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Old 07-29-2018, 12:13 PM   #1
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Suggested upgrades for 2001 Ford SMB

I might have to replace my refrigerator (Norcold 2cf; making some intermittent funny noises, although 40 mi of washboard seems to have maybe remedied it a bit, like a self-cleaning sensor on a camera I guess) so I'm thinking as long as it's there, maybe upgrade some stuff.

Already talked with SMB re taking some links out for the top.

But what about maybe a captains chair? I've never liked the fact that the back on mine is so short my head can kind of almost go back over the top. Are new ones any better?

What about the bed for the penthouse? Are new ones better?

Any other new bits on the more recent SMBs that I should look at?

I don't have propane, BTW, and my electrical is OK (200Ah, solar).

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Old 07-29-2018, 03:38 PM   #2
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Subscribe. Have the same year and would like to see what comes back...
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Old 08-05-2018, 06:27 PM   #3
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I always wish I had a built-in ice chest.
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Old 08-06-2018, 12:16 AM   #4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Rustywolf View Post
I always wish I had a built-in ice chest.
Take out the microwave and put a "cooler" in there...wa-la an ice chest!

If you haven't put a PH top in yet, that would be the 1st thing I would do (we stand in our van and look out/take pics and more importantly sleep up there), and pay the extra for the electric motor..and do it at NorthSMB...better top, better builders...

did you put a solar converter (or whatever its called, mine works swell) in with plans to add a panel?...or two?

Have a furnace? Easy if you already have LP, might just fit where're the microwave went...

What about a pair of handcuffs, roach clip on a feather, and a Rosary on your rear-view mirror?

Thats all I got....
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Old 08-06-2018, 08:17 AM   #5
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...
What about a pair of handcuffs, roach clip on a feather, and a Rosary on your rear-view mirror?
You forgot about the sign on the side of your van that says "Free Candy"

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Old 08-06-2018, 08:49 AM   #6
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I've got solar. And as I said, no propane so no heater (I don't even carry my portable heater anymore).

I looked into having the screens in my top retrofitted so I can take them out, but SMB doesn't do that and couldn't find anyone else.

A new driver's seat might be the ticket, however, but I haven't seen or heard much about the current ones SMB is using.
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Old 08-06-2018, 10:40 AM   #7
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I've shared this before, and its one of the more effective upgrades I've done - Since you have Solar on the roof, I would have them add a hook-up for an auxiliary solar panel. We tend to park in a shaded area, so no matter how many panels are mounted on the roof you'll be limited in charging capabilities. I have a 75ft cable with a 120wt foldable suitcase - very easy to store. Just drag it into the sunlight.
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Old 08-06-2018, 11:11 AM   #8
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I've shared this before, and its one of the more effective upgrades I've done - Since you have Solar on the roof, I would have them add a hook-up for an auxiliary solar panel. We tend to park in a shaded area, so no matter how many panels are mounted on the roof you'll be limited in charging capabilities. I have a 75ft cable with a 120wt foldable suitcase - very easy to store. Just drag it into the sunlight.
We think alike...my solar is aux, not roof mounted (except when I put it on the roof). Never saw the point in the summer of having to park in sun.
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Old 08-06-2018, 12:24 PM   #9
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One of the must-do 2019 projects on my list comes from discussions/suggestions other members have shared concerning strengthening the Pop-Top bars by having them "sleeved" - I've always worried about one of the bars buckling (or bending). Will also have them service (possibly replace) the mechanism that raises the roof & some of the hardware people have reported breaking (like the cross bar bolts) just because its 12yrs old.
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Old 08-06-2018, 03:59 PM   #10
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As far as seats go I installed Sienna seats and couldn’t be happier. Very comfortable! Think you can now get it the mounts from Expovans.
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