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Old 10-11-2014, 01:34 AM   #1
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Our 2004 GTRV! Moby Jr.

Now that I've got two little ones, aged 2 and 9 months, I've been looking around for a campervan for the fam. My mom had a VW Westy when I was young and I've got a lot of great nostalgic memories of camping around the states. And I want to experience that with my family now. After looking for a number of months at tons of old, worn out and overpriced VWs, we decided we wanted a SMB. Which was hard to do in our price range. Well, we didn't get a SMB, but we're very happy with our purchase - a 2004 GTRV built on a e250, t-top poptop, RB-50 like build, 5.4L and we got it with super low miles - only 38k.

We've named it Moby jr and it's a white whale of a beast, ready to take us on adventures.





I'm trying to figure out what I'm going to upgrade on Moby. I'd love to convert it to 4x4 and go off-road adventuring, but the cost is holding me back. So I'm thinking of starting out with a 2wd lift kit (either Action Van, Camburg or Colorado Campervan), new wheels, AT tires, aluminess rear tire carrier, solar panels, and roof rack. Of course, this will all come in time. The purchase of Moby jr was big enough for our budget right now.

Looking forward to contributing to the forum and picking up knowledge from you all!

Thanks
Ben
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campervan1.jpg   campervan 2.jpg   Isa-in-Moby.jpg  

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Old 10-11-2014, 08:00 AM   #2
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Re: Our 2004 GTRV! Moby Jr.

You barely even see the missing bits.

But seriously I'd replace the propane sensor and the CO sensor with new immediately, those are systems you don't want down or damaged, even if you don't think you'll be using the stove or other things now.

Also check the gallery tutorial: viewtopic.php?f=10&t=110

Looks great!
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Old 10-12-2014, 11:16 AM   #3
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Re: Our 2004 GTRV! Moby Jr.

Nice van, and welcome!

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Old 10-12-2014, 10:02 PM   #4
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Re: Our 2004 GTRV! Moby Jr.

Thanks!

Jage, Yeah there are parts missing The van was a theft recovery and the thieves stole the AC, microwave generator and other misc appliances. Luckily they couldn't get the fridge, stove, water pump & inverter out

I'm doing the repairs myself. I've already replaced the rear AC and fixed the cabinet. I did get a new smoke alarm and CO2 alarm. And the propane alarm seems to work (it's beeped at me a few times) but I might look into getting a new one
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Old 10-13-2014, 06:54 AM   #5
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Re: Our 2004 GTRV! Moby Jr.

Is that a vent fan in the rear driver's side door? I know GTRV puts AC units back there sometimes, but haven't seen a fan there.

Where was the AC originally (the one that was stolen)? Or did it have OEM Ford rear HVAC?

Nice van!
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Old 10-13-2014, 06:57 AM   #6
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Re: Our 2004 GTRV! Moby Jr.

Welcome, congrats and !

-John
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Old 10-14-2014, 03:24 PM   #7
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Re: Our 2004 GTRV! Moby Jr.

Thanks Brian & John!

Brian, the AC was installed in the cabinets next to the rear bench. The thieves ripped it out and you can see the damage done to the cabinetry in the inside picture

We went out camping this last weekend to test out the van and I wanted to have the AC prepped before then. So I bought a cheap frigidaire AC ($65 deal from Sears) that requires low amps (under 5 amps) and threw it in. Definitely a quick and dirty fix.

I need to clean it up, but heres a pict of the new AC

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Old 10-14-2014, 03:33 PM   #8
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Re: Our 2004 GTRV! Moby Jr.

I've never seen an AC inside like that. How does it vent, and where does the condensation drain out? Are you sure there was originally an AC unit in there like that?
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Old 10-14-2014, 07:41 PM   #9
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Re: Our 2004 GTRV! Moby Jr.

If you want to lift it, why not just do a solid axle conversion? It won't cost much more than a lift kit, assuming you find a good condition used axle. Then, when you decide its time for 4x4, you just need a T-case, driveline, and fuel tank!
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Old 10-14-2014, 09:23 PM   #10
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Re: Our 2004 GTRV! Moby Jr.

^^^ kind of expected U-Joint to chime in with the same idea.
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