ask though.
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Old 10-27-2013, 10:50 PM   #5
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Re: P/H top question

Suggestion? Keep an eye out for that low mile, well cared for 2wd EB PH Sportsmobile fitting your floorplan needs that comes as a fraction of the cost of putting one together as new. The extra $2-3K you might spend in mechanical upgrades and maintenance on the running gear will be way cheaper than starting the venture from scratch. It all depends on where you are starting from and what your final goals are.
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Old 10-28-2013, 03:28 AM   #6
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Re: P/H top question

Agreed with rockbender. So much value to capitalize on buying a used smb.
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Old 10-28-2013, 08:39 AM   #7
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Re: P/H top question

Thanks for the input,,,, buying an "experienced" SMB is the obvious way to go even if I have to "gut" the interior and start over on my "plan".

So I'll be looking for a Ford E-250 or E-350, SB or EB, up to about 2010, 5.4 V8 [gasoline] with the P/H top.

Trent
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Old 10-28-2013, 10:18 AM   #8
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Re: P/H top question

Have you looked at Eric's van:

viewtopic.php?f=34&t=12136

Nice van, nice people. CCV top (power, goes up higher than SMB top)

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Old 10-28-2013, 10:24 AM   #9
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Re: P/H top question

Thanks,,,,, but unfortunately I have to have either a P/H top or get a new garage! The high top one's won't fit.

Cheers,

Trent
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Old 10-28-2013, 03:51 PM   #10
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Re: P/H top question

Quote:
Originally Posted by Trent4444
Thanks,,,,, but unfortunately I have to have either a P/H top or get a new garage! The high top one's won't fit.

Cheers,

Trent

How tall is your garage door? Just curious because my 2wd SMB with penthouse top wont fit in my garage.
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