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Old 06-15-2017, 12:24 PM   #1
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SMB Ford Classic 4x4 Cutaway Chassis - The Thread

Because of my recent visit to SMB Fresno where I took a tour and an interest in the new Classic 4x4, I wanted to start a thread that would collect all the forum input under the van's official name. It seems interest is rising as the prototypes are hitting the road and I'd like to see and hear forum members' thoughts/ pics on this thing.

So here's a collection of threads from the recent past about "The Beast" and a few pictures I took while I was in Fresno. Feel free to add any and all intel about this emerging vehicle, thoughts and pics welcome.

Here's the link to the SMB page:

Sportsmobile Custom Camper Vans - 4WD (4 Wheel Drive, 4x4)



Here's a current discussion about what folks think about it:

http://www.sportsmobileforum.com/for...tml#post205338



Here are some forum discussion links I picked up on a search:

http://www.sportsmobileforum.com/for...4x4-18966.html


http://www.sportsmobileforum.com/for...ays-17382.html


http://www.sportsmobileforum.com/for...ned-18454.html

http://www.sportsmobileforum.com/for...ect-10859.html


http://www.sportsmobileforum.com/for...smb-19032.html


http://www.sportsmobileforum.com/for...ned-18650.html



And here Are my photos from my April 2017 visit. I was impressed with the build and with SMB's continued commitment to those who prefer a Ford over other offerings. The price is sure to be high, but that seems to be the way of it anyway. The prototype i saw in the pic below was all decked out on the outside and the walls, etc, were finished inside. They were in the process of fitting out the interior camping equipment and seating. It was a beauty and I would have loved to have driven away in the thing.














.

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Old 06-15-2017, 05:07 PM   #2
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I would like to recommend that the above post be merged with this thread.

I started that as a new thread because the production models are not identical to the prototype.

To me, multiple threads on the same subject becomes confusing. It is hard to find all of the relevant information. Because there is already a 3 page long thread on the production model Classic, I would like to suggest that the moderators or the OP please merge the above post into the existing thread.
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Old 06-15-2017, 09:13 PM   #3
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TomH, did you read my post? I was merging threads, not multiplying them. I found when I was searching for info on the Classic, there were a bunch of threads. I'm merely putting them together under the official name that SMB is using. Yours is in there, too. So, when somebody adds to those threads, whaddya know, they can find em all here.

You don't have to use it if you don't like it.
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Old 01-05-2018, 05:34 PM   #4
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Sportsmobile reports that they have 20 "classics" in their backlog and they start "full production" next month. Separately, does anyone know if it's for long wheelbase only? Thanks.
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Old 01-05-2018, 06:27 PM   #5
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The wheelbase was the same on regular bed and extended bed Econolines and is the same for the cutaway. The Classic, being built on the (now only remaining) cutaway, is the same body length as the old extended bed Class B. Following strict definitions of the RV industry, the Classic, technically, is a Class C. Unofficially, many would call it a B+.

In previous years when almost all SMBs were built on Econolines, the forum had a lot of debate on RB vs EB. The EB has more room, but since it has a longer bed on the same wheelbase, there is a lower angle of departure.
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Old 01-05-2018, 06:39 PM   #6
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I thought RB's and EB's were on the same wheelbase. What triggered my question was the cutaway shows a 158" WB option.
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Old 01-05-2018, 09:07 PM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by PatO View Post
I thought RB's and EB's were on the same wheelbase. What triggered my question was the cutaway shows a 158" WB option.
I see that Ford is currently offering the E-350 cutaway in 138" and 158" WB in SRW and 138", 158" and 176" in DRW, as well as some E-450 offerings. I am now not certain what they offered in the past. I do know the frames get lengthened considerably by upfitters putting sizable Class C motorhomes on them. I may well be incorrect, but AFAIK, SMB has only ever built on the shorter WB.
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Old 05-23-2018, 09:35 PM   #8
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Sportsmobile just posted on Facebook that the classic production is "rolling". A video was posted showing a couple on the line.

https://m.facebook.com/sportsmobile/

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Old 05-23-2018, 10:37 PM   #9
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I was last in Fresno in March. They had built the original prototype and three Beta test models, two for themselves and one for Austin. Brian said they were still working on making sure everything was watertight with no leaks. At that point, according to him, 20 people had made deposits, the first over 4 1/2 years ago. I do hope they are able to ramp up production and that the vehicle performs without any issues. Good luck to everyone who is in the queue!
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Old 06-02-2018, 04:54 PM   #10
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So they are officially making the classic?
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